Twilight Men

by André Tellier

An aristocratic, effeminate young Frenchman, rejected by his father, goes to New York.

Genres: LGBT, Queer

251 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1931

Reviews

[Dylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Armand is the effeminate protagonist; an illegitimate son of Comte de Rasbon, who disowns him as he is unlike the image of his father. He is gay, and described as an invert. Tragedy follows tragedy, convention after convention: Armand pronounces himself "homosexual." There is an interesting relationship that the text has with time, queer time, escaping timely fate, working against time, & dying young.

There is also an interesting exploration of the psyche which matches Tellier's descriptions of room interiors—mental interiorities are so inscribed in the surroundings of the protagonist's lodgings.

This obscure, unique text is clouded by “an atmosphere of slang, sex and suspicion” (Tellier 101). With an occasional brilliant sentence, Tellier's 1930s queer novel, (quite sexless anyhow) fizzles out due to a contrived melodrama. Also, who was Tellier? I can't find anything on this mysterious author.

[Roof Beam Reader (Adam) · Rating 4 out of 5]

#TheLiteraryOthers

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read of a 1931 novel about a gay man and his encounters with the world. Parts of it reminded me of Colette with the attention to details and personality. The protagonist then travels to London and NYC from Paris and his adventures continue. He is always searching for the perfect friend but the novel ends in murder and tragedy. It was a fascinating read.

[Jesse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical interest and the possibility to glimpse pre-Stonewall queer lives and mores overrides any literary merit (which is meager, to say the very least).