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Thin Ice
Perhaps it was strange that George Gaymer should have become a friend of Henry Fortescue at Oxford in the last years of the 19th century. Politically they were poles apart. Henry, already President of the Union, had a brilliant future before him; George was good hearted but mediocre. Above all, Henry was a homosexual; George was not. Yet George's loyal friendship stood many tests across more than forty years, and was reliable when that of Henry's own kind proved transitory or even treacherous.
Absorbed in Eastern politics and Empire problems, Henry suppressed his homosexual inclinations. Regarding discretion as impossible, he chose complete self-denial, for he had no intention, as he once confided to George, of walking about on thin ice. Thus, for years after he got into Parliament, he was caution incarnate. But his failure to gain Cabinet office was so bitter a disappointment that, in search of some anodyne, he was tempted to throw discretion to the winds.
As the scene changes from London to Morocco, from Hampshire to Kenya, and then to the Seychelles and Somerset, we follow the course of Henry's life through the perplexed, often apprehensive, eyes of George Gaymer. And we cannot but admire Compton Mackenzie's extraordinarily delicate handling of his theme, the skill with which he evokes the passage of eventful years and maintains suspense to the very end. Seldom have his outstanding gifts as a novelist been displayed to such advantage. - From the First Edition dust jacket.
Absorbed in Eastern politics and Empire problems, Henry suppressed his homosexual inclinations. Regarding discretion as impossible, he chose complete self-denial, for he had no intention, as he once confided to George, of walking about on thin ice. Thus, for years after he got into Parliament, he was caution incarnate. But his failure to gain Cabinet office was so bitter a disappointment that, in search of some anodyne, he was tempted to throw discretion to the winds.
As the scene changes from London to Morocco, from Hampshire to Kenya, and then to the Seychelles and Somerset, we follow the course of Henry's life through the perplexed, often apprehensive, eyes of George Gaymer. And we cannot but admire Compton Mackenzie's extraordinarily delicate handling of his theme, the skill with which he evokes the passage of eventful years and maintains suspense to the very end. Seldom have his outstanding gifts as a novelist been displayed to such advantage. - From the First Edition dust jacket.
191 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1956
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About the author
Compton Mackenzie
210 books83 followersCompton Mackenzie was born into a theatrical family. His father, Edward Compton, was an actor and theatre company manager; his sister, Fay Compton, starred in many of James M. Barrie's plays, including Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up. He was educated at St Paul's School and Magdalen College, Oxford where he obtained a degree in Modern History.
Mackenzie was married three times and aside from his writing also worked as an actor, political activist, and broadcaster. He served with British Intelligence in the Eastern Mediterranean during World War I, later publishing four books on his experiences. Compton Mackenzie was from 1920–1923 Tenant of Herm and Jethou and he shares many similarities to the central character in D.H. Lawrence's short story The Man Who Loved Islands, despite Lawrence saying "the man is no more he than I am." Mackenzie at first asked Secker, who published both authors, not to print the story and it was left out of one collection.
Mackenzie was married three times and aside from his writing also worked as an actor, political activist, and broadcaster. He served with British Intelligence in the Eastern Mediterranean during World War I, later publishing four books on his experiences. Compton Mackenzie was from 1920–1923 Tenant of Herm and Jethou and he shares many similarities to the central character in D.H. Lawrence's short story The Man Who Loved Islands, despite Lawrence saying "the man is no more he than I am." Mackenzie at first asked Secker, who published both authors, not to print the story and it was left out of one collection.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 11, 2024
3.5, rounded up.
An intriguing novel from 1956, looking at the life of one Henry Fortesque, a homosexual politician, thorough the lens of George Gaymer, his straight best friend, over the course of some 50 years. Naturally, much of the focus is on the risks of that time for blackmail and incarceration, and the narrator is constantly urging discretion and sublimation of Henry's inclinations. It's a quick and interesting view of the time, but Henry remains something of a cipher, and there is far too much detail about the political wranglings of the era for my taste.
An intriguing novel from 1956, looking at the life of one Henry Fortesque, a homosexual politician, thorough the lens of George Gaymer, his straight best friend, over the course of some 50 years. Naturally, much of the focus is on the risks of that time for blackmail and incarceration, and the narrator is constantly urging discretion and sublimation of Henry's inclinations. It's a quick and interesting view of the time, but Henry remains something of a cipher, and there is far too much detail about the political wranglings of the era for my taste.
July 19, 2025
An excellent shorter novel that punches above its weight.
The perspective is that of the puzzled friend, who observes the homosexual “temperament,” and does not understand but is generally supportive. This is as close as we get to a gay novel — back in the day (1950s). The friend is even outraged how the law, in effect, exposes people to blackmail.
