Thoreau in Love

by Schuyler Bishop

In 1843, a repressive puritanism still hangs over Concord, Massachusetts, and Henry Thoreau, twenty-five years old, wants out. When his mentor, Ralph Waldo Emerson, gives him an opportunity to move to New York City, the lively center of the growing nation, Henry leaves Concord with no thought of ever returning. In his journals, the 250-some pages about his trip to New York have been ripped out, the only substantial number of pages missing from his forty-seven journal volumes. What was so scandalous that Thoreau—or, more likely, his literary executor—decided no one should see it? And why did Thoreau stay only six months in New York? Thoreau’s biographers go out of their way to convince us that the writer was heterosexual, although he never married and wrote freely in his journal about the beauty of men. His poem “Sympathy,” one of the few published in his lifetime, is a love poem to a boy who was his student. About that poem, one celebrated biographer went so far as to say, “When he wrote ‘he’ Thoreau really meant ‘she,’ and when he wrote ‘him,’ he really meant ‘her.'” And when in his journal Thoreau wrote, “There is more than maiden modesty between us . . . I have no feature so fair as my love for him,” that same biographer said, “There is little doubt that ‘her’ was meant. . . . There are, indeed, many passages . . . where Henry’s emotional experiences with women are memorialized under a camouflage of masculine pronouns.” By denying Thoreau's real sexuality, scholars have reduced him to a wooden icon. But this sexuality can humanize the man.“Thoreau in Love” imagines the time of the missing pages, when Thoreau emerged from his shell and explored the wider world and himself before he returned to Concord, where he fearlessly lived the rest of his life and became the great naturalist and literary giant.

Genres: Historical Fiction

274 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2013

Reviews

[Richard Derus · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not remember how I came to be given this book, but it has been on my Kindle since 20 June 2013. Eight years! And no review! Sinful wicked shame and contumely be heapèd upon me.

My response to the 18% I read is best spoken in the deathless phrase of a writer whose words are endemic to Goodreads: "the words and the sentences curled themselves into knotty shapes that did not fit the shape of my brain."

I am out.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

The lost pages, the secret thoughts of Henry David Thoreau

John Schuyler Bishop has written a startlingly new and fine novel about one of America's icons, the brilliant thinker, writer, philosopher, environmentalist, abolitionist Thoreau. Bishop reconstructs Thoreau's 1843 six-month sojourn to New York from the 250 pages missing from Thoreau's diary written during that time and in doing so he has unveiled a splendid love story about a `love that dare not speak its name.' It is a wondrously entertaining and tender reconstruction of a missing segment of Thoreau's life and flows so naturally that THOREAU IN LOVE abruptly becomes a credible missing link for historians to address.

A bit of history from the encyclopedia before discussing this book: `Henry David Thoreau (July 12, 1817 - May 6, 1862) was an American author, poet, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, historian, and leading transcendentalist. He is best known for his book `Walden', a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings, and his essay `Civil Disobedience', an argument for individual resistance to civil government in moral opposition to an unjust state. Thoreau's books, articles, essays, journals, and poetry total over 20 volumes. Among his lasting contributions were his writings on natural history and philosophy, where he anticipated the methods and findings of ecology and environmental history, two sources of modern day environmentalism. His literary style interweaves close natural observation, personal experience, pointed rhetoric, symbolic meanings, and historical lore, while displaying a poetic sensibility, philosophical austerity, and "Yankee" love of practical detail. He was also deeply interested in the idea of survival in the face of hostile elements, historical change, and natural decay; at the same time he advocated abandoning waste and illusion in order to discover life's true essential needs. He was a lifelong abolitionist, delivering lectures that attacked the Fugitive Slave Law while praising the writings of Wendell Phillips and defending abolitionist John Brown. Thoreau's philosophy of civil disobedience later influenced the political thoughts and actions of such notable figures as Leo Tolstoy, Mohandas Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr. For a few months in 1843, he moved to the home of William Emerson on Staten Island, and tutored the family sons while seeking contacts among literary men and journalists in the city who might help publish his writings, including his future literary representative Horace Greeley. Thoreau returned to Concord and worked in his family's pencil factory, which he continued to do for most of his adult life. He rediscovered the process to make a good pencil out of inferior graphite by using clay as the binder; this invention improved upon graphite found in New Hampshire and bought in 1821 by relative Charles Dunbar. (The process of mixing graphite and clay, known as the Conté process, was patented by Nicolas-Jacques Conté in 1795).'

