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The Heart's Greater Silence
Mark isn't sure he believes in love, especially when he finds himself torn between two very different men: his reliable boyfriend, Craig, and his illicit lover and priest, Richard.
Mark knows what he should do, but he can't bring himself to give Richard up. The sex with Richard is unlike anything he's ever known with Craig, and he hungers for it as much as-if not more than-the truer intimacy he finds in his boyfriend's arms.
When Craig discovers his betrayal, Mark is forced to look at his life more closely, but the path to self-knowledge is never an easy one. Richard seeks the way back to God, but Mark finds no solace there. Can he ever discover the truth of his own soul, or is he too afraid of what he will-or won't-find inside his heart?
Mark knows what he should do, but he can't bring himself to give Richard up. The sex with Richard is unlike anything he's ever known with Craig, and he hungers for it as much as-if not more than-the truer intimacy he finds in his boyfriend's arms.
When Craig discovers his betrayal, Mark is forced to look at his life more closely, but the path to self-knowledge is never an easy one. Richard seeks the way back to God, but Mark finds no solace there. Can he ever discover the truth of his own soul, or is he too afraid of what he will-or won't-find inside his heart?
31 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2012
4 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Anne Brooke
132 books227 followersAnne is a super-keen book lover, and a multi-genre author & poet. She also loves gardens, swimming & the theatre.
Her fiction has been shortlisted for the Harry Bowling Prize (for novels set in London) and the Royal Literary Fund Scheme.
Her website can be found at: www.annebrooke.com
She can be found on social media as @annebrookebooks
Her fiction has been shortlisted for the Harry Bowling Prize (for novels set in London) and the Royal Literary Fund Scheme.
Her website can be found at: www.annebrooke.com
She can be found on social media as @annebrookebooks
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April 5, 2020
I've read and much enjoyed two other titles by this author, but I failed to understand what the story in this one was meant to tell. The main character seemed confused, and I as confused as him. I did like the plot idea and was curious of a cheating man torn between two lovers, but as a short story this didn't work for me. The writing was good and the steamy scenes were hot though.
January 21, 2012
More of my reviews and ramblings at PANTS OFF REVIEWS
Mark has just been dumped by his boyfriend to be expected when he was caught cheating. Mark is broken and sad because he loves his boyfriend Craig, and he’s hoping that they can just move on from it. He’s been having the best of both worlds, the love and security of Craig and the hot carnal lust of Richard the man he’s been having an affair with. When both his worlds collide, he’s left in shock but he can’t deny that he wants both.
With Richard, the sex is hot and nobody does it better. With Craig, he has someone to do boyfriend things with, and most importantly, he can present him to the world. Richard is a man of god, and Mark will always be his piece on the side both figuratively and in actuality. When you’re caught between two men, the outcome is never positive.
It’s easy to call Mark a cheating bastard and say he got what he deserved. I honestly feel very sad for him. He’s in love with the idea of loving Craig, because its safe and he’s dependable. Though it’s Richard, I feel he really wants, but he’s grown accustomed to the situation. He’s his dirty little secret, his quick f*ck outside when the weathers nice. When it all ends, he puts on his collar and goes back to what he loves the most, being a priest. I feel that Mark both accepts it and loathes it and so he found someone who created a balance for him. It’s a sad situation for all three men, but I feel it's sadder for Mark. Richard will ask for forgiveness from his god and move on, and Craig might find solace and love from his family and friends. Mr Mark though is left with nothing.
My first time reading anything by Anne Brooke and folks it won't be my last. I always talk about short stories being worthy of novel praises and this story is one of them. Anne Brooke is an excellent writer with a gift to portray emotions on pages. Sometimes we don’t always get what we want, and we leave behind the things that we need. That being ruled by lust and desires can be nice but when the desire is sated, all that is left is emptiness. This story with a just a few pages was able to share that with me the reader, and if that isn't excellent writing? I don't what is!
I hope to read about Mark again because I feel that he deserves his happy ending, finding that one person whom he both wants and needs.
Mark has just been dumped by his boyfriend to be expected when he was caught cheating. Mark is broken and sad because he loves his boyfriend Craig, and he’s hoping that they can just move on from it. He’s been having the best of both worlds, the love and security of Craig and the hot carnal lust of Richard the man he’s been having an affair with. When both his worlds collide, he’s left in shock but he can’t deny that he wants both.
With Richard, the sex is hot and nobody does it better. With Craig, he has someone to do boyfriend things with, and most importantly, he can present him to the world. Richard is a man of god, and Mark will always be his piece on the side both figuratively and in actuality. When you’re caught between two men, the outcome is never positive.
