Best Man

by Paul Reidinger

blue & white paperback

Genres: LGBT, Gay Fiction, Fiction

170 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 1986

Reviews

[Nicolas Chinardet · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a slow start that threatened to put me off the book, The Best Man becomes an engrossing and searing exploration of social isolation, though the main thrust of the plot revolves around an uncomfortable ménage à trois.

This part of the story explores themes of self-acceptance and social conformity. As such it is possibly of its times (the mid-eighties), when coming out wasn't as easy as it has become but when it was becoming a distinct option for young gay men.

It was the loneliness of the hero/narrator as a misfit in a big city that proved the most interesting element of the book for me. A "social cripple", he is not good at connecting with people and come to rely on an exclusive friendship. Sexual encounters are an ever present option in the gay metropolis that is San Francisco but these eventual lose their lustre. This rang very true, all the more so, perhaps, when read in the time of hooking-up apps.

Reidinger's style is elaborate and elegant, sprinkled was wit. The author manages to build a sense of suspense in his compact narrative that keeps the reading hooked.

An interesting and satisfactory take on the coming out/coming of story.

[Elo · Rating 1 out of 5]

The most clinical, dull, and lackluster book about gay people I've ever read.

[Walter W]

I can only copy what another reader said: The most clinical, dull, and lackluster book about gay people I've ever read. What a waste of time.

[Katie Westerlund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow to start, gets interesting in the middle and what you expect to happen does happen…though a very unsatisfactory ending

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun entertianing read.