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Rating: Summary: recommendable book Review: This is a very interestig and readable book, therefore Irecommend it not only for the gay people but also the bisexual or heterosexual inclined people , including young students. However, I was astounded at the scantiness or absences of the classical Greek & Latin, Sanskrit literature, Arabian et Persian poetries, archaic Chinese and Japanese texts.
Rating: Summary: Disappointing & Depressing Review: This was a wholly disappointing anthology of international gay writing. While many cultures, nations, periods, and writers were spanned, the overall content was depressing, discouraging, and dull. The number of pieces included about love between men and very young teenagers, furthermore, was not a little alarming. Granted, you expect that kind of thing in ancient Greek writings, but the more contemporary pieces on the subject matter just made me uncomfortable.
The most discomforting aspect of this collection, however, was the overall tone of loss and pain. Although a very real part of gay life, in any period, includes struggle, I was quickly burdened by how many stories included here whose characters were inwardly oppressed, self-destructive, or hopelesslyl lost. I had hoped to find more stories of empowerment, celebration, or at the very least, perserverance.
Of course, it's a collection, so it's not all bad. There were some very touching and very creative inclusions. And most of the pieces were very well-written, if not interesting. But overall, I just couldn't wait to finish the book and wash my hands of the whole experience.
Definitely not a keeper.
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