Scan barcode
cwg's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I read this completely blind to the fact that it was meant to be based on a real man's life. It took me until the allusion to Madame X and the inclusion of Sargent to properly connect the dots.
Charming Young Man details Leon Delafosse's rise and subsequent fall from fame. It's effectively his story, but with some creative liberties here and there to fill in the gaps.
I liked it overall. Character dynamics between those consisting of the core cast (Leon, Marcel, and Robert) stole the show; while I wasn't personally fond of any of them, they were, nonetheless, compelling, with complexities to them which shone within their actions (Robert was certainly the most interesting of the three, and I found I have much to discuss about him relating to his relationships and perceptions of society; however, if I were to talk about him in length, I'm afraid this review would go on for too long, so I'll end it here for now). The depiction of society felt lively and was rendered well to the point where I felt it was a character of its own. I also enjoyed the era depicted, that of late 19th century Europe--an aspect purely of my own preference.
Author had mentioned that some aspects of the story were purely fictional as a means of filling in gaps. The elements I presumed fictional (mainly elements pertaining to Leon's hometown) were a nice breather to the otherwise stressful situation presented within the city. Represented characters were charming, although I felt there wasn't enough to them to substantiate deep interest into their lives. Nor the town they lived in, for that matter.
Outside the main three, characters felt static in terms of how they were used. Key progressions of the story were substantiated by characters engaging in X action at just the right time, which resulted in me feeling as though the characters were more tools than people. Details which fell outside of nonfiction felt limited in its use, as if the author had wanted to include his own personal interpretations, but hesitated to have these elements interfere too harshly with the story's autobiographical components. As such, transitions between historical events and fiction, at times, felt too convenient, as if pieces of a puzzle had neatly slid into place, allowing Leon to move onto the next stage of his story. I found the execution of the ending to be particularly guilty of this, as much as it felt needed for him.
Purely speaking based on personal preference, I wasn't a particular fan of the novel's general prose nor how certain topics were discussed within the novel. The prose struck me as slightly too simple, to the point where I feel like I could have enjoyed it better had it been more complex, as the ideas presented within the novel itself were interesting. I found character's takes on issues to read off as oddly modern for even a progressive time such as then, with how candidly they expressed distaste for certain societal constructs present within their society. I liked that those characters were firm in their beliefs, but I didn't find it to have an authentic voice belonging to a character of that time, if that makes sense.
Lots of other elements I could discuss (e.g. specific plot points, characterization, etc.), but I'll stop here.
This was my first exposure to this author. I've heard of Eliot Schrefer's other works, but I never had the opportunity to read them. I might read another novel to see if I think similarly to this one.
I have my nitpicks with this novel, but ultimately found it a substantiating read. It broke me out of my reading slump, at least. Managed to breeze through this in a few days,although it might have to do with how this novel reminded me of both Maurice and The Great Gatsby, two books I've greatly enjoyed for same the reasons brought up within this novel.
3.5?
Charming Young Man details Leon Delafosse's rise and subsequent fall from fame. It's effectively his story, but with some creative liberties here and there to fill in the gaps.
I liked it overall. Character dynamics between those consisting of the core cast (Leon, Marcel, and Robert) stole the show; while I wasn't personally fond of any of them, they were, nonetheless, compelling, with complexities to them which shone within their actions (Robert was certainly the most interesting of the three, and I found I have much to discuss about him relating to his relationships and perceptions of society; however, if I were to talk about him in length, I'm afraid this review would go on for too long, so I'll end it here for now). The depiction of society felt lively and was rendered well to the point where I felt it was a character of its own. I also enjoyed the era depicted, that of late 19th century Europe--an aspect purely of my own preference.
Author had mentioned that some aspects of the story were purely fictional as a means of filling in gaps. The elements I presumed fictional (mainly elements pertaining to Leon's hometown) were a nice breather to the otherwise stressful situation presented within the city. Represented characters were charming, although I felt there wasn't enough to them to substantiate deep interest into their lives. Nor the town they lived in, for that matter.
