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A review by connortravels
The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“The deep connection between them was so secret that at times it was hard to believe it existed.”
― Alan Hollinghurst, The Line of Beauty
Alan Hollinghurst has written a novel which, after spending hours reading, I have little clue how I feel about. The premise hooked me from the start, however the "story" isn't really there for me. Not until the final chapter and a bit at least.
The novel itself seems to create this idea that being gay in the 80's meant constant hook-ups, coke use, and being horny 24/7. However, at the same time, I believe it navigates the subject of the AIDS crisis is handled extremely well; the sudden tragedy it brings, and the ability for those around it to reject it as a possibility.
Again, on one hand we are given descriptive imagery of beauty itself, of the money fuelled life Nick finds himself wrapped up in, and of how that makes him feel disconnected with his past, his parents, and his home town. Amazingly written. But on the other, where is the actual story? Why am I reading this? After the first chapter, nothing of substance really happens until the very end of the book, where we are rushed through a finale.
Do I recommend reading this book? I genuinely have no idea.
― Alan Hollinghurst, The Line of Beauty
Alan Hollinghurst has written a novel which, after spending hours reading, I have little clue how I feel about. The premise hooked me from the start, however the "story" isn't really there for me. Not until the final chapter and a bit at least.
The novel itself seems to create this idea that being gay in the 80's meant constant hook-ups, coke use, and being horny 24/7. However, at the same time, I believe it navigates the subject of the AIDS crisis is handled extremely well; the sudden tragedy it brings, and the ability for those around it to reject it as a possibility.
Again, on one hand we are given descriptive imagery of beauty itself, of the money fuelled life Nick finds himself wrapped up in, and of how that makes him feel disconnected with his past, his parents, and his home town. Amazingly written. But on the other, where is the actual story? Why am I reading this? After the first chapter, nothing of substance really happens until the very end of the book, where we are rushed through a finale.
Do I recommend reading this book? I genuinely have no idea.