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nathansiu's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
megan_kiwi's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
zach_l's review against another edition
2.0
This novel didn't do it for me. I know it was groundbreaking and considered a gay classic, but the writing is so pretentious and adult it's hard to remember it's supposed to be the story of an adolescent. It's very short but feels very long. Reviewers seem mixed on the ending, but I think it is the most interesting, meaningful part.
iantaylor's review
2.0
Dull, predatory, pretentious, and unrealistic are a few of the words that come to mind after finishing A Boy's Own Story. While you could argue that this book was eloquently written, I think it would be more accurate to say it was excessively overwritten.
andrewaackroyd's review
5.0
Nostalgic, tragic, erotic, and beautiful. An important (if slightly dated) account of a boy's coming-of-age during the '50s.
kasss's review
3.5
3.5 stars, I suppose. It's hard to rate. I own this as paperback but ended up listening to the audiobook, and I'm glad I did. I don't think I would have enjoyed reading it as much as I did listening to it - George Backman does a great job with the narration. I also didn't realise it was the first book in a trilogy, but I'm just intrigued enough to want to continue listening. So hence the 3.5 stars.
jdizzlestewart's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rebekka_and's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The book is beautifully written (although the author may try to come off as lyrical a bit too hard sometimes?) and really describes the feelings of loneliness and despair to fit in. Everyone should read this.