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Man's World
London a world of sex and drugs and designer clothes, where Robert searches for fulfilment in gay clubs and chat rooms. London 50 years fresh out of National Service, Michael enters a secret queer underworld, negotiating the dangers of the law and the closet, longing for liberation and love. Past and present collide when Robert moves into a new flat, and discovers that history is alive and kicking on his doorstep. Their two worlds barely recognize each other; but do Robert and Michael have more in common than they think? Man's World is a funny, sexy, and moving story about friendship and desire; about how much the world has changed - and how little. "[An] enjoyable read with well-drawn characters. At its heart, this is a novel about frienship and community."-Library Journal June 15, 2011
282 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2010
5 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Rupert Smith
28 books43 followers Rupert Smith was born in Washington DC in 1960, and grew up in Surrey. He has lived in London since 1978. After graduating with a BA in English, he continued his studies at the University of London and in 1986 completed his PhD in theatre history. He is the author of many novels, under his own name and as James Lear and Rupert James. As a journalist, he has contributed to The Guardian, The Independent on Sunday, The Times, The Los Angeles Times, Radio Times, Time Out, Gay Times and probably some other publications with the word "time" in the title.
His latest book GRIM is his first foray into horror.
His latest book GRIM is his first foray into horror.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 29, 2023
Fabulous, witty, honest narrative. I was sorry when the audio finished, I had gotten used to listening to these guys, I'm going to miss them.
Smith easily meshes two stories from two different timelines with a 50 year gap, past and present, showing the same human needs, the differences, how easy it is to take our privileges for granted without a thought to what those before us had to pay for them. Smith poses a very interesting question, the past as a mirror of our future (in the mouth of the inimitable Steven of course). Sometimes we fall into the trap that we've just invented the wheel and that none before us have lived, cried, smiled, hoped. Knowing your past, your roots makes it so much easier to see where you are going.
Feels more real as regards life and the real people I know in real life than the mm books where 'men' are tailor made to please the audience . Like Probation it makes me sad for the sad bits, but so happy for the bits of happiness (better than HEA because they're more real, so more possible for me!)
Read (heard that is) with Irina - great read
Smith easily meshes two stories from two different timelines with a 50 year gap, past and present, showing the same human needs, the differences, how easy it is to take our privileges for granted without a thought to what those before us had to pay for them. Smith poses a very interesting question, the past as a mirror of our future (in the mouth of the inimitable Steven of course). Sometimes we fall into the trap that we've just invented the wheel and that none before us have lived, cried, smiled, hoped. Knowing your past, your roots makes it so much easier to see where you are going.
Feels more real as regards life and the real people I know in real life than the mm books where 'men' are tailor made to please the audience . Like Probation it makes me sad for the sad bits, but so happy for the bits of happiness (better than HEA because they're more real, so more possible for me!)
Read (heard that is) with Irina - great read
June 21, 2017
Audible
Another brilliant work by Rupert Smith.
I am so glad I found Interlude, his last novel in an ebook edition, directly from a publisher, because I NEED to highlight many many many lines. It's how one HAVE to consume Rupert Smith's prose.
It is impossible to do it listening to an audio-book. Well, at least not for me. And I'm in love with his writing.
More later...
November 13, 2014
I enjoyed this book very much but in the end it left me a bit frustrated. It had the potential to be a great book and the fact that it wasn't is disappointing.
The book is actually two stories set 50 years apart. Michael is struggling in the Royal Air Force in 1957 trying to hide that he's gay. Robert's life revolves around looking good and partying.
Michael's story was much more compelling and the people in his life were far more interesting. Robert's story in contrast just couldn't compete for my attention. When I was reading his chapters all I wanted was to get back to Michael.
Micheal's story left me frustrated. There was so much more that could have been told from his perspective. So much more I wanted to know.
Like I said, though, I did enjoy this book and I do think it's worth a read if for Michael's story alone.
The book is actually two stories set 50 years apart. Michael is struggling in the Royal Air Force in 1957 trying to hide that he's gay. Robert's life revolves around looking good and partying.
Michael's story was much more compelling and the people in his life were far more interesting. Robert's story in contrast just couldn't compete for my attention. When I was reading his chapters all I wanted was to get back to Michael.
