Book Reviews

The Wild Man

The Wild Man
by Patricia Nell Warren
The Wildcat Press

 

The Wild Man, a novel of gay love, is set in macho, repressive Spain in the 1960’s. It is unthinkable for men to love men, especially in the world of the bull ring, and most especially for a famous toreador. Antonio, a famous matador nearing thirty and retirement, has lived and loved in the shadows for all of his adult life, and expects to continue to do so. Then he meets Juan. The electricity between them keeps the reader turning pages, hoping against hope for a happy ending.

The characters are well drawn and believable, the skillful writing a joy to read. Ms. Warren uses metaphors taken from the bull ring to enhance the effect of her descriptions as well as draw the reader deeper into the world inhabited by the characters. In addition she weaves in a beautiful mythological theory concerning the ancient Celtic spirituality of Spain prior to Spain’s conversion to Christianity. The well-developed background taught me things I did not know about Spain and Spanish society. The interplay between the principals and the secondary characters, Antonio’s twin sister, Jose and his brother Paco, moves the plot nicely.

Whether you are gay or straight, you will find yourself happily tangled in the threads of this enjoyable story from its intriguing beginning to its unexpected end.

TASHA HALPERT

RATING: 5 Broomsticks


» Originally appeared in newWitch #01

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