It’s easy to call Mark a cheating bastard and say he got what he deserved. I honestly feel very sad for him. He’s in love with the idea of loving Craig, because its safe and he’s dependable. Though it’s Richard, I feel he really wants, but he’s grown accustomed to the situation. He’s his dirty little secret, his quick f*ck outside when the weathers nice. When it all ends, he puts on his collar and goes back to what he loves the most, being a priest. I feel that Mark both accepts it and loathes it and so he found someone who created a balance for him. It’s a sad situation for all three men, but I feel it's sadder for Mark. Richard will ask for forgiveness from his god and move on, and Craig might find solace and love from his family and friends. Mr Mark though is left with nothing.
My first time reading anything by Anne Brooke and folks it won't be my last. I always talk about short stories being worthy of novel praises and this story is one of them. Anne Brooke is an excellent writer with a gift to portray emotions on pages. Sometimes we don’t always get what we want, and we leave behind the things that we need. That being ruled by lust and desires can be nice but when the desire is sated, all that is left is emptiness. This story with a just a few pages was able to share that with me the reader, and if that isn't excellent writing? I don't what is!
I hope to read about Mark again because I feel that he deserves his happy ending, finding that one person whom he both wants and needs.
December 10, 2012
What a screwed up man. I need a beginning and an end in order to fully "appreciate" this one, but all I have to judge is a small snippet in the middle...and that snippet was a hot mess.
The writing is good, but I felt nothing but contempt and disgust for Mark and Richard.
The writing is good, but I felt nothing but contempt and disgust for Mark and Richard.
February 1, 2012
Anne Brooke, an amazing story teller, has done it again with her short story The Heart's Greater Silence. Mark is the story's central character, and the tale is told from his point of view in the first person narrative. Mark's been in a relationship for over a year--a serious relationship, and he loves his partner Craig. The problem is that he has been having sex with another partner on the side.
Richard is a priest, and he's been meeting with Mark in the church where they've continued with their torrid affair. Richard is not someone that Mark loves, but he's someone Mark has grown to need. Mark has passion and desire for Richard, but he has security and romance with Craig.
Few authors are able to use a short story to convey such feeling and intensity. Anne Brooke has never shied away from unpopular topics, and I was glad to see her address a very clear reality, particularly in the gay community. In mm literature, infidelity is often a taboo, which sort of blows my mind. Gay men in general are far more open to the idea of non-monogamous relationships. So if we choose to read and write about gay men, why can't we make them real?
I also appreciate the fact that this story does not fit within the typical formula of mm romance. Sometimes a happy ending wouldn't really be happy at all.
Richard is a priest, and he's been meeting with Mark in the church where they've continued with their torrid affair. Richard is not someone that Mark loves, but he's someone Mark has grown to need. Mark has passion and desire for Richard, but he has security and romance with Craig.
Few authors are able to use a short story to convey such feeling and intensity. Anne Brooke has never shied away from unpopular topics, and I was glad to see her address a very clear reality, particularly in the gay community. In mm literature, infidelity is often a taboo, which sort of blows my mind. Gay men in general are far more open to the idea of non-monogamous relationships. So if we choose to read and write about gay men, why can't we make them real?
I also appreciate the fact that this story does not fit within the typical formula of mm romance. Sometimes a happy ending wouldn't really be happy at all.
January 20, 2012
Stars: 4.5/5
Overall
A bitterly beautiful story about a man whose love and lust are torn and he must decide what to do while trying to figure out what he really wants in his heart.
Although romance and love are themes of this story, this is not a traditional romance by any means. In many ways it's an anti-romance, as the unfolding events break apart a relationship, not bring it together. Because of this, readers searching for a happy ending should steer clear. However, keep this in mind: Normally I need a happy ending, but I still enjoyed this short story, despite it's un-fulfilling resolution. The author's strong command of language and the painful peeling back of emotional layers makes this story one that is worth bleeding through.
Received this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
Overall
A bitterly beautiful story about a man whose love and lust are torn and he must decide what to do while trying to figure out what he really wants in his heart.
Although romance and love are themes of this story, this is not a traditional romance by any means. In many ways it's an anti-romance, as the unfolding events break apart a relationship, not bring it together. Because of this, readers searching for a happy ending should steer clear. However, keep this in mind: Normally I need a happy ending, but I still enjoyed this short story, despite it's un-fulfilling resolution. The author's strong command of language and the painful peeling back of emotional layers makes this story one that is worth bleeding through.
Received this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
Read
March 24, 2012So much power in so few pages!
