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The Fancy Dancer
Tom Meeker is a handsome rookie priest stranded in a dying rural parish. Vidal Stump is a proud, gay half-breed with a criminal record and unlawful desires. Father Meeker must choose between his sacred vows and his secret attraction to this Fancy Dancer who lures him into forbidden love. First published two decades ago, this provocative, hard-hitting novel was the first bestseller to portray a gay priest and to explore gay life in a small town.
250 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
32 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Nell Warren
23 books119 followersPatricia Nell Warren (pen-name Patricia Kylyna) was a Ukrainian and American poet and novelist. She wrote her works in Ukrainian and English.
In 1957 she married a Ukrainian emigre writer Yuriy Tarnawsky and subsequently learned Ukrainian language. Under Tarnawsky's influence she started socializing in Ukrainian emigre writers' circles and soon started writing her own poems, which culminated in her publishing several well-received Ukrainian poetry collections: Trahediya dzhmeliv (New-York: Vydavnytstvo New Yorkskoyi hrypy, 1960), Legendy i sny (New-York: Vydavnytstvo New Yorkskoyi hrypy, 1964), and Rozhevi mista (Munich: Suchasnist, 1969). She published her Ukrainian poetry collections under the pen-name Patricia Kylyna.
After Nell Warren divorced Tarnawsky in 1973, she left Ukrainian literature and never wrote another book in Ukrainian until her death. Instead Nell Warren switched to American literature and tried her best as an American novelist. In 1972 she published her first book in English, a novel The Last Centennial, still under her pen-name Patricia Kylyna (Kilina). Her breakthrough came in 1974 when she published a gay-themed novel The Front Runner. This was the first time she published any of her books under her real name Patricia Nell Warren, and it paid off: the book sold more than 10 mil. copies and was subsequently translated into multiple languages.
For her Ukrainian-language profile see Патриція Килина
In 1957 she married a Ukrainian emigre writer Yuriy Tarnawsky and subsequently learned Ukrainian language. Under Tarnawsky's influence she started socializing in Ukrainian emigre writers' circles and soon started writing her own poems, which culminated in her publishing several well-received Ukrainian poetry collections: Trahediya dzhmeliv (New-York: Vydavnytstvo New Yorkskoyi hrypy, 1960), Legendy i sny (New-York: Vydavnytstvo New Yorkskoyi hrypy, 1964), and Rozhevi mista (Munich: Suchasnist, 1969). She published her Ukrainian poetry collections under the pen-name Patricia Kylyna.
After Nell Warren divorced Tarnawsky in 1973, she left Ukrainian literature and never wrote another book in Ukrainian until her death. Instead Nell Warren switched to American literature and tried her best as an American novelist. In 1972 she published her first book in English, a novel The Last Centennial, still under her pen-name Patricia Kylyna (Kilina). Her breakthrough came in 1974 when she published a gay-themed novel The Front Runner. This was the first time she published any of her books under her real name Patricia Nell Warren, and it paid off: the book sold more than 10 mil. copies and was subsequently translated into multiple languages.
For her Ukrainian-language profile see Патриція Килина
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 7, 2011
I found this book an exceptional read, although that may be because it includes many things that I can relate to. I'm a gay man. I was Catholic in my youth. I'm Cheyenne Indian. And I understand the strange workings of "the small town." All of these points conspire to create characters, situations, and emotional ties that I can truly relate to.
I must say that Warren offered a very good look into "the Indian Mind" (for lack of a better description). Few authors, at that time, had captured the subtleties of how different the perceptions of a Native American can be. The best in American history, in my opinion, is Sherman Alexie -- himself Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Indian. Warren gives us an extraordinary look into the mind of Vidal Stump, "queer Indian", fancy dancer, and fiercely independent heart. Father Tom Meeker doesn't have a chance to resist, right from the start.
Were I to pick a single reason for loving this book, I would have to say that it's the Heart that is so well expressed. Passions of all types run through the book, from Meeker's passion for his religion to Stump's passion for life. Toward the end of the book, Meeker experiences a reinvention of the Passion Play, accompanied by raucous jazz and led by a blond, gay Jesus figure. The entire book is about reawakening the passion of the individual, in all cases, in all ways. The question, "Father, will you serve?" is central to the entire work.
In honor of our World, our Spirit, our Selves, may we always answer, "Yes. I will serve."