Micheal's story left me frustrated. There was so much more that could have been told from his perspective. So much more I wanted to know.
Like I said, though, I did enjoy this book and I do think it's worth a read if for Michael's story alone.
September 24, 2014
Rupert Smith, why don't you have this little gem in e-book format? I checked Amazon, Kobo, ARe and B&N. I listened to the audiobook, and it was well done and most entertaining. But not everyone likes audiobooks and lots of readers avoid collecting physical books, so you are missing a big audience.
I have recently become a fan of Rupert Smith's alter ego James Lear and was curious to see what his non-erotica gay lit was like. It was a winner! Man's World has two story arcs that colorfully illustrate a portrait of two gay men, one that takes place in 1957 and one 48 years later. The present day story features Robert, who comes off as self-absorbed and is caught up in an image-conscious hard-partying London gay lifestyle. The other story arc features Michael, a closeted homosexual, who is navigating life as an RAF airman. The lives and stories of the main POV characters do intersect, but rest assured, there is no time-travel involved. Filled with fantastic secondary characters and hilarious lines, Man's World is charming, funny and moving.
I have recently become a fan of Rupert Smith's alter ego James Lear and was curious to see what his non-erotica gay lit was like. It was a winner! Man's World has two story arcs that colorfully illustrate a portrait of two gay men, one that takes place in 1957 and one 48 years later. The present day story features Robert, who comes off as self-absorbed and is caught up in an image-conscious hard-partying London gay lifestyle. The other story arc features Michael, a closeted homosexual, who is navigating life as an RAF airman. The lives and stories of the main POV characters do intersect, but rest assured, there is no time-travel involved. Filled with fantastic secondary characters and hilarious lines, Man's World is charming, funny and moving.
July 22, 2016
Some readers, I note, feel that the characters are not likeable enough for the book to be an enjoyable read. Perhaps that is because people expect to the characters to be sympathetic from the off. Academically speaking, in 1957 narrator Michael, screaming-queen-in-waiting Stephen, and hot-hot-hot lover-boy, pussy-chaser, pat-my-beauteous-butt Mervyn are not exactly loveable; 21st-century narrator Robert, best friend screaming-out-there-every-day best friend Jonathan, and hulk-for-the-day sex-fiend Stuart aren't loveable either. For that matter, hardly any of the subsidiary characters are in the least bit likeable… except for "New Boy" nerd Simon (who, horror of horrors, buys his clothes from Next).
None of this, surely, matters, because in a real sense it is the longing for gay freedom—orin 1957/58 the need to escape the constraints of being queer—which is the central character of this laugh-out-loud funny/sad novel. And if you could be forgiven for not liking what you see to start, it would be either a very short-of-patience reader that did not find much to love by the conclusion—which is extremely moving… or perhaps a serious prude, or perhaps a homophobe.
Rupert Smith writes up a storm of realistic people in vey real circumstances. The prose and the dialog scintillate. This is a book which deserves a far greater exposure than I fear it has had.
None of this, surely, matters, because in a real sense it is the longing for gay freedom—orin 1957/58 the need to escape the constraints of being queer—which is the central character of this laugh-out-loud funny/sad novel. And if you could be forgiven for not liking what you see to start, it would be either a very short-of-patience reader that did not find much to love by the conclusion—which is extremely moving… or perhaps a serious prude, or perhaps a homophobe.
Rupert Smith writes up a storm of realistic people in vey real circumstances. The prose and the dialog scintillate. This is a book which deserves a far greater exposure than I fear it has had.
May 30, 2022
Why on Earth did I wait so long to listen to this audiobook??? I've owned it for ages.
The narrator absolutely makes this story - takes it to eleven. All of Rupert Smith's droll and witty dialogue is elevated by Nigel Pilkington's brilliant performance. Amazing!
The narrator absolutely makes this story - takes it to eleven. All of Rupert Smith's droll and witty dialogue is elevated by Nigel Pilkington's brilliant performance. Amazing!
May 10, 2016
3,5 stars
This was a very interesting, unique look at two very distinct time periods and two very distinct sub cultures.