From its lovely, melancholic cover (perfect!) to its ambiguous conclusion, this tale of sexual obsession at war with emotional need was exactly what I've been looking for. Kudos to Anne Brooke for writing and Riptide for publishing The Heart's Greater Silence. It's smart and sensitive and substantive, and I'm inexpressibly glad I discovered it -- so glad, I'm not at all inclined to nitpick.
Thank you, Anne. Please write more fiction this gripping and insightful.
From its lovely, melancholic cover (perfect!) to its ambiguous conclusion, this tale of sexual obsession at war with emotional need was exactly what I've been looking for. Kudos to Anne Brooke for writing and Riptide for publishing The Heart's Greater Silence. It's smart and sensitive and substantive, and I'm inexpressibly glad I discovered it -- so glad, I'm not at all inclined to nitpick.
Thank you, Anne. Please write more fiction this gripping and insightful.
December 9, 2012
Whoa, how to review, how to review...
The basic premise is already given. I just want to be self-indulgent and throw my thoughts out there. Here’s what I took out The Heart’s Greater Silence –
First of all the story is from Mark’s POV. All characters were well utilised in the space available. The boyfriend, Craig, was not mentioned much, just enough to add some extra emotion to the plot. Richard, the Priest/Minister, knew what he wanted, but was waylaid by sex with Mark for a while, which was no hardship, per se, until Mark and he were caught. Then it became real.
Choice for Richard? God.
Choice for Craig? Hurt, leave Mark.
Choice for Mark? Uncertainty.
Whilst it didn’t need to be, I would have loved this to have been a full length book. I would have enjoyed being sucked into the vortex of each characters psychology. Do I want to be fed more? Maybe, but I love character interactions. I can’t help it, I love profiling them. I wanted to know more about Craig, Mark and Richard. I wanted to see the beginnings and the full machinations of the overlapping relationship, with Mark in the middle, in more depth.
Anne Brooke is fast becoming one of my favourites. I love the picture she always paints in her books - of a town, the people, the streets the body language of the characters. Body language is an integral part of communication and not every writer can do this well, if at all. I like the fact that her writing is quirky, realistic and (I believe) comes from someone with keen observational skills. I also like the fact that in her books she doesn’t tend to go the road-most-travelled route, she is more adventurous. I liked that there was a religious character involved, that Mark’s boyfriend, Craig, didn’t know about his other lover, until he caught them. I liked that it forced an outcome of sorts. Mostly, I liked that Mark is like quite a few people, he just can’t make his mind up as to where he should be, what’s right for him, and then laments his actions, but you know he probably will find himself in this position again – Mark is like a hangover, “I’ll never drink anymore” (or any less *snicker*). So the ending was perfect for who Mark is - unclear, unsure, lots of possibilities.
Short, realistic, terrific read.
The basic premise is already given. I just want to be self-indulgent and throw my thoughts out there. Here’s what I took out The Heart’s Greater Silence –
First of all the story is from Mark’s POV. All characters were well utilised in the space available. The boyfriend, Craig, was not mentioned much, just enough to add some extra emotion to the plot. Richard, the Priest/Minister, knew what he wanted, but was waylaid by sex with Mark for a while, which was no hardship, per se, until Mark and he were caught. Then it became real.
Choice for Richard? God.
Choice for Craig? Hurt, leave Mark.
Choice for Mark? Uncertainty.
Whilst it didn’t need to be, I would have loved this to have been a full length book. I would have enjoyed being sucked into the vortex of each characters psychology. Do I want to be fed more? Maybe, but I love character interactions. I can’t help it, I love profiling them. I wanted to know more about Craig, Mark and Richard. I wanted to see the beginnings and the full machinations of the overlapping relationship, with Mark in the middle, in more depth.
Anne Brooke is fast becoming one of my favourites. I love the picture she always paints in her books - of a town, the people, the streets the body language of the characters. Body language is an integral part of communication and not every writer can do this well, if at all. I like the fact that her writing is quirky, realistic and (I believe) comes from someone with keen observational skills. I also like the fact that in her books she doesn’t tend to go the road-most-travelled route, she is more adventurous. I liked that there was a religious character involved, that Mark’s boyfriend, Craig, didn’t know about his other lover, until he caught them. I liked that it forced an outcome of sorts. Mostly, I liked that Mark is like quite a few people, he just can’t make his mind up as to where he should be, what’s right for him, and then laments his actions, but you know he probably will find himself in this position again – Mark is like a hangover, “I’ll never drink anymore” (or any less *snicker*). So the ending was perfect for who Mark is - unclear, unsure, lots of possibilities.
Short, realistic, terrific read.
January 24, 2013
If you hate cheating are looking for funny or want a sweet romance, this may not be the book for you. This in no way can be called a romance. The story involves cheating and while I hate cheating in real life in books I just look at it as a way for there to be conflict and angst. Well this story has a lot of that, but it also has something else I’m really not comfortable with. I’m not a religious person, meaning I don’t attend church not that I don’t have a spiritual side to me but having one of the characters be a Priest really bothered me and the fact he is married just added more issues for me. I should mention Mark also has a partner and in my opinion neither MC are likable characters, as a matter of fact if they were real life men they would not be in my circle of friends. Mark’s partner Craig I have no feelings for except sympathy of the situation. There is nothing written about Craig to make me like or dislike him.
I thought the short was well written, it did what it set out to do, in a short amount of time. The ending was lacking a bit it does leave you hanging in regards to Mark’s character but if this was meant to make the reader feel sympathy for any of the character’s it didn’t do it for me, but that’s just me. It’s not often I feel uncomfortable or almost disgust with a character in a story but I have to admit I did with this short.
Obviously it made an impression and even though it sounds negative it’s not, in my opinion any story that can do that is a good one it’s what stories are supposed to do.
February 13, 2012
This is no light fluff piece. I questioned why Mark needed Richard for sex and Craig for love. It's not a neatly wrapped up story. Richard being a priest changes the dynamics. What is he searching for? What is Mark looking for? Why is Mark unable to find love and sex with the same person? Mark is an interesting character. I had more questions at the end of the story. If you need everything to be nice and neat, you won't find it here but the read will cause you to think about what people want and can it be found.
October 5, 2024
The blurb makes this sound a bit more involved than the story actually is. I didn't see much of Mark "looking at his life" or maybe I would've understood his dilemma better. It was well written, but lacked a satisfying explanation of the pull between Mark and Richard. It seemed like more than just great sex but it wasn't love either. I just didn't get why Mark allowed it to spoil his relationship with Craig. Mark doesn't so much examine it for answers that might help him as he just gives in to it.
December 10, 2012
2.5 stars. I had a hard time connecting with this one. It was well written, but, Craig was the only one with any real redeeming qualities, and he wasn't in the picture for very long.
March 20, 2012
Just couldn't wrap my head around the whys in this sad story.
February 11, 2012
Review: This was a compellingly told story of a man who loses not only the two men who have been his lovers, but also the belief in his ability to love and be loved.
Review for Brief Encounters Reviews: http://briefencountersreviews.com/201...
The story is classed as gay literary fiction. To me, this is fiction with gay characters, but very common human behaviour and deep-seated themes. I knew not to expect any kind of HEA, but there’s no denying this is a relentlessly unhappy time for the characters. Michael is on a downward spiral of disaster and abandonment, first by Craig, then by Richard, and eventually by his own hope. I’d have liked to understand better how he’d come to be this person. What made him an addict, not just for sex but using it as emotional punishment for his apparent lack of self-esteem, seeking the seedy and the casual, expecting little reward in his life. It’s no surprise that he’s caught out cheating, because the reader can see his needy, greedy behaviour slipping out of his control.
Craig has a mainly walk-on part as Betrayed Boyfriend. I didn’t have enough time with him and Michael to understand why Michael was so able or eager to love him – the “truer intimacy” stated in the blurb – when Michael apparently showed so little care for himself and lovers before. I felt the pain of Michael’s lost potential for happiness.
The involvement of the church in the person of Richard lends another layer of tension, yet I admired the fact the story majored more on Richard’s moral bravery than any threat of hellfire for a sexual, gay affair. The author deals with the religious with compassion, despite the potential for great offence in some of Richard’s behaviour. The scenes at the end where Richard expresses his desire and determination to follow his vocation rather than his fascination for Michael were the most evocative for me. Michael’s attitude towards religion is conflicted, both attracted by and scornful of Richard’s calling. It’s as if Michael is envious of Richard’s faith, having little of his own.
However, their relationship appears confusing – Michael describes it as like fuck-buddies: God knew why I felt I needed to say anything anyway. We didn’t have that kind of relationship. Hell, we didn’t even have a relationship. My relationship was with Craig. This was sex. Yet Michael also ascribes devotion to Richard beyond his sexual need. I can see little to support that in the story, but it does illustrate the emotional gulf between Michael’s rather obsessive self-pity and how he’s actually connecting with real people. The sex is explicit and uninhibited, but any tenderness is one way only: Michael seems unable to accept or give it in return. I wondered exactly what Richard saw in Michael to have maintained a year’s relationship. Both express irresistible need for each other, yet didn’t convince me of any attraction stronger than the thrill of an “illicit” liaison.
The author’s prose is well crafted, mature and often fascinating. Some of her other stories cover very dark themes including murder, violence and mental instability, but I’ve always trusted her handling of her characters in these provocative settings, providing the reader with very fallible and therefore sympathetic men. I personally didn’t feel this story showcased her writing skill at its best: other readers may disagree with me. Its shorter length meant that it was concentrated solely on this very miserable stage of Michael’s life: there was no progress in either the plot or Michael’s emotional journey, other than his slide into more misfortune. Richard and Craig both moved on in some way, but Michael’s internalised distress was, by its nature, repetitive and self-perpetuating, and overwhelmed any other message for me. As Richard says: when real life comes back into whatever it is we’re doing, then everything’s broken, isn’t it? Nothing fits.
This story of Michael’s emotional hardship doesn’t end on any higher or lower note than it begins. Because of that, it wasn’t particularly rewarding for me as a reader. However, I can admire the author’s exposure of a painful situation and the impact on three men, and the themes of faith and honesty and courage in life’s decisions. It’s stayed in my mind long after reading and I rate it B.
by pettyprose…my opinion alone.
Review for Brief Encounters Reviews: http://briefencountersreviews.com/201...
The story is classed as gay literary fiction. To me, this is fiction with gay characters, but very common human behaviour and deep-seated themes. I knew not to expect any kind of HEA, but there’s no denying this is a relentlessly unhappy time for the characters. Michael is on a downward spiral of disaster and abandonment, first by Craig, then by Richard, and eventually by his own hope. I’d have liked to understand better how he’d come to be this person. What made him an addict, not just for sex but using it as emotional punishment for his apparent lack of self-esteem, seeking the seedy and the casual, expecting little reward in his life. It’s no surprise that he’s caught out cheating, because the reader can see his needy, greedy behaviour slipping out of his control.
Craig has a mainly walk-on part as Betrayed Boyfriend. I didn’t have enough time with him and Michael to understand why Michael was so able or eager to love him – the “truer intimacy” stated in the blurb – when Michael apparently showed so little care for himself and lovers before. I felt the pain of Michael’s lost potential for happiness.
The involvement of the church in the person of Richard lends another layer of tension, yet I admired the fact the story majored more on Richard’s moral bravery than any threat of hellfire for a sexual, gay affair. The author deals with the religious with compassion, despite the potential for great offence in some of Richard’s behaviour. The scenes at the end where Richard expresses his desire and determination to follow his vocation rather than his fascination for Michael were the most evocative for me. Michael’s attitude towards religion is conflicted, both attracted by and scornful of Richard’s calling. It’s as if Michael is envious of Richard’s faith, having little of his own.
However, their relationship appears confusing – Michael describes it as like fuck-buddies: God knew why I felt I needed to say anything anyway. We didn’t have that kind of relationship. Hell, we didn’t even have a relationship. My relationship was with Craig. This was sex. Yet Michael also ascribes devotion to Richard beyond his sexual need. I can see little to support that in the story, but it does illustrate the emotional gulf between Michael’s rather obsessive self-pity and how he’s actually connecting with real people. The sex is explicit and uninhibited, but any tenderness is one way only: Michael seems unable to accept or give it in return. I wondered exactly what Richard saw in Michael to have maintained a year’s relationship. Both express irresistible need for each other, yet didn’t convince me of any attraction stronger than the thrill of an “illicit” liaison.
The author’s prose is well crafted, mature and often fascinating. Some of her other stories cover very dark themes including murder, violence and mental instability, but I’ve always trusted her handling of her characters in these provocative settings, providing the reader with very fallible and therefore sympathetic men. I personally didn’t feel this story showcased her writing skill at its best: other readers may disagree with me. Its shorter length meant that it was concentrated solely on this very miserable stage of Michael’s life: there was no progress in either the plot or Michael’s emotional journey, other than his slide into more misfortune. Richard and Craig both moved on in some way, but Michael’s internalised distress was, by its nature, repetitive and self-perpetuating, and overwhelmed any other message for me. As Richard says: when real life comes back into whatever it is we’re doing, then everything’s broken, isn’t it? Nothing fits.
This story of Michael’s emotional hardship doesn’t end on any higher or lower note than it begins. Because of that, it wasn’t particularly rewarding for me as a reader. However, I can admire the author’s exposure of a painful situation and the impact on three men, and the themes of faith and honesty and courage in life’s decisions. It’s stayed in my mind long after reading and I rate it B.
by pettyprose…my opinion alone.
February 3, 2012
Rating: 4.5 stars
Originally posted at http://twlibreviews.com/2012/02/revie...
