Title: A Red-Tainted Silence
Author: Carolyn Gray
Publisher: Loose Id
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Length: 481 pages
Rating: 5+ stars out of 5 DIK
A guest review by Jenre
THE BLURB
I’ll never forget the first time I saw him–the wild shock of black hair, the beautiful blue eyes, the full lips with that perfected pout. Such a diva, even from the beginning. I was entranced, smitten, mesmerized. He had the face of an angel, and the voice of one, too–and almost from the start I began the pattern of losing Nicholas. I was good at that–I guess I never believed I really deserved him, what he would bring to us both. What we would experience, because of him. What we could be, because of him. What I could be because of the strength and belief he had in me.
Denial denial denial.
Damn, I was good at that. But I was going to have to get good at trust and acceptance, if I wanted to keep him.
THE REVIEW
I have to admit I was nervous as I sat down to read this book. Wave had ‘announced’ I was reading and reviewing it and after that lots of people let me know that it was either one of their favourite m/m books or how much they had liked it. After that, I began to worry what would happen if I didn’t like the book or had a lukewarm response to it. Fortunately all my worries were unfounded as I loved the book. Loved it.
A Red-Tainted Silence is proof that if a book is written well it can overcome even some of my most hated things about m/m books. For example, I hate men who cry too much, I hate characters who suffer needlessly because they won’t tell anyone their troubles and I generally don’t like stories with extended flashbacks. All of these things happen in this book and yet the story swept me away to such an extent that I didn’t mind these things, even understood why the characters behaved as they did and cried so much. But I’m getting ahead of myself.
The book begins with two men who are recovering in hospital. The first person narrator Brandon is a famous guitarist in what used to be a very popular band, Dream. The singer from the band and Brandon’s lover, Nick, is the other man in hospital. The two men have just recently reconciled after a split of two years but before they could begin their new life together Nick was kidnapped and held captive for several weeks. Brandon found and rescued him, but both men were badly injured in the escape, Nick especially, which is why they are now in hospital. They are just starting to think that all will be well now when it is discovered that the man who had kidnapped Nick was actually working for someone and that the pair are far from safe. Whilst in hospital, Brandon, who finds it difficult to express his feelings, decides to write his memoirs of the time when he first met Nick so that Nick can read them and understand what was happening in his head throughout the 12 years they’ve known each other. The story then alternates between the present and the past as slowly horrifying things are revealed about Brandon’s past.
Part of the reason this story worked well for me was because of the length of the book. At nearly 500 pages, it allowed me plenty of time to get to know these characters and get an understanding of their motivations. The book is very emotional and in some ways difficult to read because of that. Throughout the years that Nick and Brandon are together they suffer over and over again from things happening to them over which they seem to have no control. Every time something wonderful happens there is something bad lurking round the corner to take the shine off their relationship. I found myself feeling a wealth of emotion as I read the account of the men meeting; of them building their lives together; of Brandon’s struggle with his family after coming out and the cool relationship with his father and brother, Adam; of the exhilaration of first love; of their belief in their ability to make it as singer/songwriters. All of it combined into an experience which was both breathtaking and sometimes uncomfotable.
Another reason to like this book is in the characterisation as we are presented to two flawed, complex men who love each other deeply, but whose love also causes most harm. The main character in the story is Brandon and although we do get Nick’s point of view later in the book, it is Brandon’s story that is the main focus of the book. He’s a difficult narrator because he is so locked in a spiral of self hatred and blame, that it was sometimes hard to like him, even as I sympathised with his situation. He’s also quite emotionally unstable, like many very creative people, in that he’s prone to depression, he feels things sometimes too deeply and finds it difficult to shrug off some of the small hurts that may not affect some people. Having said that, I was thoroughly absorbed in his story and read in fascination as he allows himself to be manipulated by everyone he meets, even Nick, letting everyone think that he is happy when in fact he is just hiding his true feelings from everyone. As the story draws to a conclusion and the other people in Brandon’s life discover the truth about him, I rejoiced that finally things were going to change for Brandon now that he had allowed others to see through the armour he has cloaked himself with so effectively.
The character of Nick is easy to like. He’s charming, gregarious, and very opposite to Brandon in that he seems able to easily shrug off anything bad that has happened to him and focus on the good. Even his days in captivity are dealt with easily by him opening up to his friends and counsellor and allowing the hurt and the horror to be healed. Having said that, as the book progresses we also see that he is easily distracted and sometimes quite fickle which leads to Brandon feeling rejected and shut out at times.
As the present day story is focused mainly on the reconciliation of the heroes, we get to see them in the full blush of renewed love. This led to many tender moments between them which I found quite beautiful. This then contrasted with the deterioration of the relationship in the past and also allowed me to feel a little better about what happened in the past because I knew that no matter what they had gone through, they were together now and could start to move on from past hurts. This is the main reason why the mix of present day and flashbacks worked so well. I don’t think I could have coped with the emotional intensity if the book had followed on in a straight chronological order, it would have been too much angst, even for me.
I’ve given this book DIK status, not because it’s perfect, it isn’t. There are a few things which could have been done better. For example there is 12 years between the characters in the past and present and yet there doesn’t seem to be a change in maturity at all, their characters pretty much remain the same through the whole time and I would have liked to have seen some difference to show that the characters in the present are no longer young men of 18/19. Also, as I said, I found Brandon a little difficult to relate to and extreme in his emotions. Plus there were a few other little niggly things which are too minor really to mention. However, in my opinion, this book is a keeper. The breadth of emotion, the complexity of the characters and the sheer intensity of the book, all combine to make A Red-Tainted Silence a wonderful book which I would highly recommend.
Jen, I am glad you like it. It is a bit over the top in places. But when in the right mood it is a very good read.
For me the present part worked better than the flashbacks. And I want that house they bought!
Hi Ingrid
I found that I enjoyed both the past and the present. Perhaps it was a little overblown in places, but as a melodrama it worked well.
Jen
Excellent review of a very difficult book. I read this story over 3 years ago when it was first released. I must admit I never went back to it so it would not fit my definition of a “keeper,” which is a book I read over and over again as a “comfort read.” Based on the review 5 stars seems appropriate, if for nothing else, the fact that this book was an undertaking of mammoth proportions.
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Brandon is what’s called, I believe, an “unreliable narrator” and it’s difficult to figure out whether what says is the truth or just the way he would like to perceive the events.
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I think the crying and the angst are what did me in, and I had a feeling of relief when I finished the book after putting it down for several weeks at a time because I was so overwhelmed by all the different sub plots and family issues.
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This is one of those books that you either like or feel overwhelmed by the emotional overload which I confess I don’t handle well. Like Ingrid I thought it was over the top in many places, which is probably the reason so many people like the book.
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Sorry I “announced” that you were going to review the book. 😀 I really AM sorry because I never intended to place you in a position from which you couldn’t extricate yourelf. However, I’m happy you liked it so much.
Hi Wave
I think I will read this book again. Maybe not straight away, but when I’m in the mood for a well written drama. My idea of a keeper is a book I will read again, yes, but also a book I can remember clearly, a book where I’m still thinking about the characters weeks later and a book which I would wholeheartedly recommend. Some of the books I review don’t actually become ‘keepers’ until later, so it’s always difficult to assign that title to a book so soon after I have read it, but this book definitely fits into that category.
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Quite a few people have said that they read it in ‘stages’ but I found it easy to keep reading and when I did have to put the book down, I was still thinking about the characters and how their story was going to pan out. Perhaps I’ve read so much angst recently that I’m becoming immune :D.
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Don’t worry about putting me on the spot. I’m really glad you assigned this book to me, otherwise I would’ve missed out on a terrific book that I may never have read.
Is that permission to “assign” other books for you to review that I think you might love?
I could have others in my arsenal. 😀
Great review, Jen, and glad you liked it. I’ve had this book for over a year, but had put it off until recently because I was a bit daunted by its length. Now that I’ve read it, I think the length actually works in its favor, because it allows you to really get to know the characters, as you said. I loved the book, but I’m a big fan of angst.
Thanks, Nichem
I think you are right, the length does work in the books favour. Certainly things such as the secondary characterisation would have suffered if the book had been shorter.
Congrats, Jen, on reviewing a book of gargantuan proportions. I read this quite a while ago. It took me forever, because I read it in small amounts. It really hit my emotions and I think that’s why I couldn’t plow through it. I agree with Wave that it wouldn’t be on my “read over and over again” shelf, but all the same it was powerful and quite gratifying. I hope your review brings new readers to it!