The storyline a bit contrived at times, but that was more than compensated by flawed, hilarious and sometimes tragic characters that we are allowed to go along with for a while and then leave again in a state of flux.
If you need your story to have a clearly demarcated story arc, this might not be for you. I myself liked that we get authentic, clear-eyed glimpses into two very different lifes that intersect and then part again - and that, in the end, the author refrains from any neat, moralistic conclusion.
July 14, 2012
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!
June 18, 2022
Timeless. I really enjoyed this gay romance that tells the stories of two gay men—a modern gay and a 1950s yestergay. A compelling illustration that while time may keep us generations apart, our histories keep us immensely connected.
November 5, 2013
I absolutely adored this book! This is the story of two different gay guys in Britain whose stories become somewhat intertwined.
First we start out of the story of Rob, a muscular, modern day party-boy who’s rather shallow and not all that likable until the waning chapters of the book. Rob battles rampant drug and steroid use, hepatitis and repeatedly bats away the interest shown in him by the "nice" guy at his office before he begins to finally exhibit signs that he's more than your average gym bunny.
One day Rob and his even shallower best friend, Jonathan are looking off his balcony and notice the paramedics lugging a stretcher baring an obviously deceased man from a downstairs apartment and that leads us into the next story:
The story of Jonathan's downstairs neighbor, Michael Medway, a gentle young man in the RAF during the fifties who read muscle magazines and sketches scantily-clad men in a secret notebook when he thought no one would notice. From afar, Michael fell in love/lust with the camp’s champion boxer, Mervyn Wright and eventually they do strike up a casual friendship and become intimate one weekend in nearby Blackpool though Mervyn isn't quite ready to be a full time "queer".
I really liked that this book tackled ageism within the gay community. As a middle-age gay man, this is a subject that’s near and dear to my heart. Michael’s flamboyant, campy friend, Stephen said it best when he tells Jonathan that the young, hip, hot gays of today didn’t invent gay, it was fought for and served up to them on a platter by the "old queens" they secretly revile and want nothing to do with.
As Stephen would say, “My dear, I was sucking cock before you were even a tinkle in your father’s eyes.”
If you want a well written, very bold gay novel, grab this book (or download it because I don’t believe this was released in the US in book form) now! Immediately after reading this book, I went to Barnes & Noble’s website and tracked down Rupert Smith’s back catalog, hopefully his older books will be just as good as A Man’s World.
First we start out of the story of Rob, a muscular, modern day party-boy who’s rather shallow and not all that likable until the waning chapters of the book. Rob battles rampant drug and steroid use, hepatitis and repeatedly bats away the interest shown in him by the "nice" guy at his office before he begins to finally exhibit signs that he's more than your average gym bunny.
One day Rob and his even shallower best friend, Jonathan are looking off his balcony and notice the paramedics lugging a stretcher baring an obviously deceased man from a downstairs apartment and that leads us into the next story:
The story of Jonathan's downstairs neighbor, Michael Medway, a gentle young man in the RAF during the fifties who read muscle magazines and sketches scantily-clad men in a secret notebook when he thought no one would notice. From afar, Michael fell in love/lust with the camp’s champion boxer, Mervyn Wright and eventually they do strike up a casual friendship and become intimate one weekend in nearby Blackpool though Mervyn isn't quite ready to be a full time "queer".
I really liked that this book tackled ageism within the gay community. As a middle-age gay man, this is a subject that’s near and dear to my heart. Michael’s flamboyant, campy friend, Stephen said it best when he tells Jonathan that the young, hip, hot gays of today didn’t invent gay, it was fought for and served up to them on a platter by the "old queens" they secretly revile and want nothing to do with.
As Stephen would say, “My dear, I was sucking cock before you were even a tinkle in your father’s eyes.”
If you want a well written, very bold gay novel, grab this book (or download it because I don’t believe this was released in the US in book form) now! Immediately after reading this book, I went to Barnes & Noble’s website and tracked down Rupert Smith’s back catalog, hopefully his older books will be just as good as A Man’s World.