Outside the main three, characters felt static in terms of how they were used. Key progressions of the story were substantiated by characters engaging in X action at just the right time, which resulted in me feeling as though the characters were more tools than people. Details which fell outside of nonfiction felt limited in its use, as if the author had wanted to include his own personal interpretations, but hesitated to have these elements interfere too harshly with the story's autobiographical components. As such, transitions between historical events and fiction, at times, felt too convenient, as if pieces of a puzzle had neatly slid into place, allowing Leon to move onto the next stage of his story. I found the execution of the ending to be particularly guilty of this, as much as it felt needed for him.
Purely speaking based on personal preference, I wasn't a particular fan of the novel's general prose nor how certain topics were discussed within the novel. The prose struck me as slightly too simple, to the point where I feel like I could have enjoyed it better had it been more complex, as the ideas presented within the novel itself were interesting. I found character's takes on issues to read off as oddly modern for even a progressive time such as then, with how candidly they expressed distaste for certain societal constructs present within their society. I liked that those characters were firm in their beliefs, but I didn't find it to have an authentic voice belonging to a character of that time, if that makes sense.
Lots of other elements I could discuss (e.g. specific plot points, characterization, etc.), but I'll stop here.
This was my first exposure to this author. I've heard of Eliot Schrefer's other works, but I never had the opportunity to read them. I might read another novel to see if I think similarly to this one.
I have my nitpicks with this novel, but ultimately found it a substantiating read. It broke me out of my reading slump, at least. Managed to breeze through this in a few days,
3.5?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual assault, and Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Child death, Death, Dementia, and Death of parent
Info Dump containing details about the booknatashaleighton_'s review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
An emotionally evocative, Historical YA that loosely explores the lives of notable historical figures —Léon Delafosse, Marcel Proust, Robert de Montesquiou and even John Singer Sargent.
Which follows the young Composer and Painist, Léon Delafosse as he navigates his way through the dazzling allure 19th C high society in order to live up to the moniker of France’s Mozart.
A Coming of Age tale exploring self acceptance, sexuality and classism in such a nuanced and relatable way, I genuinely really enjoyed this.
Léon, our protagonist and sole POV character was so well written and full of depth. He’s quite an introspective character and not nearly as outgoing as some of the more flamboyant people we meet but, exploring his thought processes, feelings and personal motivations endeared me to this ambitiously naive, and endlessly hopeful young man.
Based on archived letters between Delafosse and Marcel Proust (as well as Proust’s fictionalised depiction of him in his novel ‘Remembrance of Things Past’) we get a glimpse at what the real Léon may have been like—which was intriguing to me (and did make me eager to do some of my own research into his life during and after Paris.)
Supporting characters Marcel and Robert (Léon’s Patron) though both well written, weren’t as in depth as our protagonist, Léon. Understandably our focus is Léon but I would’ve liked to have delved into Robert a bit more.
Obviously, as it’s a fictionalised version of events, nobody definitively knows what prompted the fallout between Delafosse and his patron (and subsequent exit from Paris High society), but I’d like to think that, despite the poetic licence he had someone as sweet and dependable as Felix to love and support him.
For a secondary character, I both loved and was impressed by how much insight we are able to glean from Felix— given most of his interactions are through letters. The emotions conveyed were heart-breakingly sweet, and at times I couldn’t help but want to hug him. His cinnamon roll/golden retriever energy was a soothing balm to the manipulative scheming of Paris’ upper classes, I just wish we had gotten to see more of him.
Overall, a heartfelt, coming of age story exploring queer identity and self acceptance that,despite the historical setting is incredibly relevant —and a perfect starting point for discussions around queer experiences throughout history.
Also, a huge thank you to Harper360YA for the physical proof.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Classism
Moderate: Outing