I must say that Warren offered a very good look into "the Indian Mind" (for lack of a better description). Few authors, at that time, had captured the subtleties of how different the perceptions of a Native American can be. The best in American history, in my opinion, is Sherman Alexie -- himself Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Indian. Warren gives us an extraordinary look into the mind of Vidal Stump, "queer Indian", fancy dancer, and fiercely independent heart. Father Tom Meeker doesn't have a chance to resist, right from the start.
Were I to pick a single reason for loving this book, I would have to say that it's the Heart that is so well expressed. Passions of all types run through the book, from Meeker's passion for his religion to Stump's passion for life. Toward the end of the book, Meeker experiences a reinvention of the Passion Play, accompanied by raucous jazz and led by a blond, gay Jesus figure. The entire book is about reawakening the passion of the individual, in all cases, in all ways. The question, "Father, will you serve?" is central to the entire work.
In honor of our World, our Spirit, our Selves, may we always answer, "Yes. I will serve."
April 20, 2021
Qué infierno de portada y perdón por el chiste fácil.
Mi pasión por los amores prohibidos me ha hecho desarrollar mi (me rindo a la evidencia) curilla kink (sin ser yo nada de eso xD) A mí un cura como prota, pues qué queréis que os diga, con esa pinta que tienen de oler a alcanfor... es algo que nunca me había atraído. Pero bendita ficción que te coge a un tío con pinta de surfero, le planta un alzacuellos y ale, ya tienes MC con alma atormentada y cuerpo esculpido xD
El romance ni lo he visto ni creo que la autora lo ha sabido transmitir en esta ocasión (con The Front Runner me hice bichobola del amor). También creo que al conflicto del protagonista le falta profundidad.
La historia me ha tenido bastante enganchada pero la sensación al terminarla es que se queda corta.
Mi pasión por los amores prohibidos me ha hecho desarrollar mi (me rindo a la evidencia) curilla kink (sin ser yo nada de eso xD) A mí un cura como prota, pues qué queréis que os diga, con esa pinta que tienen de oler a alcanfor... es algo que nunca me había atraído. Pero bendita ficción que te coge a un tío con pinta de surfero, le planta un alzacuellos y ale, ya tienes MC con alma atormentada y cuerpo esculpido xD
El romance ni lo he visto ni creo que la autora lo ha sabido transmitir en esta ocasión (con The Front Runner me hice bichobola del amor). También creo que al conflicto del protagonista le falta profundidad.
La historia me ha tenido bastante enganchada pero la sensación al terminarla es que se queda corta.
April 28, 2015
This and The Front Runner by the same author are must-reads for anyone studying gay literature. I read this quite a while ago, but it sticks in my mind as a very good read. In some ways I preferred it to the Front Runner as the Catholic priest's dilemma is so vividly portrayed that any Christian going through a spiritual crisis for being gay must find this very moving.
September 15, 2024
If you hope to find a naughty romance book about a priest acting on his gay discovery, you will be disappointed. This book is a serious story about a man, Tom, struggling with being gay and a priest and where to fit in.
Though I am not religious myself (though grew up Roman Catholic) I always find it interesting to see how religion and homosexuality seem to exclude one another a lot of times. How 'the church' condemns it, how the bible seems to condemn it too. I always wondered how religion and specifically the people living it, can honestly deny pure love between two people and why it matters which sexuality they have. I also have to admit I never understood the need for celibacy in order to become a priest.
I think this author wrote a very believable story about the struggle when religion and sexuality clash. When Tom discovers his attraction to Vidal (half Indian, half Irish) he believes himself to be a sinner. But when they fall in love, he questions everything he used to believe in, wondering if he can't love God and still be gay. This book is written in the 70's and, just like with The Front Runner, I think Patricia Nell Warren had a very modern way of thinking and writing, a book that still stands the test of time.
It's been a few days since I finished reading and I still think about it. But since I loved The Front Runner slightly more, I can't rate this book 5 stars as well, but it's close. If you are interested in a glimpse into 70's gay life and find the religious aspect of it interesting, I highly recommend you read this book. It's very well written, very realistic with interesting characters.
