Harvey Fierstein's Safe Sex (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Fierstein, author of such groundbreaking theatrical works about gays as Torch Song Trilogy and the book for La Cage aux Folles , turns his attention to the AIDS crisis. These three one-act plays are unconnected except in their exploration of the psychological ravages of the disease. Although none of the characters is actually ill, all have suffered radical changes in their relationships and view of the world; all find that the very concept of "safe sex" inhibits their ability to connect, not just sexually but also emotionally, with others. In dealing with a topical subject, Fierstein movingly depicts the age-old difficulties and joys of loving. Highly recommended. Susan Thach Dean, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 112 pages
• Publisher: Macmillan Pub Co (August 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689708025
• ISBN-13: 978-0689708022
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,572,005 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Two plays by a great gay man, October 3, 2002

By	Jeffery Mingo (Homewood, IL USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

At first, I only knew Harvey Fierstein from the film "Torch Song Trilogy." Then, I've seen him on many TV shows where he plays the overly typecast, essentialist gay man. (Even though I loved his Carl character on "The Simpsons.") Finally, I read this book and it made me realize what an artist, activist, and pioneer he is. This book has two plays about gay men and couples dealing with their identities and loves years into the AIDS crisis. I think it would be a good idea for some producer to get these plays performed nationally. (Maybe someone, probably Harvey, already has and I just don't know it.) Despite his status as stereotype, he truly is a role model and a good guy.
Allow me to mention a funny anecdote. I was a freshman in college when I bought this book. Everytime straight ppl saw the title "safe sex" on my bookshelf, they thought it was a manual and wanted to borrow it for information. I wonder if Harvey purposely titled his book in this way, just to grab the attention of ppl of all sexualities.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Safe Sex: On Tidy Endings, July 13, 2003

By	Justin T. Crow "Justin" (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Safe Sex (Hardcover)

The last one act play in Harvey Fierstein's book SAFE SEX is called "On Tidy Endings". I think it is a wonderful play, and I plan to produce and direct it this fall because I feel it explores social acceptance -- or lack thereof -- of homosexuals, and this topic was thrust again into public debate recently by the Supreme Court's recent decision.

The play focuses on a man whose lover left his wife five years ago. The lover has now died, and the ex-wife comes over to his apartment with a sense of entitlement, a sense of ownership not just over her ex-husband's physical possessions but over his life as well. She fails to recognize or validate the gay relationship which leads to great dialogue that explores the basis of truly loving relationships and the social rejection of homosexuals. A wonderful play, I recommend it highly.