The perspective is that of the puzzled friend, who observes the homosexual “temperament,” and does not understand but is generally supportive. This is as close as we get to a gay novel — back in the day (1950s). The friend is even outraged how the law, in effect, exposes people to blackmail.
February 26, 2014
This forgotten novel of 1956 by the prolific English author Compton Mackenzie—himself also nearly forgotten—is an artifact of another time when it was necessary, both in England and the U.S., for authors to write about homosexuality with an "extraordinarily delicate handling of his theme." Mackenzie tiptoes all around it in the book. George Gaymer (did Mackenzie actually choose this name deliberately?) is a straight writer who forms a life-long best-friendship with Henry, a gay politician. He follows Henry's career for more than forty years, constantly criticizing him for his affairs with younger boys. George never accepts that Henry is unchangeably different and wastes much effort to get Henry to agree to sublimate his sexual desires—right up to the end of Henry's life. "All he [George] would ask is that I [Henry] should be discreet. And that's what I was intending to be until I realized that for me discretion was impossible. It had to be complete self-denial, or complete surrender. And walking about forever on thin ice does not appeal to me."
If Mackenzie is ultimately unable to accept, as articulated by his character George, he at least is fiercely critical in his novel of England's notorious anti-gay laws, which persisted in their full horror until the 1960s, only disappearing finally in the 1980s. As has been written about by many others, the central effect of these laws was to make homosexual behavior worse in the eyes of the law than blackmail. It doesn't take an expert to realize that that would lead, and did, to the destruction of many lives, a great many through suicide. Thin Ice effectively portrays what happens when merely the threat of blackmail can destroy a life, when appealing to the police is impossible, where you were left to take action against the blackmailer yourself or with the help of friends.
Mackenzie writes with sensitivity, but as was so typical of the 1950s, without unqualified acceptance. There is irony here. Mackenzie wrote a hilarious social comedy Vestal Fire in 1927, which excitingly describes the homosexual scene in 1920s Capri, the "island of pleasure." There is a touch of envy in this earlier, younger book, and the reader wonders how the author knew so much about what was going on in the villa gardens and coastal grottoes under the radiant moonlight! The contrast in attitude between that earlier novel and Thin Ice is stark. It's due to different geographies and different cultures.
Well...enough...Thin Ice is only historically interesting. In his Lost Gay Novels: A Reference Guide to Fifty Works from the First Half of the Twentieth Century, Anthony Slide mentions it briefly in a review of Vestal Fire; otherwise, it has disappeared.
Mackenzie, I think, would agree to let Virgil encapsulate the main theme of Thin Ice as: "formosum pastor Corydon ardebat Alixim, delicas domini."
If Mackenzie is ultimately unable to accept, as articulated by his character George, he at least is fiercely critical in his novel of England's notorious anti-gay laws, which persisted in their full horror until the 1960s, only disappearing finally in the 1980s. As has been written about by many others, the central effect of these laws was to make homosexual behavior worse in the eyes of the law than blackmail. It doesn't take an expert to realize that that would lead, and did, to the destruction of many lives, a great many through suicide. Thin Ice effectively portrays what happens when merely the threat of blackmail can destroy a life, when appealing to the police is impossible, where you were left to take action against the blackmailer yourself or with the help of friends.
Mackenzie writes with sensitivity, but as was so typical of the 1950s, without unqualified acceptance. There is irony here. Mackenzie wrote a hilarious social comedy Vestal Fire in 1927, which excitingly describes the homosexual scene in 1920s Capri, the "island of pleasure." There is a touch of envy in this earlier, younger book, and the reader wonders how the author knew so much about what was going on in the villa gardens and coastal grottoes under the radiant moonlight! The contrast in attitude between that earlier novel and Thin Ice is stark. It's due to different geographies and different cultures.
Well...enough...Thin Ice is only historically interesting. In his Lost Gay Novels: A Reference Guide to Fifty Works from the First Half of the Twentieth Century, Anthony Slide mentions it briefly in a review of Vestal Fire; otherwise, it has disappeared.
Mackenzie, I think, would agree to let Virgil encapsulate the main theme of Thin Ice as: "formosum pastor Corydon ardebat Alixim, delicas domini."
May 17, 2017
A late, excellent Mackenzie novel. 1956. Narrated by the central character's boyhood friend over the period from 1896 to 1941, with a 1942 prologue and a 1955 postscript, this gives wonderful insights into characters, opinions, and events. An unexpected joy.
