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Jonathan Trilogy #1
Jonathan's Hope
Abandoned to freeze to death in a winter forest by his father because of his homosexuality, Jonathan desperately struggles to survive, until he accidentally stumbles upon Dan, who owns a cabin in the woods.
Dan has been fighting his own demons since the death of his lover Sean. Having retreated from big city life, he is content to live in solitude, but he never counted on meeting Jonathan.
Given the dire circumstances, Dan must set his own needs aside to help Jonathan reclaim his life, but he soon finds that the ghosts of both their pasts won’t die so easily.
Dan has been fighting his own demons since the death of his lover Sean. Having retreated from big city life, he is content to live in solitude, but he never counted on meeting Jonathan.
Given the dire circumstances, Dan must set his own needs aside to help Jonathan reclaim his life, but he soon finds that the ghosts of both their pasts won’t die so easily.
226 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2013
3 people are currently reading
749 people want to read
About the author
Hans M. Hirschi
35 books135 followersBorn and raised in Switzerland, Hans graduated from High School in Arizona, worked for several years in the Swiss financial industry before pursuing his university studies in Zurich and Gothenburg.
His majors include literature, linguistics & social sciences.
Hans self-published his first book with poetry and a short story in 1991.
Nine years later, he followed up with a professional book on e-learning pedagogy and in 2010 his book "Common Sense" was published.
He's published several novels and books. Detailed info can easily be found here, below.
His majors include literature, linguistics & social sciences.
Hans self-published his first book with poetry and a short story in 1991.
Nine years later, he followed up with a professional book on e-learning pedagogy and in 2010 his book "Common Sense" was published.
He's published several novels and books. Detailed info can easily be found here, below.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 29, 2014
Once again I’m left out in the cold. I’m not loving this as much as other readers apparently do. This had all the usual elements to pull at your heartstrings: a sweet kid (also left out in the cold) abused by homophobic dad, a Christmas setting, a family pet (who gets some narrative time, too-- say what?!!), the kindness of an older man, and a long story arc with tear-tugging ending…
But it was all too insta and creepy for me. Dan seems too concerned with his immediate attraction to young Jonathan from the moment the teen shows up half-frozen on his doorstep. Jonathan’s having being severely abused for seventeen years by his father (yes, even as a baby; and with all the scars to prove it) and left abandoned by his parents in the woods in the dead of winter are important, but Dan keeps getting distracted by his lustful urges. There is way too much page time spent on Dan dealing with his attraction and then acting on it.
Ask yourself, if you were to come across someone like Jonathan in your life would your immediate response to him be to want to jump into bed with him?
So my issues stem from the portrayal of Dan and Jonathan: the immediate attraction to another man just because of availability and or proximity; the small head holding sway over the big head even in the face of serious issues; the quick tumble into love with a virtual stranger. Especially if they are winsome and needy.
Okay, right… I can love these plot devices in some of my stories. In those worlds where they are built to be the norm, they can work. But not in stories built like this one. This is written as realism, it is an intense look at severe domestic abuse and homophobia. All the other stuff just came off as trivial and out of place in the grand scheme of Jonathan’s problems.
Jonathan didn’t need boning. He needed a shrink. Stat. Did this ever come up? Was it ever an option to him? No.
October 21, 2015
5+++++ stars This was a exceptional emotional book.
If a book is above average, its hard to give a suitable and appropriate review Not give it less than it deserves due to limited word estimation.
It was a deep emotional journey of a young abused gay man who was abandoned by his parents.
He knocked totally exhausted on Dan's door. Dan is a widower. Sean his partner died exactly a year before the knock on his door
Thats when Jonathan's and Dan's journey together starts.
Its beautiful, fragile heartbreaking but above all full of love. Their age difference is something the world outside has to deal with, in their relationship it is beautiful to see their progress
The looking-backs are enlightening. The homophobia is shameful, embarrassing.
The journey is so devastated, Jonathan has so much ballast to carry.
At some points its almost to much to bear. But unconditional love and support creates wonders.
The feelings are everywhere
It has a very satisfactory end. Thank you Lord
The way this book is described is wonderful and above average.
I am a howler but with this book, I cried so much that my family were worried
In other words it's a #must #must #mustread
Deep bow to the author.
If a book is above average, its hard to give a suitable and appropriate review Not give it less than it deserves due to limited word estimation.
