Idol for Others

by Gordon Merrick

Book Overview

From the author of the bestselling Peter and Charlie Trilogy (The Lord Won't Mind, One for the Gods, Forth into Light). Meet Walter Makin, boy wonder of the stage and newly awarded Father of the Year.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0380009714
• ISBN13: 9780380009718
• Release Date: January 1977
• Publisher: Avon Books
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Love, passion and betrayal

Walter Makin leaves college early when an offer in theatre beckons, at about the same time as the outbreak of WWII. So begins his remarkable career in theatre and film production; hailed as "Boy Wonder", he goes from success to success, a creative genus destined to be publicly honoured by the performing arts world. His private life is somewhat different. Attracted to young boys, he is `saved' from a debauched life when he meets the formidable Clara, sole heir to the Washburn fortunes. Walter is fascinated by the challenge, and Clara is taken by his strong character and his physical prowess, not to mention the prodigious endowment kept between his legs. She is under no illusions, while she recognises the potential for greatness in the nineteen year old Walter, she is also aware of his fondness for other boys, but is convinced she can cure him of his deviant ways. The story follows Walters's life, his eventual marriage to Clara and the reaction of Clara's wealthy and influential father to the union. David, his first boss and later his partner and constant and understanding friend is ever in the background ready to step in whenever needed. Despite his marriage Walter has several passionate affairs with other boys and men, including the physically near perfect model Mark; Jerry, his own illegitimate and flamboyant son; and Tom Jennings, the young writer he falls for at first sight. Clara though is ever determined to spoil these dalliances, with varying degrees of success. This is a full blown romantic novel, heavy on the M/M passion, detailed and graphic in its descriptions of the love making. Walter is, as are all the men in his life, handsome and desirable as well as being blessed with an ever youthful appearance. Clara is dignified, forceful and practical. The men in Walter's life are, unlike Walter himself, happy and confident with their chosen love life. It all makes for a very involving and captivating story, perhaps a little over done at times especially the frequent terms of endearment exchanged between Walter and his male lovers, but nonetheless a very moving story.

Love, passion ans betrayal

Walter Makin leaves college early when an offer in theatre beckons, at about the same time as the outbreak of WWII. So begins his remarkable career in theatre and film production; hailed as "Boy Wonder", he goes from success to success, a creative genus destined to be publicly honoured by the performing arts world. His private life is somewhat different. Attracted to young boys, he is `saved' from a debauched life when he meets the formidable Clara, sole heir to the Washburn fortunes. Walter is fascinated by the challenge, and Clara is taken by his strong character and his physical prowess, not to mention the prodigious endowment kept between his legs. She is under no illusions, while she recognises the potential for greatness in the nineteen year old Walter, she is also aware of his fondness for other boys, but is convinced she can cure him of his deviant ways. The story follows Walters's life, his eventual marriage to Clara and the reaction of Clara's wealthy and influential father to the union. David, his first boss and later his partner and constant and understanding friend is ever in the background ready to step in whenever needed. Despite his marriage Walter has several passionate affairs with other boys and men, including the physically near perfect model Mark; Jerry, his own illegitimate and flamboyant son; and Tom Jennings, the young writer he falls for at first sight. Clara though is ever determined to spoil these dalliances, with varying degrees of success. This is a full blown romantic novel, heavy on the M/M passion, detailed and graphic in its descriptions of the love making. Walter is, as are all the men in his life, handsome and desirable as well as being blessed with an ever youthful appearance. Clara is dignified, forceful and practical. The men in Walter's life are, unlike Walter himself, happy and confident with their chosen love life. It all makes for a very involving and captivating story, perhaps a little over done at times especially the frequent terms of endearment exchanged between Walter and his male lovers, but nonetheless a very moving story.

Couldn't put it down

But it wasn't any kind of literary masterpiece. So many of Mr. Merrick's books are unbelieveable but it almost always doesn't matter. First of all, why did Mark get naked in front of Clare and then jump into bed with her? Another big problem I had was how did Walter fall in love with Tom so fast and decide he wanted to spend the rest of his life with him right off the bat? This never happens in real life! But who cares, it was a great story that I couldn't put down and am looking forward to reading the rest of his books.

Sex and Showbiz in Equal Proportions

Robbins out of Firestein in style, but, once you've picked this one up, just try putting it down. I started reading it just out of curiosity, and found that, whether you're gay or not (I'm not), this is one of the hottest, most sexually-charged show-biz exposes to come out of any era. It's a never-never land where the women are beautiful, insatiable richbitch types, and all the men are handsome and hung (Sort of like "Baywatch" without the beach). But that's part of its charm. Whether you "live the life" or not, you're in for a sexual roller-coaster ride!