Liberating Tomas

by David Marty

Thomas grows up in a conservative Midwest family and wonders about his sexuality. At nineteen years old, he is still a virgin and desires to find other men like himself. Tomas decides to spend the summer hitchhiking and camping in Europe. Along the way, he meets a variety of people who lead him to the conclusion that he is gay. When it comes time to return home, he has second thoughts and decides to accept the offer by an older Portuguese man to stay and live in Lisbon. His male mentor (Marco) and the housekeeper (Marta) are involved in the resistance movement to eliminate the Salazar regime and Tomas feels an obligation to participate. With Tomas' help, The Carnation Revolution is a one-day success that opens a new world for Tomas and the Portuguese people.

224 pages, Hardcover

Published May 5, 2017

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Liberating Tomas" by David Marty embarks on a captivating journey through the tumultuous landscape of self-discovery, intertwined with the backdrop of the Portuguese Carnation Revolution. Set against the conservative backdrop of 1950s Midwest America, the protagonist, Tomas, embarks on a quest to unravel his true identity, leading him on a transformative odyssey across Europe.

Marty's narrative skillfully weaves together elements of travelogue, coming-of-age narrative, and political upheaval, providing readers with a rich tapestry of experiences and emotions. From tender moments of intimacy to the pulsating energy of revolutionary fervor, each chapter unfolds with a sense of authenticity and depth.

While some readers may find themselves swept away by the evocative descriptions and meticulously crafted scenes, others may encounter moments of dissonance. The portrayal of Tomas's journey, while poignant, occasionally suffers from pacing issues and inconsistencies. A few reviewers noted discrepancies regarding the protagonist's name and travel route, which may detract from the overall cohesiveness of the narrative.

Additionally, the exploration of Tomas's involvement in the resistance movement could have been further developed to provide a more nuanced understanding of his role within the broader political landscape. Despite these shortcomings, Marty's adept use of imagery, including postcards and letters interspersed throughout the text, adds a layer of depth and authenticity to the narrative.

For readers seeking a narrative that navigates the complexities of identity, love, and political awakening, "Liberating Tomas" offers a thought-provoking exploration of one man's quest for liberation amidst a world in flux. While not without its flaws, Marty's novel remains an engaging and enlightening read, inviting readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and revolution.

[Regencyfan93 · Rating 3 out of 5]

The back cover blurb mentioned Portugal, but Tomas didn't arrive in Portugal until halfway through the book.

This was a combination of growing up in Minnesota, travel journal, self-discovery, and politics in Portugal. It seemed more a memoir than a novel. If it were a novel some scenes would have been developed more such as the detective in Portugal.

I was confused by the name at the beginning. Why would the couple name their son Tomas? As a youth, he was referred to as Tommy and sometimes Thomas.

In general this was an enjoyable read. I think more editing would have made it tighter.

I liked the way each chapter ended with a picture of the area just described or one of the letters that Tomas wrote home.

[Mandie Pottery · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a goodreads win, and I wasn't certain what to expect exactly. There were some inconsistencies with regard to the main character's name and his travel route however, and his part in the resistance was not as thoroughly etched out as it could have been. This story shows the journey of a young man finding himself, and the sex scenes were definitely thought out more thoroughly than the rest...pretty spicy! Glad I read this one to give it a chance before slipping it into a neighbourhood little free library, as I'm not certain it wouldn't be classified as erotica, and the blurb on the back does not divulge that this might be rated adults only.

[Theresa Jorge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the eyes of Tomas we are able to take a trip across some European countries and at the same time accompany him in his search for who he really is.
For those who have been able to travel to any one of the countries mentioned, it is a pleasant "returning" while for those who have not, it gives you a reason to want to.
The episodes of the Portuguese revolution (April 25, 1974), the times before and the times after, are very accurate and help recall all that the Portuguese people (and others in similar situations) have gone through during such fascist ruling.
On the other hand, Tomas progressively "finds" himself, his sexual orientation, throughout the book as he experiences different feelings and meets new people who aid him in doing so.
I really enjoyed reading it. Very interesting and enlightening.

[Mike Adams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Odd little adventure of Tomas, a young man, and his sexual self-discovery on a European road trip. The writing is awkward like a first-draft journal converted to fiction, but the sex is amusing. The inserted historical excerpts are oddly inserted as background to explain the political intrigue Tomas engages in.

[David Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an interesting book. It reads as a travelogue, then a coming of age story, and also a look into the Portuguese Carnation Revolution. It contains tender male-male sex scenes, picture postcards and letters to and from home in Minneapolis. Complex story line make this a compelling read.