In Anne Brooke’s The Hearts Greater Silence we are given a complex story with many layers that is heart wrenching and sad. On the surface, Mark comes off as a greedy, selfish man wanting his comfortable relationship with Craig and his blistering sex with Richard. He needs Richard with an all-consuming emotion I honestly cannot relate to. No way do I get the sense he has the same level of need for Craig. Being with Richard gives him a connection he can feel and the connection makes him feel less alone in the world. Yet sex with Craig is different, it isn’t so good the first time. By the time Mark meets Craig, he has been with Richard for about six months.
Mark meets Richard at a function. Richard initiates the sexual contact between them by dragging Mark off to a garage. This should have sent a red flag to Mark, because Richard easily could have invited Mark to his home and avoided the possibility of discovery. It’s not until later Mark will learn Richard is a priest. The feeling Mark has for Richard then is established when they first meet and those feelings happened under false pretension.
I wonder why Mark invites Richard to his home when he has never done this before. Sure, he thinks it will be okay because Craig is off seeing friends. Craig doesn’t live with Mark but Mark’s home is accessible to him. Mark loves it when Craig drops by unannounced it makes him feel special. Maybe the answer is simple; he actually thought Craig wouldn't catch him with Richard. Or maybe not.
The more I read this short story, the more I’m fascinated with the amount of detail the author squeezed into 31 pages. Every word counts and builds on the narrative allowing us to see what is under the surface. There is more to this story than simply a man who has a hard time keeping his zipper zipped. Mark is obsessed with Richard. Mark is a lonely man. He is also a man who has lost his faith. Why? I don’t really know but I think this fact adds to who Mark is as the story reveals itself.
I will admit my anger at Richard. I wanted to disrobe him of his ceremonial vestment and throw him to the wolves. The things he says to Mark are unpardonable but necessary to get out of a dreadful situation. He does convey a sense he is just as affected as Mark, which helped me to soften, just a little, my attitude towards him.
Somehow, Mark’s predicament got under my skin and created a great deal of sympathy for him. Experiencing his reactions and his choices, watching him using sex as a substitute for what could be is just heartbreaking. I do feel Mark is in love with Richard but he knows he can’t compete for his affection against Richard’s faith for his God. So he settles for what he could get from both Richard and Craig, passion and comfort. He used both men as a means to balance out his needs.
Kudos to Anne Brooke for writing an excellent short story using her great skill at characterization.
The Hearts Greater Silence will become available for sale on February 6, at Riptide Publishing.
Review prepared at the request of the author.
Originally posted at http://twlibreviews.com/2012/02/revie...
In Anne Brooke’s The Hearts Greater Silence we are given a complex story with many layers that is heart wrenching and sad. On the surface, Mark comes off as a greedy, selfish man wanting his comfortable relationship with Craig and his blistering sex with Richard. He needs Richard with an all-consuming emotion I honestly cannot relate to. No way do I get the sense he has the same level of need for Craig. Being with Richard gives him a connection he can feel and the connection makes him feel less alone in the world. Yet sex with Craig is different, it isn’t so good the first time. By the time Mark meets Craig, he has been with Richard for about six months.
Mark meets Richard at a function. Richard initiates the sexual contact between them by dragging Mark off to a garage. This should have sent a red flag to Mark, because Richard easily could have invited Mark to his home and avoided the possibility of discovery. It’s not until later Mark will learn Richard is a priest. The feeling Mark has for Richard then is established when they first meet and those feelings happened under false pretension.
I wonder why Mark invites Richard to his home when he has never done this before. Sure, he thinks it will be okay because Craig is off seeing friends. Craig doesn’t live with Mark but Mark’s home is accessible to him. Mark loves it when Craig drops by unannounced it makes him feel special. Maybe the answer is simple; he actually thought Craig wouldn't catch him with Richard. Or maybe not.
The more I read this short story, the more I’m fascinated with the amount of detail the author squeezed into 31 pages. Every word counts and builds on the narrative allowing us to see what is under the surface. There is more to this story than simply a man who has a hard time keeping his zipper zipped. Mark is obsessed with Richard. Mark is a lonely man. He is also a man who has lost his faith. Why? I don’t really know but I think this fact adds to who Mark is as the story reveals itself.
I will admit my anger at Richard. I wanted to disrobe him of his ceremonial vestment and throw him to the wolves. The things he says to Mark are unpardonable but necessary to get out of a dreadful situation. He does convey a sense he is just as affected as Mark, which helped me to soften, just a little, my attitude towards him.
Somehow, Mark’s predicament got under my skin and created a great deal of sympathy for him. Experiencing his reactions and his choices, watching him using sex as a substitute for what could be is just heartbreaking. I do feel Mark is in love with Richard but he knows he can’t compete for his affection against Richard’s faith for his God. So he settles for what he could get from both Richard and Craig, passion and comfort. He used both men as a means to balance out his needs.
