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mxd's review against another edition
4.0
There are two stories running parallel to each other here, one in the present and one in the fifties. The present has the character Robert with the freedom to be out and indulging in some of the facets of gay culture, and the past has Michael, in the closet, and doing his national service in the RAF.
Firstly, I thought I'd probably be inclined to dislike Robert's storyline because it smacked of excess with his designer clothes, his gym body, the drugs, the clubs, the general Queer as Folk vibe. I also thought I'd prefer the fifties storyline because my brain was already reading it through some Merchant/Ivory filter.
I loved both timelines and the characters too. I started off feeling bad for Michael's predicament of being homosexual at a time when it was considered illegal, but near the end I actually felt more sorry for Robert. I suppose the characters from the fifties timeline just seemed tougher for having endured so much, whereas Robert has a freedom they never really enjoyed and yet there's more of a fragility about him which makes you ignore his obsession with his abs.
Also, I loved one particular moment in this story where Robert and a character called Stuart (ugh, the worst) go to a sex club and Robert observes that it's the illegality of the atmosphere that holds the appeal for the clubbers, which is in stark contrast to Michael's closeted existence during a time where homosexual acts could land you in prison. It's such a simple little observation about how an atmosphere of danger adds to the thrill, but it was suddenly like watching these two timelines vibrate against each other like two guitar strings. It was a very cool moment.
Enjoyed this very much - touching, poignant and surprisingly funny too.
Firstly, I thought I'd probably be inclined to dislike Robert's storyline because it smacked of excess with his designer clothes, his gym body, the drugs, the clubs, the general Queer as Folk vibe. I also thought I'd prefer the fifties storyline because my brain was already reading it through some Merchant/Ivory filter.
I loved both timelines and the characters too. I started off feeling bad for Michael's predicament of being homosexual at a time when it was considered illegal, but near the end I actually felt more sorry for Robert. I suppose the characters from the fifties timeline just seemed tougher for having endured so much, whereas Robert has a freedom they never really enjoyed and yet there's more of a fragility about him which makes you ignore his obsession with his abs.
Also, I loved one particular moment in this story where Robert and a character called Stuart (ugh, the worst) go to a sex club and Robert observes that it's the illegality of the atmosphere that holds the appeal for the clubbers, which is in stark contrast to Michael's closeted existence during a time where homosexual acts could land you in prison. It's such a simple little observation about how an atmosphere of danger adds to the thrill, but it was suddenly like watching these two timelines vibrate against each other like two guitar strings. It was a very cool moment.
Enjoyed this very much - touching, poignant and surprisingly funny too.
chaseledin's review against another edition
5.0
This novel is absolutely brilliant; and since I am an avid fan of queer literature, and feel inclined to retain a high or low opinion of its quality, I am extremely enthusiastic when I say that this novel is superb, well-wrought, and inspiring. It has replaced many of my previous literature passions, and it has given me a new insight into London. More Rupert Smith will soon be read! Wow!
zefrog's review
4.0
Lovely story. Laugh-out-loud witty and poignant. and Smith's writing is always a pleasure to read.
eddie's review
4.0
A hugely enjoyable, pacy read with a plot that covers a great deal of gay history. Both the contrasting plot lines - 1950s and present day - are compelling, with deft observation and well-handled research. Great mix of characters. I laughed; I cried.
esperata's review
3.0
Essentially a comparison of life for gay men in the late 1950s to that of those today. Perhaps best summed up by the quote "You had it all handed to you on a plate and you never stopped to wonder who put it there".
There are two different stories which echo each other in many respects and which converge in the modern day. I was more interested by the story from 1957. It is hard for someone of my age to realise that until very recently homosexuality was illegal and they attempted 'cures'. Which is I suppose the point of this book, and the modern story is therefore necessary to bring that change of freedom to the fore, but I get bored of reading about gay men always sleeping around and doing drugs. It was necessary for the plot to have impact though.
There are two different stories which echo each other in many respects and which converge in the modern day. I was more interested by the story from 1957. It is hard for someone of my age to realise that until very recently homosexuality was illegal and they attempted 'cures'. Which is I suppose the point of this book, and the modern story is therefore necessary to bring that change of freedom to the fore, but I get bored of reading about gay men always sleeping around and doing drugs. It was necessary for the plot to have impact though.
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