Haakon: A novel

By C.F. Griffin

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0690017030
• ISBN13: 9780690017038
• Release Date: January 1978
• Publisher: Thomas Y. Crowell & Co.
• Length: 296 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Post war dilemas of love

The story opens it is August 1945 on a troop ship returning from Europe to the States as Private Haakon Hvitfelt, PhD is considering his return to his teaching post at university, now as a full professor. Haakon, a handsome fair haired man of Danish origin in his forties, had volunteered for service in the engineers, avoiding the more obvious assignments for someone of his abilities (and proclivities) such as intelligence. The training had nearly broken him, but he had survived it and won the respect of his comrades; he had become a man. He was known as the Professor, and had even helped some of his fellow soldiers by teaching them. One soldier, Dan nicknamed Polecat, an aggressive and rough and ready young man, supposedly twenty one years of age, had on more than one occasion helped Haakon get through those early stages. Dan was slim but well built with broad shoulders and a homely face, somewhat improved now that the army had repaired his broken nose which he probably sustained in one of the many fights he drunkenly got involved in. Haakon was taken with Dan, wanted to help him, even desired him, but was determined to remain chaste, did not want to reveal himself to his comrades; and Dan was probably straight anyway. They became friends; each saved the life of the other on different occasions. On arrival home in New York Haakon had his lover Simon Foster waiting for him. Simon, a creative and internationally successfully photographer, a beautiful olive skinned man who was much younger than Haakon and looking even younger than his true age. Unashamed with his sexuality he was flamboyant and a little effeminate in his mannerisms, but Haakon loved him, and although Simon professed his love in return, he enjoyed the freedom to roam as well. When Haakon receives a phone call from Dan, clearly not well, he takes him in and cares for him; Simon knowingly leaves Haakon with Dan, whom he nicknames wolf boy. Dan proclaims his love for Haakon and the two live together for a while. But Haakon is troubled by Dan's youth, is he really twenty one? He also recalls his own youth when at nineteen he was willingly and happily seduced by Jim, a much older married man and family friend with whom he enjoyed a long relationship; but he also recalls the problems. Haakon has to resolve his conscience concerning Dan as well as face the growing disquiet at the university over their association. To avert suspicion, at the instigation of his old married friend George, he meets Ellen; this only complicates matters as Haakon falls in love with her; a problem compounded when Simon returns still wanting Haakon. Haakon has to deal with the problems at the university, his sexuality, and his mixed emotions and recognise where his true love lies, along with a number of other difficult situations. This is a truly beautiful complex love story. It may take a little time to get going as we come to know the various main characters and their individual histories, but as we do they beco