Wonderful

You know something's good when you resent any time spent away. Refuse to distracted by anything else in your tbr heap. 'Behind these doors' is such a novel.

Queering the past doesn't just mean 'the nobs' (as Lucien might say). Why assume the rest of society kept on the sexual straight and narrow? Or indeed, that their stories don't deserve to be told. Lucien is a working man - not poor by any means - but dependent on what he earns. Around him, we experience both 'the nobs' and those for whom daily life is a continuous struggle.

Lucien's milieu is a deliciously portrayed snapshot of Edwardian London. Habits and conventions from the previous century mingle with the fight for women's suffrage, the birth of modern queer consciousness, and the first Labour MPs. There's a distinct sense of that upper class gilded existence which was largely blown out of the water with World War 1.

And of course, there's the romance, Complex and multi-faceted, it is also tender, loving, and dangerous. And a fantastic read. Jude Lucens' writing is perfect, drawing you in and making you care, while also capturing that sometimes languid Edwardian sensibility.

Callum Hale is also largely perfect, giving 'the nobs' their upper class nasal drawls. Lucien is more direct, though he and his accent straddle various social strata.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Excellent story made better by excellent narration

A really great narration of an excellent book. I love the characterisations and the overall feel.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Glorious queer historical romance

Beautifully researched history of the era and struggle for women's voting rights forms a seamless backdrop for a compelling and nuanced exploration of types of power in relationships. I loved how easy this book was to read and follow and how much it made me think.
The naration took a couple of chapters to get into stride but then was brilliant. Accents and voices all clearly distinguishable and non grating to this UK English native. A fabulous book, well worth a listen

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Blending the old and the new, the worker and the aristocracy

The audible is even better than the book - the narrator gives so much feeling to the story and the characters. The interaction between the journalist and the aristocrat, the gradual understanding and resolution of differences and attitudes, is expertly written. The other thread, of the three aristocrats in a three way relationship, is slowly set out, and the conflict between the opinions of those who must earn a living and those who inherit wealth and position explored. Plus a truly despicable villainous relative!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

beautiful poly romance

I loved everything about this book. the beauty of the relationships is so well drawn.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A copy of Any Old Diamonds?

This book seems like a very poor relation/copy of the plot of Any Old Diamonds by K J Charles (a journalist, jewel theives)! Poorly executed, spattered with Americanisms (ie city blocks) with non of the humour. The author might be American as she doesn't seem to know London well, or how long it takes to move around on foot, unless totally familiar with the paths and passages.

The story itself lacks sparkle and action, which clever dialogue and good characterisation can mask. After three hours, found all the MCs to be just like silhouettes, shapes with no actual substance.

The narration does not reflect the upperclass voicings from this time.

DISAPPOINTING

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful