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anpu325's review against another edition
3.0
cw: pedophilia, sexual abuse
This was a really hard book to capture my thoughts about. In one sense, the author's prose was beautiful. Also, the fact that the author, and thus protagonist in this basically autobiographical book, went to the same high school as me and had queer experiences there was fascinating. Like double exposed film, he inhabited the same places I had, in a different time and as a gay cisgender man rather than a trans person, but it was moving nonetheless.
However, my like of this book was soured by a seeming lack of disapproval for pedophilia as well as racist tropes being used to describe characters. Also the fact that the protagonist takes advantage of someone who was developmentally disabled for sex. His actions made me feel sick and it was hard to sympathize with him, especially since the book appears very autobiographical, so I can only assume these are things that the author actually did.
This was a really hard book to capture my thoughts about. In one sense, the author's prose was beautiful. Also, the fact that the author, and thus protagonist in this basically autobiographical book, went to the same high school as me and had queer experiences there was fascinating. Like double exposed film, he inhabited the same places I had, in a different time and as a gay cisgender man rather than a trans person, but it was moving nonetheless.
However, my like of this book was soured by a seeming lack of disapproval for pedophilia as well as racist tropes being used to describe characters. Also the fact that the protagonist takes advantage of someone who was developmentally disabled for sex. His actions made me feel sick and it was hard to sympathize with him, especially since the book appears very autobiographical, so I can only assume these are things that the author actually did.
pbraue13's review against another edition
4.0
"A Boy's Own Story" by Edmund White stands as a timeless masterpiece that transcends mere storytelling, delving into the very essence of human existence and identity. Through exquisite prose and profound introspection, White crafts a narrative that captivates the heart and mind, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's soul.
Set against the backdrop of 1950s America, the novel follows the journey of a young boy grappling with his burgeoning sexuality and the complexities of adolescent desire. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of human emotions, White navigates the tumultuous landscape of adolescence, capturing the essence of longing, confusion, and self-discovery with unparalleled precision.
The protagonist's coming-of-age journey is depicted with both sensitivity and raw honesty, as he navigates the intricacies of desire amidst societal expectations and personal turmoil. White's portrayal of the protagonist's internal struggles resonates deeply, offering profound insights into the human condition and the universal quest for self-acceptance and love.
One of the most striking aspects of "A Boy's Own Story" is White's masterful prose, which effortlessly weaves together themes of sexuality, identity, and adolescence with lyrical beauty and emotional depth. His vivid descriptions evoke a sense of time and place, immersing the reader in the vivid tapestry of the protagonist's world.
As the narrative unfolds, White explores the complexities of desire and identity with nuance and sensitivity, delving into the protagonist's innermost thoughts and feelings with unwavering honesty. Through his journey of self-discovery, the protagonist grapples with questions of love, acceptance, and belonging, ultimately coming to terms with his true self in a poignant and cathartic conclusion.
The ending of "A Boy's Own Story" is both profound and deeply satisfying, offering a sense of closure while leaving room for contemplation and reflection. Through moments of heartache and triumph, the protagonist's journey resonates with authenticity and truth, serving as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
In conclusion, "A Boy's Own Story" is a triumph of narrative brilliance, a timeless classic that explores the depths of human experience with grace, empathy, and profound insight. Edmund White's masterful storytelling and profound understanding of the human condition make this novel an essential read for anyone seeking to explore the complexities of identity, desire, and self-discovery.
4.5/5 stars
Set against the backdrop of 1950s America, the novel follows the journey of a young boy grappling with his burgeoning sexuality and the complexities of adolescent desire. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of human emotions, White navigates the tumultuous landscape of adolescence, capturing the essence of longing, confusion, and self-discovery with unparalleled precision.
The protagonist's coming-of-age journey is depicted with both sensitivity and raw honesty, as he navigates the intricacies of desire amidst societal expectations and personal turmoil. White's portrayal of the protagonist's internal struggles resonates deeply, offering profound insights into the human condition and the universal quest for self-acceptance and love.
