How Young is Too Young?

There are several topics in my novel, "The Long Road from Perdition" that are considered controversial.  One of those topics is the debate of how old should you be when you have your first sexual experience? Does it matter? And, why is achieving that first experience the proof that a boy has become a man?

In the novel, the main character, Nicholas has a sexual encounter at the age of 15 years.  One could argue that 15 is a bit young for sex, however, in his case, I imagine he felt very much an adult at that age.  The encounter wasn't a moment of tenderness or even puppy love.  It was the allure of physical excitement and transitioning from a boy's pleasure to a man's pleasure in every way.

If I were mentoring Nicholas, I would most likely remind him of the dangers of casual sex.  Unwanted pregnancy, disease, confused feelings, encountering emotions that one is not ready to experience at this time. All the wisdom that adults can offer at that clumsy, exciting time in a teenager's life.  But, in the story, I think his clumsy, yet exciting moments venturing into adulthood reflected his difficult journey he had experienced since his own birth.  His bumbling birth into adulthood captured the boyhood trauma and heartbreak he was leaving behind, if only geographically.

The true migration into his manhood occurred at the same age, with a different partner later in the story.  One of his choosing who had captured his heart, scars and all.  The mechanics of making love were of major concern until he discovers the moments of intimacy answered all of the unknowns for him.  To find a soul mate who reciprocates love and tenderness at that awkward moment in time is more than anyone can ask for in a "first time." 

Nicholas was lucky to experience those moments as a clumsy teenager in a chance moment in time.  He was fortunate to experience love with the tenderness and patience with a partner of his choosing to enter manhood.

15 might be too young for most, but I think it was old enough for Nicholas.  Pick up a copy of The Long Road from Perdition and let me know what you think.

JRS