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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It is a beautifully outdated novel in modern societies where people can be exactly who they are, but it is also sadly contemporary in societies where people are still in the closet,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It is a beautifully outdated novel in modern societies where people can be exactly who they are, but it is also sadly contemporary in societies where people are still in the closet,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.
befriendtheshadow's review
3.0
Interesting novel that gives some insight into gay life in 1940s America. There was an air of condescension towards anyone not masculine in the novel, which is probably a sign of its time rather than anything else. The novel doesn't age well and seems very basic now, but it's important to remember how controversial it was when it was published 70 years ago. Easy read though.
pnwbibliophile's review
3.0
I know that this was pioneering as being one of the first books with a gay MC, but perhaps we can just let this one die out into obscurity. Some forms of representation simply aren’t useful, and are, in fact, harmful.
TLDR: straight presenting gay man can’t stand himself for being gay, so rapes his straight friend as the finale. How is making the gay guy the villain helpful to the cause? No amount of mental gymnastics can make you feel any sympathy for the rapist. In one act, the author made all gay people villains and destroyed any empathy one could have felt for the MC. This is my all-time least favorite piece of historical LGBT literature.
TLDR: straight presenting gay man can’t stand himself for being gay, so rapes his straight friend as the finale. How is making the gay guy the villain helpful to the cause? No amount of mental gymnastics can make you feel any sympathy for the rapist. In one act, the author made all gay people villains and destroyed any empathy one could have felt for the MC. This is my all-time least favorite piece of historical LGBT literature.
mwilso1901's review
3.0
3.75 Stars.
In the end, I can’t really decide if I enjoyed this book.
First off, the positives. Being one of the first post-war novels to unapologetically deal with homosexual narratives, the impact and importance of this book can’t be understated. Gore Vidal writes his characters sympathetically, and I did enjoy his exploration of how masculinity can (or can’t) intertwine with homosexuality. The prose is stunning, with some beautiful passages, notably the passage of the book set in Mexico blew me away, as did the opening flashback.
Now for the negatives. It’s painfully obvious that this book is a product of its time. The thesis of the book, that homosexuals can be ‘All-American Boys’, is a painfully outdated and somewhat heteronormative ideal in a 21st century context. The main character’s (perhaps a reflection of Vidal? Most definitely a reflection of mid 20th century attitudes) contempt for ‘feminine’ men and black men is tough to read, and becomes quite upsetting at times. The ending of the book made me feel quite upset and a little shell shocked, though I can perhaps understand why Vidal chose to end it in that way.
All in all, I am glad I read this book, and I do think it should continue to be recognised and discussed for its impact and place in the queer literary canon. I would say tread carefully when approaching this book, I’d recommend many other queer novels before this one if you’re looking for healthy and non-prejudiced representation.
In the end, I can’t really decide if I enjoyed this book.
First off, the positives. Being one of the first post-war novels to unapologetically deal with homosexual narratives, the impact and importance of this book can’t be understated. Gore Vidal writes his characters sympathetically, and I did enjoy his exploration of how masculinity can (or can’t) intertwine with homosexuality. The prose is stunning, with some beautiful passages, notably the passage of the book set in Mexico blew me away, as did the opening flashback.
Now for the negatives. It’s painfully obvious that this book is a product of its time. The thesis of the book, that homosexuals can be ‘All-American Boys’, is a painfully outdated and somewhat heteronormative ideal in a 21st century context. The main character’s (perhaps a reflection of Vidal? Most definitely a reflection of mid 20th century attitudes) contempt for ‘feminine’ men and black men is tough to read, and becomes quite upsetting at times. The ending of the book made me feel quite upset and a little shell shocked, though I can perhaps understand why Vidal chose to end it in that way.
All in all, I am glad I read this book, and I do think it should continue to be recognised and discussed for its impact and place in the queer literary canon. I would say tread carefully when approaching this book, I’d recommend many other queer novels before this one if you’re looking for healthy and non-prejudiced representation.
novalgina's review against another edition
3.0
Questo libro è figlio del suo tempo, nel senso che posso capire quanto una storia omosessuale possa aver generato scandalo nel 1948, ma oggi non ha molto effetto. La società di oggi, nonostante alcuni personaggi che non sanno cosa siano il rispetto e la libertà, è di mentalità più aperta ed una storia d'amore tra due uomini non fa poi così notizia. Apprezzo però la scrittura scorrevole, anche se mi dispiace che l'unico personaggio non molto approfondito sia proprio il protagonista. Jim narra le vicende della sua vita con una voglia tale che sembra quella mia, il lunedì mattina, di andare a lavorare, ma i suoi occhi incontrano quelli di altre persone e quelle ce le descrive fin nell'intimo.
La parte finale lascia un po' di amaro in bocca, anche se in parte prevedibile, è comunque di cattivo gusto, ma forse ci rende l'idea di quanto il dover mantenere un segreto per poter essere accettati dagli altri, incattivisca le persone.
La parte finale lascia un po' di amaro in bocca, anche se in parte prevedibile, è comunque di cattivo gusto, ma forse ci rende l'idea di quanto il dover mantenere un segreto per poter essere accettati dagli altri, incattivisca le persone.