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Mateo #1
The Painting of Porcupine City
Brazilian graffiti artist Mateo Amaral is looking for his heaven spot, the one perfect place to paint. His coworker Fletcher Bradford is looking for a heaven spot of his own, and his is even more elusive. Out since age 12, Fletcher's been around more blocks than Mateo has ever painted. He's dated all the jerks, all the creeps, all the losers in between. At 26 he's decided the only way to meet a nice guy is just never to give him a chance to prove otherwise. When he's introduced to Mateo, Fletcher expects to add another notch to his bedpost. But Mateo is different--and from him Fletcher will rediscover a long-lost surprise. What Fletcher finds in the trunk of Mateo's car will change his life in ways he never imagined--and may help him find what he's always wanted.
From the author of "The Cranberry Hush" comes an epic story spanning years and hemispheres and miles of painted walls. At times sexy and sweet, gritty and gut-wrenching, "The Painting of Porcupine City" takes readers along with Mateo and Fletcher on an adventure through the subways of Boston to the towers of São Paulo. Are you in?
From the author of "The Cranberry Hush" comes an epic story spanning years and hemispheres and miles of painted walls. At times sexy and sweet, gritty and gut-wrenching, "The Painting of Porcupine City" takes readers along with Mateo and Fletcher on an adventure through the subways of Boston to the towers of São Paulo. Are you in?
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2011
12 people are currently reading
764 people want to read
About the author
Ben Monopoli
6 books440 followersBen Monopoli lives in Boston with his husband, Chris. His newest book is Mateo Was Here: A Novella.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
September 4, 2011
What you probably want to know from this review is if this book is any good. Rest assured, The Painting of Porcupine City is very, very good. Excellent in fact! The story is about two men, one who lacks direction in life, the other that’s well aware of his destiny and is seeking a way of getting there. One of these characters, Mateo, is so lovable that you’ll be sighing his name into your pillow at night. The other, Fletcher, is far from perfect, but it’s his journey that makes the story so interesting. If you can forgive him for being human (and you’ll need to a few times) then you’ll likely have a more sympathetic picture of him by the end.
The story focuses on relationships, platonic as well as romantic and sexual. I found the interactions between characters to be one of the great joys of the novel—the casual banter and minutiae of life making me feel I was there among close friends. Monopoli’s prose never disappoints. The lines on the page come across as loose and easy, which is a masterful deception because the book is full of carefully crafted descriptions that will knock your socks off. In fact, I went through about ten pairs of socks per sitting.
Sexy, sweet, and sometimes strange, The Painting of Porcupine City is a story not to be missed! Ben Monopoli’s second novel is a triumph, one that will leave me and countless others begging for more.
The story focuses on relationships, platonic as well as romantic and sexual. I found the interactions between characters to be one of the great joys of the novel—the casual banter and minutiae of life making me feel I was there among close friends. Monopoli’s prose never disappoints. The lines on the page come across as loose and easy, which is a masterful deception because the book is full of carefully crafted descriptions that will knock your socks off. In fact, I went through about ten pairs of socks per sitting.
Sexy, sweet, and sometimes strange, The Painting of Porcupine City is a story not to be missed! Ben Monopoli’s second novel is a triumph, one that will leave me and countless others begging for more.
July 22, 2012
I'm not sure how I really feel about this book. I know only that it's magnificent, but I am bitterly conflicted about how it made me feel. It tells the story of Mateo and Fletcher, respectively: an enigmatic graffiti artist and a self-centered writer. It's an... atypical story. The focus is not so much their relationship but how they navigate the minefields of life and love and obsession. It's beautifully written; lyrical and wise and sometimes a little obtuse. Set in Boston and Sao Paulo, the settings are lovingly rendered and even though I've never been to either place, I felt like I got an inside glimpse, somehow. The characters are flawed, but ultimately redeemable. The plot meandered a little, then took a few sharp twists. The ending came as a bit of a surprise. In fact, it ended up having unexpected elements of magic realism that made me think of Alice Hoffman, but in a good way. I also really loved the take on counter-culture and graffiti. So, why am I conflicted? Well, in Monopoli style (as in the The Cranberry Hush), nothing ever turns out how you want or expect it to. There's powerful forward-movement in the characters' lives, but I felt a bit adrift and heartsick at the end. That might not make sense if you have't read the book, but trust me when I say it is well worth reading.
May 30, 2016
Arrowman, Dedinhos... ❤️ Qué poco os dura hijos míos...
Esta reseña va a ser caótica, solo soy capaz de articular pensamientos inconexos sobre este libro, antes de lanzarme por el camino de los spoiler quiero explicar el porqué de que se hayan caído unas estrellas: está muy bien el realismo mágico, pero Sr. Monopoli, no se lo saque de la manga en el último 20%, no tiene sentido ninguno... Sinceramente me ha fastidiado el libro
Y a pesar de todo esto, me ha gustado mucho... Pero no sé si lo recomendaría.
Esta reseña va a ser caótica, solo soy capaz de articular pensamientos inconexos sobre este libro, antes de lanzarme por el camino de los spoiler quiero explicar el porqué de que se hayan caído unas estrellas: está muy bien el realismo mágico, pero Sr. Monopoli, no se lo saque de la manga en el último 20%, no tiene sentido ninguno... Sinceramente me ha fastidiado el libro
Y a pesar de todo esto, me ha gustado mucho... Pero no sé si lo recomendaría.
March 4, 2015
Meandering Thoughts on a Beautiful Book
(*no spoilers*)
Every once in a while you come across a story that hits the spot - the ultimate guilty pleasure. Then you might find one that makes you laugh out loud, or introduces you to a new genre. Perhaps you feel lucky. I know I do. But it’s not very often I come across a book that goes beyond exciting, beyond entertaining, beyond ‘new’ – and that book is The Painting of Porcupine City, which breaks out of every mold and every adjective I might throw at it. This book… it simply sits in your soul.
It asks, where is your heaven spot? What is your dream?
When we meet Fletcher Bradford, his heaven spot is in the bed of the next guy he picks up. He’s vain and superficial in a way that inspires more pity than scorn. He’s an expert at appearing busy at his desk, and manufactures a situation to bring the cute new IT guy to fix his computer. Because that’s all Mateo Amaral is at first. The New Guy he wants to take home.
