A Boy's Own Story

A Novel

By: Edmund White

Narrated by: George Backman

Originally published in 1982 as the first of Edmund White's trilogy of autobiographical novels, A Boy's Own Story became an instant classic for its pioneering portrayal of homosexuality. The audiobook's unnamed narrator, growing up during the 1950s, is beset by aloof parents, a cruel sister, and relentless mocking from his peers, compelling him to seek out works of art and literature as solace-and to uncover new relationships in the struggle to embrace his own sexuality. Lyrical and poignant, with powerful evocations of shame and yearning, this is an American literary treasure.

©1997 Edmund White (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Teenage Titillation

Stumbling through denying his sexuality while taking every opportunity to explore it has the story wandering around a bit, but once he figures out his appeal, he seems to be unstoppable in his quest to understand how sexuality works.

I am not the right audience

I can see why this book is beloved, especially by the LGBTQIA community. I believe that Edmund White broke through some concrete walls with this story. Unfortunately it made me very uncomfortable -- not because it was LGBTQIA, but because it was a bit too explicit for me. I don't really enjoy sex scenes that are so vividly described -- straight or gay.

Gay experiences of a certain era

As a gay man, I assume I am the target audience. One who lived through some of the experiences described but for me, the books graphic quality made me uncomfortable. The writing, as the experience, is also of a certain period in literature. It’s a slow pace, overly described, trite dialog. The narrator doesn’t suit the cadence either.

Pioneering memoir/novel holds up pretty well

LGBTQ rights and cultural portrayals have changed so fast in my lifetime that sometimes the most radical of books/movies/TV shows of just a few years ago now seem horribly dated. That wasn't the case for this book, a sort of fictionalized memoir first published in the early 1980s. Certainly there are things that we can roll our eyes at these days, but this story is so matter of fact and so firmly placed in its own time and place, that while it can feel like an historical relic, it doesn't feel embarrassingly dated.

One of the greatest novels of all time

Beats Salinger's Catcher in the rye by huge strides. Absolutely astonishing novel for anyone who is interested in the story of a young man growing up in a homophobic America. Everyone bashes George Backman- absolutely unfairly. George Backman's voice conveys urgency, neurosis and gayness of a character very astutely. Excellent reading on all counts.

To much overthinking of intellectual words

I feel the writer wanted to seem more intelligent by using so many big words. It took the description of painting the scene, making it hard to keep up with the story line. Not even sure there was a story line in the first place.

Not the best

I have thoroughly enjoyed other Edmund White books I’ve read but this was a very unfortunate exception. Exceptionally boring and devoid of wit, one can’t help but despise this character. There is very little compelling the reader to appreciate this story as the narrator continues to relate every tale of his life like a sad, anemic version of holden caulfield with none of the charm or dynamism. I couldn’t make it to the end. The choice of narrator was unhelpful as well essentially relegating this to an extremely over long, whining and inelegant plodding journey that I was not able to finish. Hopefully the next book in this series is an improvement.

Alright Book Killed By Terrible Narrator

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I think this book would be more thoroughly enjoyed with a different narrator or read on its own.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

It's unfortunate that George Backman continues as narrator for the other titles in this trilogy. I think there is some great prose, constructing an otherwise okay plot but is completely ruined by the performance of the narrator.

Insufferable bore

Absolutely no plot. Just a series of rambling descriptions of fantasies by a precocious child. The narrator is a quiet shy kid who doesn't know how to mane friends so he creates a series of fantasy situations, which he describes in excruciating long detail. This book was a real challenge to get through. Not recommended.

The upper middle class gay white man

the book gives you an honest view of gay life, but only if you're upper middle class gay and white. all the black characters are horrible stereotypes. it shows that just because you're gay doesn't mean you can't be racist. the writer has no use for anyone who isn't gay and white. it's worth a one time read just to show you how terrible gay white men can truly be.