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London Triptych

By Jonathan Kemp
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3.85 goodreads logo

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
London Triptych by Jonathan Kemp weaves together the stories of three gay men living in different eras of London: the roaring 1890s, the hedonistic 1950s, and the gritty 1990s. Each protagonist navigates the complexities of love, desire, and societal constraints. Their intertwined narratives reveal the persistent echoes of past lives across time, highlighting themes of identity and liberation amidst societal change.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy stories that skilfully intertwine different eras through compelling narratives and vivid portrayals of London’s hidden history. Offering a seamless blend of past and present, it captures the experiences of three men across time, exploring themes of art, identity, and forbidden love, all within the vibrant and gritty backdrop of the city.

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Three men, three lives and three eras sinuously entwine in a dark, startling and unsettling narrative of sex, exploitation and dependence set against London's strangely constant gay underworld.

Jonathan Kemp is the author of the highly praised Twentysix, a milestone of literary erotica in the tradition of Georges Bataille and Jean Genet. His second novel, Ghosting, was published to widespread critical acclaim in 2015. Kemp teaches creative writing, literature and queer theory at Birkbeck, University of London. Kemp was born in Manchester and now lives in London.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Three men, three lives, and three eras sinuously entwine in a dark, startling, and unsettling narrative of sex, exploitation, and dependence set against London's strangely constant gay underworld.

Jack Rose begins his apprenticeship as a rent boy with Alfred Taylor in the 1890s and finds that a life of pleasure and excess leads him to new friendships, most notably with the soon-to-be infamous Oscar Wilde. A century later, David tells his own tale of unashamed decadence while waiting to be released from prison, addressing his story to the lover who betrayed him.

Where their paths cross, in the politically sensitive 1950s, the artist Colin Read tentatively explores his sexuality as he draws in preparation for his most ambitious painting yet—London Triptych. Rent boys, aristocrats, artists, and felons populate this bold debut as Jonathan Kemp skilfully interweaves the lives and loves of three very different men across the decades.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

London Triptych by Jonathan Kemp is praised for its vivid portrayal of three intertwined stories set in different eras of London's gay history. Critics highlight its exploration of male prostitution and the universal quest for freedom, drawn with rich, engaging characters and beautiful language. The novel evokes a raw, emotional depth, with comparisons to literary figures like Oscar Wilde and Alan Hollinghurst, making it a compelling read for those interested in a gritty yet lyrical depiction of hidden London lives.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780956251534

Publisher: Myriad Editions

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 19 August 2010

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Myriad Editions

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 256

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Jonathan Kemp Literary Fiction

About the Author

Jonathan Kemp teaches creative writing, literature and queer theory. He also DJs. Originally from the North, he has lived in London for twenty years.

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