October 26, 2011
The story juxtaposes gay lives 50 years apart. For most of the book you hear two distinct voices. First that of Robert, in blog mode, superficial, hedonistic a member of the present day London crowd. Robert does not come off as a particularly attractive character nor does his best friend Jonathan-Nathan-Nat who gets away with being a self-centred, profiteering s.o.b. not so much because Robert wants to help his friend but because not giving in to his demands would mean investing interest and energy in actually finding out what's wrong with him. Practically every other character of the 'modern' set is as little appealing as these two. On the other hand, there is the story of Michael, Mervyn and Stephen who meet during National Service in the fifties. Michael falls big time for Mervyn, a super sexy boxer, while Stephen carries a flame for Michael who has no interest whatsoever in the flaming little queen. The two sets of characters 'meet' in the present and change happens mostly unwillingly for the uncaring Robert who discovers a world that could be on another planet for all that it is London only fifty years ago. Rupert Smith has an uncanny knack of drawing characters that are, apart from Michael perhaps, not made to attract your sympathy. His guys have little varnish and huge vanities. In the end it is their faults that make you engage with them even like them. To pick a few adjectives that the critics used to describe the book: funny, dirty, deeply romantic, lethally accurate, occasionally genuinely chilling. Given the fact that Rupert Smith also writes under the name of James Lear, something I didn't know when I picked up Man's World, it should come as no surprise that this story about friendship, love and desire is also quite sexy when it needs to be.
May 2, 2023
Behind the nondescript cover hide the engagingly written juxtaposed first-person accounts of two 20-something gays, one taking place in present times, the other in the Fifties. The well-plotted story touches on rather sad topics in a humorous way, and at the same time evokes a certain melancholy. To remember those, who in the past fought for the freedoms and conveniences that we enjoy today, is an underlying thread. The dialogue is snappy and really nicely done throughout the entire novel, the stories draw you in quickly. Both threads felt convincing as being representative of their times, and the sections taking place during the Fifties piqued my curiosity re certain things, such as a particular psychiatric facility and the dubious therapy administered to poor Michael after his breakdown at the military base.
While this clearly was intended to be primarily entertainment rather than deep lit, it still could have done with some more character depth and development. Yes, Robert, the present day gay is supposed to be a rather shallow party boy, and as such a pretty realistic representative of a certain type of person. But a little inner growth, like increasing self-awareness and self-reflection would have gone a long way. For example, regarding his painfully toxic relationship with his only 'friend' Jonathan, as well as his drug/steroid use and superficiality. At least he did get over his aversion to people buying their suits at Next and their shirts at M&S ...
The narrator of the audiobook had a great knack for dialogue and sucessfully made the characters come to life.
While this clearly was intended to be primarily entertainment rather than deep lit, it still could have done with some more character depth and development. Yes, Robert, the present day gay is supposed to be a rather shallow party boy, and as such a pretty realistic representative of a certain type of person. But a little inner growth, like increasing self-awareness and self-reflection would have gone a long way. For example, regarding his painfully toxic relationship with his only 'friend' Jonathan, as well as his drug/steroid use and superficiality. At least he did get over his aversion to people buying their suits at Next and their shirts at M&S ...
The narrator of the audiobook had a great knack for dialogue and sucessfully made the characters come to life.
August 21, 2017
Recommended reading
The old collides with the new. Two eras of gay men tell their stories. Both live in eras of change, the first around the time of the Woolfenden report which recommended that sex between gay men in private is not a crime, to a more modern era when gay marriage is available. The contrast is painful at times. Neither could be described as glamorous or easy. Human frailties and insecurities are portrayed warts and all. However it's not a depressing read, far from it. Michael and Robert are sympathetic characters while those around them cover every part of the spectrum. A lot of the story is based on real life, judging by the acknowledgements at the back, making it a good read for those wanting to get an insight into the issues facing gay men, then and now.
The old collides with the new. Two eras of gay men tell their stories. Both live in eras of change, the first around the time of the Woolfenden report which recommended that sex between gay men in private is not a crime, to a more modern era when gay marriage is available. The contrast is painful at times. Neither could be described as glamorous or easy. Human frailties and insecurities are portrayed warts and all. However it's not a depressing read, far from it. Michael and Robert are sympathetic characters while those around them cover every part of the spectrum. A lot of the story is based on real life, judging by the acknowledgements at the back, making it a good read for those wanting to get an insight into the issues facing gay men, then and now.
