Reviews

Eight Acts by A.L. Lester

jupiter2932's review

5.0

Another solid historical novella by A.L. Lester.

Set in 1967, right after the repeal of the laws making homosexual activity illegal in England, this story follows Percy and Adrian, who were mentioned in Lester's novel Taking Stock. Percy's a teacher at a boarding school who, with a friend of his, is taking opportunity of some summer teaching to live in London for a few weeks.

Anyway, neither Percy nor Adrian are looking for a serious relationship, but they end up falling into something like one in the few weeks they spend together. They're both at similar stages in their lives, and watching their surprise at discovering how compatible they are, during their first date and beyond, is sweet.

The plot of this novella also includes some homophobia and violence (though not involving the two main characters). It was an interesting window into England at this time, and you can tell it's been well-researched, despite the length restraints.

It's honestly difficult to get into any more detail than this without spoiling things, but I would really recommend this if you like historical M/M. Like all of Lester's other work, it's got a gentle quality to it; the romance is fairly low angst, and Percy and Adrian get along well from the start. The romance is sweet, but there isn't tons of will they-won't they, and the biggest barriers to a happy ending are societal rather than personal. But it's another lovely story populated by characters who are good human beings, and I would absolutely recommend it. 

endemictoearth's review

emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

This was mostly a gentle little tale, though there is an off-page homophobic violent sexual assault of a secondary character that is described in that British euphemistic detail, so . . . just be aware. It’s the summer of 1967 when homosexuality was decriminalized in the UK, and two men meet by chance and keep seeing each other all summer. Not a full five stars like a similar novella (In the Privacy of Their Home by R. A. Padmos is * chef’s kiss *), but quite affecting.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Sexual assault

It happens off page, but we see the after effects on a side character and it is heavily implied he was assaulted and raped.

claudia_is_reading's review

5.0

God, but how much I like Lester's books! This is a short novella, but it has so much packed into it...

The sense of place and time is wonderful, and we can 'live' this London, where the Sexual Offenses Act has just been decriminalized. But, of course, that doesn't mean that the world is now safe for gay men.

Adrian and Percy are great characters, and their story, even with quite a bit of anguish, and an off-page terrible act, it's a wonderful, realistic love story.

There is nothing rushed here, no instant commitment. Their relationship advances almost without their knowledge, while they are slowly falling in love. One of the things that captured my heart was the awe Percy felt at this. How he discovered that sex could be more than a stolen moment in the dark, always rushed, always in fear. I loved seeing him discovering that love can be slow and gentle :D

A lovely, lovely story!