(Not to spoil, but there’s no hea in this book, which is essential for many readers. The ending is satisfying though)
Though I am not religious myself (though grew up Roman Catholic) I always find it interesting to see how religion and homosexuality seem to exclude one another a lot of times. How 'the church' condemns it, how the bible seems to condemn it too. I always wondered how religion and specifically the people living it, can honestly deny pure love between two people and why it matters which sexuality they have. I also have to admit I never understood the need for celibacy in order to become a priest.
I think this author wrote a very believable story about the struggle when religion and sexuality clash. When Tom discovers his attraction to Vidal (half Indian, half Irish) he believes himself to be a sinner. But when they fall in love, he questions everything he used to believe in, wondering if he can't love God and still be gay. This book is written in the 70's and, just like with The Front Runner, I think Patricia Nell Warren had a very modern way of thinking and writing, a book that still stands the test of time.
It's been a few days since I finished reading and I still think about it. But since I loved The Front Runner slightly more, I can't rate this book 5 stars as well, but it's close. If you are interested in a glimpse into 70's gay life and find the religious aspect of it interesting, I highly recommend you read this book. It's very well written, very realistic with interesting characters.
(Not to spoil, but there’s no hea in this book, which is essential for many readers. The ending is satisfying though)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2008
Another forbidden love story, way ahead of it's time. The story of a troubled motorcycle riding young man, and the young priest who's religious beliefs are challenged ,when he finds himself allowing himself to be lured by this drifter, into a forbidden love, that he unknowingly has been starving for all of his life. It is the understanding that allows them to come to terms with both of their lives as they know it,and how they have been changed forever. Again, original, erotic yet romantic first sexual encounter, amazingly written with such realism, by a woman. Patricia Nell Warren, knows the angst of gay men coming to terms with their sexuality, like she lived as one, in a previous life. Amazing personal insight into the minds and hearts of her characters, and every gay man should celebrate her talent to tell our stories, with the reverence and understanding we deserve.
March 13, 2017
Patricia pulls you into her story and never lets you away easily. So compelling, sensitive and at times surprising. Tender and caring.
December 5, 2023
De esta historia me ha faltado la esencia del protagonista, esa devoción tan profunda que supuestamente siente hacia la iglesia y que se entrega en cuerpo y alma hacia Dios.
Principalmente por esa razón no he conectado con el protagonista y no ha sido creíble su desarrollo.
La relación amorosa entre los dos personajes no he terminado de sentirla cercana y ha sido más puramente superficial. Me ha faltado profundidad en los sentimientos y credibilidad.
Creo que la idea de este libro no iba mal encaminada, pero la ejecución ha sido un tanto decepcionante y repleta de clichés, con insulsas y excesivas descripciones en su mayor parte.
Como punto positivo quiero destacar la ambientación de la época de los 70; ha sabido retratar el escenario y el carácter de la época.
Como libro de entretenimiento, ¿lo recomendaría?, tal vez.. pero no es de sus mejores obras.
Principalmente por esa razón no he conectado con el protagonista y no ha sido creíble su desarrollo.
La relación amorosa entre los dos personajes no he terminado de sentirla cercana y ha sido más puramente superficial. Me ha faltado profundidad en los sentimientos y credibilidad.
Creo que la idea de este libro no iba mal encaminada, pero la ejecución ha sido un tanto decepcionante y repleta de clichés, con insulsas y excesivas descripciones en su mayor parte.
Como punto positivo quiero destacar la ambientación de la época de los 70; ha sabido retratar el escenario y el carácter de la época.
Como libro de entretenimiento, ¿lo recomendaría?, tal vez.. pero no es de sus mejores obras.
September 15, 2024
I think I am in the minority here this book was just ok for me. I have so issues with the whole religious views on sex. Catholic priest can marry or have sex but other denominations can. I know that people can be religious and gay. A young Catholic Priest Tom Meeker life changed he finds himself attracted to one of his parishioners. I will say that this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling.
January 27, 2025
A book from the 70s about a priest and the relationship that makes him discover that he's gay, and all that follows. The small town aspect was good. The religion felt respectfully handled. This was a grown-up book, not caught up in emotions and pining and melodramatics. I thought this was very well done. (I don't think I agree with the ending, but I'm still grateful to see the dialogue the book contains about coming to terms with faith and sexuality).
