[A7M]≫ Read Free Quatrefoil James Barr 9780932870162 Books

Quatrefoil James Barr 9780932870162 Books

Download As PDF : Quatrefoil James Barr 9780932870162 Books

Quatrefoil James Barr 9780932870162 Books

I read this book 40 years ago, and didn't remember much about it, other than that it is a classic among LGBT literature. Bought and read it again last month (a far easier and quicker read than I remember it being the first time). Beautifully written using elegant and descriptive language that I fear is probably dying away in today's world, it evokes a vision of this post-WWII world before Stonewall and other "gay world" advances. But one shouldn't limit this short novel's importance to gay sensibilities; it paints beautiful pictures of a time when we were ALL very, very different.


Tags : Quatrefoil [James Barr] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Book by Barr, James,James Barr,Quatrefoil,Alyson Publications (1995),0932870163,VIN0932870163

Quatrefoil James Barr 9780932870162 Books Reviews

"Quatrefoil," a novel by James Barr, tells the story of Phillip Froelich, an ensign in the United States Navy. The novel take place in 1946, just after World War II, mainly in Seattle, San Francisco, and Oklahoma. As the story opens the headstrong young Froelich is facing a court martial for insubordination. Soon his life and fate become entwined with that of Lieutenant Commander Timothy Danelaw, a fellow naval officer; their powerful bond dominates the story. The novel's homosexual theme is introduced early on (page 10) as two characters discuss Oscar Wilde, and specifically Wilde as a homosexual.

The 1991 new edition published by Alyson includes an introduction by Samuel M. Steward and an epilogue by the author. In his intro Steward notes that the book was published in 1950. "Quatrefoil" is a fascinating portrait of a gay male relationship in the 1940s, and the fact that it was first published in 1950 makes the text a sort of historical document itself. AT 373 pages, the book is substantial. The breadth of Barr's novelistic vision gives the book at times a genuine epic feel. The story is not just about the two principal characters, but also encompasses a multigenerational family saga as well as both military and civilian lives, in war and in peace.

While consistently intriguing and well-written, the book is not wholly satisfying. At times I found the dialogue excessively mannered, and often I found the characters and the central relationship to be too enigmatic. Still, there are some really vivid scenes and expertly rendered descriptive passages. The novel is also extremely valuable as a window into a gay men's world that existed long before the Stonewall riots, civil unions, and other societal changes. Overall, a remarkable book that deserves a wide audience.
The quality and depth of this gay novel is seldom seen in comtempory gay literature.The characters themselves are profound and intellectual which makes them very real and admirable.The story reflects the trials and difficulties gay people in the 40's had to endure. Save this book. You will read it several times over. Would make one of the best gay movies ever along the lines of Brokeback Mountain.
1950's gay romance novel. Typical 1950's ending.
Fine portrait of the times gone.
I was surprised at how turly "modern" a novel it is. A finely rendered story of a young Naval officer coming to an understanding acceptance of his homosexuality. The first novel to portray gay men in such a positive light. A must read on so many levels.
.

XXXX SPOILERS AHEAD XXXX SPOILERS AHEAD XXXX SPOILERS AHEAD XXXX

Very good coverage of this story has already been provided, but at this point in the flow of these few reviews, let me* share my thoughts on what our author has given us.

Here we have a tale of extremely ethereal love.....and I mean love on the highest planes. Perhaps our early 20s protagonist (Phillip) and his mid-30s mentor (Timothy) should be pictured by we readers as two philosophers.......but further than that, as two philosophers having a relationship and making love in the fog.......and yet further, doing it in slow motion. Or, as well, you might see it as the story of a very young man (emotionally stunted and distressed) who, though he will never be heterosexually happy, must be "philosophized" out of the closet by a considerably older gay man. He must be "talked into" being gay, as it were.

If, in advance of purchasing and reading this novel, you are hoping for even a kiss (and description thereof), between our two main characters, you will be sorely disappointed. And, of course, as I'm sure was a necessity for most stories of queer (must use the right term for those times) love in the postwar 1940s, the ending has to result in death and heartbreak.

*This coming from someone who, while college educated long ago with a number of English courses and a writing class or two, never has thought himself capable of successfully writing (aren't we the ones who make the loudest reviewers?)
A classic coming out story. It is amazing that seaweed can assume so many interesting forms. Sexuality is not defined by sex.
I read this book 40 years ago, and didn't remember much about it, other than that it is a classic among LGBT literature. Bought and read it again last month (a far easier and quicker read than I remember it being the first time). Beautifully written using elegant and descriptive language that I fear is probably dying away in today's world, it evokes a vision of this post-WWII world before Stonewall and other "gay world" advances. But one shouldn't limit this short novel's importance to gay sensibilities; it paints beautiful pictures of a time when we were ALL very, very different.