Lev AC Rosen

this is really excellent in just about all the ways. the historical setting felt like one of the characters, and it made me understand so much clearer what it would have been like to live as a queer person in the 50's, even in san francisco (before it was known for its gay scene). like i knew our history, but this brought it home in such an intimate way, and even though he doesn't frame it this way, shows an example of early "found family" and why it matters to the queer community. on top of show more that, the story and mystery were great. the mystery didn't feel like the main point because the setting overshadowed everything (in a good way), although it wasn't undercooked either. i love that we've gotten to the place in fiction where gay characters can be terrible people, but i'm so glad that none of them were the killer here. i thought it just had to be the straight person to make this "family" work and i would have been really disappointed had it been anyone in the house other than her.

this is beautifully done. show less

Prelim Review: As a big time fan of both Twelfth Night and The Importance of Being Earnest, plus steampunk, this was a natural fit for me to enjoy. I had met the author at BEA this year during a double signing with [a:Edward Lazellari|4631640|Edward Lazellari|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1517502365p2/4631640.jpg] for TOR (my publisher for life), but knew nothing about the book. However soon as I began walking away from the table I looked at the backcover and was like 'HOW COULD I NOT show more KNOW OF THIS?' and almost turned around to fangirl at Rosen just on the grounds of what the book was inspired by.

Yes that is how deep my love is for those two plays.

So how does the book match up to my expections? Fantastically.

Not only is the book peppered with inside jokes and references to the source materials (Bunburry's multiple accidents, cucumber sandwhichs and well the names are a bit more obvious I suppose), but this is possibly one of my favorite steampunk tales to date. Rosen doesn't just pay lip service to the genre, he goes into (sometimes horrifying) detail as well. Its possible I could have done without the lessons in Biology that Jack (Violet's room mate and childhood friend) engages in, but they certainly added a different layer to the tale.

I could wax poetical about the various references for probably a good half hour or more (depending on the mood of the listener), but instead let me focus on the book itself. I would definitely say that Rosen captured the 'feel' of the two plays quite well--it has always seemed to me that neither took itself seriously. Both Wilde and Shakespeare seemed content to let their creations be just a shade over the top and ridiculous. Admittedly the book isn't a farce, but Rosen doesn't let the characters ever think so much of themselves that they become tiresome. Well except perhaps Volio, but he's the bad egg of the piece (more or less) and you expect that of his sort.

At any given time there are about a half dozen or so romances going on, one-sided and otherwise. The centerpiece is of course Violet and Ernest, but through their associates we see the various stages of romance. Her brother Ashton and his romance with a servant, a couple of her new friends paramours, Cecily's infatuation with Violet-as-Ashton, Ernest's confusing courtship of Violet, Volio's campaign for Cecily and Jack's campaign for Cecily. I think that pretty much covers things. Rosen doesn't let gender really get in the way of romance, and I admit that Ernest's confusion until the truth is revealed had me slapping my forehead in amusement.

Subtly issues of race, station, sexuality and gender makes it way into the story. The boys at Illyria are from every kind of background--their only unifying quality their genius--and because of this we're introduced to far more than just the elite. Truth be told I wanted to see more of what society thought of the Duke (of Illyria's) school--we see scarce little of society outside of Violet's family and mentions by students of their titles (or father's titles). At one point Ernest does mention he likes to keep to himself, so I suppose that's a reason.

As odd as this sounds I think that Ashton was my favorite character. We see little of his exploits when they don't pertain to Violet (we hear bits and pieces, but that's about it), but I took a shine to his character. Maybe because despite all his tomfoolery he showed true care and concern for those around him. Or maybe because he was kind of a reckless take me as a I am sort of fellow that I tend to really admire. Violet was a good foil for him, or he for her. She is serious-minded, despite her insane plan and madcap ideas, and though she loosens up while amongst the boys of the school, she's a stabilizing force in the book.

Sometimes Cecily got on my nerves, which is par for the course as the character in Importance also got on my nerves at times. Not that she was naive or stupid, just...blind maybe. Several times her 'good fortune' is pointed out to her, but she takes much of it for granted. Jack, Toby and Drew were fun and rounded out the cast nicely. I liked Jack, liked his sensible approach to wooing Cecily. I thought Toby and Drew played off the others well and if nothing else gave Violet some sound advice (if she were male at least).

My one sadness was how depressingly pragmatic many of the female characters were. Lady Ada, Miriam, Fiona, and even Violet at points were all realistic about their futures. Well, perhaps not Violet so much, but it definitely Fiona and Miriam. They were definitely 'live for the moment' sorts who understood the ways of the world, but tried not to let that ruin their enjoyment of what they had.

I'm not sure I can recommend this book enough. There is I believe something for everyone. I do warn at some content matter--terrifying automata for instance that had my skin crawling and oily creepers for instance. If nothing else I hope the school year proved to the Duke that he needs to install some sort of psychological examination before allowing kids like Volio in again! show less

When I picked up this book, I didn't put it together that the author is the same person who wrote Jack of Hearts (and other parts), which is a title that has been high on censorship lists over the past couple of years (including in my own school district). I haven't read that novel, so I didn't really know what to expect. This story is set in 1952 San Francisco. The protagonist is Evander (he goes by Andy but I like Evander better) Mills, a recently-ex-cop who loses his job because he gets show more swept up in a gay club raid, is outed to his colleagues, and summarily fired. He is contemplating his next move (the future looks pretty grim) when he is offered the opportunity to investigate a suspicious death. The deceased is Irene Lamontaine, the matriarch of a soap company, and (it turns out) a secret gay family. That sounds weird, but it's exactly that. She is gay, her son is gay, and her son's "wife" is gay, and they all live together with their assorted partners and family members in a secluded mansion outside the city. As he digs into the family situation, Andy also has to examine his own life and history, as well as the meaning of family when you're part of a community that is (at that point in history) almost universally reviled -- even illegal. It's an interesting idea, and a not uncommon theme in the world of LGBTQ, since many people who identify as other than heterosexual are forced to create their own families, even now. Andy finds himself drawn to this group, and not really sure how to deal with the openness, after a lifetime of hiding and secrecy. It's a really interesting theme -- a frank and sometimes stark illustration of a time that seems both modern and totally backward in terms of humanity and civility -- and a compelling setting for a murder mystery. show less

This book had me sold from the start. If you’re a fan of the 90s Mummy movie or Indiana Jones, you’ll love the action packed chapters as they search ancient temples. The main character has a great balance of wit, wisdom, bravery, with the right kind of pettiness (when deserved). The romantic parts made me feel like I was 17 again with a stomach filled with butterflies. I laughed, cried, gasped, and mourned with Ten.

Cannot wait to see where the next books go!!