Myra Breckenridge/Myron

It's wonderful to go through the various reviews and realize that this book, written in part in 1968 and then, the "sequel", in 1973, stirrs the same controversy it did when it was published. And I'm sure Gore Vidal, one of the most remarkable American writers and thinkers of the previous century, is having a great deal of fun out of it. In a way (and not in every way), Gore Vidal is a great writer/thinker resembling the way Voltaire was one: it's not necessarily any specific work that makes him *the* thinker/writer of his age (well, in the case of Voltaire, "Candide" does weaken my argument...), but it is his combined output that makes him the unabashed, non-PC voice of his generation. And Gore Vidal does it with great panache in Myra Breckinridge/Myron. There are few issues that remained untouched - anything from linguistic deterioration (the Californian drowning in the ocean yelling : "like, Help!"), film theory, sexuality, politics (Nixon is an important protagonist), what not. And mud is slung in all dierctions, and the goal justifies any means... It is hilarious from beginning to end, and even if one is not familiar with the dozens of B-movies and their actors mentioned in the book, and allowing for some repetitiveness here and there - reading this book is a wicked joy. A previous review rightly mentions that this book is not for everyone: the sexual and surgical activity (sometimes combined) are very explicit, and Myra has on her agenda young and healthy all-American dudes to be anally penetrated (for some very good reasons, as we learn...), but if you wish to make sure that there's still someone looking at this world with X-ray glasses - read Gore Vidal, and read Myra/Myron.

Who could have expected this from the author of Lincoln, Burr, and all those other dry, dry historical speculations? Myra and Myron are quite simply two of the most original and hysterically funny books ever written. These stories are told in such a grand camp style, with such acid wit and precision dead-on humor that it's really impossible not to admire, if not love them. I realize that camp-humor is not accessible to everyone, and that the subject matter (a pathological transexual on a rampage, dildo in hand) may be disturbing for some, but Vidal must get credit for so bravely satirizing the free-love culture of the '60s and '70s, and for creating a character as memorable as Scarlett O'Hara (mixed with a healthy dose of Lady MacBeth and Parker Tyler).

Vidal's Myra Breckinridge is one of the most insightful books I have come across in all of my extensive reading. Through outrageous humor and wit, Gore Vidal communicates powerful messages about sexuality, psychology, and the human condition. The reader follows Myra Breckinridge from her arrogant and obnoxious narcissism to a complete transformation which has such an impact, I don't dare try to describe it. This book is wonderfully one-dimensional on the surface, but a bit of thought reveals it's depth and perceptiveness; so cleverly hidden it seems to jump out and bite in a few incredible sentences! I am recommending this book for anyone who is questioning traditional and orthodox views of the world, or their own sexuality.

These two novels are very vulgar and very funny. I personally preferred "Myron" which is about being stuck on a Holywood movie set because of a time/space continuum glitch and...well it is difficult to explain but a great read. I do not think that Vidal has ever been funnier. Some people will be turned off by the vulgarity. I was at first but then I was captivated by Vidal's brilliant campy sense of humour which was never as sharp as it was in these two novels. The whole thing is so original and outrageous that you may never read anything like it again. I got the impression that Vidal giddily laughed his way through the writing of these two novels. They are a great deal of outrageous and wicked fun. Definitely provocative. The work of a master satirist at his very best.

I have had this novel for some time, and if only more people were able to understand the full extent of what Gore is trying to say, then the world wouldn't be the over-populated, over-pompous, conceited place that it has become. I have always suggested his satirical books for people who need a break from the self-help, pro-active, New-Age, political correct mess that has become people nowadays.....and now, if only they would reissue the movie with Raquel Welch...now that would be something....pick up this book..you will like it...