2.5⭐
Wow, this was a bit of a letdown.

I've heard nothing but good things about Gore Vidal and his works, but this book had me very intrigued and hoping for something akin to Oscar Wilde levels of homosexual content. However, I was sadly mistaken when by the end of the book I was greatly disappointed in the plot course and the ending. 

I won't deny, Vidal's style of writing is very well-done; his descriptions of Jim's adventures are very intriguing, as well as his understandings of the then-current homosexual experience are quite interesting. However, where he loses me is the course of the plot and the motivations of the main character and where the story moved, or should I say, didn't move. Halfway through the book, I was confused where things were going to go and looking at how much was left, wondering when the plot was sort of going to begin. 

This book was quite controversial for its time, and I acknowledge there are some subjects that are touched on that could be seen as avant-garde for his time; yet, as a current reader, I did not particularly enjoy this book. I'll say this though: I am fascinated with how Vidal addresses the idea of fantasy against reality. Throughout the book, our main character has several ideas of the person he should be, yet they never seem to coincide with what the reality of his situation is. 

Overall, I'd say it was an okay, fairly quick read. I love that other people love this book, but I am happy to let this one go.