Copied from a Penguin Books blog:
"Henry Fortescue is an appealing character: he is forthright, capable and determined, and exceptionally attractive to women, but they hold no interest for him, as his inclinations are the other way.
We know from the beginning that Henry Fortescue will be killed in the Blitz at the age of 62, having failed to reach the level of success predicted for him in his youth. It had always seemed evident that Henry was destined for great things, and perhaps no one was more certain of his vocation and assured future than Henry himself, for he had charm and talent, and very definite views on how to maintain Britain's position in the world and avoid war in Europe. He had his career mapped in advance: a few notable speeches while at Balliol to ensure his election as President of the Union, followed by a good showing on behalf of the Unionist party in an unwinnable seat, and then the reward of a safe constituency, with the interim years spent travelling widely in order to build up his knowledge and expertise. He was aiming for a position in the Cabinet, and ultimately the Prime Ministership, and nothing was to be allowed to interfere with his progress. He was determined to sublimate his homosexual inclinations, and practise absolute self denial.
And it is never clear exactly what goes wrong. Perhaps he had made enemies, or perhaps he had been aligned with the wrong faction within his party, but by middle-age he found himself overlooked for promotion with his career stalled, and this makes him bitter about the experiences he had denied himself on account of his ambition. Failure induces a recklessness in his behaviour which the narrator finds shocking. But a middle-aged homosexual is also being presented as a rather tragic figure, for he admits himself that a man in his position must pay for attention. It is being suggested that the same factors which drive other men to drink, drive Henry to imprudently seek the company of younger men.
The aspect I enjoyed most was the detail sketched out in the background to this story of the impact of Henry's homosexuality upon his family and friends. Compton Mackenzie provides a survey of the political events of the final years of the 19th Century and the first forty years of the 20th, focusing both on England and on the Empire, with the scene shifting between London, Morocco, Kenya and the Seychelles. The passage of time is conveyed through the rhythms of political life, with specific references to general elections, the political personalities of those years, and questions in the House on contemporary topics of interest such as Irish Home Rule and tariff reform, providing some perspective on the times in which his story is set."
Copied from a Penguin Books blog:
"Henry Fortescue is an appealing character: he is forthright, capable and determined, and exceptionally attractive to women, but they hold no interest for him, as his inclinations are the other way.
We know from the beginning that Henry Fortescue will be killed in the Blitz at the age of 62, having failed to reach the level of success predicted for him in his youth. It had always seemed evident that Henry was destined for great things, and perhaps no one was more certain of his vocation and assured future than Henry himself, for he had charm and talent, and very definite views on how to maintain Britain's position in the world and avoid war in Europe. He had his career mapped in advance: a few notable speeches while at Balliol to ensure his election as President of the Union, followed by a good showing on behalf of the Unionist party in an unwinnable seat, and then the reward of a safe constituency, with the interim years spent travelling widely in order to build up his knowledge and expertise. He was aiming for a position in the Cabinet, and ultimately the Prime Ministership, and nothing was to be allowed to interfere with his progress. He was determined to sublimate his homosexual inclinations, and practise absolute self denial.
And it is never clear exactly what goes wrong. Perhaps he had made enemies, or perhaps he had been aligned with the wrong faction within his party, but by middle-age he found himself overlooked for promotion with his career stalled, and this makes him bitter about the experiences he had denied himself on account of his ambition. Failure induces a recklessness in his behaviour which the narrator finds shocking. But a middle-aged homosexual is also being presented as a rather tragic figure, for he admits himself that a man in his position must pay for attention. It is being suggested that the same factors which drive other men to drink, drive Henry to imprudently seek the company of younger men.
The aspect I enjoyed most was the detail sketched out in the background to this story of the impact of Henry's homosexuality upon his family and friends. Compton Mackenzie provides a survey of the political events of the final years of the 19th Century and the first forty years of the 20th, focusing both on England and on the Empire, with the scene shifting between London, Morocco, Kenya and the Seychelles. The passage of time is conveyed through the rhythms of political life, with specific references to general elections, the political personalities of those years, and questions in the House on contemporary topics of interest such as Irish Home Rule and tariff reform, providing some perspective on the times in which his story is set."
February 19, 2019
This intriguing short novel tells the story of a homosexual British Conservative politician, through the eyes of his adoring (straight) male close friend. This being the first half of the 20th century, the politician's orientation has to be kept clandestine, as his proclivities are illegal and their falling into the public eye would be a scandal. The story is essentially a tragedy, as his homosexuality stops the politician from achieving office, and this underachievement drives him to more and more risky behaviours.
