Status
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Description
A classic, hilarious coming out novel about growing up in the 1960s--can Benson be both gay and Catholic? Gay and happy? What do you do when you're fat, 14, and your obsessions include the Catholic Church, doing the right thing, scones and sweets, and other boys and their private parts? Well, if you're Benson, you panic and flee, hiding from the flesh as a novice in a monastery. Alas, St. Finbar's monastery is as full of temptation as the grammar school he'd left behind. The devils of desire find Benson once again and throw him back into the world from which he'd tried to escape. Returned to school, Benson is still trying to square the circle of his conflicting enthusiasms and desires. This comic epic is a warm, funny, and bold reminder of just how new, and superficial, sexual tolerance in contemporary society really is.… (more)
User reviews
Martin Benson is a gay British teenager seeking some reason for his desires. He only sees these desires in stark contrast to his strict Catholicism and seeks to 'root out the evil' through prayer and cloistering in a pre-seminary with other young men. Instead he finds the same temptations there as well and ultimately leaves there for the relative comforts of home. After an initial adjustment period 'where everyone knows' and what a 'failure he is', he meets Andy, a gay man that introduces him to gay sex with exciting results. Then he meets Clitherow, a smart but aloof schoolmate. They form a bond of friendship and later more. Through it all Benson grows less sure of God's hand and more sure of his own sexuality.
The book is a bit tough to get through due to the over religious nature of the main character and how he filters everything through these beliefs. Not to say it was unrealistic. In fact it seemed to even be a bit autobiographical. But I kept waiting for Benson to grow in self awareness and finally throw of the opressive yoke and embrace life.
All in all, a good first effort. I am looking forward to the next installment in the story!