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A review by jonna_doucette
Charming Young Man by Eliot Schrefer
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fun! Who doesn’t love a little high society Parisian intrigue – especially if it has a happy ending? I read this book on a whim after seeing the description comparing it to The Gentleman’s Guide series, and, while not exactly accurate, I’m still pleasantly surprised.
Admittedly, I totally thought Delafosse, Proust, and Count Montesquiou-Fezensac were made up characters until I got to the author’s note at the end of the audiobook (What can I say? I am an uncultured business major!). Weirdly, I think it actually made for a richer reading experience, since I got to enjoy the cast as characters first, rather than historical figures. It also speaks to the quality of the author’s research and story-telling abilities.
Schrefer’s sense of time, place, and sensibility is perfection. Tonally and thematically, this story actually reminded me a lot of other works of classic gay literature by authors like Mary Renault and Allan Hollinghurst. While not YA authors, I would certainly recommend Charming Young Man as a gateway into more adult novels like The Swimming-Pool Library and The Friendly Young Ladies.
Admittedly, I totally thought Delafosse, Proust, and Count Montesquiou-Fezensac were made up characters until I got to the author’s note at the end of the audiobook (What can I say? I am an uncultured business major!). Weirdly, I think it actually made for a richer reading experience, since I got to enjoy the cast as characters first, rather than historical figures. It also speaks to the quality of the author’s research and story-telling abilities.
Schrefer’s sense of time, place, and sensibility is perfection. Tonally and thematically, this story actually reminded me a lot of other works of classic gay literature by authors like Mary Renault and Allan Hollinghurst. While not YA authors, I would certainly recommend Charming Young Man as a gateway into more adult novels like The Swimming-Pool Library and The Friendly Young Ladies.