And oh, how things change. This book is less of a romance with a happy ending than it is a story about finding one.
Ben Monopoli has a way of writing that just resonates with me. It was the imagery that got me in The Cranberry Hush, but here in Porcupine City, it’s Fletcher’s narrative voice. The way he tells stories. The way he tells his truth.
A part of me wants to go on about the supporting characters, and how much I loved Mike, Jamar and Vini; about the beautiful visuals of the spray-painted urban art across Boston and Sao Paulo. I could list all the times I wanted to throttle Fletcher, and then all the times this story made me cry. And…and Caleb. But I won’t do that. Or more honestly, I can’t. This book is filled with so much love I can hardly make sense of it all.
I will, though, touch on the humanist undertone to the story: the characters in this book make up an unlikely family, a group of people who love each other in different ways. No matter what color, orientation, or sex, they all relate to one another on a fundamental, human level. Because everyone’s lived in a city of porcupines at some point in life, everyone has closets they need to come out of, and by no means is genetics the only definition of family. It was such an affirmation of life and shared experiences as opposed to all the labels and divisions that keep people apart.
And lastly, I'll never forget Mateo Vinicius Armstrong Amaral, the mesmerizing green-eyed artist who keeps his sense of mystery to the very end, and kept me wondering, "just who are you?" His mother wants him to be an astronaut, and sometimes Mateo takes to the wind like a bird. He calls himself a writer. The law calls him a criminal. All he does is paint graffiti when he's not working his empty job, but according to rumors the artist is just some oldster, while others say he's inhuman, and some say he doesn't exist at all.
But as for me…I don't know. Unknowable and indelible as his ink, Mateo is one of those rare people who is so true he may not be real. And isn't that it? The relativity of facts when they tell a true story. And that’s precisely what I feel about The Painting of Porcupine City - that some fiction is just true.
(*no spoilers*)
Every once in a while you come across a story that hits the spot - the ultimate guilty pleasure. Then you might find one that makes you laugh out loud, or introduces you to a new genre. Perhaps you feel lucky. I know I do. But it’s not very often I come across a book that goes beyond exciting, beyond entertaining, beyond ‘new’ – and that book is The Painting of Porcupine City, which breaks out of every mold and every adjective I might throw at it. This book… it simply sits in your soul.
It asks, where is your heaven spot? What is your dream?
When we meet Fletcher Bradford, his heaven spot is in the bed of the next guy he picks up. He’s vain and superficial in a way that inspires more pity than scorn. He’s an expert at appearing busy at his desk, and manufactures a situation to bring the cute new IT guy to fix his computer. Because that’s all Mateo Amaral is at first. The New Guy he wants to take home.
And oh, how things change. This book is less of a romance with a happy ending than it is a story about finding one.
Ben Monopoli has a way of writing that just resonates with me. It was the imagery that got me in The Cranberry Hush, but here in Porcupine City, it’s Fletcher’s narrative voice. The way he tells stories. The way he tells his truth.
A part of me wants to go on about the supporting characters, and how much I loved Mike, Jamar and Vini; about the beautiful visuals of the spray-painted urban art across Boston and Sao Paulo. I could list all the times I wanted to throttle Fletcher, and then all the times this story made me cry. And…and Caleb. But I won’t do that. Or more honestly, I can’t. This book is filled with so much love I can hardly make sense of it all.
I will, though, touch on the humanist undertone to the story: the characters in this book make up an unlikely family, a group of people who love each other in different ways. No matter what color, orientation, or sex, they all relate to one another on a fundamental, human level. Because everyone’s lived in a city of porcupines at some point in life, everyone has closets they need to come out of, and by no means is genetics the only definition of family. It was such an affirmation of life and shared experiences as opposed to all the labels and divisions that keep people apart.
“I thought: Cara, I understand.”
And lastly, I'll never forget Mateo Vinicius Armstrong Amaral, the mesmerizing green-eyed artist who keeps his sense of mystery to the very end, and kept me wondering, "just who are you?" His mother wants him to be an astronaut, and sometimes Mateo takes to the wind like a bird. He calls himself a writer. The law calls him a criminal. All he does is paint graffiti when he's not working his empty job, but according to rumors the artist is just some oldster, while others say he's inhuman, and some say he doesn't exist at all.
But as for me…I don't know. Unknowable and indelible as his ink, Mateo is one of those rare people who is so true he may not be real. And isn't that it? The relativity of facts when they tell a true story. And that’s precisely what I feel about The Painting of Porcupine City - that some fiction is just true.
“I would believe it even if there was no evidence. I would believe because it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard, and so I choose to believe. …Who can possibly benefit from denying such a beautiful thing?”
April 11, 2013
Whoa, this is a difficult book to review. It's about so many things....love, loss, belonging, dreams, hopes, aspirations but ultimately I think about family, or a sense of it. 5 stars and a total keeper
Fletcher Bradford is 26, and works as a copy editor, but is really a frustrated author whose major work is entitled surprise, surprise 'The Painting of Porcupine City' or 'City of Pricks'....yes, I'll leave you to work that one out!! One day a new guy Mateo Amaral turns up at the place where he works...insta-lust for Fletch, who has been around the block several times...well duh, single guy and no ties. He has two guys he uses for booty calls, and it has to be said, is very shallow and selfish, but when Mateo steps into his office, all that changes.
Mateo Amaral is from Sao Paulo, one of the world's largest cities, but has split his life so far between SP and Boston. He has a strange family background which bears further investigation by you, dear reader. We discover that Mateo's absolute passion is graffiti....he is an infamous graffiti artist, both in Boston and SP. In Boston, his major work consists of the 'Facts'...a series of statements with artwork, but in reality, Mateo is looking for his 'heaven spot'...his one perfect place to paint...and we slowly come to realise that Fletch is looking for his heaven spot too.
As Fletch and Teo get closer, we find out more about Cara and Jamar who are Fletch's best friends. Fletch shares his apartment with Cara, they've known each other a long time. One day Fletch discovers spray paint tins in Teo's car, and then understands why Teo's hands are nearly always covered in paint. Teo takes Fletch out on some of his nightly excursions, Fletch enjoys the company and starts to do some of his own work and is tagged 'Arrowman' by Teo. They start a relationship, and as far as Fletch is concerned, it's the best thing that's ever happened to him but he has a major problem reconciling his growing feelings for Teo and knowing that what Teo does is really a crime.
Cara announces she's pregnant, and she and Jamar decide to get married, but when the chosen wedding day...Valentine's Day...arrives, a whole series of events are put in motion which will change everyone's lives forever...and I'll leave you, dear reader, to discover those for yourself.
This was a really good book, and Mr Monopoli's other books are ready and waiting on the kindle.
July 28, 2015
I had high expectations for this book, but unfortunately none of these have been met. I was struggling through for the most part, searching and waiting for a sudden WOW-moment. In vain. The books has 400 pages, and I'm sure that it would have been
Normally I don't have any problem with the length of a book. But this one felt just too LOOOOOOOOONG. It DRAAAAAAAAGGED for me. There were too many unnecessary details, uninteresting irrelevant dialogues, the whole pace of telling was extremely S-L-OOOOOOOOOO-W. I don't know if it was made by author ON PURPOSE, or if he now and then simply lost the thread during his writing, it looked like he often hadn't any plan where the story should move on. Maybe it is just a simple explanation for all these odd and unpredictable twists and turns.
The graffiti loaded plot didn't engage me, I couldn't build any connection to the characters, I didn't find the writing special or solid, it felt rather amateurish to me. I can't say actually anything positive about this book, and I personally won't recommend it to anyone. To be honest, I skimmed the last parts of the book.
I know that I'm in the minority with my opinion here, so don't pay much attention to me. It's not a book, it is me.
I enjoyed the writing of Ben Monopoli in Stag: A Storyand I'm planing to read The Cranberry Hush and Homo Action Love Story! A tall tale, but this one just didn't work for me.
September 30, 2013
Wow, what a ballsy ending to this novel: firstly, there's the I'm-going-to-deny-my-readers-any-sense-of-Hollywood-romance ending, followed by the meta-ending ending where Monopoli comments archly, and oh-so-post-modernly, on his irrevocable decision to deny his readers any sense of closure as far as Mateo is concerned, which is likely to piss off and/or amaze readers in equal measure.
For me, it is an ending that works magnificently, a hint of magic realism in an otherwise tough and very realistic novel. There is a lot of hard truth and sadness here, about friends and lovers and family, expectations and responsibilities, dreams and failures, shortsightedness and epiphanies.
Early on, Monopoli talks about razbliuto, the sentimental feeling you have for someone you once loved but don't anymore, and saudade, a deep longing for the return of something lost. Both feelings permeate this magnificent novel.
What I also particularly liked was Monopoli's adroit handling of a cross-cultural gay relationship, and the unique pressures and problems this often entails.
Gay fiction is often mired in stereotypes (often of its own making), and it takes committed writers like Ben Monopoli to remind us how potent and life-affirming a genre this can be, for everyone.
For me, it is an ending that works magnificently, a hint of magic realism in an otherwise tough and very realistic novel. There is a lot of hard truth and sadness here, about friends and lovers and family, expectations and responsibilities, dreams and failures, shortsightedness and epiphanies.
Early on, Monopoli talks about razbliuto, the sentimental feeling you have for someone you once loved but don't anymore, and saudade, a deep longing for the return of something lost. Both feelings permeate this magnificent novel.
What I also particularly liked was Monopoli's adroit handling of a cross-cultural gay relationship, and the unique pressures and problems this often entails.
Gay fiction is often mired in stereotypes (often of its own making), and it takes committed writers like Ben Monopoli to remind us how potent and life-affirming a genre this can be, for everyone.
February 7, 2014
The first half feels like your regular, run-of-the-mill M/M Romance. Then, just when I thought I knew what it's about, it changed into the best gay fiction I've read in a good, long while.
Whenever an author tries to represent an abstract concept with a character, chances are it'll either come off as arrogant, a caricature, or completely transparent. It's a lofty goal, difficult to achieve. Mr. Monopoli succeeds beautifully in doing so here, with Mateo. The other characters come to life and weave the story on the strings pulled by Fletcher, our narrator. There are no other POVs. Ah, Fletcher!
The plot moves along, and the seeds of conflict to come start to become visible. But that's where the story takes an unexpected turn and becomes the gem that it is. What a wonderful surprise this was.
This is not a story you should read in a hurry, or distractedly between doing other things. You will be tempted to skip paragraphs, or even pages, in your desperation to find out what happens next. Don't. Believe me, it's worth the time and attention to read it carefully through to the end. You'll see.
ETA: Had to add this, just could not leave it out. This book has the definition of being a man:
“It's not about who you sleep with, or whether you know about sports or tools or have a pearl-wearing wife or whether commercials make you cry. [...] it's about whether you step up. When something hard comes along. A man steps up. He doesn't dodge it or run away from it or try to push it onto someone else. He steps up. Even if it isn't his responsibility. And that's why there are so many guys and so few men. Because stepping up is hard.”
Fletcher is man
Whenever an author tries to represent an abstract concept with a character, chances are it'll either come off as arrogant, a caricature, or completely transparent. It's a lofty goal, difficult to achieve. Mr. Monopoli succeeds beautifully in doing so here, with Mateo. The other characters come to life and weave the story on the strings pulled by Fletcher, our narrator. There are no other POVs. Ah, Fletcher!
The plot moves along, and the seeds of conflict to come start to become visible. But that's where the story takes an unexpected turn and becomes the gem that it is. What a wonderful surprise this was.
This is not a story you should read in a hurry, or distractedly between doing other things. You will be tempted to skip paragraphs, or even pages, in your desperation to find out what happens next. Don't. Believe me, it's worth the time and attention to read it carefully through to the end. You'll see.
ETA: Had to add this, just could not leave it out. This book has the definition of being a man:
“It's not about who you sleep with, or whether you know about sports or tools or have a pearl-wearing wife or whether commercials make you cry. [...] it's about whether you step up. When something hard comes along. A man steps up. He doesn't dodge it or run away from it or try to push it onto someone else. He steps up. Even if it isn't his responsibility. And that's why there are so many guys and so few men. Because stepping up is hard.”
