Charming Young Man

The author has given us a stunning insight into French society during the 19th century in Charming Young Man.Our main character, the hopeful Mozart of France, Léon Delafosse, is based on a portrait by John Singer Sargent of the real Léon who was a pianist and composer. Schrefer has created a story based on Delafosse with mentions of other now famous people such as author, Marcel Proust,and poet Robert de Montesquiou. Of course, there have been some liberties taken to create this beautiful story, but it made me curious to know more about the people mentioned.From the first chapter, I wanted to protect Léon from everyone and everything as his naievity over the world he's thrust into is evident at every turn and whilst the focus on his music isn't at the forefront? I did listen to some of the real Delafosse's compositions, and his emotions truly flow through the notes, which helped draw me down completely into the story. Delafosse doesn't belong anywhere, and what is worse is that he knows it, and you can feel his struggle for acceptance, for love, and the overwhelming need to ensure his family is safe and secure. Parisian Léon isn't just a musician but swiftly has to become an actor simply so he can belong' and then in rural France, the stigma of his sexuality makes him wary of being able to be himself because it maybe France? But being a gay man is still difficult and hidden from sight... and can ruin someone in a moment.The world building is wonderful, I can easily envision the rich silks of a home filled with the who's who of society in Paris, to the vast splendour of de Montesquiou's home. But it's the quiet of Vernon that I like the most even if we only really get a glimpse of where the Delafosse family are from. Perhaps I prefer it because I disliked pretty much everyone we encounter in Paris - they're all like piranhas waiting for someone to be hurt. Each and everyone is good to Léon at first until they've got what they wanted or are swayed by others, and I despised them.You will feel like you're baring witness to Léon's journey throughout his life,Charming Young Man is character-driven, with Léon and his life and the decisions made for and by him that are the cause and effect of what and how he feels. There is a lovely story that takes place that is gentle, and I do believe you will love seeing it unfold, especially through the letters that the two share.

But... I do caution you to have some tissues ready, you will need them because I for one? Am still feeling emotional and wish I could reassure both Léons that they were wonderful people and deserved so much more than life gave them.