A review by blockofsoy
Teleny, or the Reverse of the Medal by Oscar Wilde

3.0

This book is definitely quite the interesting read. Teleny was one of the earliest pornographic novels that almost exclusively focuses on a homosexual relationship between two men. The authorship is unknown but is heavily attributed to Oscar Wilde and may have even been a collaborative novel. The novel focuses on the relationship between Des Grieux and Hungarian pianist Teleny, where Des Grieux falls in love with the pianist at his concert, after claiming that his playing had given him visions of music that he had never experienced before. Des Grieux is also coming to terms with his sexuality as he accepts his attraction to Teleny, feeling jealous towards any man or woman who has expressed interest in the pianist. The two eventually profess their love for one another, undergoing a series of events, such as attending an underground homosexual male (modern day orgy, if you will) where Teleny shows Des Grieux the number of men attracted to one another, receiving an anonymous threat, etc. Eventually, Teleny asks for a bit of a break, ostensibly to focus on his career. Des Grieux then catches him in bed with his (Des Grieux's) mother, learning that she had paid off his debt and had asked for sexual favors in return. Des Grieux attempts suicide, and Teleny stabs himself in the chest, the two finally re-professing their love for one another before Teleny tragically dies.
This book was a lot, in more ways than one. There was a lot of graphic sexual detail, accounts of underage sex and rape, and suicide, so definitely not a light-hearted read.