Fletcher is man
December 2, 2012
Once in a while, an author shares with you a story of unmeasured depth and insight. He provides you with a sparkling, crystalline window into his soul. It may be fiction, but it is no less pure honesty.
The story says it best.
"Fiction is true. It doesn't have to be factual to be true"
M's review also really resonated with me.
The story says it best.
"Fiction is true. It doesn't have to be factual to be true"
M's review also really resonated with me.
December 13, 2012
Oh. Look at that heart sitting all smashed on the ground. It's mine. And it got there by reading this book.
I finished the book days ago but have been stuck in that 'my books finished' mourning period since then.
I hadn't read any reviews about this book prior to picking it up. I had just finished Cranberry Hush so was not anticipating a traditional m/m romance - and certainly wasn't expecting a traditional HEA. But I certainly wasn't expecting the book as it unfolded.
It was intense. Emotional. Hilarious. Beautiful. Colorful. Frustrating. It made me laugh and feel anxious all at once. It had me believing that I was once again existing in the story with the m/c's. So I felt sad and angry and joyful and ecstatic when they did. In some places the descriptions were so exquisitely real and vivid that it seemed odd when I switched off the kindle and realized that I was actually sitting on my couch in Melbourne. Not in Brazil or North America.
I enjoy books like this because they ask something/require something of you as a reader. They demand your attention and dedication. They insist that you stick with them even when your chest aches and you want to sob because you can see where it's all going to end up. And you know, because of who has written the particular book - that it ain't gonna be chocolates, roses, rainbows, glitter and air punches.
This book is like getting on a roller coaster. You need to strap in and hold on tight and maybe close your eyes from time to time. You might feel a bit sick when you are sitting on top at the highest point knowing that there's only one way the roller coaster is going to go - and that's about 100 km's an hour over the edge. The main thing is not to lose your shit. Hang in there and ride it to the end.
Freaking awesome book. Smokin hot author. Loved it and recommend it to anyone who asks and those who don't.
I finished the book days ago but have been stuck in that 'my books finished' mourning period since then.
I hadn't read any reviews about this book prior to picking it up. I had just finished Cranberry Hush so was not anticipating a traditional m/m romance - and certainly wasn't expecting a traditional HEA. But I certainly wasn't expecting the book as it unfolded.
It was intense. Emotional. Hilarious. Beautiful. Colorful. Frustrating. It made me laugh and feel anxious all at once. It had me believing that I was once again existing in the story with the m/c's. So I felt sad and angry and joyful and ecstatic when they did. In some places the descriptions were so exquisitely real and vivid that it seemed odd when I switched off the kindle and realized that I was actually sitting on my couch in Melbourne. Not in Brazil or North America.
I enjoy books like this because they ask something/require something of you as a reader. They demand your attention and dedication. They insist that you stick with them even when your chest aches and you want to sob because you can see where it's all going to end up. And you know, because of who has written the particular book - that it ain't gonna be chocolates, roses, rainbows, glitter and air punches.
This book is like getting on a roller coaster. You need to strap in and hold on tight and maybe close your eyes from time to time. You might feel a bit sick when you are sitting on top at the highest point knowing that there's only one way the roller coaster is going to go - and that's about 100 km's an hour over the edge. The main thing is not to lose your shit. Hang in there and ride it to the end.
Freaking awesome book. Smokin hot author. Loved it and recommend it to anyone who asks and those who don't.
September 2, 2011
Once again, Monopoli has sent me through an amazing emotional roller coaster. I was unsure when I started this book if I was going to like it, I didn't really like Fletcher at first, and I need to connect with the characters. Rest assured, my thoughts changed quickly, this story was about growth, maturity, acceptance, and all the shades of colors that the world has to offer. The story of Fletcher and Mateo is poignant and real. It is also a reminder that the journey's in our lives are not black and white, we must accept the different shades to truly understand and enjoy life.
Mateo is one of those characters that I know is going to follow me around, just can't get him out of my head; he is such an incredible character. Keep some tissue handy. Wonderful story, great read.
Loved the play of mysticism that is a bit reminiscent of south american authors.
Mateo is one of those characters that I know is going to follow me around, just can't get him out of my head; he is such an incredible character. Keep some tissue handy. Wonderful story, great read.
Loved the play of mysticism that is a bit reminiscent of south american authors.
January 6, 2019
This is a beautiful novel. I don't mean beautiful-nice, or beautiful-sweet, or even beautiful-sad. I mean beautiful in that way that, when it hits, all one can do is weep. I suspect explaining why this book worked so well is a little bit like explaining why a sunset over the Pacific you saw 15 years ago won't ever leave you. I'm sure it could be deconstructed and analysed: but why?
I felt, also, a lot of love reading this: Love of the place, love of the characters, love of the idea. That's nice, for me. Wry with wit, but with some stern stuff behind it.
I'm also a bit agog. The Painting of Porcupine City is more than you expect. Considerably more.
I felt, also, a lot of love reading this: Love of the place, love of the characters, love of the idea. That's nice, for me. Wry with wit, but with some stern stuff behind it.
I'm also a bit agog. The Painting of Porcupine City is more than you expect. Considerably more.
September 29, 2015
4.75 stars
This story is about love and family and heartbreak. It's about growing up and finding your way in life and ultimately finding your heaven spot. So perfectly written.
Highly recommended!
And many thanks to Wesley for recommending to me.
This story is about love and family and heartbreak. It's about growing up and finding your way in life and ultimately finding your heaven spot. So perfectly written.
Highly recommended!
And many thanks to Wesley for recommending to me.
April 20, 2013
This was my first book from Ben Monopoli and I fell head over heels in love with his writing. And that’s saying something considering that I felt like my heart was a spray paint can the author was squeezing in his hand throughout the whole story!
The Painting of Porcupine City is a gripping novel about longing, obsession, love and fate. It’s a story about relationships and turning points. A story about new, colorful beginnings. And it’s delivered in a smart, vibrant, wistful and extremely visual way. I think I haven’t highlighted this many lines since reading Mary Renault’s The Charioteer — and that is another love story altogether.
