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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
bookishmillennial's review
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
While this was a beautifully written coming-of-age and romance novel, I felt myself losing interest (maybe because I wasn't particularly in the mood for something historical, although Eliot absolutely took liberties with Leon's life to make it entertaining! I just struggled to get through it. This was definitely a case of "it's not you, it's me" and I'm sad about it.)
I felt the romance between Leon and his hometown best friend Felix was a quiet romance, which I adore, especially for teens/young adults! It feels so authentic and Eliot wrote the longing so well! <3 I think the backstory of what inspired Eliot to write this was fascinating, and it's so impressive that so much research was done to try to do this story justice.
I will continue to read from Eliot in the future, and this book was sweet, but just not my favorite!
I felt the romance between Leon and his hometown best friend Felix was a quiet romance, which I adore, especially for teens/young adults! It feels so authentic and Eliot wrote the longing so well! <3 I think the backstory of what inspired Eliot to write this was fascinating, and it's so impressive that so much research was done to try to do this story justice.
I will continue to read from Eliot in the future, and this book was sweet, but just not my favorite!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
betweentheshelves's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
Léon Delafosse is supposed to be France’s next great pianist. He’s the youngest student ever accepted into the Paris Conservatory, and has been studying for years. However, in 1890s Paris, it’s nearly impossible to make it as any kind of artist without a patron.
Enter Marcel Proust, a young gossip columnist who takes an interest in Léon. He takes him under his wing and introduces him to the right people. So, when Count Robert de Montesquiou-Fézensac offers Léon patronage, he immediately accepts. But as Léon gets closer to his dreams, he realizes he’s getting further away from his original country roots. And thus, further away from Felix, the boy he might just love.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of Charming Young Man by Eliot Schrefer to review! Schrefer seems to be excellent at writing characters who seem to find themselves in impossible situations. Moving from sci-fi to historical fiction might be an odd jump, but Schrefer has shown that he can masterfully write in both genres.
In the author’s note, Schrefer explains that he was interested in the story of Léon Delafosse after seeing his painting in a museum. After learning that Léon and Robert had a falling out, he was inspired to write this story. Not a lot of YA historical fiction is set during this particular time period, so it really was a breath of fresh air in that aspect. Even though I am no historical expert, the story felt well-researched and realistic for the time period he is portraying.
This book is generally more of a character driven story, showing more of what life could have been like in this time period for those that are queer. It’s a bit slow moving, focusing on Léon and the way he’s moving about society. The writing style also sort of fits with the kind of things that would have been written at that time, which helps to pull you into the story even more.
However, it is quite a short book, so it almost feels like maybe it was over a bit too soon. For the most part, this didn’t take away from my enjoyment of it, but it could have been fun to see more of an expansion of some of the background characters.
All in all, if you like historical drama, you’ll definitely enjoy this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia