Review - Animated by Kim Fielding
Frank was a paratrooper in World War II, but he was injured in a drop shortly after the D-Day landings. The injury left him with a bad foot and the need to use a cane to get around. Although he had dreams of being an artist, Frank found work as an animator for a Hollywood film company, and he’s very good at it. He’s now the lead animator for the frog character of a cartoon version of The Frog Prince. A prominent actor, America’s current heartthrob, Carver Reed, has been hired to provide the voice for the frog. Frank’s boss thinks it would be a good idea for Frank to spend some time with Carver so he can imbue some of the actor’s mannerisms into the animated frog. Frank isn’t sure it’s a good idea, but he goes along with it. Carver proves to be just as handsome in person as he is on the screen, and his personality is much more genuine than one expects of Hollywood stars. And Carver seems to be flirting with Frank, but it’s the 1950s and relationships between men can be career ending.
This short novella covers just a few days in the life of Frank, when he meets Carver and they discover a connection. It’s a well-constructed story, although there’s not a lot of world-building. It seems it’s just assumed that the reader will be aware of the politics of the 1950s U.S., especially Hollywood, in regards to homosexuals and their outlaw status.
The story is told entirely from Frank’s point of view. Given the climate of the time, he’s gotten very good at hiding his feelings in regards his attraction to men. He’s never had a relationship, or at least not one that lasted more than a night. His fear about the repercussions that falling for Carver could bring are understandable.
We only get to know Carver through Frank’s eyes. He definitely doesn’t feel like your stereotypical Hollywood actor. Carver seems to take a genuine interest in getting to know the people he meets, not just Frank. With Frank, Carver displays an amazing amount of vulnerability. As short a story as this is, it leaves you with the feeling that the two might be successful.
“Animated” is available from Smashwords or see Bookshop.org to purchase from an independent bookseller.