It is this sojourn to New York, or rather to Staten Island, that Bishop addresses in his book. Bishop offers evidence that Thoreau had always had same sex inclinations as a young boy and into his college year when he roomed with an openly gay Stearns in college and had attractions to young men in Concord but forever resisted his inclinations because of the fear of discovery by the puritanical society, especially in Concord. But when he accepts a job with his idol Ralph Waldo Emerson's relative William Emerson and his disconsolate wife Susan in their home on Staten Island, he travels by boat with Susan and there he meets the 16 year old stunningly handsome sailor and Captain's Boy Ben Wickham and immediately there is a mutual attraction which by the end of the trip to Staten Island has blossomed into a profoundly memorable love affair.

Once separated form one another at Staten Island Henry attempts to adjust to his role as a tutor of the Emerson children while at the same time questioning his aching longing for Ben, deciding that would be no respectable life for a man who longs to be known for his writing. He dates women, seeks publication of his essays in New York, but all the time he writes love poems to Ben, writes and receives love letters with Ben, adjusts to the life on Staten Island, befriends a gay minister who is married - a situation Henry finds unacceptable - and finally receives Ben as a guest in this attic room in the Emerson household where the two spend a couple of weeks in bliss. But Henry's inability to be truthful about his sexual preferences and Ben's open acceptance of his own ultimately causes a separation. Ben leaves and when Henry searches New York for his lost love he discovers the futility of his affair and Ben by letter advises him to return to Concord to the woods that Henry loves so dearly - and in doing so Walden is born.

John Schuyler Bishop is a gifted writer, able to weave a story from chards of missing pages of a diary and connecting those poems and letters with Thoreau's own established inclinations in a manner that makes the great Henry David Thoreau far more interesting on a humanism level that ever before. How much of the story is rigid fact is really of no consequence: the elegant manner in which Bishop makes his case has created one of the strongest novels of the year. It breathes atmosphere, poetry, history, romance, and the incredible changes that fortunately are beginning to alter the manner in which same sex relationships are viewed. This is a magnificent book on many levels and Bishop deserves kudos and acknowledgment for opening a window into the life of the brilliant Thoreau.

Grady Harp

[Dana]

25 pages of info dump and then this gem:

And then he remembered how he was sure he'd seen Ben's tree grow a bit in his trousers.

And nope.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ridiculously simplified synopsis for those short on time: Historically accurate, fantastic characterization and a well-delivered story. I recommend it.
For those that have a little more time, here is the detailed review:

As a reader who is very familiar with Henry David Thoreau; I was immediately curious as to how accurately the author captures the true spirit and character of Thoreau within these pages. Similarly, I am also familiar with New York City during the mid 1800's in which this novel takes place (an exciting time); therefore, I was also curious as to how well the author manages to capture the essence of New York in all of its glory, corruption, violence, prejudices, beauty and unyielding spirit of hope and liveliness during that time. It's an accurate assessment to say that before I even turned to the first page, I had higher than normal expectations. Imagine my very pleasant surprise to discover that this novel exceeds those expectations on many levels.

Before I began reading this novel, I was vaguely aware of the controversy over Thoreau’s sexuality; however, I had not explored this topic much because, at least in my view, his sexual preferences have no bearing or impact on my perspective of him. What I failed to recognize, and what the author of “Thoreau in Love” taught me through his novel, is that exploring this topic IS important. If Thoreau was indeed homosexual or bi-sexual, then that is a major part of who he was that’s either missing and/or hidden, and also relentlessly denied by his publishers from the time of his death into modern times despite some of his writings that clearly suggest otherwise. The possibility that Thoreau explored his sexuality and discovered that he had ‘forbidden’ and ‘scandalous’ feelings and relationships with men (to utilize the language of that time), should not be ignored or brushed aside. It’s a conversation worth having, and author John Schuyler Bishop does a fantastic job of piecing together a very believable scenario and guiding readers through what Thoreau’s sexual and emotional awakening might have been like.