It was a deep emotional journey of a young abused gay man who was abandoned by his parents.
He knocked totally exhausted on Dan's door. Dan is a widower. Sean his partner died exactly a year before the knock on his door
Thats when Jonathan's and Dan's journey together starts.
Its beautiful, fragile heartbreaking but above all full of love. Their age difference is something the world outside has to deal with, in their relationship it is beautiful to see their progress
The looking-backs are enlightening. The homophobia is shameful, embarrassing.
The journey is so devastated, Jonathan has so much ballast to carry.
At some points its almost to much to bear. But unconditional love and support creates wonders.
The feelings are everywhere
It has a very satisfactory end. Thank you Lord
The way this book is described is wonderful and above average.
I am a howler but with this book, I cried so much that my family were worried
In other words it's a #must #must #mustread
Deep bow to the author.
January 1, 2014
This book has an interesting writing style, and I almost put it down about halfway through but I'm glad I didn't. The last part of the book, once they get into NYC, was really compelling.
The story is about a young man (almost 18) who is abandoned in the woods to die by his homophobic parents and finds his way to a cabin where a gay man who lost his partner a year ago lives (or barely lives, as the case may be).
It's an interesting trope. This particular story is VERY angsty with a lot of dark tragedy. But the love story was sweet and I found myself finishing at 2am with tears on my face. Recommended if you can handle some angst.
The story is about a young man (almost 18) who is abandoned in the woods to die by his homophobic parents and finds his way to a cabin where a gay man who lost his partner a year ago lives (or barely lives, as the case may be).
It's an interesting trope. This particular story is VERY angsty with a lot of dark tragedy. But the love story was sweet and I found myself finishing at 2am with tears on my face. Recommended if you can handle some angst.
November 16, 2013
I was so engrossed in this novel that I read it in 6 hours. It's a fairly short read but I felt like I went through so much with the MCs. You know a book is good when it makes you feel sympathetic towards the villain of the story. At one point, I almost teared up with something Jonathan's father did.
Usually when I read about abuse I wonder "why didn't the mother leave that situation?" or "how could she allow such a thing to happen to her kid?" Here I can understand why Jonathan's mother felt trapped.
I really liked the relationship that developed between Jonathan and Dan. And I love how the author gave us a little of the dog's POV. I loved when he referred to them as the dog's pack. Too cute. Towards the end of the book something happens that made me say "WTF?" and I had to skim pages to make sure it wasn't true!!! I was on pins and needles but it all worked out in the end.
One reviewer mentioned that she loved the book except "to skip the fucking epilogue" LOL but I enjoyed the epilogue. It was nice to see into the future and life happens. I really enjoyed this book!
Usually when I read about abuse I wonder "why didn't the mother leave that situation?" or "how could she allow such a thing to happen to her kid?" Here I can understand why Jonathan's mother felt trapped.
I really liked the relationship that developed between Jonathan and Dan. And I love how the author gave us a little of the dog's POV. I loved when he referred to them as the dog's pack. Too cute. Towards the end of the book something happens that made me say "WTF?" and I had to skim pages to make sure it wasn't true!!! I was on pins and needles but it all worked out in the end.
One reviewer mentioned that she loved the book except "to skip the fucking epilogue" LOL but I enjoyed the epilogue. It was nice to see into the future and life happens. I really enjoyed this book!
Read
November 9, 2018I really enjoyed this book. It read to me as almost like a fairytale: a young man abandoned in the wintry woods, a kind widower who takes him in, and a blossoming love that transforms both of their lives. That's not to say the author glosses over the very real world issues of child abuse, bereavement and homophobia. But the perspective is kind and gentle and hopeful, bringing light out of darkness.
September 9, 2013
My advice to anyone reading this book....skip the fucking epilogue!! Otherwise a good read, a little awkward in places but not bad.
November 22, 2016
This was quite an interesting book and an unconventional story.
Nevertheless I find it quite difficult to rate.
It kept me entertained or interested until the end, but at the same time it was a little weird.
Reading it was a bumpy ride, sometimes it felt that too much information needed to be added to the storyline, too many perspectives of the events be told, too much drama than necessary (does there really need to be a 500 million dollar inheritance included, that comes as a complete surprise from a distant aunt??). This made reading difficult at times. A little less would maybe have been a little more.
