Quatrefoil: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: A post-WW2 love story
Review: "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of a gay male relationship in the 1940s, and the fact that it was first published in 1950 makes the text a sort of historical document itself.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.

Rating:
Summary: A classic gay novel about self-acceptance
Review: In the summer of 1946, just after the end of WWII, Philip Froelich heads from Oregon to Amphib Island in Seattle to undergo the proceedings for a General Court Martial. Missing the bus, he manages a ride with another officer, an older, handsome gentleman who has been watching him at the bus station. Philip relaxes a bit too much along the drive and wakens to find himself cradled against the driver.

Unnerved, Philip quickly gets away from the officer once they reach Amphib Island. Later in the day as he meets with the officer handling his case, he is introduced to the officer from the car, Commander Tim Danelaw, and something stirs inside of him, something he struggles to keep hidden. Danelaw notices something of Philip's true nature and takes him under his wing, hoping to guide him to understanding and acceptance of who he is. Danelaw knows that Philip will only truly be happy once he has accepted himself. Otherwise, his life will be a miserable one.

But, Philip is being groomed to take over the family bank, one of the most successful in Oklahoma. Certain ideals have been set upon him and are fixed into his being. Yet, he knows that deep down, he has feelings for Tim Danelaw but must keep them hidden both for his family and for his place in society.

"Quatrefoil" is a great novel dealing with self-acceptance. Philip's character grows and changes from the confused, somehwat closed-minded boy at the beginning to a man who understands himself and what makes life happy for him. He's learned, thanks to Danelaw, how to balance his public life and his private life. It also gives a positive look at homosexuality in the 1940's without being tawdry and preachy.

Rating:
Summary: A classic gay novel about self-acceptance
Review: In the summer of 1946, just after the end of WWII, Philip Froelich heads from Oregon to Amphib Island in Seattle to undergo the proceedings for a General Court Martial. Missing the bus, he manages a ride with another officer, an older, handsome gentleman who has been watching him at the bus station. Philip relaxes a bit too much along the drive and wakens to find himself cradled against the driver.

Unnerved, Philip quickly gets away from the officer once they reach Amphib Island. Later in the day as he meets with the officer handling his case, he is introduced to the officer from the car, Commander Tim Danelaw, and something stirs inside of him, something he struggles to keep hidden. Danelaw notices something of Philip's true nature and takes him under his wing, hoping to guide him to understanding and acceptance of who he is. Danelaw knows that Philip will only truly be happy once he has accepted himself. Otherwise, his life will be a miserable one.

But, Philip is being groomed to take over the family bank, one of the most successful in Oklahoma. Certain ideals have been set upon him and are fixed into his being. Yet, he knows that deep down, he has feelings for Tim Danelaw but must keep them hidden both for his family and for his place in society.

"Quatrefoil" is a great novel dealing with self-acceptance. Philip's character grows and changes from the confused, somehwat closed-minded boy at the beginning to a man who understands himself and what makes life happy for him. He's learned, thanks to Danelaw, how to balance his public life and his private life. It also gives a positive look at homosexuality in the 1940's without being tawdry and preachy.