I wouldn’t be an art teacher if there wasn’t a tiny street artist living inside me. What I really liked about this story was the fact that it felt as fresh and unfettered as urban art. It managed to surprise me with the scenes and the ways I didn’t expect. It had depth and beauty and passion. It had as many different layers as graffiti has. And like great street art, it made me think. It made me stop rushing, it made me mull over its message, and it made me look around and to appreciate what I saw.
I love how the author played with the truth, the facts and the fiction. That is one of the reasons the story will stay with me for a long time. And I’ll make sure that I’ll read everything this author has ever written — as soon as possible. But let me paint these words first... clang, clang, clang, fffssshhht... MONOPOLI IS BRILLIANT. And that is a Fact.
The Painting of Porcupine City is a gripping novel about longing, obsession, love and fate. It’s a story about relationships and turning points. A story about new, colorful beginnings. And it’s delivered in a smart, vibrant, wistful and extremely visual way. I think I haven’t highlighted this many lines since reading Mary Renault’s The Charioteer — and that is another love story altogether.
I wouldn’t be an art teacher if there wasn’t a tiny street artist living inside me. What I really liked about this story was the fact that it felt as fresh and unfettered as urban art. It managed to surprise me with the scenes and the ways I didn’t expect. It had depth and beauty and passion. It had as many different layers as graffiti has. And like great street art, it made me think. It made me stop rushing, it made me mull over its message, and it made me look around and to appreciate what I saw.
I love how the author played with the truth, the facts and the fiction. That is one of the reasons the story will stay with me for a long time. And I’ll make sure that I’ll read everything this author has ever written — as soon as possible. But let me paint these words first... clang, clang, clang, fffssshhht... MONOPOLI IS BRILLIANT. And that is a Fact.
July 28, 2015
Secret thoughts for anyone who's read this book:
HEART IS BROKE.
(Oh, the tears!)
But also...
HEART IS FULL.
What a lovely, well written, willowy, thoughtful story.
HEART IS BROKE.
(Oh, the tears!)
But also...
HEART IS FULL.
What a lovely, well written, willowy, thoughtful story.
November 1, 2013
I loved "Cranberry Hush," by Ben Monopoli - and all my fellow readers were telling me I needed to read this. It sat on my Kindle for months, and finally, I just plunged in.
Ben Monopoli is a wonderful writer. Elegant and literate, but very contemporary and, dare I say, young. His voice is young - he writes in the words of the generation of my children. (If only my children were so literate!)
I struggled into this wonderful book because of my own resistance to two key elements at its core: Fletcher's fecklessness and Mateo's graffiti. I struggled to love these two young men because they each are so opposed to my own hard-wired nature. Fletcher, burned by bad romances in college, has turned to a position of anti-romance, embracing a life of one-nighters. He's both annoying and pitiable - to someone like me. His only good feature at first was his warm relationship with best friends Cara and Jamar. He's a good friend to them, and that gave me an inkling of hope from the start.
And Mateo - well. How to start? Emotionally, he's right in sync with my own overwrought romantic self. Passionate, Brazilian, courtly in fact. But graffiti - because that's what drives Mateo - is something for which I have a visceral antipathy. I had to work hard to release my ingrained reverence for private property and civic order so that I could love Mateo properly.
But, in the end, I let both these fraught characters in, because they let each other in, and in their relationship I saw Fletcher being gradually turned into someone else - someone I wanted him to be from the start. Mateo, on the other hand, remained a Poe-like figure, romantic but obsessed in a way that boded ill. I cared for him and feared for him.
There is a crucial flourish of magical realism in the ending of this book that startled me and, I confess, somewhat ticked me off. Part of me feels like it's a cop-out, a clever way to resolve a difficult plotline. But I struggled a little more, and began to accept it, and embrace it for the poetic beauty is brings to the finale of this remarkable, lovely book.
I like my world orderly and predictable. Ben Monopoli managed to yank me out of my comfort zone and helped me relish the discomfort.
Ben Monopoli is a wonderful writer. Elegant and literate, but very contemporary and, dare I say, young. His voice is young - he writes in the words of the generation of my children. (If only my children were so literate!)
I struggled into this wonderful book because of my own resistance to two key elements at its core: Fletcher's fecklessness and Mateo's graffiti. I struggled to love these two young men because they each are so opposed to my own hard-wired nature. Fletcher, burned by bad romances in college, has turned to a position of anti-romance, embracing a life of one-nighters. He's both annoying and pitiable - to someone like me. His only good feature at first was his warm relationship with best friends Cara and Jamar. He's a good friend to them, and that gave me an inkling of hope from the start.
And Mateo - well. How to start? Emotionally, he's right in sync with my own overwrought romantic self. Passionate, Brazilian, courtly in fact. But graffiti - because that's what drives Mateo - is something for which I have a visceral antipathy. I had to work hard to release my ingrained reverence for private property and civic order so that I could love Mateo properly.
But, in the end, I let both these fraught characters in, because they let each other in, and in their relationship I saw Fletcher being gradually turned into someone else - someone I wanted him to be from the start. Mateo, on the other hand, remained a Poe-like figure, romantic but obsessed in a way that boded ill. I cared for him and feared for him.
There is a crucial flourish of magical realism in the ending of this book that startled me and, I confess, somewhat ticked me off. Part of me feels like it's a cop-out, a clever way to resolve a difficult plotline. But I struggled a little more, and began to accept it, and embrace it for the poetic beauty is brings to the finale of this remarkable, lovely book.
I like my world orderly and predictable. Ben Monopoli managed to yank me out of my comfort zone and helped me relish the discomfort.
January 20, 2014
2.75 I want to cry stars
There might be spoilers ahead.
I really have mixed feelings about this book. Through the first part I am convinced that I will rate this 3 stars. When I was in the middle through almost 75% I am sure I will give this 4 stars. But the last part threw off balance that I give this rating. Maybe it's just me. But the ending was kind of no go for. I want to cry for how the ending went.
Anyways I did enjoy the book. It is fun. I really found myself laughing with this book. It is interesting and I love the journey of the characters.
I love Mateo's character (oh damn, just by writing his name I found myself tearing up. It's hard). I love the mystery of him. Though I might not fully understand his fondness and passion in graffiti painting, I think I do understand some parts of. The urge to mark something the rush it gives.
