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jovienna's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
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 bookduwuke's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kaitlyn_2005's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sarahsupastar's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
kim_j_dare's review
4.0
This novel, based loosely on the life of little-known composer Leon Delafosse, immerses the reader in 1890s France. 17-year-old Leon is a piano prodigy from a modest background who bears the weight of providing for his mother and sister. As opportunities put him in the path of wealthy patrons, he must learn to navigate the rules of high society and the dangers of being outed as homosexual.
Schrefer’s note at the end is lovely and gives deeper context to the story.
Thanks to Katherine Tegan/ HarperCollins and Libro.fm ALC for the complimentary e-audiobook.
Schrefer’s note at the end is lovely and gives deeper context to the story.
Thanks to Katherine Tegan/ HarperCollins and Libro.fm ALC for the complimentary e-audiobook.
delz's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Charming Young Man by Elliot Schrefer is a beautifully written story that takes place as attitudes are shifting towards homosexuality. The majority of the story takes place in 1890 and centers around a young pianist by the name of Léon Delafosse. Léon is a poor boy, whose mother began giving him piano lessons at an early age and believes he will be the French Mozart. She enters him into a prestigious conservatory where is not eligible for a patron until the age of 17, so she works tirelessly to make sure tuition is paid and their small family is supported. At the age of 17 Léon begins to seek his patron, but this is when things go horribly wrong for him. First Léon befriends a young reporter by the name of Marcel Proust, who’s a social climber. He uses Léon’s talent and name to gain entry to Count Robert de Montesquiou-Fézensac’s party. The two meet and it seems like the relationship will be everything Léon could want. He will have Roberto’s patronage and his affections, but somehow things fall apart. These characters are based on real people and you see that the inequality and inequities for the wealthy vs the poor have not changed. Charming Young Man is only 288 pages, but it’s full of interesting characters many of whom were artists at the time and the social and cultural mores as well.
sungyena's review
dark
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
3.75