Jonathan is left in the woods by his father, after confessing his homosexuality. After several days he is starving and almost freezing to death when he finds a small cabin in the woods and Dan, who lives there takes him in.
Dan is 13 years older and left the city when his boyfriend died one year ago, exactly the same day Jonathan comes to his doorsteps.
It was a good read, even if I really wish it would have concentrated a little more on the relationship between the two main characters. For me there was a little too much distraction, it felt as if this was a first time story, the author still having some problems to focus on what's important and wanting to tell everything and a little more...
At the same time I must admit that the book had some really powerful moments, making me cry while reading.
I would definitely look at some other books from this author and I would rate this 3.5 stars,still I would hesitate to generally recommend it, for that in my eyes it is a little too specific,leaving me somehow clueless what this story was.
Nevertheless I find it quite difficult to rate.
It kept me entertained or interested until the end, but at the same time it was a little weird.
Reading it was a bumpy ride, sometimes it felt that too much information needed to be added to the storyline, too many perspectives of the events be told, too much drama than necessary (does there really need to be a 500 million dollar inheritance included, that comes as a complete surprise from a distant aunt??). This made reading difficult at times. A little less would maybe have been a little more.
Jonathan is left in the woods by his father, after confessing his homosexuality. After several days he is starving and almost freezing to death when he finds a small cabin in the woods and Dan, who lives there takes him in.
Dan is 13 years older and left the city when his boyfriend died one year ago, exactly the same day Jonathan comes to his doorsteps.
It was a good read, even if I really wish it would have concentrated a little more on the relationship between the two main characters. For me there was a little too much distraction, it felt as if this was a first time story, the author still having some problems to focus on what's important and wanting to tell everything and a little more...
At the same time I must admit that the book had some really powerful moments, making me cry while reading.
I would definitely look at some other books from this author and I would rate this 3.5 stars,still I would hesitate to generally recommend it, for that in my eyes it is a little too specific,leaving me somehow clueless what this story was.
really-want-tr-mm
December 10, 2015FREE at Hans' web site (along with other titles) and ARe! 6-10-15
http://www.hirschi.se/shop/
http://www.hirschi.se/shop/
October 28, 2015
I've read three novels by Hans M. Hirschi in the past month, and this is without a doubt my favourite, yet it's the only one of the three where I have been in two minds whether to give it 4 or 5 stars. I've spent a couple of days reflecting on why, and have gone with 5 stars because...
From the outset this story had me absolutely rapt, which I didn't anticipate based on the blurb - it sounded like it would be very bleak and depressing, and there are some very sad, moving moments. I know now that this is what I should expect from this author - these are the BIG traumas in life. Imagine all of the awful things that could befall a character and you're going to get a good dose of them happening in a Hirschi novel. I hope this doesn't sound flippant, because the way the author deals with these issues is astute and sensitive. I should add that it's not all doom and gloom - there are positive moments in here too.
The ending - well, it's not the usual happily ever after, that's for sure. This author gives the reader closure, but without falling into the trap of fairy tale endings, which adds to the realism of the stories he tells. As always it's so hard to review a book without giving too much away, but hopefully this gives you a taste of what to expect. It's well written, gay male romance, of sorts, but it's also about family life - themes that Hirschi also explores in his other two novels: The Opera House and Family Ties.
I'm very much looking forward to reading more novels from Hans M. Hirschi. This is a good read for anyone who appreciates well-crafted, emotionally challenging, realistic explorations of life and love.
From the outset this story had me absolutely rapt, which I didn't anticipate based on the blurb - it sounded like it would be very bleak and depressing, and there are some very sad, moving moments. I know now that this is what I should expect from this author - these are the BIG traumas in life. Imagine all of the awful things that could befall a character and you're going to get a good dose of them happening in a Hirschi novel. I hope this doesn't sound flippant, because the way the author deals with these issues is astute and sensitive. I should add that it's not all doom and gloom - there are positive moments in here too.
The ending - well, it's not the usual happily ever after, that's for sure. This author gives the reader closure, but without falling into the trap of fairy tale endings, which adds to the realism of the stories he tells. As always it's so hard to review a book without giving too much away, but hopefully this gives you a taste of what to expect. It's well written, gay male romance, of sorts, but it's also about family life - themes that Hirschi also explores in his other two novels: The Opera House and Family Ties.
