The Tin Box

By: Kim Fielding

Narrated by: K.C. Kelly

William Lyon's past forced him to become someone he isn't. Conflicted and unable to maintain the charade, he separates from his wife and takes a job as caretaker at a former mental hospital. Jelley's Valley State Insane Asylum was the largest mental hospital in California for well over a century, but it now stands empty. William thinks the decrepit institution is the perfect place to finish his dissertation and wait for his divorce to become final. In town, William meets Colby Anderson, who minds the local store and post office. Unlike William, Colby is cute, upbeat, and flamboyantly out. Although initially put off by Colby's mannerisms, William comes to value their new friendship, and even accepts Colby's offer to ease him into the world of gay sex.

William's self-image begins to change when he discovers a tin box, hidden in an asylum wall since the 1940s. It contains letters secretly written by Bill, a patient who was sent to the asylum for being homosexual. The letters hit close to home, and William comes to care about Bill and his fate. With Colby's help, he hopes the words written 70 years ago will give him courage to be his true self.

©2013 Kim Fielding (P)2015 Dreamspinner Press

Most moving and inspiring book ...

Most moving and inspiring book I’ve read in quite some time.
I don’t have many, but this one is a “must read”.
Kelly was the perfect choice for narrator too.
One day I’ll read this one again.

An Absolute Jewel

I really like all of Kim Fielding's books, but this one is exceptional. The story, the message, the chemistry, the subtle nuances of pacing; everything worked for me. K.C. Kelly did a great job with the character's voices - I particularly liked the slight catch in his voice when Colby was being impish or vulnerable, and the longing in the voices of both of the Williams. This is one to treasure and re-listen to.

couldn't put it down

most of the time I listen in 30-60 minute sessions. I carried my phone around all day listening to this in one go.

Bittersweet story

This was a sweet, sad story. I cannot take a lot of angst but this was bearable and the ending was perfect. The narrator did a good job reading the main character but his voice for Colby takes some getting used to.

#VoicesFromTheGrave #Tearjerker #LGBT+ #MentalHealth #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Heartbreaking and beautiful

I am at once uplifted and pained. Such a beautiful weaving of past horrible truths and a saving of other people in the now. K.C. Kelly did a beautiful job capturing the haunting qualities of the tale. Highly recommended!

Amazing!!!

What a wonderful story and so well portrayed. I too have fallen in love with Colby, really who couldn't? Would love a continuation of this story.

This book is so good

There are some very emotional aspects to this book, and I definitely shed some tears, but this book was very good. The story was believable. I don't want fo give anything away, but i highly recommend it. I also liked that the author did not go overboard with the sex scenes .

You have to buy this!

I buy 3-4 books a week on Audible but I have never written a review until now. Both the story and narration were so moving. This book just hit me right in the heart! Buy it!

Sobbing and happy at the same time.

Ugh, my heart. Such a heartfelt story. I couldn’t stop crying. It’s basically two love stories in one. It made me laugh and sob. This story will stick with me for a while. I know the atrocities the gay community has suffered but it never fails to pull at my heartstrings. Will definitely reread/listen again.

Sometimes a hard story, but wonderful

Kim Fielding is an amazing writer, who has a way of combining dark, angsty topics with humor and sweet romance. I guess you’d say this is the “perfect” example of that.

We get the dark, very hard to read at times story of Bill – a patient in an asylum for being homosexual and what he experiences.

Then we get William and Colby’s modern day story, far more light-hearted and hopeful. William learns from “Bill” and finally finds the courage to be the man he wants to become.

“…You said gay people—any people—should be who they really are. Be authentic. You said I should wear a pink tutu and vote Republican if that’s what I wanted. Well, I’ll pass on that part. But Colby, this is me. I’m not a man who sleeps around, always wondering if the ass is greener on the other side of the fence. I’m not someone who wants to meet tons of men in clubs or online. Those things don’t suit me any better than [wearing your clothes].”

Such a delightful mix of tragic and happy. Well done, Kim Fielding, well done.

**

Audio:

KC Kelly does an absolutely amazing job with this! God! I loved his “Colby” and how well he handles the emotion and the smexy times.
I absolutely recommend his narration as a way to experience this novel.