One of the most striking aspects of "A Boy's Own Story" is White's masterful prose, which effortlessly weaves together themes of sexuality, identity, and adolescence with lyrical beauty and emotional depth. His vivid descriptions evoke a sense of time and place, immersing the reader in the vivid tapestry of the protagonist's world.
As the narrative unfolds, White explores the complexities of desire and identity with nuance and sensitivity, delving into the protagonist's innermost thoughts and feelings with unwavering honesty. Through his journey of self-discovery, the protagonist grapples with questions of love, acceptance, and belonging, ultimately coming to terms with his true self in a poignant and cathartic conclusion.
The ending of "A Boy's Own Story" is both profound and deeply satisfying, offering a sense of closure while leaving room for contemplation and reflection. Through moments of heartache and triumph, the protagonist's journey resonates with authenticity and truth, serving as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
In conclusion, "A Boy's Own Story" is a triumph of narrative brilliance, a timeless classic that explores the depths of human experience with grace, empathy, and profound insight. Edmund White's masterful storytelling and profound understanding of the human condition make this novel an essential read for anyone seeking to explore the complexities of identity, desire, and self-discovery.
4.5/5 stars
grayjay's review against another edition
3.0
The novel starts with our narrator, a 15 year old boy, in love with his 12 year old friend Kevin. Kevin instigates a physical relationship with the narrator, yet remains aloof emotionally while the narrator struggles with his homosexuality internally. It is the 1950s in the United States and homosexuality is much feared and little talked about. Through many adventures with men he encounters, our narrator explores his own sexuality, spiritual beliefs, and family values.
I found the first sex scene a little pornographic, which was startling; mostly because it was between a 15 year old and a 12 year old.
I enjoyed the elegance of White's writing - full of intelligence and wit..
I found the first sex scene a little pornographic, which was startling; mostly because it was between a 15 year old and a 12 year old.
I enjoyed the elegance of White's writing - full of intelligence and wit..
sam_bizar_wilcox's review against another edition
2.0
White's prose and aesthetic intuitions are divine. Too bad the narrative it clothes is, regrettably, boring. I was intrigued by the opening narrative: two boys, one "straight," engage in risque anal sex under the noses of their fathers, in a chapter that reflects on patriarchal relationships and what it means to be a good son. But even this chapter, with its taboo subject matter and deep excavation of a character's psyche, showed signs of White's propensity to veer off on tangents and loosely (too tenuously) connect ideas within a larger narrative. There were moments in this novel, such as his high school affection for the sporty/philosphical Tom, that were interesting and resonant, but most of the time I was put off by White's grandeur, verbosity, and narcissism.
viridiantre's review against another edition
2.0
that's like the ugly version of yukio mishima's confessions of a mask
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
robert_bugeja's review against another edition
emotional
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
2.0
barbarzynka's review against another edition
5.0
Powieść autobiograficzna. Bardzo intymny i naturalistyczny portret dorastającego chłopca, który próbując pogodzić swoje wyobrażenia o świecie i ludziach, toczy wewnętrzną walkę o siebie, swoją odrębność i seksualność. Warstwa fabularna nie przytłacza, bo autor skupia się na kilku wydarzeniach z życia młodego człowieka, które w największy sposób ukształtowały jego osobowość i pragnienia. Natomiast jeśli chodzi o warstwę językową powieści, to .... to jest to dzieło sztuki. 4/5 powieści zajmują przemyślenia głównego bohatera, który prowadzi bardzo bogate życie wewnętrzne. Poddaje wnikliwej i ciekawej analizie swoją rodzinę, przyjaciół, znajomych rodziny, kochanków, nauczycieli., religię. i in. Jest wrażliwym erudytą. Napalonym, wrażliwym erudytą. Język jest wręcz poetycki i gdybym miała w zwyczaju zaznaczać w książkach ciekawe fragmenty, tę bym dosłownie pokreśliła. Kopalnia cytatów.