If I didn’t know any better, I would say that the author and Thoreau are good friends who sit down for tea and deep discussions frequently. Yes, the characterization of Thoreau really is that good. He is strong-willed, stubborn, assertive, forthcoming, incorrigible, kind-hearted, analytical, sarcastic, occasionally insufferable, deeply emotional and extremely intelligent. All of these classic Thoreau characteristics (and then some) are blended together in perfect balance to create one of the most realistic portrayals of Thoreau that I have ever read. The author’s talent for creating believable and realistic characters does not stop with Thoreau. Those that were a part of Thoreau’s life that play a smaller role in this novel, including Emerson, are portrayed equally as well in a historical context. New York City and Staten Island are portrayed very accurately. The author successfully captures and breathes life into NY during the mid-1800's and does so impressively. The author did his homework…and then some.

Ben, the fictional character introduced as part of the main storyline is very well done. With his youthful outlook, his quirks, his tragic past (and present) and his longing for true intimacy, I found myself falling in love with him. I’m not usually one for romance; yet this novel brings a heavy dose of realism to the complexities and pains of love instead of the fairy-tale nonsense we see too frequently and maintains a healthy balance between love, adventure, and self-exploration.

For readers that are not familiar with Thoreau that may be asking themselves if they too will enjoy this novel; in my opinion the answer is a resounding: YES! Those familiar with Thoreau will appreciate the accuracy while those not familiar with Thoreau will have the opportunity to get to know him in an intimate way. While this is ‘historical’ fiction, there is a story here that everyone can enjoy, unless you are homophobic in which case I’d recommend the self-help section, but I digress.

As for the story itself, it’s written extremely well. The main plot and sub-plots move along smoothly and everything wraps up nicely with no unanswered questions at the end. Told through the perspective of Thoreau, we get to experience his adventures as they happen, his sexuality as it evolves, and his internal struggle as it rages on. This novel is heavy; it is not what I would consider light-reading and I recommend taking your time as you work through it. The emotions experienced are raw and brutally honest. The writing is candid and uninhibited. That’s not to say there are not lighter moments in the story; there are. I found myself laughing out-loud more than once. One of my favorite quotations from the novel is said by Thoreau when he is running late (per usual), “Time to get these stumps atrot!” (I’m impatiently waiting for the right opportunity to work that quote into ordinary conversation just for fun).

With all my praise of this novel, I do have one criticism. Thoreau has many ‘encounters’ with others 'like him' (homosexual). Some of these encounters are very brief such as a random vendor on a street corner while other encounters are more intense. In most of these encounters I believe I understand what the author was trying to accomplish; some encounters are meant to illustrate societal barriers of what was and wasn't acceptable as well as the repercussions should they find out and thereby persuade readers to feel Thoreau’s alienation. Other encounters are meant to illustrate that there are people with similar preferences and thereby persuade readers to feel Thoreau’s hope that maybe he can live his life outside the shadows. Both types of encounters play brilliantly into the internal struggle we go through with Thoreau. The only issue with this is that, in my opinion, there were just a few too many random encounters with gay men that I couldn’t quite get to where the author was leading me; to those feelings of loneliness, confusion and alienation. At times it feels like Thoreau is seeing homosexuals on every street corner which makes it difficult to really feel the severe disassociation from society that Thoreau experiences. If a few of the briefer encounters were left out and only those crucial to the story left in, I would have easily been able to experience his inner-feelings as an outcast; as it is, I just couldn’t experience those emotions to the depth that I would have liked to.

All in all, this is a novel that I highly recommend. I’m glad I went on this journey with Thoreau and would even argue that the author has written what may very well be as close to the truth of what may have happened during Thoreau's 6 months in New York that is 'mysteriously missing' from his journals. We may never know for sure; however, “Thoreau in Love” is a very plausible scenario and I applaud the author for offering readers the chance to experience it.

