The Lost Language of Cranes by David Leavitt

Owen and Rose are facing serious challenges to their married life of routine and monotony as New York City grows and changes around them. They spend most Sundays apart; while Rose buries herself in crosswords and newspapers, Owen visits gay porn theaters. But when they discover they may lose their apartment and their son, prompted by his new relationship, reveals his homosexuality, their lives cannot continue as they were. Owen and Rose are forced to confront not only their son's revelation but also Owen's latent homosexuality. 

Poignant and lingering, this is a tale of love and relationships, secrets and unspoken desires. Originally published in 1988, The Lost Language of Cranes was chosen by Douglas Stuart (winner of the 2020 Booker Prize) as one of his favourite gay novels.
 
-------
 
Reviews
 
“An amazingly perceptive novel.” –  San Francisco Chronicle
 
“One of his generation's most gifted writers.” –  New York Times
 
“Fascinating... lingers in the mind” –  New York Times Book Review