Reviews for The Celibate

The average rating for The Celibate based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2012-02-29 00:00:00 Stephen Benson Opening up this novel, I was taken aback by the very unique and albeit unorthodox writing style and presentation of dialogue. It took me a while to get a feel for this book and the character portrayals, but I am so extremely glad I did stick with it to the end. Searching diligently through the rather slow and seemingly unrelated guide scenes, the main storyline carries weight and power I hadn't experienced before. The depth of the spiritual and parallelled sexual journey the nameless protagonist experiences are endless in their bravery. The back-and-forth debates between, first, the validity and sincerity of God, and, second, His ultimate purpose for man are invigorating to say the least, though they are very trying over and over again for the main character. The pessimism of the narrator's nature is overwhelmed by his innate nature of love. As honest as it is heart-breaking, The Celibate relays sexuality with full force, accompanied by the intense losses against AIDS in 1980s London and the penultimate victory over doubts about God, faith, family, and love.

Review # 2 was written on 2017-12-13 00:00:00 Antonio Yanez Holy fucking shit, this book is incredible. The transformation of the narrator is so profound - and so relatable to me on so many levels. It's made me cry twice today - first because of abuse recognition, and second and longest because the crescendo is so beautiful, the symmetry coming together at the end is magnificent, the redemption and community he finds in sexual connection is beautiful, and so many strands of this story pull at my heart and my history. I am so, so glad to have read it.