August 5, 2018
One of the big questions you can ask yourself would have to be: "As a concerned, helpful adult, when you know a kid is growing up gay, what books would you recommend by the time s/he gets to maybe 14 or 15, and deserves to be treated like an intelligent person who knows where his/her sexual orientation lies?" It's not an easy question to answer. You have to choose books with something positive to say ... yet they must say it in language suitable to readers hovering between the PG and MA-15 audience.
Authors probably find this was one of the hardest age brackets to aim for. Write too simply, and kids will chuck the book away for being childish (even childlike). But step over some line somebody drew in the sand -- you've written an adult book, not a "young adult" book.
I don't think Patricia Nell Warren wrote The Fancy Dancer for a teen audience. There's no teeny-weeny stuff. No Prom night angst, gym class jitters, or your basic schoolie plotting that kills teen books stone dead for anybody who's "put the secondary campus to their rudder" with no intentions of going back. In fact, The Fancy Dancer is about grown men, Real Life ... a gorgeous hunk called Vidal and a young Catholic Priest, Father Tom ... and, oh yeah, about being gay.
It's said that Patricia Nell Warren wrote this as a "follow-up" to The Front Runner, but I seriously doubt it. This novel has nothing whatever to do with her previous gay title. The only two things they have in common are, 1) they have gay central characters, and 2) were published by the mainstream press at a time when gay books were like hens' teeth: rare. Some critic somewhere probably figured that for the same writer to write a second gay book, it'd have to be a follow-up.
In fact, Warren was writing these at the same time Mary Renault was doing her Alexander novels. Both authors were writing gay guys, writing them well -- with a big BUT dangling off that sentence: they were writing gay guys well, but weren't allowed to write scenes that got even mildly spicy, because mainstream readers (publishers, editors, critics) at the time would have thrown a hissy.
The Fancy Dancer was done in 1976 by William Morrow, who took a bit of a risk on it because The Front Runner had been very successful. Yet, as a *gay* book -- well, it's a lovely little piece, the gay equivalent of a Harlequin romance!
If you have a 14 or 15 y.o. who's growing up gay, and you wanted to give him a bunch of books to help, not hurt or hinder, The Fancy Dancer would be in the list.
However, the "teen rating" the book gets today is contextual. We rate movies and books for crude language, nudity and explicit sex. If there ain't none of them thar goodies, the movie gets a PG. This is where rating becomes pathetic. You can have a movie or a book that grapples with the most mature of adult content, but as long as it minds its language and doesn't show much skin, fine. (I can name some classic movies that tell stories of rape, mutilation, slavery, terror, revenge, drunkenness, murder, lust ... but because they were made in the 1950s or 60s, they're not foul mouthed or full of nudity, so -- PG it is, though an impressionable kid could be scarred for life by the concepts expressed. Try watching, with eyes wide open and radar turned on, Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis in The Vikings. Uh huh.)
This is why The Fancy Dancer would be classified as a "gay Harlequin" today. The fact is, the book has much to say about being human, being gay, a hellraiser ... and a Catholic priest, and working to reconcile your spirituality with your sexuality.
When I read this one (the GMP reprint, about 1988 or 1990) I had some reservations. I wasn't so keen to read a book about a priest. I must tell true: I have no vaguest interest in the church. I honestly don't. So I was amazed how Warren actually made a lot of the text interesting, when I'd expected to skip over large chunks. The writing makes it interesting ... like The Da Vinci Code, sure, it's about the church in a way ... but much more about the people in, and behind, the church.
The conflicts of interest, clashes of ego, the arrogance of some, the ambition of others. This is what makes the book tick. Father Tom is a very young priest working in a little town in the Rocky Mountains. The location fascinated me at once. Doing community work, he finds himself trying to drag a gorgeous half-caste Blackfoot, Vidal, back from the brink of self-destruction. The Native American aspect was the second thing that got me fascinated. Cottonwood is an interesting town with well-drawn characters, and Vidal is the most "living" of them all.
Turns out, Warren is from Montana, so her depiction of the region is spot-on for those who live there, and most evocative for folks who'd like to visit. I often wonder if Vidal was based on someone she knew. He's very real. And he has even more to teach Father Tom than Tom has to teach him, because it turns out, Tom is gay as well as Catholic, and a priest to top it off.
The story concerns this town, its people ... priest and tearaway gay Blackfoot dancer. It's a love story, and a satisfying one. One likes this book and its characters. For example, Vidal's parents -- his father, a cop with a sharp sense of humor -- and the contrast between these people and Father Tom's own parents.
When you finish The Fancy Dancer, it's the characters you remember, and the fact the book has a lot of good things to say -- about being human, and gay, and a priest; and finding ways to be "good" in each one of those categories. No surprise, the book was a bestseller in hardback before it went into paperback.
Highly recommended, especially for teens. AG's rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Authors probably find this was one of the hardest age brackets to aim for. Write too simply, and kids will chuck the book away for being childish (even childlike). But step over some line somebody drew in the sand -- you've written an adult book, not a "young adult" book.
I don't think Patricia Nell Warren wrote The Fancy Dancer for a teen audience. There's no teeny-weeny stuff. No Prom night angst, gym class jitters, or your basic schoolie plotting that kills teen books stone dead for anybody who's "put the secondary campus to their rudder" with no intentions of going back. In fact, The Fancy Dancer is about grown men, Real Life ... a gorgeous hunk called Vidal and a young Catholic Priest, Father Tom ... and, oh yeah, about being gay.
It's said that Patricia Nell Warren wrote this as a "follow-up" to The Front Runner, but I seriously doubt it. This novel has nothing whatever to do with her previous gay title. The only two things they have in common are, 1) they have gay central characters, and 2) were published by the mainstream press at a time when gay books were like hens' teeth: rare. Some critic somewhere probably figured that for the same writer to write a second gay book, it'd have to be a follow-up.
In fact, Warren was writing these at the same time Mary Renault was doing her Alexander novels. Both authors were writing gay guys, writing them well -- with a big BUT dangling off that sentence: they were writing gay guys well, but weren't allowed to write scenes that got even mildly spicy, because mainstream readers (publishers, editors, critics) at the time would have thrown a hissy.
The Fancy Dancer was done in 1976 by William Morrow, who took a bit of a risk on it because The Front Runner had been very successful. Yet, as a *gay* book -- well, it's a lovely little piece, the gay equivalent of a Harlequin romance!
If you have a 14 or 15 y.o. who's growing up gay, and you wanted to give him a bunch of books to help, not hurt or hinder, The Fancy Dancer would be in the list.
However, the "teen rating" the book gets today is contextual. We rate movies and books for crude language, nudity and explicit sex. If there ain't none of them thar goodies, the movie gets a PG. This is where rating becomes pathetic. You can have a movie or a book that grapples with the most mature of adult content, but as long as it minds its language and doesn't show much skin, fine. (I can name some classic movies that tell stories of rape, mutilation, slavery, terror, revenge, drunkenness, murder, lust ... but because they were made in the 1950s or 60s, they're not foul mouthed or full of nudity, so -- PG it is, though an impressionable kid could be scarred for life by the concepts expressed. Try watching, with eyes wide open and radar turned on, Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis in The Vikings. Uh huh.)
This is why The Fancy Dancer would be classified as a "gay Harlequin" today. The fact is, the book has much to say about being human, being gay, a hellraiser ... and a Catholic priest, and working to reconcile your spirituality with your sexuality.
When I read this one (the GMP reprint, about 1988 or 1990) I had some reservations. I wasn't so keen to read a book about a priest. I must tell true: I have no vaguest interest in the church. I honestly don't. So I was amazed how Warren actually made a lot of the text interesting, when I'd expected to skip over large chunks. The writing makes it interesting ... like The Da Vinci Code, sure, it's about the church in a way ... but much more about the people in, and behind, the church.
The conflicts of interest, clashes of ego, the arrogance of some, the ambition of others. This is what makes the book tick. Father Tom is a very young priest working in a little town in the Rocky Mountains. The location fascinated me at once. Doing community work, he finds himself trying to drag a gorgeous half-caste Blackfoot, Vidal, back from the brink of self-destruction. The Native American aspect was the second thing that got me fascinated. Cottonwood is an interesting town with well-drawn characters, and Vidal is the most "living" of them all.
Turns out, Warren is from Montana, so her depiction of the region is spot-on for those who live there, and most evocative for folks who'd like to visit. I often wonder if Vidal was based on someone she knew. He's very real. And he has even more to teach Father Tom than Tom has to teach him, because it turns out, Tom is gay as well as Catholic, and a priest to top it off.
The story concerns this town, its people ... priest and tearaway gay Blackfoot dancer. It's a love story, and a satisfying one. One likes this book and its characters. For example, Vidal's parents -- his father, a cop with a sharp sense of humor -- and the contrast between these people and Father Tom's own parents.