January 19, 2016
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.
May 29, 2013
The title of the book caught my attention. Considering the sexual orientation of all the characters of substance in the book, I would normally have ignored the book. Smith’s writing style must be applauded for on reading the first few line I needed to read more. Brilliant story-telling. Though the characters were homosexual, what Smith managed to do was express the emotions that run through the hearts of men whatever their orientation. His story serves to challenge stereotypes while offering a range of characters that are human. The book was not overly sexual which made it easier to read especially since a book on homosexuality was not something I would generally read. A brilliant book.
January 9, 2015
A wonderful book, which made me laugh almost as much as tipping the velvet - but completely different reasons. It reminded me of a few past friendships, the dialogue is sheer comedy club material. Many reviews said the characters weren't likeable but I thought they were believable and honest reflections about some personalities. Certainly worth a read and I understand why Sarah Waters endorsed the books value.
January 27, 2015
The idea of having two stories, one in the past and one in the present, which connect and juxtapose, is not a new one. However there aren't many examples which are more engaging than this one. The balance of light, executed with bright and frothy wit with dark is near perfect. Smith is not afraid to critique contemporary mainstream gay culture, indeed points out its connection with historical oppression in a clever way. Smith shows once again that camp can be deep.
April 3, 2016
Audible
I wish I wrote a review straight away. Today, I wouldn't be able to do its justice. But I will say just this - it's an amazing audiobook, poignant, sweet, thought-provoking. Two generations, two life stories colliding in one - so far apart yet so similar. It's made me chuckle, laugh and cry and it had left me breathless. An unforgettable experience, made even better by listening to it with a friend. Thank you, Sofia!
I wish I wrote a review straight away. Today, I wouldn't be able to do its justice. But I will say just this - it's an amazing audiobook, poignant, sweet, thought-provoking. Two generations, two life stories colliding in one - so far apart yet so similar. It's made me chuckle, laugh and cry and it had left me breathless. An unforgettable experience, made even better by listening to it with a friend. Thank you, Sofia!
January 10, 2014
I wallowed in this lovely meringue of a novel about gay life in London in after world war 2 and in the early 21st century. It's witty and optimistic, the story moves along briskly, the characters are all delightful, even the horrible back stabbing pornographers, and the political point about how civil rights are also achieved by ordinary people leading everyday lives, is clearly made.
June 16, 2014
Zipped through this book in double quick time and loved every page. Ok, so maybe many of the characters were stereotypes but I could recognise people I have met in them so there must have been so reality.
Really enjoyed the switch from current day to 50/60s and found it funny, moving and totally enjoyable. Read it and see for yourself!
Really enjoyed the switch from current day to 50/60s and found it funny, moving and totally enjoyable. Read it and see for yourself!
December 24, 2013
Dual narratives, both written in first person present-tense can be wrenching, it's distracting to be in a groove in the late 1950s only to shift to the 21st century. A well-researched and crafted tale.
May 15, 2010
The narrative is good and moves at a pace but found the main characters rather thinly drawn and dependent on easy stereotypes.
April 25, 2017
Lovely story. Laugh-out-loud witty and poignant. and Smith's writing is always a pleasure to read.
April 28, 2021
A very entertaining novel!
June 12, 2024
Robert spends his life clubbing, doing drugs and steroids, and going to the gym. He’s doing the bare minimum at work and is in danger of losing his job. His best friend, Jonathan, constantly berates Robert while borrowing (and never returning) his money, clothes, and booze. Life gets more and more complicated as the two get tangled up with drug dealers and free-loading, unfaithful boyfriends. It’s modern life for gay men in their twenties. When he meets his neighbour, Michael, and his friend, Stephen, all he sees are two ageing gay men. He doesn’t realise that fifty years ago Michael and Stephen were living very similar, but illegal, lives, grappling with the same sorts of issues.
This was such a wonderful glimpse into the lives of modern / historical urban gay men! Everyone thinks they’re the ones who invented the wheel, but being human at any time in history has commonalities. Either Robert’s or Michael’s story would have made a compelling book, but comparing and contrasting the two together is just perfect and the similarities between Jonathan and Stephen reinforce the messages brilliantly. These characters are all so well-written, so sympathetically flawed and utterly human. 🎧 Best of all, UK actor Nigel Pilkington’s narration is pitch-perfect for every character, one of the best audio performances I’ve encountered (currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue)!
