Edmund White

Edmund White is an American novelist, memoirist, and essayist known for his works on gay life and culture. He is a prominent figure in contemporary literature and has written numerous acclaimed books, including 'A Boy's Own Story' and 'The Beautiful Room Is Empty.'

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. A Boy's Own Story

    Cover of 'A Boy's Own Story' by Edmund White

    This novel is a coming-of-age story about a young boy grappling with his homosexuality in the repressive 1950s America. It follows his journey from his midwestern childhood, through his expulsion from a military academy and his escapades in the seedy underbelly of New York City. As he navigates through his adolescence, the protagonist battles with self-loathing and isolation due to his burgeoning sexuality, providing a poignant exploration of the pain and confusion of growing up.

    The 1282nd Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Forgetting Elena

    Cover of 'Forgetting Elena' by Edmund White

    The novel presents a surreal and allegorical tale set on an enigmatic island, where the amnesiac protagonist struggles to navigate a society governed by intricate and arbitrary social codes. As he attempts to reconstruct his identity and understand his past, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters who embody the peculiar customs and rituals of the island's culture. The narrative, rich with metaphor and satire, explores themes of memory, identity, and the search for self amidst the bewildering constraints of a highly stylized community.

    The 7180th Greatest Book of All Time

  3. 3. Nocturnes For The King Of Naples

    Cover of 'Nocturnes For The King Of Naples' by Edmund White

    The book is a lyrical and introspective novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and desire through the lens of a man reflecting on his past relationship with an older, enigmatic lover. The narrative unfolds in a series of evocative vignettes and musings, blending reality with fantasy, as the protagonist grapples with the enduring impact of this deeply transformative affair. Set against the backdrop of various locations, including Naples, the novel delves into the complexities of memory and the haunting nature of longing, weaving a tapestry of emotion and poetic imagery that captures the essence of romantic yearning and the pain of its inevitable dissolution.

    The 7949th Greatest Book of All Time