This positive, sincere and heartfelt classic novel has just been reissued by Virago modern press who are also undertaking a project to reissue all of Renaults books, Hurrah!
Her work can be divided into two strands: the searing, evocative historical novels she is justly famous for, which couldn’t be more appealing today, and humane, intelligent romantic novels set in the thirties and forties that are lesser known, but no less wonderful of which this is one, and a real hidden gem it is too.
The Charioteer is the 1953 gay second world war novel from Renaults and was hugely influential and popular when first published. This reissue gives us another opportunity to look at Renaults book from the comfort of our more tolerant times. With an affectionate introduction by the actor Simon Russell Beale the book launches us back into this perfectly pitched period peace. It’s a peek into a twilight world that no longer exists in Britain although many will remember it, most fondly. It’s a bit dusty and old fashioned in parts but that just adds to its charm and as it unwinds the plot slowly and inexorably you will be delighted. The love story is heart wrenching, the characters – although not all of them likeable – are recognisable and believable and the themes are universal event though the setting is in a world that long ago ceased to exist for most of us. It’s the charm of the book i loved though, it begs to be read, and i enjoyed every page of it. This is a book that stays with you.
This book, apart from being so beautifully written with her flowing prose rippling off the pages is also a monumental work in gay literature, it’s love story and realistic portrayal of the choice between chaste innocence and the distinct pleasure of experience is unmatched and you can’t you get better than that. Buy it if you’ve never read it, buy it if you have and enjoy it again.
Out now £8.99
Virago Modern Press.
For more information or to buy the book, CLICK HERE:
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