Charming Young Man

De: Eliot Schrefer

Narrado por: Mark Sanderlin

From New York Times bestselling author Eliot Schrefer comes an exuberant YA historical coming-of-age novel about a rising star French pianist, navigating his way into high society as he explores his sexuality. Perfect for fans of Last Night at the Telegraph Club and The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue.

They say Léon Delafosse will be France’s next great pianist. But despite his being the youngest student ever accepted into the prestigious Paris Conservatory, there’s no way an impoverished musician can make his way in 1890s Paris without an outside patron.

Young gossip columnist Marcel Proust takes Léon under his wing, and the boys game their way through an extravagant new world. When the larger-than-life Count Robert de Montesquiou-Fézensac offers his patronage, Léon’s dreams are made real. But the closer he gets to becoming France’s next great thing, the further he strays from his old country life he shared with his family and his best friend, Félix . . . a boy he might love.

With each choice Léon makes, he must navigate a fine line between two worlds—or risk losing them both.

©2023 Eliot Schrefer (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Powerful

I went into this book totally blind. I didn’t even read the synopsis only listen to the sample. However, I’m familiar with the author after reading “The Darkness Outside of Us” a few years ago, which I really enjoyed. Although, not high concept or full of twist like DOU, Charming Young Man was very powerful, and told a very human story of self-discovery, ambition, betrayal and love. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I related to many moments in this story. As a gay man myself, the little moments and scenes really got me. But anyone who’s gone through betrayal and lost will find this story resonating. I recommend CYM if you like stories which are realistic with complex emotions.
(((Minor Spoiler Ahead))) - if you want to go in totally blind, don’t read the Author’s note until the end.






CYM is historical fiction based on a real pianist, Leon Delafosse, in 1890’s Paris as he navigates high society and discovers his sexuality as a gay man. Since its historical, the failings and bigotries of our world are present and play a part in the story. For me, I want my characters to face real struggles, but I know some are looking for a full Bridgerton Fantasy, and this is not.

I’m going to have to add Schrefer to my trusted author lists, along with VE Schwab, David R. Slayton and Rainbow Rowell. I learned “The Darkness Outside of Us” is getting a sequel, very excited. I would love to see Schrefer try fantasy. Also, Mark Sanderlin gave an awesome performance. I read most of my books now, as audio books due to working nights, and I have been guilty of buying a book just based on a voice.

Michael,

Beautiful!!!!!

It is an amazing story, very well written and beautifully spoken. The story unfortunately is too often familiar even in 2024. Homosexuality is more accepted in big cities in the US and Europe but not at all in many countries. In rural United States less so. Society is still
slippery meaning one can be on top one minute and on the bottom the next. Human can often be cruel.
This book highlights all of the above in a touching way. Bravo to the author.

The narrator wasn't for me

But the story, characters and dialog sizzled. The setting of 1890s Paris -- including the customs, traditions and manners -- was also magical. I couldn't stop listening. It was a rare audiobook that gripped me and refused to let my mind wander. It was already having so much fun wandering around 1890s Paris. Then the story takes a dark turn and becomes even more spellbinding. As fantastic as this book is, the author's note at the end, where he tells the story of what inspired him to write the story, is even better. But listen to a sample before you spend your credit. The narrator's voice can be very difficult to tolerate.