When you finish The Fancy Dancer, it's the characters you remember, and the fact the book has a lot of good things to say -- about being human, and gay, and a priest; and finding ways to be "good" in each one of those categories. No surprise, the book was a bestseller in hardback before it went into paperback.
Highly recommended, especially for teens. AG's rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
April 12, 2008
this is one of those books that's from the 70's and uses the word "homosexual lifestyle" without irony on the back of the cover. it's actually beautifully written, at least prose-wise. it's kinda tragic, with it's bad-boy alcoholic Native American main character and the white do-gooder priest but the characters are a little more than that, in a way which is complex and emotional. kinda brokeback mountain a little bit. not the short story, but the movie. i kinda like homosexual male fiction from pre-AIDS decades. kinda tragic and kinda pornographic, but withouth the huge larger implications that AIDS brought to gay fiction later on.
July 20, 2012
I thought this was a great gay romance novel from the 70s. I didn't know what to expect and usually I like novels with a little more vivid sex but I actually found this one very sweet. I loved how the relationship developed between the characters and how the main character struggled with his homosexuality. It was a great plot and very readable for anyone because its focuses on love and not sex. I haven't really found a book from this decade that I have actually liked just because of the writing style of the time but I was really impressed with this one.
September 13, 2007
I read this book when I was going through a tough time with my religious beliefs and feel that it was very comforting in a way. It is the story of a young american indian who is in love with his parish priest. Easily relatable for any Catholic who has had a crush on a person of authority or who has been seduced by a person in authority. It is well written and having spent many summers on an American Indian Refuge as a child/teen I really liked this book on many levels.
July 16, 2024
The biggest strength this book has is its character work, with a strong main couple that can stand as independent characters. Warren provides a very interesting exploration of the intersections of sexuality and religion. Although the writing moves a bit too fast at times, I was engaged for the whole story. Definitely makes me want to explore this era of gay fiction more.
October 31, 2015
Hated The Front Runner but found The Fancy Dancer to be exceptional. Very compelling characters.
September 22, 2019
I wish I could give this book more stars. A compelling read and powerful subject matter. I really felt like I was reading about someone's life and personal experiences rather than a novel.
June 12, 2024
DIOS QUÉ LIBRO.
Ojalá se pudieran poner medias estrellas en Goodreads.
Un 9 sobre 10 ⭐🥳
No me esperaba para nada encontrarme con un libro tan increíble. Me ha encantado.
Siempre ando en busca de buenos libros de romance gay, y sobre todo me gustan aquellos en los que hay "quebraderos de cabeza".
En este caso, encuentro el mayor enigma de todos. Un sacerdote de veintitantos en los años 70 que es devoto hasta la médula pero que, tras conocer a un indio que vive en su pueblo, empieza a dudar de todo aquello en lo que ha creído toda su vida. Duda de Dios, de la iglesia, de su vocación.
Creo que este libro tiene unos mensajes muy importantes sobre la aceptación, la familia, la visión de la iglesia en cuanto a la homosexualidad, y todo lo que gira entorno a ello. Me han encantado las reflexiones del padre Tom, y me ha embriagado muchísimo Vidal. Me encanta la pareja que hacen.
El final me ha recordado un poco a Fleabag, no voy a mentir. Es un buen final, me ha gustado, aunque no lo imaginaba así.
En definitiva, me ha gustado muchísimo. Yo, que tantas dudas existenciales tengo con respecto a la iglesia, me he sentido muy arropada por este libro.
"Yo era el vacío y él, el espíritu en movimiento sobre el rostro de las profundidades. En mi principio, su rostro y su cuerpo eran la Palabra hecha carne"
Ojalá se pudieran poner medias estrellas en Goodreads.
Un 9 sobre 10 ⭐🥳
No me esperaba para nada encontrarme con un libro tan increíble. Me ha encantado.
Siempre ando en busca de buenos libros de romance gay, y sobre todo me gustan aquellos en los que hay "quebraderos de cabeza".
En este caso, encuentro el mayor enigma de todos. Un sacerdote de veintitantos en los años 70 que es devoto hasta la médula pero que, tras conocer a un indio que vive en su pueblo, empieza a dudar de todo aquello en lo que ha creído toda su vida. Duda de Dios, de la iglesia, de su vocación.
