Customer Reviews

The Dreyfus Affair: A Love Story

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I never thought I would be interested in a story about baseball players! This love story uses its setting to great benefit, it helps to define who these guys are. At an age (mid-twenties) when most guys would not have much to lose professionally by coming out, these ball-players are already well into their high-paying and very public careers. The weight that this adds to what is at its core a love story is not crucial, but very valuable. I loved this book and could not put it down. I wanted so much to keep the feelings I got from the book with me that I bought what can only be described as its soundtrack album, Frank Sinatra's "Songs for Swinging Lovers". Every time I listen to the CD, I think of Randy and D.J. and it makes me happy!

Wow, a love story between two ballplayers. I was intrigued by the basic plotline when I first heard this book was coming out. Years later, I still think its an incredible book, complete with humor, believable characters, and two guys who are intensely in love with one another. You do not have to be gay to love this book!

"The Dreyfus Affair" follows the painful, often humerous coming out of baseball star Randy Dreyfus. A seemingly happy marriage is thrown a curve ball when Randy suddenly starts to appreciate the teams short-stop for more than his athletic acumen. Randy's struggle with his heretofore never acknowledged homosexuality, is both funny and unsettling. Avoiding his wife, visits to a psychiatrist, the reaction of the media, teammates and corporate sponsors, not to mention a lover who came to terms with his own sexuality long ago, are issues which the author has deftly brought togther. The politics of their relationship is the very heart of this always engaging love story. Lefcourt's accomplishment here is that he is able to communicate so many relevant issues without overburdening what is essentially a romantic comedy. Rarely has anyone been able to field so many serious topics so entertainingly.

I'm from Germany and I had the great pleasure to read 'The Dreyfus Affair'. An American friend recommended it so I decided to read it.

It was absolutely awesome. It was as a 'ride', I laughed, I was angry about the reactions of 'The Power That Be' and it touched me deeply to see these two guys struggling with their feelings. The story was honest, I was able to believe what I read. Yeah, I could see them acting that way. I had to stop myself reading that book in one session - I wanted it to last longer, because I loved it that much.

The book was not only entertaining, it was a whole lot more.....

That's the message here. I learned of this book while reading a magazine about this bestselling novel from 1993 which has been passed around to various movie studios. The film version still has not been made but Ben Affleck was interested in playing the lead role. I don't know if the film will ever be made due to the controversial subject matter for today's society. However, one day it will happen. It was an innovative story with a happy ending. An All-American blonde, blue-eyed, married baseball star falls in love with his good-looking black second baseman. It has all of the homophobic hoopla from executives and middle America baseball fans. It ends up being a story about tolerance. I wouldn't call this book a literary find or anything. I just read The Great Gatsby (one of the finest literary novels by F. Scott Fitzgerald) so, this was no competition. I will give it an "A" for being daring and innovative though. I am glad the book was written because there is definitely a heartwarming message here. If someone is different...there's no reason to make him out to be an outcast. If you read the book "right" you can sense the tenderness. I love how the author writes that all men are created equal; that they are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

I know nothing about baseball but I still manage to enjoy this hilarious, witty and well written satire. My only complaint is that it lacks in-depth examination of the love between Randy and DJ. After all the cover does spell out that this is a love story.
Or does the writer imply something else. Some of the side characters are well developed, in particular the Egyptian psycharist.
Overall the story is great fun!

I have read this book three times. It works so well because it realistically portrays the anguish of a "man with everything" having to risk it all to finally acknowledge his homosexuality to himself. All-American baseball star Randy Dreyfus does NOT appear callous or malicious in finally leaving his wife and acknowledging his love of teammate D.J. Pickett. Rather, the story expertly uses the metaphors of baseball, stardom and fan-response to explore the compelling nature of real love and the real-life consequences of bigotry. Add funny and you've got a book worth reading. No graphic sex scenes (however you feel about that.)

I loved this book. Couldn't put it down. It made me laugh too many times to count. I loved the relationship between Randy and D.J and the controversy surrounding their relationship. But what I found the most interesting about this novel was how Lefcourt used the structure of the Alfred Dreyfus affair and Emile Zola's "J'Accuse" statement so wonderfully in his novel. Excellent.

The ending is a little 'pat'...but up until the last 20 pages it is a Great read.... but still, good stuff....

if you like this one- please try "The Catch Trap" by Marion Zimmer Bradley (better written, same sorta story line....)

I can't remember when I've so thoroughly enjoyed a book. This was one of those rare books that I couldn't put down. I wanted so much to know what was going to happen next. Then, once I'd finished, I regretted reading it so quickly. I should have drawn out the experience, because it was so delightful. I laughed out loud countless times. I just loved every bit of this book and I can't wait to see it on the big screen next year!