Kudos to Anne Brooke for writing an excellent short story using her great skill at characterization.
The Hearts Greater Silence will become available for sale on February 6, at Riptide Publishing.
Review prepared at the request of the author.
March 18, 2012
This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay.
Mark is caught between two men in his life: his boyfriend Craig whom he loves, and his lover Richard with whom he has been having an sexual affair. When the story opens, Craig has just found out about Richard. He refuses to even speak to Mark after the betrayal.
Mark loves Craig, but the connection he has with Richard is totally different. Mark craves Richard sexually, and the need is palpable when they are together. Though he has no emotional connection to Richard, nor anything he'd call a relationship, Mark is needy for him in ways he doesn't even begin to understand. Mark's feelings for Richard are all consuming, but they are totally separate from the reality of his life and from Richard's. So we meet Mark at this crossroads where he must finally look inside himself to figure out what is really in his heart.
This was an intense and moving story that caught me up from the very start. I wouldn't really classify it as a romance and certainly no clear HEA or even HFN. But it does a wonderful job of poking at that line between love and lust as Mark gets caught up in his two different needs and sadly finds they can only be satisfied by two different people. My only small quibble is that I wish we got a bit more of Craig. The story really explores what is happening between Richard and Mark, but I'd have love just a tiny bit more insight into his relationship with Craig so we can see the other side of Mark's struggle.
I really enjoyed The Heart's Greater Silence. In some ways the story made me sad, but I also like to think that Mark is finally at a place where he can start to look forward, he just needs to look into his heart and figure out where he wants to go.
Mark is caught between two men in his life: his boyfriend Craig whom he loves, and his lover Richard with whom he has been having an sexual affair. When the story opens, Craig has just found out about Richard. He refuses to even speak to Mark after the betrayal.
Mark loves Craig, but the connection he has with Richard is totally different. Mark craves Richard sexually, and the need is palpable when they are together. Though he has no emotional connection to Richard, nor anything he'd call a relationship, Mark is needy for him in ways he doesn't even begin to understand. Mark's feelings for Richard are all consuming, but they are totally separate from the reality of his life and from Richard's. So we meet Mark at this crossroads where he must finally look inside himself to figure out what is really in his heart.
This was an intense and moving story that caught me up from the very start. I wouldn't really classify it as a romance and certainly no clear HEA or even HFN. But it does a wonderful job of poking at that line between love and lust as Mark gets caught up in his two different needs and sadly finds they can only be satisfied by two different people. My only small quibble is that I wish we got a bit more of Craig. The story really explores what is happening between Richard and Mark, but I'd have love just a tiny bit more insight into his relationship with Craig so we can see the other side of Mark's struggle.
I really enjoyed The Heart's Greater Silence. In some ways the story made me sad, but I also like to think that Mark is finally at a place where he can start to look forward, he just needs to look into his heart and figure out where he wants to go.
February 4, 2012
I loved this. It was so intense; there was so much crammed into such a short story. I started reading, not expecting to feel much sympathy for Mark. After all, he's a man that wants to have his cake and eat it; he has a steady boyfriend and a lover on the side.
May 14, 2017
Anne Brooke is a brilliantly luminous writer in a variety of genres and people should be reading her stuff. Something that is unique to Brooke's writing is her ability to interest me in things I would have thought I would dislike. This has happened on more than one occasion and has me seeking out everything she has published. Which is why I read this. Also a good one for the Diverse Reading Challenge.
Once again, Brooke has me fascinated with an unlikable person. At least by my taste. I don't like cheating and I don't care for cheaters. If one is in a relationship, one commits to it and sticks to it until the pair mutually agree to end it. I didn't like Mark. I didn't want to like Michael because he knew Mark was in a relationship before they met.
Mark loves Craig but is enthralled with Michael, a priest in the Church of England. Michael is in love with the Church but enthralled with Mark. Craig loves Mark. For a short story, it is remarkably complex. As always, I wanted more.
Once again, Brooke has me fascinated with an unlikable person. At least by my taste. I don't like cheating and I don't care for cheaters. If one is in a relationship, one commits to it and sticks to it until the pair mutually agree to end it. I didn't like Mark. I didn't want to like Michael because he knew Mark was in a relationship before they met.
Mark loves Craig but is enthralled with Michael, a priest in the Church of England. Michael is in love with the Church but enthralled with Mark. Craig loves Mark. For a short story, it is remarkably complex. As always, I wanted more.
