viviannehunt's review
4.0
As any book by Lysander Arden, this one is very beautifully written and the story is captivating from the start. I couldn't put it down as I explored the tender slow burn between Andrea and Carmine, the latter being a fascinating and tragic character.
The book is emotionally rich and psychologically hard-hitting, which I enjoyed, even though it was a departure from the light sweetness of the author's other book Mio. There are glimpses of a time past, which was fascinating to read. Overall, it's a book that might shock you, upset you, make you swoon, and root for the love story. The whole emotional gamut.
If you like your books getting under your skin and staying with you for long after you've put them down, give this book, and this author, a read. I am truly enjoying their writing style and their ability to make me feel everything at once.
The book is emotionally rich and psychologically hard-hitting, which I enjoyed, even though it was a departure from the light sweetness of the author's other book Mio. There are glimpses of a time past, which was fascinating to read. Overall, it's a book that might shock you, upset you, make you swoon, and root for the love story. The whole emotional gamut.
If you like your books getting under your skin and staying with you for long after you've put them down, give this book, and this author, a read. I am truly enjoying their writing style and their ability to make me feel everything at once.
laur_reads_'s review
5.0
Beautiful prose paired with utter heartbreak absolutely stomped on my emotions while reading this. This was an exquisite coming of age story showing the innocence of young queer love and the depravity of humankind. Andrea falling for Carmine and managing to ward off the shame the world tried to force upon him was so refreshing. Lysander Arden created a story that patched the holes left by so many classic works that felt like they had queerness hidden just past the surface.
I wish I could bottle the feelings of innocence, love, and a warm summer day that Andrea experienced before he came to understand all of the pain of Carmine's past.
Please check the content warnings if you intend to read this.
I wish I could bottle the feelings of innocence, love, and a warm summer day that Andrea experienced before he came to understand all of the pain of Carmine's past.
Please check the content warnings if you intend to read this.
junisreading's review
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
This book has one of the prettiest proses I've ever read, and it's so tender despite the angst. A masterpiece in historical gay coming of age, perfect for fans of Maurice.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Sexual assault, Pedophilia, and Mental illness
Content warnings provided by the author: mentions of abusive relationships with family and sexual partners, off-page statutory rape, off-page sexual assault/rape.
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