—————-
Notable quotes:
Stephen to Michael: “I suppose I seem terribly OLD to you, don’t I? No, don’t say anything, I remember what it’s like to be young. You don’t think about the past and as for the future, it’s just the next drink, the next party, the next man, at least it was for me … When you’re young, you look at old people and you wonder why they’re still breathing and walking around. You just think that they’re waiting to die. You think we’re the past, but I’m telling you, boy, we’re your future.”
Stephen to Jonathan: “You just think of us as the sad old bastards who missed out on the party. Well, let me inform you that without us there wouldn’t have been a party … You think you invented it, didn’t you? But you didn’t, you just bought it, you had it all handed to you on a plate and you never stopped to wonder who put it there.”
This was such a wonderful glimpse into the lives of modern / historical urban gay men! Everyone thinks they’re the ones who invented the wheel, but being human at any time in history has commonalities. Either Robert’s or Michael’s story would have made a compelling book, but comparing and contrasting the two together is just perfect and the similarities between Jonathan and Stephen reinforce the messages brilliantly. These characters are all so well-written, so sympathetically flawed and utterly human. 🎧 Best of all, UK actor Nigel Pilkington’s narration is pitch-perfect for every character, one of the best audio performances I’ve encountered (currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue)!
—————-
Notable quotes:
Stephen to Michael: “I suppose I seem terribly OLD to you, don’t I? No, don’t say anything, I remember what it’s like to be young. You don’t think about the past and as for the future, it’s just the next drink, the next party, the next man, at least it was for me … When you’re young, you look at old people and you wonder why they’re still breathing and walking around. You just think that they’re waiting to die. You think we’re the past, but I’m telling you, boy, we’re your future.”
Stephen to Jonathan: “You just think of us as the sad old bastards who missed out on the party. Well, let me inform you that without us there wouldn’t have been a party … You think you invented it, didn’t you? But you didn’t, you just bought it, you had it all handed to you on a plate and you never stopped to wonder who put it there.”
June 21, 2024
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.
September 12, 2024
Didn't like or care enough for Robbie the modern day protagonist or Michael the historic lead. Felt more for Michael but the characters weren't developed enough to emotionally connect. Obviously well researched but the texture or smell of late 50s London didn't come alive for me. I'm always reminded of Louise Levene's A Vision of Loveliness when I think of sixties Soho, she captured the time so well and it just felt like this book was at one remove away.
Perhaps if we'd been shown more of Robbies family life or back story to understand why he was a superficial gym bunny? I kept hoping he'd actually talk to Michael and form a friendship but ultimately his transformation seemed to be more about exhaustion. Why would Simon have been attracted to him? Underdeveloped characters but well written!
Perhaps if we'd been shown more of Robbies family life or back story to understand why he was a superficial gym bunny? I kept hoping he'd actually talk to Michael and form a friendship but ultimately his transformation seemed to be more about exhaustion. Why would Simon have been attracted to him? Underdeveloped characters but well written!
February 28, 2025
I adore James Lear's erotic mystery thrillers and so came to Man's World, written under his real name, with much anticipation. Most of which was gratified. This dual time story that eventually concludes in a very satisfying way very cleverly laid out, though -- like several reviewers -- I preferred the 1950s story more involving and touching than the 2000s modern day. But, that's because there is a real plot to the Michael/Steven/Merwin tale than to the Robert/Jonathan/Stuart series of events. But, the novel is so much richer for the contrast of the two periods. There is so much more I'd like to know about what happened after the denouements of both stories, but I was not surprised that the resolution came through Steven's character as so much of our history has.
June 2, 2023
An entertaining history lesson set during two different eras of London's gay world. Alternating chapters contrast with each other from the 1950s to the early 2000s shedding light on what was gained and lost.
Colourful, tawdry, funny and capable of showing the best and worst in people.
Colourful, tawdry, funny and capable of showing the best and worst in people.
September 29, 2019
A traditional romance but with a fresh twist.
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