Man's World

by Rupert Smith Narrated by Nigel Pilkington

Overview

London today: a world of sex and drugs and designer clothes, where Robert searches for fulfillment in gay clubs. London 50 years ago: fresh out of National Service, Michael enters a secret queer underworld, negotiating the dangers of the law and the closet. Past and present collide when Robert moves into a new block of flats, and discovers that history is alive in his doorstep.

Editorial Reviews

Library Journal

Robert and Michael are two gay men living in England—50 years apart. While Robert's life is a whirl of work, gym, and clubbing, Michael struggles in the Royal Air Force as he hides his attraction to men. Despite the time difference, there are many parallels between the two, especially in their campy best friends Jonathan (in Robert's case) and Steven (in Michael's). In alternating chapters, we watch Michael negotiate a perilous world in which he can't be himself, while Robert, who can be as open as he wants sexually, finds himself hemmed in by the social strictures of the gym and club sets. Both men get into trouble, professionally and romantically. This reader found Michael's story more compelling, in part because it has a great sense of time and place; Robert's superficial life is, well, superficial. But the connection between the men does hold in this enjoyable read with well-drawn characters. VERDICT At its heart, this is a novel about friendship and community. Older readers will appreciate the period detail, while younger readers will realize how lucky they are. [Smith was named Stonewall Award Writer of the Year.—Ed.]—Devon Thomas, DevIndexing, Chelsea, MI

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171683993
Publisher:	W. F. Howes
Publication date:	12/01/2011
Edition description:	Unabridged

Related Subjects

• Fiction
• Science Fiction & Fantasy
• LGBT Fiction
• Horror
• Gay Fiction - Other
• Ghost Stories

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