The Book of Lies

by Felice Picano

Book Overview

Bright, ambitious, and handsome, Ross Ohrenstedt is a high flier in the fashionable field of queer studies. He has just taken a prestigious university position in Los Angeles and has been appointed to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1555835414
• ISBN13: 9781555835415
• Release Date: September 2000
• Publisher: Alyson Books
• Length: 423 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A LOT OF TRUTH IN THE BOOK OF LIES

I just finished THE BOOK OF LIES, and I've got to tell you, it is quite possibly the most intelligent novel I have ever read. I was absolutely blown away by this book. It is so unique compared to other works of gay fiction that I have read. The book concerns a young man working on his doctoral thesis about a group of writers known as the Purple Circle. I imagine that Picano's own involvement with the legendary Violet Quill Club provided some inspiration. I do not want to say too much, as this book is an incredible, thought provoking literary mystery, one that can truly only be solved by each reader. The time frame (by what I could figure out in the writing) seems to be 2006 or there abouts, thus providing some distance between the narrator's reality and ours the reader's. Anyway, I highly recommend it...

Men with Words

Ross Ohrenstedt is a literary scholar whose interest in the Purple Circle (fictionalization of Picano's Violet Quill Club) borders on obsession. He methodically searches out the widowers of the group's members and the few members who remain alive in search of a mysterious man who was rumored to be associated with the group. Amidst his literary finds we are given glimpses of his personal life, aspirations as a scholar and his ambiguous sexuality. This is a book of mysteries layered upon mysteries and the reader ultimately has to draw his own conclusions about what actually happened within this group. The lush prose and biting dialogue lead to a triumphant climax where the ground beneath your feet is obliterated.The mysteries of this book are only a costume for the real problems it is working to unravel. It is a quest to understand the male identity and how we negotiate sexual relations. Its most pressing issue probes the meaning of a self-defined gay literature which the group claims didn't exist before they established it. The need for a category of gay literature extends to sociological issues, but the primary focus of this novel is to explore the impact of this literature upon the general population. By unearthing the multifaceted expressions of homosexuality it celebrates both love and the problems which inspire the need for a defined gay "community". Ross's primary search is for scholarly achievement, but his desire is to find an understanding of himself which can encompass a fluid sexuality. This is an involving tale and a deep meditation on gay writing itself.

Too much maligned novel

Forgive us for not respecting history, Mr Picano. At least reading the other reviews of THE BOOK OF LIES would indicate that this tome of thinly disguised literary history would seem to indicate that Picano has failed to meet his own high standard. Read this book again, as an insight into why the Violet Quill Club remains important in American genre writing, accept the sometimes repetitious meanderings of his folk and their adventures. Once past the quibbling about the content, sit back and revel in the sheer beauty of Picano's prose. He is a wordsmith who can talk about most any subject and make it better than many others can even suppose. Again, go back again.

complex, sophisticated and quite simply a stunner!

Complex, intelligent, ambitious and beautiful! This book captivated me: an astute piece of work where the lies and pretense of the academic world are wonderfully exposed. Anyone will enjoy this book who is familiar with student and college faculty politics. Also, anyone who has a love of literature, especially gay literature will enjoy this! I don't think this is for the "light" reader though or the intellectually timid - this is a hard and demanding read as there is alot to keep track of. I was never really a fan of Picano's work until I read this. His attention to detail and his ability to find wry humour in his characters' actions is just wonderful! As a current LA resident I could particularly relate to the depictions of the LA basin and his evocation of the beauty of the area. The suprises come thick and fast and without giving anything away you will definitely be shocked at certain matters of a sexual nature...! Packed with wonderful literary ilusions, especially to the Violet Quill Club, this book will hold you in its grasp and you won't be able to put it down!

Fun and Smart

After browsing the other reviews, I had to add my two cents worth. I found this to be a great read: just enough mystery to keep you turning the pages, nice literary allusions ( to "The Aspern Papers" and to other Violet Quill writers), and a wicked satire of late 20th century academic in-fighting. And yes, I was surprised at the ending.