Hi Wren
I think this is the sort of book which would be difficult to read if you were already feeling emotionally vulnerable. I can understand how you needed to take a break from it rather than read it all in one go.
I read this book a long time ago. In fact, it was one of the first m/m books I’ve read and I believe it has a lot to do with the fact that I continued to read them. Funny thing, it’s not the angst I remember after all this time – it’s the intensity. But that’s not the reason I haven’t read it again. This is one of those books I liked so much that I was afraid the second reading would diminish that. But, I’ll succumb sooner or later. XD
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It’s not an easy read by any stretch, but I liked it a lot – the characters, the story about the young love, the mystery. And the fact that it was long was another plus for me. Many of the books in the genre are over before they even started. What I want to read is another book by Carolyn Gray and I hope it will be good just as this one was. ^^ I’m glad you liked it too.
Hi Lady M
I agree the book is very intense, due mainly to the reaction of the other characters towards the two heroes, or at least Brandon’s perceived reaction.
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I can understand what you mean by not wanting to sully the memory of a book by re-reading it. I have different opinions about books depending on what was happening in my life when I read it and it’s always disappointing to go back to a much loved book and see flaws in it.
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I’ve not seen another book by Carolyn Gray. Has she written any more?
“I’ve not seen another book by Carolyn Gray. Has she written any more?”
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I think I’ve read somewhere that she is writing her second book, but so far I haven’t heard anything about it. I’m hoping though, since I liked this one so much.
Thanks for the info, Lady M. I hope she’s writing another book too.
This is one of my DIK books (and my DIK list is very short!). I absolutely loved it.
Hi DL
I’m glad you loved it too :).
500 pages? Eeep. I think I have enough long ones for now but it sounds interesting if a bit angsty. Sigh. I’ll keep it in the back of my mind for the time being.
WordPress ate my comment. Grrrrrr!
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Tam: This is not a book to read whilst suffering from Toy Poodle Flu. You could always break it down, as I did. I saw the book as two books in one great package :).
Tam
>>but it sounds interesting if a bit angsty<< A bit angsty is a bit of an understatement. 😀
I loved this book. It’s a 5star DIK for me as well. Great review as always, Jen. 🙂
Thanks, Lily :). I’m glad you loved the book too.
Thanks for the review… to be honest, if I had only read the blurb of this book – I would never try to read it. It doesn’t really tell you much, except a certain obsession. But after your review, I think I will give it a go and put it on my to-read list 🙂
Hi Eve
In a way Brandon is obsessed by Nick, especially at first. The blurb is just the opening to Brandon’s memoirs and as such tells you very little about the story. I hope you enjoy it :).
I wish this book would be available in print. Just the thought of reading such a long story as ebook makes my eyes bleed.
Hi Lilli
I sympathise, it’s hard to read a long novel on a screen. I have a ebook reader so it’s much easier on the eye.
I read and read alot. This book is one I have read a couple of times. Part of what I enjoy is how strongly the characters speak through the pages- you can feel what Brandon feels. Yes he is angsty- well he was what 17 when it started and 19 when they finally met. I liked that Brandon became a survivor not just a shipwreck upon the shoals of the more vivacious Nicholas. It does rate DIK at least to me. As far as the author, I did correspond with her, letting her know of my appreciation of the book. At that time she mentioned she might write another.
“I liked that Brandon became a survivor not just a shipwreck upon the shoals of the more vivacious Nicholas.”
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That’s such a great way of putting it – and so true. Brandon is drawn to Nick and is strong enough to leave when he thinks he’s rejected, even if it does lead to self-destructive behaviour. Yet when Nick fights for him, he is willing to admit that he made a mistake.
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I managed to find the author’s blog and she is writing a sequel to this book. I get the impression that the new book will have a different feel to it than this one which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I would like to see a less intense story where both these guys are happy :).
Needless to say this is in my top ten of the MM has to offer. I loved the characters and loved the length.I will definitely re-read this if I ever get the chance. Another book, I don’t know if it was reviewed here , in this same class in my estimation is Zathyn Priest’s The Curtis Reincarnation. That one I loved to see made into a movie.Just my two cents.