October 19, 2012
As the blurb says Mark is torn between two men who desire him but neither of whom has everything he needs. Craig gives him loyal, vanilla love. Richard, a priest, gives him illicit, dark passion. There is betrayal all around and everyone ends up with their hearts ripped out, stomped on the floor.
This was well written, tight and astonishing in its swift breakdown of these relationships. Not really a romance nor particularly erotic for me. I'm left mostly dazed; sort of like at the end of a Shakespearian tragedy where the stage is littered with bodies, so much is lost and wasted and one wonders at the man, Mark, and just what he's in search of. There's gotta be more to this story.
My rating: 5 stars for the writing/storytelling; 3 stars for being left high and dry at the end; averages to 4 stars.
This was well written, tight and astonishing in its swift breakdown of these relationships. Not really a romance nor particularly erotic for me. I'm left mostly dazed; sort of like at the end of a Shakespearian tragedy where the stage is littered with bodies, so much is lost and wasted and one wonders at the man, Mark, and just what he's in search of. There's gotta be more to this story.
My rating: 5 stars for the writing/storytelling; 3 stars for being left high and dry at the end; averages to 4 stars.
February 4, 2012
A story about strong passions that consumes and overrules everything else in life. And when that's taken from you - you're left drifting.
I read this in one breath and not only because this is a short story, but 'cause it was so gripping and filled with dark passion, heavy thoughts and anguish about not being able to change a thing.. Such a perfect mix! I have rarely read a short story so well rounded and complete. :)
I cannot possibly do a just review for The Heart's Greater Silence, so I'll just stop with saying that I loved absolutely everything about this book - the stunningly beautiful cover, excellent editing and formatting and, of course,the story itself. Will definitely read this again!
I read this in one breath and not only because this is a short story, but 'cause it was so gripping and filled with dark passion, heavy thoughts and anguish about not being able to change a thing.. Such a perfect mix! I have rarely read a short story so well rounded and complete. :)
I cannot possibly do a just review for The Heart's Greater Silence, so I'll just stop with saying that I loved absolutely everything about this book - the stunningly beautiful cover, excellent editing and formatting and, of course,the story itself. Will definitely read this again!
June 16, 2013
If you need a HEA at the end of your story with everyone's issues wrapped up with a nice neat bow... just keep walking. It ain't here. What is here is a wonderfully written short story that depicts what often happens in real life. Love isn't found, you don't know what you want, your emotions are raw and you're left alone to figure it all out on another day. Emotionally raw and intense and beautifully written.
March 21, 2012
This was one of those books that I read the excerpt and had to read the whole book. I was warned by the author that the book was a bit grim. So I was thankful for that bit of information before embarking on the story. It's well written and emotionally draining. I recommend the book but if you are looking for HEA you should wait to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2012
Wow, that was good. I always find it amazing how an author can write such a complete book in only 28 pages. Even though it was a short story, it was filled with such feeling, and left me crushed! I felt so bad for Mark - he was so lost.
April 20, 2016
This is an edgy, uncompromising short story of love and obsession with religious undertones. The narrative presents no easy answers, with an ending that puts the story and its characters into proper perspective for the reader.
February 20, 2025
Dumped by his boyfriend for cheating, and with the local priest no less, Mark wanders along pondering his situation, he goes to the church to get comfort from his lover, he ends up getting a lot more than comfort. A short and slightly unsettling tale without any ending.
February 4, 2012
Great short read full of lust and forbidden desire. Very well written although i wish it were longer, the pull between right and wrong, good and bad and what we need vs want is well defined.
February 21, 2013
Interesting story but kind of weird. Not sure what to think...
February 27, 2012
3.5 stars
First off I must say that is a beautiful cover. It drew me in from the start.
This was a good story but I had a hard time getting into the characters. It was one of those stories that was right on the brink of being excellent. I was expecting much more from Mark. I felt like he was accepting his fate rather than trying to work through his emotions. I understood Mark's relationship with Richard much more than his feelings for Craig, maybe because there was less of him in the story. My heart went out to all three men and I felt their pain. I hope there's more to come.
First off I must say that is a beautiful cover. It drew me in from the start.
This was a good story but I had a hard time getting into the characters. It was one of those stories that was right on the brink of being excellent. I was expecting much more from Mark. I felt like he was accepting his fate rather than trying to work through his emotions. I understood Mark's relationship with Richard much more than his feelings for Craig, maybe because there was less of him in the story. My heart went out to all three men and I felt their pain. I hope there's more to come.
March 9, 2012
A lovely 4-star for this short novel. this is the first time I read a novel that is not a happy ending. Iam speechless because the ending is perfectly ironic. I would say it is a very intense, bitter, and real.
February 4, 2012
Review to follow
December 16, 2012
My Rating 3.5 stars
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