This portrait of homosexuality by a straight, Catholic writer is sympathetic to an extent - we never feel that it is anything more than a troublesome affliction. For the protagonist, homosexuality is all about the sexual pursuit of young men - once he reaches middle-age, it never occurs to him to set up with someone his own age. The young men are thinly sketched, and portrayed as creatures rising from a netherworld to trouble the lives of the well-educated, well-connected men at the centre of the story.
There's a good deal of sub-plot involving the colonies, the politician's heterosexual brother and his dissatisfied wife. This part of the novel hasn't dated well, but the portrait of a man who never reaches his potential due to his sexuality is a decent insight into what must have been true of many at the time.
This portrait of homosexuality by a straight, Catholic writer is sympathetic to an extent - we never feel that it is anything more than a troublesome affliction. For the protagonist, homosexuality is all about the sexual pursuit of young men - once he reaches middle-age, it never occurs to him to set up with someone his own age. The young men are thinly sketched, and portrayed as creatures rising from a netherworld to trouble the lives of the well-educated, well-connected men at the centre of the story.
There's a good deal of sub-plot involving the colonies, the politician's heterosexual brother and his dissatisfied wife. This part of the novel hasn't dated well, but the portrait of a man who never reaches his potential due to his sexuality is a decent insight into what must have been true of many at the time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2025
This is an intriguing piece of shiny polished glass jettisonned and forgotten on the literary beach of the 20th century.
It is a document of its time (1950s) when even authors found themselves on the titular thin ice when broaching the subject of homosexuality, having to take a moralistic tone.
As such it could have been tedious, but it was in fact surprisingly readable and engrossing; all in all quite charming despite everything.
While I realise it won't be for everyone, I enjoyed the widespread references to the politics of the time (even if most went over my head), though it is strange in that context that the rise of fascism in Europe is mostly ignored.
It is a document of its time (1950s) when even authors found themselves on the titular thin ice when broaching the subject of homosexuality, having to take a moralistic tone.
As such it could have been tedious, but it was in fact surprisingly readable and engrossing; all in all quite charming despite everything.
While I realise it won't be for everyone, I enjoyed the widespread references to the politics of the time (even if most went over my head), though it is strange in that context that the rise of fascism in Europe is mostly ignored.
December 22, 2019
Thin Ice is the story of a friendship that lasts for almost 45 years beginning at the end of the 19th century in 1896. George Gaymer and Henry Fortescue meet at university and, despite markedly different natures and dispositions, become lifelong friends. Henry is confident, intelligent, sure of his future in domestic and international politics; George is quiet, undemonstrative, accommodating, and reliable. Henry is handsome and dashing and, as it turns out, homosexual. “So what?” would be the 21st century response and reaction, if any reaction at all. But this is the turn of the turn of the 19th century, when homosexuality was a crime punishable by life sentences in prison.
George is the first-person narrator of the story, which is written as a reflection of his sustained interactions with Henry over their lifetimes. Although at its core, this is a novel about a friendship, it is also a novel of family, of culture and tradition, of the landed gentry and class distinctions, of England’s colonial heyday, and of the global political environment as the world barely emerges from one world war, and faces another twenty years later.
Thus, given the time period, author Compton Mackenzie narrates a tale of rising peril and precariousness as Henry’s indiscretions, mild and secretive at first, gradually become more alarming and dangerous. His family and friends care for him, but attribute his “abnormal temperament” to some sort of character flaw which, if he puts his mind to it, he can overcome, marry, and produce an heir to continue the 400-year Fortescue lineage. Even George begs him to remedy his behavior.
As the men grow older and progress in their respective careers—Henry beginning in local politics with a soon-thwarted expectation that it would lead to high national office, and George passing the bar, but soon being able to afford the life of a gentleman of leisure—their friendship gets more severely tested. So, too, do Henry’s relationships with his parents and his brother. As his career stalls, Henry takes greater risks, but he still has moments of veering from silently honoring his nature to attempts at respecting the wishes of those who care about him.
Mackenzie describes Henry’s frustrations and struggles in poignant and delicate language—the uncontrollable urges, the torturous internal helplessness. Readers will feel great empathy for Henry, and also feel deeply for the warm—but misguided—concerns of friends and family who try and steer Henry back on course. George spares no effort to defend his friend’s behavior from attacks, but in guarded words that almost hint at self-deception.
Mackenzie’s writing is beautifully balanced. He displays a deft touch, perfectly conveying the sentiments of all characters, for and against Henry. Modern-minded readers soon lose their sense of belonging to a different time, and are transported to the mores and opinions of a society that existed over a hundred years ago.