Now, with all my praise, some may question why I only rated it 4 stars. Before I end this review, I find it is helpful to explain my star-rating system as I've learned it differs from how others may rate novels.
1 star: absolutely terrible; the worst of the worst
2 stars: has potential but needs work in some major areas
3 stars: enjoyable and entertaining; an average yet solid read
4 stars: near-perfect, very well-written, one I highly recommend and the highest rating I usually give
5 stars: only given to those VERY RARE novels that have staying power; one that is so powerful that I find myself thinking about it long after I've finished it. I have been known to return to a 4-star read and up the rating to 5 stars and notate that in my review if I find that I am still thinking about the novel weeks or months later.

*In full disclosure with FTC guidelines, I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review. I do not know the author personally nor did the receipt of this book impact or alter my review in any way.*

[Karen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoying the company of women yet overwhelmingly attracted to men. Wishing to be normal and yet falling in love not with women but with men. This is Henry David Thoreau in an historical fiction of a period of time he spent in New York City and on Staten Island.

The first line of the book shows what a descriptive treat awaits you. "Bundled against the chilly spring wind, Henry David Thoreau held right to the gunwale as he leaned over the Dahlia's bow to watch splash after brilliant splash thrown off onto the ice-blue sea." Easy enough to actually picture him.

Thoreau knew he was different in that his romantic feelings for his young student Elliot was not accepted as normal behavior, even to himself this was not what he wanted. He wanted to be normal as others were and have a wife and family but he consistently was attracted to men.

During his voyage to New York he meets and falls in love with a young sailor named Ben. He believes his love is strictly romantic and is disturbed by the thought of it leading to physical love as well.

Through most of this book Thoreau fights a battle with himself. To be normal and married with children is his desire but he also desires to be true to himself and this desire does not include marriage to a woman but freedom to love whom he pleases.

Eventually he returns to Concord to be himself but not before he experiences what he desires and learns that with love comes heartbreak.

I would not label this book as gay erotica because the story itself is so strong but I do have to mention there are some graphic scenes described within the pages and I would not be doing my job as a reviewer if I did not mention this.

I recommend this book as a "what if" story of an actual person who did write his poem Sympathy to express love for his young student, Elliot and what might have happened on a trip to New York.

I won this book in a FirstReads giveaway.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took this book on vacation to read on the beach in Hawaii as I had a paper copy and did not want to take my Kindle onto the sand. "Thoreau in Love" was riveting enough to keep me out of the water for long stretches of time. The writing style is descriptive of both locations and characters (even minor ones) so that I felt I was "there" myself. I also enjoyed the way back stories of the main character, as well as others, were woven into the main narrative. The scenes of intimacy were well done and seemed in line with the time period and style of the rest of the book (unlike other books were they can pull you right out of the story).

The reason I rated this book four stars instead of five was due to the portrayal of the main character. The further I read into the book, the less sympathetic I felt toward Henry due to his self-centeredness and lack of concern for Ben's situation. I found myself drawn much more to the character of Ben. Would love a follow-up book to find out what happens to him!

Note: I receive a free copy of this book as part of a contest. I have provided a fair review in exchange.

[Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like that this book attempted something new, namely filling in the missing time from one of Thoreau's diaries and speculating about a romance he had while he was in New York. The author was clearly passionate about the subject and there were stretches where I was very pulled in by the text.

The read, however, got a little choppy. There would be really good stretches of Thoreau developing ideas. The encounters with the women were much more interesting than the romance which felt really rushed. I kept wanting the author to slow down and show me why the characters were making decisions. One of the turns in the novel felt really abrupt because there was not much build up.

As someone who reads a lot of fiction with gay characters I was a little put off by some of the euphemisms used for male anatomy and male intercourse, some of them were really awkward or just used too many times.

I hope to see more works form this author in the future to see what else he tackles. There needs to be more diverse historical fiction in the world, and this book is a step in the right direction.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book from the beginning till the end.
The books has 2 parts. The first part describes the romance between Thoreau and Ben on a ship to New York. Ben teaches Thoreau the love between men and encourages him to love freely without letting other people's opinions rule over him. The scene that inspired the cover art was magical and it was my favorite part.

