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Title: an early gay novel
Review: The main and title character is the head and owner of a publishing house in New York City - and he's gay. However, I wouldn't classify this novel as stirctly gay fiction. There are heterosexual main characters and they are involved in a couple of subplots. The novel is interesting for two reasons: First of all, it explores the very close relationship between a gay man and his straight female best friend. The closeness of their relationship creates problems both for Sam's current partner and his female friend's husband. The book is also interesting because in spite of the early publishing date (1959), the protagonist is presented in a positive light. He loves his career, is intelligent and has a good sense of moral values and he wants a lasting relationship with another man rather than an empty promiscuous life. It is refreshing to see this in a book published in 1959. As far as the writing goes, it's not great literature, but still is an entertaining read.
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