Michael Tolliver Lives: A Novel by Armistead Maupin
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Book Reviews of Michael Tolliver Lives: A Novel
Book Review: Michael toliver Lives, Armistead Maupin
Summary: 2 Stars
I read this book last summer. I have loved all the other books, this one is not funny, too graphic , detailed etc.. Michael and his friends sex life etc.. . I really do not think that I wanted to know all the small details. I did not really want to know about the sex life of transexuals.
thanks a lot Mr. Maupin. Do get your sense of humour back!!
icihiboo
Book Review: Wish I had Loved it ...
Summary: 3 Stars
but I didn't. Thers is a whole kind of yucky feeling here with Miichael's current relationship that sort of smacks of desperation. Also, there is a graphic nature to this novel that is not existent in his other novels. While not a true Tales sequel, most characters are either mentioned or make a cameo appearance and most are not well treated. Those characters deserve more than an off-handed "she died" kind of update. Wish I had skipped this.Book Review: Alive and Kicking!
Summary: 5 Stars
Michael Tolliver is (as the title rather clearly suggests) alive and kicking. Those who thought they would never see him again and imagined him succumbing to AIDS are in for a pleasant surprise. Michael copes perfectly well with the virus and he finds out that life still has a lot of surprises in stock for him.
Let's start with Ben a boyfriend for whom a partner some years senior is a major turn on. And to whom Michael is now officially married. He still has friends (though some live quite far away) and a thriving social life including... senior but by no means senile Anna Madrigal.
But the book is not only about care-free middle age and the joys of being gay in San Francisco. Maupin quite skilfully (we know he can do it, don't we?) introduces several more sombre and serious subjects, the most important of which is coping with the loss of the near and dear. He does it so cunningly that giving any details would be a terrible spoiler so just stop reading this and get the book!
Book Review: Really wanted to like it
Summary: 1 Stars
I loved the first six "Tales" books, though perhaps less so as the series went on. I think it bottomed out with "Michael Tolliver Lives."
I can see why Maupin wanted to call it a stand-alone book, apart from the "Tales" series, because it really isn't the same type of book those are, with their ensemble casts and deliciously over-the-top plots. I can also see why some readers prefer this one, which goes for a more contemplative, serious feel. Telling the story through Michael's eyes does allow for more personal reflection.
But Mouse was never my favorite character anyway, and when he's no longer even called "Mouse" and the rest of the original characters have been mostly dropped -- well, it's just not the same anymore. Some people are fine with that, but I guess I just miss the old days on Barbary Lane.
Book Review: He told you, didn't he ?
Summary: 5 Stars
Armistead Maupin made no bones about the fact that this book is not a continuation or sequel to the incredibly successful "Tales of the City" books, yet so many commentators here are complaining that they bought it and it is just that ! - not a sequel.
I don't get it ?
The title is "Michael Tolliver Lives" and if you approach the book with your own misguided idea that it will be the same as the other series, then it is your fault. But this does not make it a bad or lesser book.
"Michael Tolliver Lives" is, as described, written in the first person and is from Mouse's point of view, so many years later. To read it, with his easy yet familiar prose, is like the proverbial putting on of the comfortable slippers. Once again you are reminded that there is a world where 'family' like Mouse et al exist happily (or unhappily, in some cases) and being gay or transgender is the norm and OK, not the other way around.
I was delighted with this new yet familiar novel and was disappointed that there wasn't another volume to pick up immediately. There is not much gay fiction around, and even less good gay fiction. Maupin has shaped and enhanced so many peoples lives, both straight and gay, with his forthright, heartfelt and humourous insights into the lives of his wonderfully crafted characters. In fact, those that complain that this book is not a continuation, as such, of "Tales", are a testament to exactly how closely we hold those books and their characters to our hearts.
Long may he write !