Creo que este libro tiene unos mensajes muy importantes sobre la aceptación, la familia, la visión de la iglesia en cuanto a la homosexualidad, y todo lo que gira entorno a ello. Me han encantado las reflexiones del padre Tom, y me ha embriagado muchísimo Vidal. Me encanta la pareja que hacen.
El final me ha recordado un poco a Fleabag, no voy a mentir. Es un buen final, me ha gustado, aunque no lo imaginaba así.
En definitiva, me ha gustado muchísimo. Yo, que tantas dudas existenciales tengo con respecto a la iglesia, me he sentido muy arropada por este libro.
"Yo era el vacío y él, el espíritu en movimiento sobre el rostro de las profundidades. En mi principio, su rostro y su cuerpo eran la Palabra hecha carne"
January 31, 2021
4 stars
First published in the ‘70s, this period piece (I refuse to use historical, makes me feel old!), tells the story of a Catholic priest struggling with his recent realization of his sexuality and his ability to be a good and authentic priest. He frequently questions his ability to absolve his patron’s sins, when he considers himself a sinner.
I went into this book thinking it was a typical taboo MM romance; but it isn’t. Living the 70’s through Father Tom’s eyes and experiences, gives this gay fiction piece something extra. Having taken place prior to the knowledge of AIDS, the story focuses just on a priest trying to reconcile his desire to comfort and counsel the sick and bereaved, with his desire to experience his new found sexuality and love.
At 28, Father Tom does get a taste of a secret relationship and more of a life outside the rectory. (All sex is off-page.)
It was a little disconcerting, as a reader in the 21st century, to know what the 80’s brought, while the author and her characters were blissfully unaware.
First published in the ‘70s, this period piece (I refuse to use historical, makes me feel old!), tells the story of a Catholic priest struggling with his recent realization of his sexuality and his ability to be a good and authentic priest. He frequently questions his ability to absolve his patron’s sins, when he considers himself a sinner.
I went into this book thinking it was a typical taboo MM romance; but it isn’t. Living the 70’s through Father Tom’s eyes and experiences, gives this gay fiction piece something extra. Having taken place prior to the knowledge of AIDS, the story focuses just on a priest trying to reconcile his desire to comfort and counsel the sick and bereaved, with his desire to experience his new found sexuality and love.
At 28, Father Tom does get a taste of a secret relationship and more of a life outside the rectory. (All sex is off-page.)
It was a little disconcerting, as a reader in the 21st century, to know what the 80’s brought, while the author and her characters were blissfully unaware.
September 18, 2018
When you revisit an old friend it is wonderful
I just finished rereading the Fancy Dancer for the first time in Several decades...it was refreshing to find the characters still alive and real and timeless. The book was a reminding walk through the trials and tribulations of being Gay in the great State of Montana in the 70's...the book is as current to day as it was when it was written...the names have changed, the technology more advanced but the emotions and feelings are as real now 4 decades later as they were the year it was written. Ms. Nell-Warren writes from the heart and experience as a child of small town Montana and share the beauty of it Her words and prose. If you have read it before read it again with eyes of today's society,if you have not read it before do so, for the history and humanity it it shares.
I just finished rereading the Fancy Dancer for the first time in Several decades...it was refreshing to find the characters still alive and real and timeless. The book was a reminding walk through the trials and tribulations of being Gay in the great State of Montana in the 70's...the book is as current to day as it was when it was written...the names have changed, the technology more advanced but the emotions and feelings are as real now 4 decades later as they were the year it was written. Ms. Nell-Warren writes from the heart and experience as a child of small town Montana and share the beauty of it Her words and prose. If you have read it before read it again with eyes of today's society,if you have not read it before do so, for the history and humanity it it shares.
July 28, 2018
"A Very Deep Story Of Knowing One's Self"
This is another engaging story by one of the best gay authors who educates us all in the struggles of LGBT people. This story is introduced by Reverend Troy Perry, Founder and Moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Churches. This story was written 20 years ago and Perry finds it fresh and timely considering today's headlines. Enjoy the story of Catholic Priest Tom Meeker whose life is changed forever. A wonderful, uplifting story of acceptance of one's self.
