Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Eighteen–year-old Jonathan Moore works as a garden hand on a lord’s estate in Victorian England. On a festive servants’ day off, he visits the Christmas fair, hoping to fulfill his childhood dream of riding the carousel. The trip turns out unexpectedly when he catches the eye of impudent footman Francis Johnson. Despite Jonathan’s reservations, the flirtatious Francis doesn’t give up, and after some hesitation, they share a ride on the glittering carousel. Before they say good-bye, Francis asks to meet again, and with a quickening heartbeat, Jonathan agrees.

Rarely having a day off from their duties, their yearning for one another cannot be quenched, while Jonathan’s fear of heartbreak makes him uncertain whether Francis is the right man for him. Meanwhile, Francis does everything in his power to make a next date happen. Will Jonathan’s naïve heart give in to the temptation of the seductive footman?

 

Book Review

As Jonathan Moore of 'The Carousel' by Eva Vicci stands and watches the beautiful carousel, with its magnificent, brightly-painted horses, go round and round, he's more anxious than ever to have a turn. It's an important event for Jonathan; it's something he's always wanted to do, but could never afford. Now that he has a job, he's been saving up for months in order to be able to fulfill his dream. As it continues in its endless circles, Jonathan notices, with dismay, that everyone on it has a partner and becomes painfully aware that he's alone. Little did he realize that the young man, Francis, who offers to ride with him is also joining him on the carousel of life, which, like the ride, goes up and down and round and round until the ride is over.

Jonathan has not had an easy life in Victorian England, but he's managed to get a job and he is grateful for it. He is determined to work hard and pull his own weight. He is a kind, almost innocent person, who is just coming into the bloom of manhood. Similar to many young men his age, meeting someone to whom he is attracted to for the first time is bewildering. He's excited, confused, on a whirlwind of an emotional ride. To make matters even more complex, his object of affection is another man. In this period of time, loving a person of your own gender is forbidden and the consequences are severe, so not only does he have to deal with his feelings, he is also filled with trepidation, doubt, and indecision as to whether it's worth the risk in the first place. Even when he decides it is, there are many setbacks and disappointments and, at times it feels not only improbable, but virtually impossible. Jonathan wants someone he can be with every day, not, as he and Francis have it, which is to meet once a month if they are lucky. While reading the story, I hoped that, as it often does, love would find a way and the men could be together.

Francis is more difficult to understand. He's older than Jonathan and has had more experience in matters of the heart, so he seems almost arrogant about it. He's pushy and forward and throws Jonathan off balance. Francis has a wall up that I couldn't penetrate, therefore it was difficult to connect with him. I wasn't at all sure that he was good for Jonathan, but when he risks everything to come see Jonathan, and tells him the truth about his previous situation, I began to look at him in a different light and realized that there was a very good reason for his distant, seemingly carefree attitude. I was also impressed by his ingenuity in planning and orchestrating a way for them to be together. Although risky, especially in their time, it is feasible.

This was a nice story, written in the lyrical language of the time which made it a bit more difficult to understand, but definitely added interest and ambiance. I felt sorry for the men having to hide their love affair due to the attitudes toward homosexuality, but was very impressed with the way Eva added a positive twist to the situation. I recommend this book to those of you who like a short, but endearing historical read. Thanks, Eva, for giving Jonathan and Francis their chance for happiness.

 

 

 

 

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Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Novella, 74 pages/18050 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	08-January-2014
Price	$3.99 ebook
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-carousel-by-eva-vicci-2064-b