A gay Premier
Feelings about gay people in general, lesbians in particular, differ markedly. In some parts of the world, they may marry and adopt children. In other parts, they are thrown off roofs or buried alive. In novels and movies, they are often made fun of. But, there are exceptions.
When there are, publishers and directors have a hard time making them look sympathetic. In fact, throughout history, more than a few famous people were gay — at least, bisexual.
Would the populace elect a gay person as head of state? A tough question, for none of us wishes to be labelled prejudiced. In Children Of The Master, a British journalist has his readers facing it.
It’s political fiction set in the contemporary UK. Actual and imaginary figures cross paths with one another. Literary creation Caroline Phillips is the protagonist. Andrew Marr spends hundreds of pages describing her. The daughter of ordinary shopkeepers, she’s adorable.
And so much more: intelligent, charismatic, etc. And also a lesbian.
Men who come onto her walk away broken-hearted. Her lover is Angela, the mother of two boys and a vicar of the Church of England. Daniel, a married Scottish MP, is infatuated with her. The Master of the title is a wealthy man whose passion is power. He considers himself the man behind the scenes.
What he wants is a prime minister he can manipulate. Getting Caroline into parliament is child’s play. As is her appointment as home secretary. But which of the two for prime minister? When Angela is arrested for drunk driving, Caroline makes an impassioned speech, breaking up with her. We are asked to believe that it wins her the election.
The author likens Westminster to a snake-pit and tabloid reporters as vultures feasting on carrion. Chapters are devoted to analysing politicians. Lesbians can change from loving to hateful.
Caroline Phillips isn’t based on Margaret Thatcher or Theresa May, but there are traces of Hillary Clinton.