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Paperback
Publisher: Plume
This novel takes place almost entirely in a backstreet homosexual bar frequented by a motley collection of world-weary regulars. The bar is presided over by the owner, Madame, who looks after her boys, ensuring that the haven remains inviolate. Then one day an innocent young man walks in.
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| I loved the unique story |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
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The older/younger gay relationship is illustrated as two gays meet in a bar somewhere in Britain. 'O'being the older and boy, the younger. A tender and beautiful relationship evolves and most of it takes place in this neighbourhood bar where the the matron is called Mom. There are stage performances if you wish.
An underlying sub-plot is the murdering of gay men.
This is a tender, poignant story of two people who cannot believe that they have found each other and in a final scene they want to express their own love for each other on stage.
Surprising ending. Great reading.
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| Genet made jejeune |
| Customer Rating: 2 out of 5 |
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Neil Bartlett's derivative novel from the late 1990s involves a beautiful boy (hilariously here called "Boy") who finds true ecstasy in the burly arms of "O" (for "Older Man") whom he meets in the Gay Bar to End All Gay Bars, all under the approving eye of "Madame" who runs the place. As with Genet, whom Bartlett slavishly imitates, the characters are supposed to be archetypes (hence the silly names) and everything is supposed to be translated to a cosmic scale, as if these were personages out of the zodiac; unlike with Genet's work, however, everything here seems more than a little banal and predictable. It's hard to work up much interest in any of these characters since they do nothing much out of the ordinary.
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| Don't waste your time |
| Customer Rating: 1 out of 5 |
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This novel is just another one of those 90s works written by people more or less "gay subculture oriented" (as Bruce Bawer would call it) which are not really worth the paper they got printed on. The silly plot consists of the usual mix of weird things (gay bars and their strange patrons, silly ideas about homosexuality and lots of sex and psychological problems) that can be very dangerous for a young man/teen who happens to be gay and possibly reads a book like this to get some answers. I've wasted my time when I was about 17 reading this book, don't repeat my mistake!
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| A celebration of love! |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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This book transcends my expectation. Its is lyrical, unique and possesses a raw honesty which imprisons me from the very beginning. The main characters, "BOY", "O", "Mother" and even "Father" are absolutely fascinating. The love between "BOY" and "O" is conveyed lucidly without any barrier or qualm. I will always remember "Ready to Catch Him Should He Fall" because it is so stunningly unique. It is disappointing that this book is out of print and could not be enjoyed by all of us who appreciate a real gay romance.
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| A Stunning Tour de Force |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
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There is not much left to say after Mr. Clark's exhaustive and thoughtful review. I concur whole-heartedly. This is one of the best contemporary novels that I have read. I was amazed at the evolution of the plot and characters. There is a depth here that deserves respect and reading. You do not have to be gay to be touched by this book. It probably would have worked with totally straight characters. Its message and appeal are universal. Look past the drag and the leather and you will find a gripping account of the search for love, a need that we all share. Even more touchingly, you will see how and where that search proceeds and ends.
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