A review by natashaleighton_
Charming Young Man by Eliot Schrefer

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.
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