The Front Runner: A Novel
by Patricia Nell Warren

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Book Reviews of The Front Runner: A Novel

Book Review: Review of The Front Runner by Cheri
Summary: 5 Stars

Becoming aware of this book more than 20 years after it came out is a mixed blessing. One, I don't have to wait 20 years for the sequel, Harlan's Race, and, two, I get to enjoy it now. My expectations of this book, with all the hype, have been greatly exceeded. For anyone who is new to gay fiction this is a book that is NOT to be missed.

Patricia Nell Warren wrote an amazing, timeless, authentic, and accurate portrayal of gay life in the 70's, including all the feelings and struggles for equal rights, at that time, many of which are still prevalent today. Gay men are unable to comprehend how a woman could so perfectly capture their feelings and lifestyle to produce a believable, wonderfully written, piece of fiction. As a woman, I am proud of what she has achieved.

"The Front Runner" is about a track coach, Harlan, who has had more than his share of discrimination and heartache because he is gay, so remains virtually closeted in order to maintain some sort of normalcy in his life...and protect his job at Prescott College. He is an ex-Marine who has been through it all, including marriage, loss of his coaching position at Penn State, and hustling to pay alimony, to name a few. By the time he gets to coach at Prescott, he is very careful not to jeopardize his position there, even if it means not allowing love in his life. For him coaching and running is what life is all about and he doesn't like the thought of losing it again.

Billy is a beautiful runner who comes to Prescott with two of his friends after they were kicked off a prestigious college team when it was discovered they were gay. Not to give up running, Billy, Vince, and Jacques, go to Prescott hoping to be accepted by the incredibly gifted coach, who is also gay. These boys are talented runners, with Olympic dreams, and they hope Harlan can get them there.

The plot thickens when Harlan suppresses his love and intense yearning for Billy, only to discover that Billy loves him too. Harlan finally succumbs to his love and he and Billy form a special but potentially dangerous bond that could jeopardize both their careers.

It is wonderful to read how Billy changes Harlan's life and makes Harlan's deep seated unhappiness dissolve. Love has a healing power like no other human emotion. The difference in the age between coach and student is insignificant as they are both consenting adults. Billy is the more mature one at times, especially in how he accepts his sexual orientation and deals with discrimination. Harlan is Billy's mentor, friend, and lover. There is a harmonious balance between these two characters. What could be wrong or unnatural about two men being deeply in love?

Ms. Warren's opinions resonate throughout this novel and she makes many valid points about gay rights. One of the things that struck me as interesting is how society can oppose legalizing gay unions when it is promiscuity and noncommittal relationships that are so undesirable to the glue that supposedly holds this country together. Loose behavior is not exclusive to the gay community. I feel that with equal rights and legal bonds for gay couples, there would be far less "immoral" behavior, however, there's no denying the fact that plenty of legally wed heterosexual couples cheat on their spouses.

After reading this book, I will never look at running or the Olympics the same way again. "The Front Runner" depicts the numerous roadblocks gay athletes have to endure in order to compete in a hostile, homophobic world. When watching a race it is hard to think about politics, sexual orientation, or asinine rules governed by ignorant, inflexible, bigots. Races should be about the athletic ability alone in deciding who gets the gold. How any good can come out of evil is the cornerstone of this novel. One has to wonder why it takes a tragedy to open up people's eyes to the absurdity of hatred.

I am very passionate about recommending this book to those who have not yet read it and I strongly recommend a reread for those of you who enjoyed "The Front Runner" and possibly were helped by it 20 years ago. Patricia Nell Warren is easily one of the best writers of gay fiction and I am looking forward to reading more of her works. .

Summary of The Front Runner: A Novel

In 1975, coach Harlan Brown is hiding from his past at an obscure New York college, after he was fired from Penn State University on suspicion of being gay. A tough, lonely ex-Marine of 39, Harlan has never allowed himself to love another man.

Then Billy Sive, a brilliant young runner, shows up on his doorstep. He and his two comrades, Vince Matti and Jacques LaFont, were just thrown off a major team for admitting they are gay. Harlan knows that, with proper training, Billy could go to the '76 Olympics in Montreal. He agrees to coach the three boys under strict conditions that thwart Billy's growing attraction for his mature but compelling mentor. The lean, graceful frontrunner with gold-rim glasses sees directly into Harlan's heart. Billy's gentle and open acceptance of his sexuality makes Harlan afraid to confront either the pain of his past, or the challenges which lay in wait if their intimacy is exposed.

But when Coach Brown finds himself falling in love with his most gifted athlete, he must combat his true feelings for Billy or risk the outrage of the entire sports world - and their only chance at Olympic gold.

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