queensaru's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bookcraft's review against another edition
1.0
I read this years ago and it left me feeling meh. When I saw it was available via Audible's Escape program, I figured why not listen to it and see if I liked it any better now.
Answer: Not really.
Something about the writing style seems to distance the reader from the MCs, which is fine for a mystery novel, but doesn't work in a romance. I didn't get a sense of what Jonty and Orlando saw in each other; the narrative told us, essentially, that "they sat next to each other and talked and became friends," but we didn't get to actually see that happen. I like subtlety and tiny gestures that have deep meaning, and I don't require that everything be spelled out or be (melo)dramatic, but subtext requires at least some actual text for the sub- to be attached to.
My big problem, though, is the fact that Orlando is only really pushed over the edge into sexual desire once he's jealous, which is creepy as hell; wanting to f*ck someone to stake a claim on them is not romantic, it's disturbing. Weirdly, the narrative doesn't have any difficulty reconciling Orlando's sexually possessive behavior with its stance that gentle, loving sex between an established couple is the only kind of sex that's acceptable and that anything else is animalistic and disgusting (e.g., the stories in the books Orlando burned)an assertion that's a kissing-cousin to kink shaming.
Answer: Not really.
Something about the writing style seems to distance the reader from the MCs, which is fine for a mystery novel, but doesn't work in a romance. I didn't get a sense of what Jonty and Orlando saw in each other; the narrative told us, essentially, that "they sat next to each other and talked and became friends," but we didn't get to actually see that happen. I like subtlety and tiny gestures that have deep meaning, and I don't require that everything be spelled out or be (melo)dramatic, but subtext requires at least some actual text for the sub- to be attached to.
My big problem, though, is the fact that Orlando is only really pushed over the edge into sexual desire once he's jealous, which is creepy as hell; wanting to f*ck someone to stake a claim on them is not romantic, it's disturbing. Weirdly, the narrative doesn't have any difficulty reconciling Orlando's sexually possessive behavior with its stance that gentle, loving sex between an established couple is the only kind of sex that's acceptable and that anything else is animalistic and disgusting (e.g., the stories in the books Orlando burned)an assertion that's a kissing-cousin to kink shaming.
dreamerfreak's review against another edition
4.0
Lessons in Love is the story of a slow-blooming love between two college "fellows" at Cambridge college during the turn of the century. If slow burn drives you nuts, avoid this book! But seriously, I enjoyed this book. The language is romantic and perfect for the time period. I found myself completely immersed in the culture and lives of Jonty and Orlando.
In addition to their almost-innocent romance, there's also a mystery. Students are being killed, apparently due to certain sexual proclivities, making the brand-new relationship of Jonty and Orlando's perhaps a bit dangerous, especially as the constabulary has asked for their assistance in the inquiries!
I was very satisfied with the ending, both to the mystery and the romance, but I'm very much looking forward to the further adventures of this pair.
In addition to their almost-innocent romance, there's also a mystery. Students are being killed, apparently due to certain sexual proclivities, making the brand-new relationship of Jonty and Orlando's perhaps a bit dangerous, especially as the constabulary has asked for their assistance in the inquiries!
I was very satisfied with the ending, both to the mystery and the romance, but I'm very much looking forward to the further adventures of this pair.
elblackwell's review against another edition
2.0
Just could not emotionally connect with the characters in this one.
marlobo's review against another edition
3.0
2,5 stars
A priori, I thought I was going to enjoy it much more than I did. The pace was too slow for me, and I cannot say that I have connected with the characters; I feel an aloofness in them that I cannot save.
A priori, I thought I was going to enjoy it much more than I did. The pace was too slow for me, and I cannot say that I have connected with the characters; I feel an aloofness in them that I cannot save.
kiki124's review against another edition
2.0
Boring. I only
Read the kissing scenes. Too twee.
Charlie’s no Charles.
Read the kissing scenes. Too twee.
Charlie’s no Charles.
scarletine6's review
3.0
Sweet story but it could have been even better if there had been a better narrator. The narrator chosen for this book did not enhance it at all, and in fact, he made the main characters - who were in their mid-twenties, sound like old men. His attempt at Scottish was HORRIBLE.
I would advise reading this book over getting the audio version.
I would advise reading this book over getting the audio version.
wynwicket's review against another edition
4.0
Gregarious, passionate Jonty and shy, mathematically-minded Orlando are fellows at a Cambridge college in the early 1900s. Irresistibly (though often reluctantly) drawn to each other, their romantic relationship is stymied by a rash of homophobic murders at the college and their own personal demons.
The relationship between the two men develops slowly, realistically, and charmingly. The dialogue is wonderful, and the love scenes focus more on the emotions of Jonty and Orlando rather than on the physical act. Sweet and suspenseful, this was a tasty little mystery/romance.
The relationship between the two men develops slowly, realistically, and charmingly. The dialogue is wonderful, and the love scenes focus more on the emotions of Jonty and Orlando rather than on the physical act. Sweet and suspenseful, this was a tasty little mystery/romance.
claudia_is_reading's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely, very funny read. I loved the romance, how Jonty leads Orlando, oh, so slowly and so very carefully, into the ways of love. I find Orlando's innocence credible and charming, and Jonty's bubbly self very attractive.
The mystery is interesting, and it plays a role in their romance, although is not intended to be resolved for the reader, except at the very end.
I'm looking forward to the next books in this series :D
The mystery is interesting, and it plays a role in their romance, although is not intended to be resolved for the reader, except at the very end.
I'm looking forward to the next books in this series :D