Hi Arlene
I don’t think that Zathyn Priest book has been reviewed on this blog. I haven’t read it either, but I’ll certainly check it out now that you’ve recommended it. 🙂
I have read this book last year and loved it. Took forever to read but that’s what I loved about it! There aren’t enough long long fics in my opinion. She’s writing another with the same characers, I lurk on her lj (paragraphs). She talks about writing which is cool.
I do hope the next one won’t be as heartbreaking though. I cried too much with ARTS! I don’t think I can read it again forw awhile, either.
Hi Melissa
I didn’t actually cry but several scenes brought a lump to my throat, especially the one with Nick, Brandon and Brandon’s father in the kitchen near the beginning of the story.
I’m another that absolutely loves this book! It was one of my first m/m stories and stuck with me long after I read the last page. I did go back and re-read it a few months ago and the intensity and emotions were still there even knowing the ending – Love Nick and Brandon. I was excited to hear she is writing another story. I always thought it a shame that she had only written this one brillant story.
Hi Lisa
One reason for me to go back and re-read is to pick up on any missed clues in the mystery. Once the reveal had confirmed my suspicions, I wanted to read the book again to discover where the ‘tells’ were but I haven’t got the time to do that at the moment :).
I am so glad to see this book reviewed. This is my favorite M/M book and I have read it several times.
I really felt all the emotions Brandon was going through. I love the relationship between Nick & Brandon, but I really loved his relationship with his brother Jon. I cry the hardest when I read about the hard times with him.
I agree that the book being 500 pages helped to get to know them and it really submerges you in their story. I don’t feel as though there was anything I would have wanted edited out. I thought the way the author went back and forth between past & present was well done.
I am happy to hear of a possible 2nd book, I just wish this one was in print. I would like a copy for my bookshelf.
I hope those who are put off by the size will give it a try.
Hi Glori
It’s a real shame that some people are put off reading the book because of the size. I like long books, especially those where you are taken on an emotional journey that would not be possible with a short book. I have many long books as keepers.
Thanks a lot for the review. I bought this story many months ago but because of the lenght, especially since I’m stuck with an ebook, I never had the courage to do more than think of maybe reading it. Maybe this will help, because it truly sounds compelling. It also sounded like a very angsty book, so I’m glad of what you’re saying about the harsh past being counterbalanced by the present-day sweetness.
Hi Mary
You should definitely dig this out of your TBR pile. You won’t regret it :).
This has been in my TBR file since your review came out……and after reading the entire thing in one sitting last night? So sorry I waited so flippin long to read it. It had me at times gasping, cringing, crying and laughing. Carolyn Gray amazed me with her ability to write intriguing characters that had true depth. I will not soon forget Brandon and Nick…nor the trials they both went through! Wonderful book, and you were SO right Jenre, a real keeper. Thanks for the review, I hope to catch up on a lot more books I have bought on your and other Jessewave reviewers recommendations 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed it too, Elaine. It’s nice to hear back from readers who have read my reviews and gone on to like the book too. It gives me the warm fuzzies :).
I just finished this book and wow, what a story! I have been reading m/m books for over 2 years now and just recently saw the review for this one on this site, I thank my lucky stars I found this site or I would be missing out on a lot of great books, and reviews!
Hi Jaime
I’m glad you enjoyed the book too :). I agree that this site is a fantastic resource for m/m readers. I’ve picked up some well loved books too after reading reviews here.
Another one here who just finished this book and only knew about it because someone here mentioned it on another review thread. This has got to be one of the most powerful stories I have ever read. I had dreams about the characters every night during the time I read it. Loved the writing style, loved the characters, loved that the book was 500 pages, with not a one “wasted” – even loved the angst level even though it sometimes had me putting the book down for a “breather” . Just went back and read your review Jenre – spot on as usual. 🙂 I love this site!!
Hi Dianne and thanks 🙂
This book is one of those which, I think, will be ‘discovered’ by a lot of people through recommendations. It had been out for 2 years before I read it. As more people discover the m/m genre this book will be a definite must read for those catching up on the ‘classics’:).
I have to agree with you about being immersed in the story. Even when I wasn’t reading, I was still thinking about the characters.