George is the first-person narrator of the story, which is written as a reflection of his sustained interactions with Henry over their lifetimes. Although at its core, this is a novel about a friendship, it is also a novel of family, of culture and tradition, of the landed gentry and class distinctions, of England’s colonial heyday, and of the global political environment as the world barely emerges from one world war, and faces another twenty years later.
Thus, given the time period, author Compton Mackenzie narrates a tale of rising peril and precariousness as Henry’s indiscretions, mild and secretive at first, gradually become more alarming and dangerous. His family and friends care for him, but attribute his “abnormal temperament” to some sort of character flaw which, if he puts his mind to it, he can overcome, marry, and produce an heir to continue the 400-year Fortescue lineage. Even George begs him to remedy his behavior.
As the men grow older and progress in their respective careers—Henry beginning in local politics with a soon-thwarted expectation that it would lead to high national office, and George passing the bar, but soon being able to afford the life of a gentleman of leisure—their friendship gets more severely tested. So, too, do Henry’s relationships with his parents and his brother. As his career stalls, Henry takes greater risks, but he still has moments of veering from silently honoring his nature to attempts at respecting the wishes of those who care about him.
Mackenzie describes Henry’s frustrations and struggles in poignant and delicate language—the uncontrollable urges, the torturous internal helplessness. Readers will feel great empathy for Henry, and also feel deeply for the warm—but misguided—concerns of friends and family who try and steer Henry back on course. George spares no effort to defend his friend’s behavior from attacks, but in guarded words that almost hint at self-deception.
Mackenzie’s writing is beautifully balanced. He displays a deft touch, perfectly conveying the sentiments of all characters, for and against Henry. Modern-minded readers soon lose their sense of belonging to a different time, and are transported to the mores and opinions of a society that existed over a hundred years ago.
May 6, 2025
An unusual and daring book for the 1950s and a period of intense state homophobia.
I think I had probably only read the very funny Whiskey Galore before out of MacKenzie's prolific output.
This traces the long friendship and career of a homosexual Tory politician of style and ability who also has the strongest of imperialist loyalties. His career eventually hits the doldrums and he veers between long periods of losing himself in work and occasional relationships which leaves him prone to scandal. His admiring university friend, largely stays the course, though without much comprehension of his situation, leaving him cutting a lonely figure.
Largely unjudgmental and ahead of its time.
I think I had probably only read the very funny Whiskey Galore before out of MacKenzie's prolific output.
This traces the long friendship and career of a homosexual Tory politician of style and ability who also has the strongest of imperialist loyalties. His career eventually hits the doldrums and he veers between long periods of losing himself in work and occasional relationships which leaves him prone to scandal. His admiring university friend, largely stays the course, though without much comprehension of his situation, leaving him cutting a lonely figure.
Largely unjudgmental and ahead of its time.
July 4, 2025
This was first published in 1956. It would be another 11 years before homosexuality would be partially decriminalized. Of course books with sympathetic views of being gay had been published before this one, but perhaps not with the main gay character being a politician. But that may be me showing my ignorance.
A well written book that had me confused as to some of the political discussion. Are these Compton Mackenzie's views or is he being provocative? And would the views been as provocative in 1956, and in the period the book is set, as I find them now in 2025?
I enjoyed the book and just have reservations about the author. Perhaps I need a biography, though not, I think, the ten volume My Life and Times. Worth a read.
A well written book that had me confused as to some of the political discussion. Are these Compton Mackenzie's views or is he being provocative? And would the views been as provocative in 1956, and in the period the book is set, as I find them now in 2025?
I enjoyed the book and just have reservations about the author. Perhaps I need a biography, though not, I think, the ten volume My Life and Times. Worth a read.
January 6, 2022
mid 20th century take on the risks of being gay and upper class in England. Also interesting for the anti-imperialist slant. Enjoyable period detail.
February 10, 2023
A forgotten novel that deserves to be rediscovered.
maybe
March 4, 2019[image error]
Evan Morgan in Fiction : “Thin Ice” Compton 'Monty' Mackenzie ( 1956). Thinly disguised, semi autographical, featuring politician Henry Fortescue. Monty knew Evan well. Based on men that the author met on Capri & in the London club scene who hid their sexual preferences.
Evan Morgan in Fiction : “Thin Ice” Compton 'Monty' Mackenzie ( 1956). Thinly disguised, semi autographical, featuring politician Henry Fortescue. Monty knew Evan well. Based on men that the author met on Capri & in the London club scene who hid their sexual preferences.
February 9, 2016
Interesting for its setting and for the sotto voce address of important issues. Also some funny moments and desperately acute observations of people and the character of friendship.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews