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jaysfly's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
harry_lemon's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
2.5⭐
Wow, this was a bit of a letdown.
I've heard nothing but good things about Gore Vidal and his works, but this book had me very intrigued and hoping for something akin to Oscar Wilde levels of homosexual content. However, I was sadly mistaken when by the end of the book I was greatly disappointed in the plot course and the ending.
I won't deny, Vidal's style of writing is very well-done; his descriptions of Jim's adventures are very intriguing, as well as his understandings of the then-current homosexual experience are quite interesting. However, where he loses me is the course of the plot and the motivations of the main character and where the story moved, or should I say, didn't move. Halfway through the book, I was confused where things were going to go and looking at how much was left, wondering when the plot was sort of going to begin.
This book was quite controversial for its time, and I acknowledge there are some subjects that are touched on that could be seen as avant-garde for his time; yet, as a current reader, I did not particularly enjoy this book. I'll say this though: I am fascinated with how Vidal addresses the idea of fantasy against reality. Throughout the book, our main character has several ideas of the person he should be, yet they never seem to coincide with what the reality of his situation is.
Overall, I'd say it was an okay, fairly quick read. I love that other people love this book, but I am happy to let this one go.
Wow, this was a bit of a letdown.
I've heard nothing but good things about Gore Vidal and his works, but this book had me very intrigued and hoping for something akin to Oscar Wilde levels of homosexual content. However, I was sadly mistaken when by the end of the book I was greatly disappointed in the plot course and the ending.
I won't deny, Vidal's style of writing is very well-done; his descriptions of Jim's adventures are very intriguing, as well as his understandings of the then-current homosexual experience are quite interesting. However, where he loses me is the course of the plot and the motivations of the main character and where the story moved, or should I say, didn't move. Halfway through the book, I was confused where things were going to go and looking at how much was left, wondering when the plot was sort of going to begin.
This book was quite controversial for its time, and I acknowledge there are some subjects that are touched on that could be seen as avant-garde for his time; yet, as a current reader, I did not particularly enjoy this book. I'll say this though: I am fascinated with how Vidal addresses the idea of fantasy against reality. Throughout the book, our main character has several ideas of the person he should be, yet they never seem to coincide with what the reality of his situation is.
Overall, I'd say it was an okay, fairly quick read. I love that other people love this book, but I am happy to let this one go.
dunnadam's review against another edition
4.0
Written in a very straight-forward writing style, the style is a little too direct and at times comes off as amateurish. It took me a little more time to get used to this and the self-hating narrative that usual.
Written in 1948 and revised in 1965, I decided to read the revised version and then to re-read the last two chapters on the original to compare the endings. Much has been made about the revision, most people think it was censored at the time and revised later due to laxer standards, but this is not the case. As Vidal says in the introduction, he was encouraged to censor aspects of the 1948 edition and didn't. The 1948 edition is very gay, very obvious and really remarkable for it's time.
I believe the book was re-written mainly as a lot of gay men in 1965 were stepping out of the self-hating phase and moving toward liberation, and Vidal's original seemed dated. I don't know that the re-write was really necessary, although I suppose it did keep the book in the spotlight longer than it otherwise would have been.
The book starts off with a decidedly 1940's feel, as seen in this quote:
"After breakfast Christmas morning, Shaw telephoned his mother in Baltimore and talked to her for half an hour, regardless of the cost"
A whole half hour!
The book, even the '65 edition, still leans to melodrama, as shown by this quote:
"None suspected that he had forsaken the Church because he was homosexual. For a long time he had tried to exorcise the unnatural spirit, demanding furiously of God that he be freed of this terrible inclination. He prayed continually. But in the end, God failed him, and he turned to Hell. He studied a book on witchcraft, celebrated a Black Mass, tried to sell his soul to the devil in order to be free of lust. But the devil had no use for him either, and so Paul Sullivan abandoned all religion."
I know a version of this happened to a lot of gay men, but the one does not result necessarily in the other. God and religion letting you down doesn't necessarily lead to devil worship, especially to the sell your soul extreme. This being said though, I do remember in this period of my own life flipping through the Satanic Bible, so maybe it's not that far off. It's just over the top.
I suppose I liked the revised ending more, but not by much. They were similar, and for most of the book the aspects I enjoyed were the history parts of gay life in the mid-century, with the characters being secondary.
An example of something that was removed from the 1948 edition is the word 'abnormal' below:
"One night Jim visited a mixed bar; there were both normal and abnormal people here."
This over-stating of a future Utopia where everyone was out was also removed in the later edition:
"For by an open love of other men as well as of women wars might cease and a new period might come about; one in which there would be more peace and more self-fulfillment than there is now."
There's a lot of put downs in this book, and the characters generally do it to themselves. They torture themselves to feel tortured, they can't accept themselves and they can't change. The more I read of this, the more this point of view turns from a tired old cliche to a sad state of being for a generation of lost souls. This sad state is worth reading.
Written in 1948 and revised in 1965, I decided to read the revised version and then to re-read the last two chapters on the original to compare the endings. Much has been made about the revision, most people think it was censored at the time and revised later due to laxer standards, but this is not the case. As Vidal says in the introduction, he was encouraged to censor aspects of the 1948 edition and didn't. The 1948 edition is very gay, very obvious and really remarkable for it's time.
I believe the book was re-written mainly as a lot of gay men in 1965 were stepping out of the self-hating phase and moving toward liberation, and Vidal's original seemed dated. I don't know that the re-write was really necessary, although I suppose it did keep the book in the spotlight longer than it otherwise would have been.
The book starts off with a decidedly 1940's feel, as seen in this quote:
"After breakfast Christmas morning, Shaw telephoned his mother in Baltimore and talked to her for half an hour, regardless of the cost"
A whole half hour!
The book, even the '65 edition, still leans to melodrama, as shown by this quote:
"None suspected that he had forsaken the Church because he was homosexual. For a long time he had tried to exorcise the unnatural spirit, demanding furiously of God that he be freed of this terrible inclination. He prayed continually. But in the end, God failed him, and he turned to Hell. He studied a book on witchcraft, celebrated a Black Mass, tried to sell his soul to the devil in order to be free of lust. But the devil had no use for him either, and so Paul Sullivan abandoned all religion."
I know a version of this happened to a lot of gay men, but the one does not result necessarily in the other. God and religion letting you down doesn't necessarily lead to devil worship, especially to the sell your soul extreme. This being said though, I do remember in this period of my own life flipping through the Satanic Bible, so maybe it's not that far off. It's just over the top.
I suppose I liked the revised ending more, but not by much. They were similar, and for most of the book the aspects I enjoyed were the history parts of gay life in the mid-century, with the characters being secondary.
An example of something that was removed from the 1948 edition is the word 'abnormal' below:
"One night Jim visited a mixed bar; there were both normal and abnormal people here."
This over-stating of a future Utopia where everyone was out was also removed in the later edition:
"For by an open love of other men as well as of women wars might cease and a new period might come about; one in which there would be more peace and more self-fulfillment than there is now."
There's a lot of put downs in this book, and the characters generally do it to themselves. They torture themselves to feel tortured, they can't accept themselves and they can't change. The more I read of this, the more this point of view turns from a tired old cliche to a sad state of being for a generation of lost souls. This sad state is worth reading.
jstaton's review against another edition
4.0
Glad I read it and now understand all the discussions. It was worth the read.
kkdelrey's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rcasper's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
pbraue13's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a timeless masterpiece that delves into the complexities of love, desire, and identity with unparalleled depth and honesty. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, Vidal fearlessly explores themes of homosexuality, societal expectations, and the quest for self-discovery.
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is Vidal's unflinching portrayal of Jim Willard, the protagonist, as he navigates his journey of self-acceptance in a society that often condemns difference. Through Jim's experiences, Vidal challenges readers to confront their own biases and preconceptions, prompting a powerful introspection into the nature of identity and individuality.
Vidal's prose is both elegant and evocative, transporting readers to the vibrant streets of New York City and the tranquil landscapes of rural America. His keen observations and rich characterizations breathe life into every page, immersing readers in a world that feels vividly real and profoundly relevant.
Beyond its thematic depth and literary prowess, 'The City and the Pillar' remains a groundbreaking work for its unapologetic portrayal of same-sex relationships at a time when such narratives were often marginalized or censored. Vidal's boldness and candor paved the way for greater inclusivity and representation in literature, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
In conclusion, 'The City and the Pillar' stands as a testament to Gore Vidal's brilliance as a writer and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of societal norms. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers, challenging us to confront our prejudices and embrace the beauty of individuality."
4/5 stars
One of the most striking aspects of the novel is Vidal's unflinching portrayal of Jim Willard, the protagonist, as he navigates his journey of self-acceptance in a society that often condemns difference. Through Jim's experiences, Vidal challenges readers to confront their own biases and preconceptions, prompting a powerful introspection into the nature of identity and individuality.
Vidal's prose is both elegant and evocative, transporting readers to the vibrant streets of New York City and the tranquil landscapes of rural America. His keen observations and rich characterizations breathe life into every page, immersing readers in a world that feels vividly real and profoundly relevant.
Beyond its thematic depth and literary prowess, 'The City and the Pillar' remains a groundbreaking work for its unapologetic portrayal of same-sex relationships at a time when such narratives were often marginalized or censored. Vidal's boldness and candor paved the way for greater inclusivity and representation in literature, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape.
In conclusion, 'The City and the Pillar' stands as a testament to Gore Vidal's brilliance as a writer and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of societal norms. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers, challenging us to confront our prejudices and embrace the beauty of individuality."
4/5 stars
chumwhat's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25