'Leading Men' Re-Imagines The Relationship Between Tennessee Williams And His Lover Frank Merlo

In his new novel, Boston author Christopher Castellani re-imagines the love between playwright Tennessee Williams and his lover, Frank Merlo.

The two met in Provincetown in the late 1940s and continued a relationship until the early '60s. During their time together, Williams wrote some of his best-known works, including Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Sweet Bird of Youth. 

Their time together is the inspiration for "Leading Men," Castellani's fourth novel, which mixes history with fiction.

Christopher Castellani, author of "Leading Men" and artistic director of Grub Street. He tweets @cdcastellani.

Castellani will speak at Stoneham Public Library at 7:00 p.m. on May 9. He'll also discuss his book with Rebecca Makkai, author of The Great Believers, at Twenty Summers in Provincetown on May 31.