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.