Review: A breakthrough novel for its sensitive and realistic portrayal of adolescent sexuality -
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 16, 2012
Definition of a "catamite": A boy kept for homosexual practices. Oxford DictionariesWhile this story doesn't deal with a "kept" boy, (i.e. harboured or enslaved), it does deal with young boys--one older--and homosexuality. Therefore, when I first saw the title (and the evocative cover) of The Secret Catamite 1: The Book of Daniel by Patrick C. Notchtree [Limebury Books, March 19, 2012], I was intrigued to see how the author would deal with the subject matter.You see, most writers shun the topic of adolescent and teen sexuality, even though they know it exists from having lived through it. I did, and I certainly don't consider myself unusual in any way. Therefore, to pretend otherwise is like ignoring the proverbial elephant in the room--the one with pink wings and yellow polka dots.Fortunately, Patrick Notchtree chooses not to demure from it in characterizing the sexual relationship between Simon and Daniel as being both natural and wholesome. To them, it is the evolution of a friendship that includes both the emotional and the physical; no secrets withheld, and no holds barred.But The Secret Catamite is so much more than just a story of physical love. It is the story of a boy who is adjudged "different," and because of this is made to feel different by many who are barely adjusted, themselves. The father who is emotionally maladjusted, wavering between indifference and disciplinarian; the schoolyard bullies who call him "bastard" and "simple Simon;" the teacher who tells him he should never have been born; and the Draconian headmistress who is quick with the hickory stick.Given these two bookends, it is not at all surprising that Simon finds solace, comfort and a measure of security in Daniel.There are also other positive moments as Simon struggles to overcome his afflictions; his small academic achievements; the excitement of being able to watch the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on the family's very own television set, family vacations, and learning to swim. These may not seem like notable occasions now, but in the late 1940s, early 50s, these were as good as it got for simple folk.Altogether, for me this is a breakthrough book for its sensitive portrayal of adolescent sexuality, and its ability to relate to most people's childhood experiences. There are some flaws, but I'm going to give it five bees, anyway.