The second part of the book has Thoreau dealing with the pressures of society. Thoreau has to learn how to be true to himself and to own his life rather than be ruled by societal norms. Thoreau discovers his nature and overcomes his fears by the end of the book.

*I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.*

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed the work of Thoreau and the thought of filling in the blanks from the missing 250 pages of his journal intrigued me enough to want to read it.

The book is based on the premise of Thoreau falling in love within a same sex relationship on his journey to tutor the Emerson children. He is then unable to accept the relationship long term and it dissolves.

I thought the book would focus more on the historical aspects of the story. However, the early chapters focused almost solely on the romance. I really wanted to know more about the motivations of the characters and I did not really get that from the story.

Reader received a complimentary copy from Good Reads First Reads.

[Karen Heuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s wonderful here is how naturally Thoreau’s world lives again—in Concord, in New York, on board the clipper (I won’t ever forget the ship, or the rigging). It’s all wonderfully vital, and Thoreau is refreshingly natural and human. We think of Thoreau as being so in touch with nature, but here he has to learn about his own nature, while we too are aware of what’s around him. The descriptions throughout are stunning, and the journey to the Maidenhead and the place itself are terrific (that ship seemed alive; but that’s what life is like at that age; the book is awash in youth and love). It’s that rarity, a well-written book that doesn’t gloat over the writing.

[Marci · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are about 250 pages missing in Thoreau's journal recounting the trip from Concord to New York. Why? John Schuyler Bishop tells a story trying to fill in that gap.

I received this book as a Goodreads First Read from a Giveaway I actually don't remember entering.

I'm not sure why I entered it because I find Thoreau a bit pretentious. That's why I rated it the way I did. He's ideas are grounded, but the man himself just leaves me with a bad impression. That being said, subject matter aside, this book was executed beautifully. His characters are ground and real in sometimes the worst ways, and life as described is life.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true story of finding yourself.

There are 250 pages missing from Henry Thoreau's journal covering the time he spent in New York. This is where Bishop begins the story.

Beautifully written and thoughtful. Henry Thoreau finds out who he is; part of that happens to be falling in love with a man. I enjoyed going on this journey with Thoreau. Many people will find this story very poignant for the present day, even though it is set in 1843.


I received this book as a Goodreads First-Read.

[Kevin Booth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pages torn from Thoreau’s personal journal inspired this fictional account, postulating on the idea that the missing pages, covering his youthful sojourn in New York, would reveal a gay dalliance, were they extant today. Suffice to say I adored this book. It is wholeheartedly a romance in the rough, passionate, slightly bawdy and infinitely tender way of two young men in love. Above all it is an intelligent book, one which appears well researched and which seems to pay deep respect to Thoreau’s character.

[Kathy Scheiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the book was very well written. The descriptions were marvelous. I did think that there were some "prissy" sections but being a heterosexual female & not a homosexual male I'm not an expert on male thought so...

I did look up the word "pansy" in the Mirriam-Webster Dictionary & it showed that it did not come into use until 1929 so I question the usage in Mr Bishop's writings.

Overall, I did enjoy the historical & desctiptive content of the book.

[Joseph Longo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Involving, interesting and creative take on the missing pages of Henry David Thoreau's journals. Nice recreation of the period with viivd portraits of New York City and Concord, Massachusetts in the early1800s. The novel is inhabited by lively characters in complex relationship. Bishop paints a believable picture of what it was like being gay and in love during Thoreau's times. Very detailed and well researched. Worth the time I spent on it.

[Vic Marriott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could not help but compare this book to Colm Toibin's The Master. It does not stand well in comparison. Toibin made an oblique approach to his subject creating a moody tapestry with dark figures and shadowed disappointments. This book has its joys and I am glad I read it but it is a shallow impression. I will carry, mostly the depiction of New York and America in the 1840's.

[Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thoreau in Love started off a bit slow, but author is clearly passionate about his work and put a lot of effort into creating a realistic portrayal of Thoreau and his world. I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Sandra]

Entered giveaway that ends June 27th...I never win these things :/

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel could have easily fallen into the trap of well done fan fiction. Thankfully, it instead offered a well realized, if somewhat silly read.