Customer Reviews

Back to Barbary Lane: The Final Tales of the City Omnibus

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I moved to NYC and was, for the most part, broke, I would spend hours in Lincoln Center Barnes and Noble reading books to pass my time. I spent one glorious weekend with my new friends at Barbary Lane relishing in their adventures and crying at their personal pain and anguish. When I was a bit richer, I scraped together what money I could and bought the full anthology. These are true rich characters that you find yourself revisiting at least once a year at their wonderful home with perhaps the most divine landlady in existence. Even now on my umpteenth reread, I still find myself crying at the start of the fourth book (and trust me you will too) and hating Mary Ann by the end of the sixth book (hard to believe but she is one vicious woman). Even after finishing the sixth book, I do wonder about the live of my favorite Russian Hill residents and what they're up to....and I'm sure you will as well.

I read the each of the 3 "Tales" books when as were published, wishing that I could be old enough to run away to San Francisco to live the wonderful, zany life on Barbary Lane. The final three books are excellent, but not as easy to read. Armistead Maupin is a writer, not a panderer. He doesn't give us necessarily what we want: he gives us an acurate account of the times. The characters that we grew to love suffer the fates that real people do in their adulthood. Marriages crumble, lovers die, friends drift apart. While we might hate Maupin for reflecting a reality that we wish were'nt true (and boy, I hated him for "Sure of You"), you have to give him his due.

These are excellent books- true must reads. But keep a stiff drink and a lot of kleenex handy.

Once I read the first book I knew that I would have to read the whole set as soon as possible - they are my favourite books of all time - the writing, characters are so real - you feel that you are living there with them in Barbary Lane. The books have the ability to take you through the whole spectrum of human emotions and you actually care about the characters and what happens to them and how they will end up. It doesn't matter if you are gay or straight these books would appeal to all. The effect on me of these books were profound - they set me on a journey of self discovery and a love of reading - they will do that for any of their future readers.

You cannot go wrong with this collection of stories. As some reviewers have noted, this collection contains more heartbreak and distress than the first three books, but in some ways that makes these three novels all the more moving. The carefree highjinx that the characters enjoyed in their youth have given way to the responsibilities, choices, and losses of adulthood. You will be moved by the ways Maupin has his characters navigate this difficult terrain, and as with the first three books you will laugh when the characters laugh and cry when they cry, and wish that there were six more books in this purely enchanting series.

I just finished "Back to Barbary Lane", and I was so sad to say good-bye to these people :(

Although I found this to be a much sadder book than the first, I can't help thinking that this is how life goes. We start out so enthusiastic about our futures when we are young and "invincible", and then we have to grow up. Life comes along and demands it. I was sorry that the people on 28 Barbary Lane had to move out, but don't we all leave home? I was so sad to lose some of the characters that I truly loved, but haven't we all felt the same emotions when we have lost our own loved ones? That is the beauty of Mr. Maupin's writing, you FEEL what is happening to the people in the story as if it were happening to you. The friendships between these people was amazing. I was glad to see Mona come back into the story, I had missed her, and I was glad to see that Mrs. Madrigal found someone to love too. She was really great! I will miss Mouse, Brian, Mary Anne, Thack, Mrs. M. and all the rest, but it's good to know that I only have to pick up these books to visit them again...and I will.

Enjoy! Debbi

These are possibly the best books I have ever read!!!!!He writes so easily and his characters are so lovable. These books- I wanted to go on forever. I do hope he writes more in the series. I want more of Micheal, Mrs. Madrigal, Mona, Mary Ann, Brian, Prue, Dee Dee, et al. And I want them all made into a mini series as soon as possible. These books are a must for gays and straights alike!!!!!!You will not be disappointed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These books, these masterpieces of words, feelings, and emotions. . .Do you enjoy getting angry, laughing, and feeling enobled all at the same time? Read these novels. After V.1 (Tales), you begin to know the characters-maybe even like them (Especially Mouse). By V.2 (More) these people become part of you-you begin to envision being part of the converstation-the proverbial fly on the wall. By the last, I wanted to take Michael in a basket and bring him home with me. Please read these novels, you gain a new understanding of the indulgent 70s and the 80s-the decade we paid for all that indulgence. Thank you Mr. Maupin!

I was introduced to this series by the mini-series on Showtime. Without realizing it, a friend had given me 28 Barbary Lane and so I read it while waiting for each new episode on TV. I read the first three novels in 2 days, went to the library and found the next two. I am still looking for the last one, desparately. I cried so many times, especially for Michael because I could relate to his hardships. In fact, it is hard not to relate to any of the characters because they seem all too real. For those who truly enjoy Maupin, check out Maybe the Moon to find out the fates of some of the Barbary Lane characters. Thankx Mr. Maupin!!

I came across Tales of the City three years ago - a little late - however never before has an author so touched me. And never have I cared so deeply for the characters and what became of them. These books are an absolute joy - if you have any soul you should make it your priority to drop what you're reading now and start reading these books. You won't regret it!

I reread this series every couple of years just for its stunning dialoge and the way it draws me in. These Tales are darker and reflect the beginning of AIDS. They are rich and wonderful. Its easy to see why they are number one bestellers around the word. The make me laugh and cry each time I reread them. Those who don't like them must have a problem with the more serious t one. The times called for it. I lost so many friends to AIDS and I for one am glad maupin didn't shy away from includeing. THIS IS A MUST READ!