Scan barcode
zoechristyna's review
dark
sad
medium-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
supervocalic's review
3.0
I don’t think this needs to be read / discussed anymore. It was maybe good for a time but we have more nuanced queer stories now that aren’t based on negative stereotypes
jahalli's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lisawhelpley's review
4.0
"Obviously the world was not what it seemed. Anything might be true of anybody."
I'd probably rate this 4 1/2 if I could. First book I've read by Vidal. Gorgeous sentences. Good story.
I'd probably rate this 4 1/2 if I could. First book I've read by Vidal. Gorgeous sentences. Good story.
oh5heis's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.25
boring and so needlessly depressing. jim was such a dreadful protagonist. there was nothing particularly interesting about him or his quest. no flair, no pizazz, just doom and gloom.
horfhorfhorf's review
4.0
So perfect for what it is all these years later, and what it was when published.
woodenpersonality's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
whatabetty's review
1.0
the WORST! overrated as hell. this is another one that legit makes me mad that i read it and wasted that time.
purghy's review
4.0
A revolutionary and courageous book, considering the fact that it was written in 1946, and for sure one that influenced many readers living in the closet in that difficult reality, especially in small towns and small communities.
It is a beautifully outdated novel in modern societies where people can be exactly who they are, but it is also sadly contemporary in societies where people are still in the closet, suffering from all kinds of oppression.
Unfortunately, I found it exaggerated at times because it clearly shows that the author knew this world studying only the facts, not the psychological aspects.
I didn't like the fact that he portrays the 'real' gay man as being masculine, active, dominant, macho and treats the passive, feminine homosexuals with a critical and dismissive attitude, not understanding that there are active and passive people in any society, community or couples... regardless of sex. A discriminatory approach towards a discriminated community.
It is a beautifully outdated novel in modern societies where people can be exactly who they are, but it is also sadly contemporary in societies where people are still in the closet, suffering from all kinds of oppression.
Unfortunately, I found it exaggerated at times because it clearly shows that the author knew this world studying only the facts, not the psychological aspects.
I didn't like the fact that he portrays the 'real' gay man as being masculine, active, dominant, macho and treats the passive, feminine homosexuals with a critical and dismissive attitude, not understanding that there are active and passive people in any society, community or couples... regardless of sex. A discriminatory approach towards a discriminated community.