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Holding the Man

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Holding the Man

By: Timothy Conigrave
Narrated by: Stephen Phillips
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Summary

The mid-'70s: at an all-boys Catholic school in Melbourne, Timothy Conigrave falls wildly and sweetly in love with the captain of the football team. So begins a relationship that weathers disapproval, separation and ultimately death.

With honesty and insight, Holding the Man explores the highs and lows of any partnership and the strength of heart both men have to find when they test positive for HIV. This is a book as refreshing and uplifting as it is moving - a funny and sad and celebratory account of growing up gay.

©2009 Timothy Conigrave (P)2016 Audible, Ltd
Contemporary Fiction Genre Fiction Fiction Heartfelt Emotionally Gripping Inspiring Tear-jerking Thought-Provoking Feel-Good
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Compelling story beautifully read with an important message and memories of a devastating episode in human history that never should have happened and should have been more thoroughly and compassionately reported.

Heartbreaking

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First I watched the film, I cried so much. Then I just had to read the book, there was so much detail so many aspects that were missing from the film, I cried even more. I’m completely in love with this story. If you’re an open minded person, then this book is for you.

John

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I am so grateful the author Tim shared the story of his life and love for John. Sharing their story makes me feel that I actually know you both. Although heartbreaking and haunting, I also admire how lucky you both were to have each other. This story was real, touching and beautiful in spite of the sadness. Thank you.

Wonderful love story

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This book was beautifully read by Stephen Phillips, who spoke with such feeling throughout.

What a profoundly moving story. I was immersed from the start, and loved the glimpse of Australia from the 1970’s and beyond. Despite the tragic undercurrent of the book, there’s something wonderful about the relaxed and carefree lives Tim Conigrave and his friends were able to lead. The teenagers sound so independent and self-sufficient, and they know how to have fun!

This makes the harsh reactions to the lads coming out, even more stark. Suddenly they are thrown into a dark world of survival and rejection, forbidden love and personal feelings mixed in with shame, religious beliefs and condemnation.

It is written from the heart, so the reader is plunged into the fire and forced to feel the pain and injustice experienced by the author. But there is so much genuine love and affection too. It just blows you away.

This book will leave its mark on you. I love it for its raw honesty and its heartbreaking truth. There is nowhere to hide. Tim Conigrave has ripped the blackout blinds from the window - exposing a beautiful and intimate world constantly pummelled by prejudice.

I am still emotionsl after reading this book, and probably will be for a while. I want to tell loads of people about it. It’s one I will read again.


Profoundly moving

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I loved this ❤️ it's stayed with me i feel as though i have lost a loved one aswell ,have tissues ready . its beautiful. A story of two boys true love for each other . The narrator is brilliant it's as if you are there with them,their friends are like a big extended family. Heartbreaking and uplifting I highly recommend this book . Definitely 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Love & loss.

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