Fletcher. I like him. He is the narrator of the story. But I find myself annoyed with him in the majority of the book. I really want for his character to grow but that happen in the last 20 percent of the book.
The writing was great. Will keep you interested though some scenes were superfluous.
The plot. I love it. Not just sure why the author did what he did. After so many things about Mateo in this book, that's the ending? (This is me finding myself tearing up) After that build up? I don't want to finish the ending because I am hoping it would turn out the way I hope it would. But my peace of mind shattered. Maybe it's just me being narrow minded. But I can't help what I feel.
Anyways, some might consider this HEA. Not sure if I will. For Fletcher, Yes it is. Not much of a resolution for my favorite character. I want to know what happened!
Buddy Read with my friend Mishyjo:)
There might be spoilers ahead.
I really have mixed feelings about this book. Through the first part I am convinced that I will rate this 3 stars. When I was in the middle through almost 75% I am sure I will give this 4 stars. But the last part threw off balance that I give this rating. Maybe it's just me. But the ending was kind of no go for. I want to cry for how the ending went.
Anyways I did enjoy the book. It is fun. I really found myself laughing with this book. It is interesting and I love the journey of the characters.
I love Mateo's character (oh damn, just by writing his name I found myself tearing up. It's hard). I love the mystery of him. Though I might not fully understand his fondness and passion in graffiti painting, I think I do understand some parts of. The urge to mark something the rush it gives.
Fletcher. I like him. He is the narrator of the story. But I find myself annoyed with him in the majority of the book. I really want for his character to grow but that happen in the last 20 percent of the book.
The writing was great. Will keep you interested though some scenes were superfluous.
The plot. I love it. Not just sure why the author did what he did. After so many things about Mateo in this book, that's the ending? (This is me finding myself tearing up) After that build up? I don't want to finish the ending because I am hoping it would turn out the way I hope it would. But my peace of mind shattered. Maybe it's just me being narrow minded. But I can't help what I feel.
Anyways, some might consider this HEA. Not sure if I will. For Fletcher, Yes it is. Not much of a resolution for my favorite character. I want to know what happened!
Buddy Read with my friend Mishyjo:)
September 9, 2011
This is one of those books you think about for days after. I'm not even sure how to describe it. It's not a romance as much as a story of how random events and the smallest choices you make can change the course of your life. The characters are flawed for sure but immensely endearing. Even when you're totally pissed at the choices they make, you understand- if not agree with - what is compelling them to act that way. Tragic, heart warming and heart breaking at the same time. I freaking love this author.
February 23, 2012
Days later, I'm still thinking about this book. The reviewer who mentioned magic realism was right on. This story has a very Latin American sensibility (which is, of course, absolutely fitting). I really love the matter-of-fact sense of wonder, the feeling that Mateo is not quite of this world, and the idea that we're ruled by chance and circumstance and coincidence. Clever, gorgeous writing. Heart is broke.
Want to read
April 1, 2016Price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US! 3/31/16
August 22, 2014
I am so late to this party it's almost embarrassing and while that may be true, I will also say that this was the PERFECT time to read this book. I started reading Porcupine City (and when you get to the part where Fletcher explains what this means you will never forget it) the instant I finished The Cranberry Hush (which, again so late to read it's criminal but a book that is absolutely NOT to be overlooked) and from the very first sentence I knew it was going to be different. I wasn't sure how, but I knew it would be, and boy was I right. The Painting of Porcupine City is not a romance but oh my heavens is it ever a love story. There is SO much love in this book, it's almost hard to breathe at times. It's not always obvious either, but what happens is this ... you read a line or a paragraph and then a few pages later you get this feeling where you can't decide if you want to laugh or cry and it's because that line, those words are still playing in your head.
Fletcher -- what to say about him? There were times I wanted to shake him (one time in particular I think I hated him so much I didn't want to keep going, even though I knew I would) and times where he is so beautifully crafted it is like he leaps from the page. He's definitely NOT perfect, but perfect is boring, and Fletcher is definitely not boring. He's so complex and his growth from the beginning of this book until the end is perfection.
Mateo -- if there was EVER a character that will stay with me for a long, long, VERY LONG time, it is him. He's not perfect either, but oh how he shines. He'll break your heart, he'll make you smile. He will make you look at everything around you in a new way. I have a feeling that I'll think of him often, think of him in his heaven spot. Mateo is one of those characters that you wish you could invite over to dinner and then pepper him with a thousand and one questions only because there is no telling what his answers will be.
I won't explain anything about this book, I couldn't do it justice. Like the blurb says, Fletcher and Mateo will take you on an adventure and you'd best be ready for the ride. It's one unlike any other you've been on. I promise. Dive in, you won't be sorry.
Fletcher -- what to say about him? There were times I wanted to shake him (one time in particular I think I hated him so much I didn't want to keep going, even though I knew I would) and times where he is so beautifully crafted it is like he leaps from the page. He's definitely NOT perfect, but perfect is boring, and Fletcher is definitely not boring. He's so complex and his growth from the beginning of this book until the end is perfection.
Mateo -- if there was EVER a character that will stay with me for a long, long, VERY LONG time, it is him. He's not perfect either, but oh how he shines. He'll break your heart, he'll make you smile. He will make you look at everything around you in a new way. I have a feeling that I'll think of him often, think of him in his heaven spot. Mateo is one of those characters that you wish you could invite over to dinner and then pepper him with a thousand and one questions only because there is no telling what his answers will be.
I won't explain anything about this book, I couldn't do it justice. Like the blurb says, Fletcher and Mateo will take you on an adventure and you'd best be ready for the ride. It's one unlike any other you've been on. I promise. Dive in, you won't be sorry.
February 8, 2015
My friend Onyx wrote a beautiful review of this book...much better than I will ever be able to do.
Here is a link to her review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This book was not typical. It was not a romance but it was a love story, between many people. Every character is rich and connected. Every action pulls the characters together. Their lives are woven together and they struggle through betrayal and lies and forgiveness and become closer because they know love.
