The Beautiful Room Is Empty
The Beautiful Room Is Empty
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988
Book Brief
640
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1950s-1960s
1988
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Beautiful Room Is Empty by Edmund White depicts a young gay man’s struggle with his sexuality during the repressive 1950s and 60s, highlighting his experiences in preparatory school, college, and his romantic relationships, culminating in the Stonewall Riots. The story includes challenging themes related to sexuality, mental health, and societal oppression.
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Emotional
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
3,473 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Edmund White's The Beautiful Room Is Empty is lauded for its evocative prose and deep exploration of identity and sexuality. Reviewers praise its honest depiction of the protagonist's journey but note the narrative can feel fragmented. Overall, it's acclaimed for its emotional depth and reflective storytelling.
Who Should Read The Beautiful Room Is Empty?
The ideal reader for Edmund White's The Beautiful Room Is Empty appreciates introspective literature that delves into personal and sexual identity. Fans of James Baldwin's Giovanni's Room and Alan Hollinghurst's The Line of Beauty will find similar themes of self-discovery and societal critique engaging.
3,473 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
640
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1950s-1960s
1988
Adult
18+ years
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