This is another engaging story by one of the best gay authors who educates us all in the struggles of LGBT people. This story is introduced by Reverend Troy Perry, Founder and Moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Churches. This story was written 20 years ago and Perry finds it fresh and timely considering today's headlines. Enjoy the story of Catholic Priest Tom Meeker whose life is changed forever. A wonderful, uplifting story of acceptance of one's self.
October 8, 2022
A story of sexual awakening in smalltown Montana in the mid 1970s.
Tom, a young catholic priest begins what starts as a friendship with a young ex con mechanic, Vidal. Over time it transforms into Tom's first homosexual experience.
The book explores Tom's relationship with both the church and his new sexuality.
An interesting book.
Tom, a young catholic priest begins what starts as a friendship with a young ex con mechanic, Vidal. Over time it transforms into Tom's first homosexual experience.
The book explores Tom's relationship with both the church and his new sexuality.
An interesting book.
May 8, 2019
Like The Front Runner, this is about discovering a true authentic self. This time rather than the setting being track, it is the Catholic church. I liked the discussion of faith and what it means to serve. It does feel dated, but a goos yarn.
July 22, 2019
A great pleasure. Creates a world that I wasn’t ready to leave when the book ended. A world of intelligent and emotionally available people coping with the messiness of life even when most people are trying their best to do what’s right as their circumstances allow them.
June 9, 2017
Excellent book that deals with the struggles of religion and sexuality
Read
December 4, 2020Read it several decades ago. Don't remember much about the plot except to say that it was on the conventional side. Not as good as "The Front Runner" in my opinion.
January 2, 2024
Porque no se habla lo suficiente de esta historia?
November 17, 2024
1976. There is a sense and style to these 1970s era stories about gay men finding themselves that is hopeful and thrilling. This is an enjoyable story with some healthy tension and drama.
June 22, 2025
I adored this book. There were no experiences in the book that I'm familiar with at all other than the vague feeling of imposter syndrome, so there wasn't anything in my history which helped me in particular to judge any aspect of it outside of general enjoyment.
As this was focused solely on Tom and his journey into questioning and finally accepting his identity, there wasn't much character development with others. They were very much all just part of the background, only appearing to move the plot forward. However, this didn't bother me as this was ultimately a character study.
This book was quite poignant and the author did a great job really expressing the conflicting emotions that Tom had regarding his faith, particularly the guilt and shame at feeling like his true self wasn't compatible with his role as the father of his church. But also the beauty of accepting that religion can coexist within himself as a gay man. Which isn't something that reflected the world when this was originally published in 1977. Or even when it was rereleased on the 20th anniversary in the 90s. Hell, even today there are sects within Christianity where being within the LGBTQ+ community can exhibit hateful and violent responses. Trans panic defence, anyone?
But I don't need to discuss my feelings of religion but acknowledge that even though the characters beliefs and faiths don't reflect mine, this was well written enough that it was never an issue I felt I had to address.
Would definitely recommend
As this was focused solely on Tom and his journey into questioning and finally accepting his identity, there wasn't much character development with others. They were very much all just part of the background, only appearing to move the plot forward. However, this didn't bother me as this was ultimately a character study.
This book was quite poignant and the author did a great job really expressing the conflicting emotions that Tom had regarding his faith, particularly the guilt and shame at feeling like his true self wasn't compatible with his role as the father of his church. But also the beauty of accepting that religion can coexist within himself as a gay man. Which isn't something that reflected the world when this was originally published in 1977. Or even when it was rereleased on the 20th anniversary in the 90s. Hell, even today there are sects within Christianity where being within the LGBTQ+ community can exhibit hateful and violent responses. Trans panic defence, anyone?
But I don't need to discuss my feelings of religion but acknowledge that even though the characters beliefs and faiths don't reflect mine, this was well written enough that it was never an issue I felt I had to address.
Would definitely recommend
March 17, 2025
Re-read after several years. The ending, which I had forgotten, came as something of a shock: rather wistful, hopeful, and sadly presaging the AIDS epidemic that would soon sweep homosexual communities in California and New York.
Fresh and unsparing, sensitive and respectful, the characters are well-drawn and likeable.
Fresh and unsparing, sensitive and respectful, the characters are well-drawn and likeable.
October 28, 2021
i can only read this as anacleto x father keough fanfiction buuut… this is not a problem
(actually a page turner……… silly tom…)
(actually a page turner……… silly tom…)
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