I have to admit at the end of the book, before the epilogue, I was pissed! I didn't understand why the author would have a major character leave in such a magical way. I wanted a realistic ending! I wanted to know what really happened! Then I read the epilogue. And I slept. And I went to work. And all the time I couldn't get this book out of my head! And then I realized, It wasn't Ben Monopoli's book....It was Fletcher's!! Of course I knew Fletcher was the narrator. But, Fletcher wrote this book about Mateo! And there is truth in fiction. So it all makes sense for me now. I understand why the sex scenes between Fletcher and Mateo were mainly off page...they were much too intimate for Fletcher to describe.
Anyway, I think that Ben Monopoli is a briliant author. He made me feel much more in this book than I thought I would. And it will stay with me for a long time.
Here is a link to her review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
This book was not typical. It was not a romance but it was a love story, between many people. Every character is rich and connected. Every action pulls the characters together. Their lives are woven together and they struggle through betrayal and lies and forgiveness and become closer because they know love.
I have to admit at the end of the book, before the epilogue, I was pissed! I didn't understand why the author would have a major character leave in such a magical way. I wanted a realistic ending! I wanted to know what really happened! Then I read the epilogue. And I slept. And I went to work. And all the time I couldn't get this book out of my head! And then I realized, It wasn't Ben Monopoli's book....It was Fletcher's!! Of course I knew Fletcher was the narrator. But, Fletcher wrote this book about Mateo! And there is truth in fiction. So it all makes sense for me now. I understand why the sex scenes between Fletcher and Mateo were mainly off page...they were much too intimate for Fletcher to describe.
Anyway, I think that Ben Monopoli is a briliant author. He made me feel much more in this book than I thought I would. And it will stay with me for a long time.
November 4, 2011
For me, reading a Ben Monopoli novel is like running. I try to talk myself out of doing it; I dread it a little bit even though I know it will be good for me. When I finish a Monopoli novel, like after I run, I know that I have achieved an accomplishment and I am a better person for doing it and pushing myself.
Ben consistently pulls emotions out of me that few authors have ever touched.
The Painting of Porcupine City: A Novel is a unique book with interesting characters and an arresting plot. At quite a few moments in the story, I was sitting on the edge of my seat with anticipation/dread/surprise, laughing at the thoughts in Fletcher’s head and feeling the ache in my chest from unshed tears.
Frankly, Ben Monopoli could write descriptions of paint drying and I would stand in line to read it.
Please, take a chance and read either Cranberry Hush or The Painting of Porcupine City: A Novel by Ben Monopoli. You won’t regret it.
Ben consistently pulls emotions out of me that few authors have ever touched.
The Painting of Porcupine City: A Novel is a unique book with interesting characters and an arresting plot. At quite a few moments in the story, I was sitting on the edge of my seat with anticipation/dread/surprise, laughing at the thoughts in Fletcher’s head and feeling the ache in my chest from unshed tears.
Frankly, Ben Monopoli could write descriptions of paint drying and I would stand in line to read it.
Please, take a chance and read either Cranberry Hush or The Painting of Porcupine City: A Novel by Ben Monopoli. You won’t regret it.
April 2, 2023
TL;DR: 4 stars. Still good but some parts vaguely unsatisfying, and others I just outright didn't like.
Well, there's good parts, but I have to say this is my least favorite Monopoli book so far. The reasons are probably complicated.
I didn't go into this book clean. Characters and events in this book appear in the final section of The Youth & Young Loves of Oliver Wade, which I read first. But I'd also formed something of an image just from the blurb of this and the other books, and reviews I've seen over the years. The actual book was much more mundane than the expectations that had built up in my head.
Prose is good, as I expect from Monopoli.
The beginning of the book felt slow, and the scenes at Fletcher's job felt kind of grubby. The bits about the graffiti, where Fletcher's learning and the relationship is developing are probably the highlight of the book for me.
Fletcher is the least relatable protagonist of three of Monopoli's books I've read so far. He's a promiscuous horndog who uses sex as a salve for his loneliness and other problems, and doesn't seem to know how to communicate or manage real intimacy. There's probably reasons why he's like this, but the book didn't really explore or attempt to explain them.
Magical Realism
I've never really been a fan. I really can't do symbolism or allegory or whatever if that's meant to be there. I need a story to work on the surface level. If there's other levels, cool, but it has to work on the surface, and all too often magical realism feels to me like it's either entirely pointless, or else it's there because the author couldn't come up with a solution and decided to just wave their hands and shout "magic" and call it good.
"Man" vs "Guy"
Betrayal
Author as Character
I've said it before. I don't like when the main character in a novel is a writer. I'm damn suspicious when they're an artist, musician, photographer, or any sort of creative you could easily substitute for a writer. I can not read this as anything other than a self-insert. What's wrong with a self-insert, you ask? Aren't all characters basically composed out of attributes of the author?
Hot take but, self-inserts are reader-writer dubcon.
There is a level of intimacy between a reader and a well written character that is beyond what you get in a typical autobiography. A level of intimacy that I am not signing up to have with the author when I pick up a novel. If the main character is you, I don't want to know. Especially in a book with sex scenes.
That could just be me. YMMV as they say.
Here's how it's a little worse than usual in this case:
So anyway... hmmm.
Well, there's good parts, but I have to say this is my least favorite Monopoli book so far. The reasons are probably complicated.
I didn't go into this book clean. Characters and events in this book appear in the final section of The Youth & Young Loves of Oliver Wade, which I read first. But I'd also formed something of an image just from the blurb of this and the other books, and reviews I've seen over the years. The actual book was much more mundane than the expectations that had built up in my head.
Prose is good, as I expect from Monopoli.
The beginning of the book felt slow, and the scenes at Fletcher's job felt kind of grubby. The bits about the graffiti, where Fletcher's learning and the relationship is developing are probably the highlight of the book for me.
Fletcher is the least relatable protagonist of three of Monopoli's books I've read so far. He's a promiscuous horndog who uses sex as a salve for his loneliness and other problems, and doesn't seem to know how to communicate or manage real intimacy. There's probably reasons why he's like this, but the book didn't really explore or attempt to explain them.
