Dark Reflections tells the story of Arnold Hawley, a gay African-American poet who lives most of his life in New York City.

The novel is divided into three sections, each illustrating a period in Arnold's life, arranged chronologically backwards, from middle age to youth.

The third, "The Book of Pictures", is set in Hawley's college days, when he is attracted to another gay man, but does not act on his desires.

Dark Reflections centers on themes of loneliness, sexual repression, fear, and the difficult and often unrewarding life of the artist.

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