Unabridged Audiobook
Every minute works. Although frozen in a specific period in time, this story remains surprisingly topical. The discussion in the middle of the book, when characters observe that the government should have no involvement in the private lives of its citizens, rings true today in support of same-sex marriage, abortion rights, and trans rights. Author Gore Vidal is surprisingly restrained, perhaps because of the year in which the book was published. If delivered today, an author would be expected to include more jiggly prose. Indeed, Vidal, who was chastised widely for the gay protagonists in "The City and the Pillar" got the last laugh when he earned million$ for writing "Myra Breckenridge," this book's polar opposite, to titillate his earlier naysayers. This modern American classic is highly recommended. And the narrator does a terrific job too!
It was a moving portrayal of Jim and yet it seemed to move him from an idealist to a very hurt young man, unaware of his pain, and unaware of his hurtling toward a blind predation. It was very similar to A Separate Peace but instead of jouncing a limb it ends in violence. It makes you question whether Jim ever loved Bob, or just obsessed over him. i felt sorrow for the characters.
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