Magical Realism
I've never really been a fan. I really can't do symbolism or allegory or whatever if that's meant to be there. I need a story to work on the surface level. If there's other levels, cool, but it has to work on the surface, and all too often magical realism feels to me like it's either entirely pointless, or else it's there because the author couldn't come up with a solution and decided to just wave their hands and shout "magic" and call it good.
"Man" vs "Guy"
Betrayal
Author as Character
I've said it before. I don't like when the main character in a novel is a writer. I'm damn suspicious when they're an artist, musician, photographer, or any sort of creative you could easily substitute for a writer. I can not read this as anything other than a self-insert. What's wrong with a self-insert, you ask? Aren't all characters basically composed out of attributes of the author?
Hot take but, self-inserts are reader-writer dubcon.
There is a level of intimacy between a reader and a well written character that is beyond what you get in a typical autobiography. A level of intimacy that I am not signing up to have with the author when I pick up a novel. If the main character is you, I don't want to know. Especially in a book with sex scenes.
That could just be me. YMMV as they say.
Here's how it's a little worse than usual in this case:
So anyway... hmmm.
September 6, 2011
I do not have the words yet for this book, I may never. Ben is genius.
April 16, 2015
Quirky in a good way. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Recommended.
April 27, 2017
In The Painting of Porcupine City, Ben Monopoli delivers strong, funny, and instantly likeable characters that not only craft together an amazing romance and semi-coming of age story, but he also pulls the reader headfirst into the amazing backdrops that span from Boston all the way to the streets of São Paulo, Brazil. All of the characters in the story play a vital role in breathing life into it, from the main character, Fletcher, a gay writer living in the post-college-graduation void all the way to Sabina, Mateo's mother who is living with a few ghosts in order to ensure her son lives a happier, safer life.
Fletcher, who seems to be content being a playboy, is entertaining, insanely curious, and unknowingly unfulfilled in many ways. His reluctance to romance due to his past is very relatable. But it's his romance with Mateo, who is charming and free-spirited and insanely loveable, that really brings out the depth in Fletcher. He was hard to truly like in the beginning, but Monopoli takes all of his flaws and short-comings and constant sex-and-goodbye moments and made me fall in love with how broken Fletcher could be. I'm a sucker for a great romance, which Fletcher/Mateo provide throughout, but it's the development of all the characters (not just Fletcher, but also Mateo, geeky Mike, big-hearted Jamar, etc.) that really made me love this book.
Emotionally, Monopoli took me to new heights. I couldn't put the book down, especially during the second half where things took twists I wasn't expecting. I love a good, mushy happily-ever-after book, which Monopoli eventually provides, but the journey to get there was worth it. I finished the book five hours ago and my hands are still shaking, my emotions still on the rollercoaster ride Monopoli provided. But it's done in such a tender, well thought-out, uncharacteristic way. Things were happening when I wasn't expecting them to, and that was intense.
Another beautiful aspect of the book is how Monopoli describes everything. A cityscape. A bedroom. The sun in the afternoon. The color of a character's shirt. It's all such beautiful prose and original. When a minor character was sweating, I felt my forehead dampen. Even in the blistering heat of a Georgia spring in April, I still felt my nose go cold like Fletcher's in the dead of winter. Monopoli is that good!
I can't heap enough praise on this novel and it's one I'll stay away from for months for fear of the emotional damage it's done, but it was all worth it. I haven't been this invested in a book in a long time! Monopoli, just like Mateo, has left the outline of his hand on my heart.
Fletcher, who seems to be content being a playboy, is entertaining, insanely curious, and unknowingly unfulfilled in many ways. His reluctance to romance due to his past is very relatable. But it's his romance with Mateo, who is charming and free-spirited and insanely loveable, that really brings out the depth in Fletcher. He was hard to truly like in the beginning, but Monopoli takes all of his flaws and short-comings and constant sex-and-goodbye moments and made me fall in love with how broken Fletcher could be. I'm a sucker for a great romance, which Fletcher/Mateo provide throughout, but it's the development of all the characters (not just Fletcher, but also Mateo, geeky Mike, big-hearted Jamar, etc.) that really made me love this book.
Emotionally, Monopoli took me to new heights. I couldn't put the book down, especially during the second half where things took twists I wasn't expecting. I love a good, mushy happily-ever-after book, which Monopoli eventually provides, but the journey to get there was worth it. I finished the book five hours ago and my hands are still shaking, my emotions still on the rollercoaster ride Monopoli provided. But it's done in such a tender, well thought-out, uncharacteristic way. Things were happening when I wasn't expecting them to, and that was intense.
Another beautiful aspect of the book is how Monopoli describes everything. A cityscape. A bedroom. The sun in the afternoon. The color of a character's shirt. It's all such beautiful prose and original. When a minor character was sweating, I felt my forehead dampen. Even in the blistering heat of a Georgia spring in April, I still felt my nose go cold like Fletcher's in the dead of winter. Monopoli is that good!
I can't heap enough praise on this novel and it's one I'll stay away from for months for fear of the emotional damage it's done, but it was all worth it. I haven't been this invested in a book in a long time! Monopoli, just like Mateo, has left the outline of his hand on my heart.
December 6, 2013
The writing is superb, the characters are well developed, and there is a major plot twist that made the story much more interesting than it otherwise would have been. I loved watching Fletcher mature throughout the book, and I'm happy with the ending as far as everyone's relationships with one another goes. However, the book is somewhat ruined for me in that it suddenly becomes something else entirely in the last 10%. If I'm going to enjoy magical realism, I want the whole book written that way, or I at least need to know to expect it before I reach the last few pages. I'd have given the book 5 stars if not for that.
Spoilers ahead - don't read them unless you've already read the book or don't plan to read it!
Spoilers ahead - don't read them unless you've already read the book or don't plan to read it!
September 6, 2011
No review I could do of this book would ever come close to describing how I felt when I read it, or how good it is. So I will just say, I read it straight through, and really only stopped long enough to make a sandwich. It's not an easy read, and I had to think about what I was reading. It's a great book.
October 29, 2015
5++ Stars! Amazing!
There is no way my piddly little words can do this book justice! It was fabulous!
Ben Monopoli is one hell of an author!
There is no way my piddly little words can do this book justice! It was fabulous!
Ben Monopoli is one hell of an author!
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