Reviews

Dancer from the Dance by Andrew Holleran

ryandmcphee's review against another edition

emotional funny slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

millspages's review against another edition

4.0

I honestly thoroughly enjoyed this. It was very interesting reading a novel about gay society dating before all the trauma of the aids epidemic, but also how emotional it was. Malone's constant idea that he would never find love, be able to settle down, to achieve that typical atomic family was heartbreaking especially reading it in a time where it's possible. Sutherland's character made this book for me I found him incredibly entertaining!
I really enjoyed the way it opens and closes with the letters between friends, it did definitely feel like I was prying on a personal conversation which is quite a unique way to write. Would definitely recommend!

nickoftheparty's review against another edition

4.0

Gorgeous. Such an ur-text of (cis white male) queerness. Deeply relatable, even half a century later.

emerbk's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

niionatan01's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

‘dancer from the dance’ is an intoxicating tale of homosexuality in 1970s new york through the focus of malone. malone is the handsome and enchanting gay man who’s short queer life is put on display in this novel. 

it is a novel of doomed romance, of hidden despair, of shame, of loneliness and isolation. a lot of stories focus on growth and positive change within its main characters, but you witness malone devolve and become just another part of the cities queer culture. it’s an interesting approach and one that certainly makes this book standout. not to mention it’s so beautifully written. this story is before the aids epidemic which has dominated a lot of modern queer literature for obvious reasons, but exploring the queer subculture in new york before the devastation is such an incredible experience. 

francescaguardo's review against another edition

3.0

Took ages because so much going on but this is a 3.5 rounded up for me but borderline rounded down as unsure of what I really thought of it. Some of the characters are a howllll, loved them

Edit: rounding it back down after considering this book in the context of others I’ve given 4 stars

johnreadsthings's review against another edition

dark emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

sam_alex04's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

onuryasar's review against another edition

5.0

The novel hailed as “Great Gatsby for 70s”. So now I’ll do the opposite and read Great Gatsby. Let’s see if it’ll be “Dancer from the Dance for 20s” for me.

connorgirvan's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 / 5 stars

First of all: stop reading sad romance novels challenge.

At first, I didn't really enjoy this book but once I stuck with it, I ended up enjoying it! I felt very bad for wee John Schauffer who just wanted love bless him but probably for the best.

Nice book, I enjoyed.

[I don't know if I'd class this as a romance novel but still]