I'm very much looking forward to reading more novels from Hans M. Hirschi. This is a good read for anyone who appreciates well-crafted, emotionally challenging, realistic explorations of life and love.
November 27, 2016
This book is about hope. Dan hopes he can get by another day with the memories of a dead lover and the life they built together to get him thru. Jonathan hopes he can be spared his father's wrath and rabid abuse and hopes his father never finds out he is gay. Of course, the worlds of Dan & Jon collide...Dan engulfed in his grief for the love he loss tragically a year ago answers a knock on his cabin door and comes face to face with a frightened, cold, and dirty and starving 17 year old Jonathan. Abandon by his parents, left to survive in the woods for 10 days by his wits and willingness not to give up, Jonathan sees the light of Dan's cabin and has renewed hope that he will survive.Each man has secrets that they share and a hope that finding each other is the start of something that neither would ever expect. It's definitely, a good read!
July 17, 2014
This is a heart-warming tale that shows that true love, compassion and companionship can be found in a sometimes cruel world. I imagine that many people who have faced struggles in their lives will connect with this book. Although sometimes the scenarios seemed far fetched - it added to the escapism and the sentiment of the tale. The story plot build up very well and the pace was great. I thought the ending was a sweet way to finish. The writing style was familiar to another book I have read recently -the use of the characters inner voice adding dialogue is an interesting technique. I am also in awe of the fact that this author speaks 7 languages and English is not his first language.
The book does what is says on the tin - if you like a romantic, gay relationship novel then it definitely one to add to that bookshelf.
The book does what is says on the tin - if you like a romantic, gay relationship novel then it definitely one to add to that bookshelf.
October 3, 2016
I completely adored this book. So much feels.
March 16, 2021
Heavy doses of insta-love and hurt/comfort with a soupçon of violent homophobia.
September 29, 2016
I skipped over this one when it came up as a recommended read because I wasn’t sure I would like it. The synopsis made it sound stark. I’m only sorry I waited so long to give it a chance.
For me, this was less about contemporary realism and more like the author sat down by the fire to offer a fable. While the characters themselves have a genuine feel to them, the story has a lot of moments where I needed to suspend my disbelief. However, when read as a metaphor, it works perfectly.
This is not lighthearted or tender and sweet. It has a lot of really dark moments, and the cold setting lends itself well to the story’s overall tone. My sense was that the theme, even more than hope, was about growth: Jonathan becoming a man and discovering who he was; Dan learning how to be his own person after losing his husband; and the two of them growing together through it all. I had the general sense of “it gets better” throughout.
There is a love story in here, but it isn’t only the romantic one between Dan and Jonathan. This is a love letter to anyone who has lost hope. If you’re looking for a passionate falling in love/lust story, this is not it. But if you want a modern-day gay literary parable, you’ve found your match.
For a lost boy I just wanted to hug, a thoughtful storyline, and a light at the end of the tunnel, this gets 4 stars.
For me, this was less about contemporary realism and more like the author sat down by the fire to offer a fable. While the characters themselves have a genuine feel to them, the story has a lot of moments where I needed to suspend my disbelief. However, when read as a metaphor, it works perfectly.
This is not lighthearted or tender and sweet. It has a lot of really dark moments, and the cold setting lends itself well to the story’s overall tone. My sense was that the theme, even more than hope, was about growth: Jonathan becoming a man and discovering who he was; Dan learning how to be his own person after losing his husband; and the two of them growing together through it all. I had the general sense of “it gets better” throughout.
There is a love story in here, but it isn’t only the romantic one between Dan and Jonathan. This is a love letter to anyone who has lost hope. If you’re looking for a passionate falling in love/lust story, this is not it. But if you want a modern-day gay literary parable, you’ve found your match.
For a lost boy I just wanted to hug, a thoughtful storyline, and a light at the end of the tunnel, this gets 4 stars.
October 20, 2020
This book, without a doubt is a work of fiction. I was about half-way through the book thinking great story, weird writing.
The story line is compelling, the characters are well described with very detailed back stories, but they is just something of about the writing. It occurred to be, due to some of the vocabulary used, that this might be a translation, which would explain a lot, including the writing style. Another thing. It's not made very clear at the beginning where exactly it takes place, other than a great forest. So I thought maybe Europe, but then they drive to NYC. Then something happens and Jonathan walks around Manhattan until he casually arrives at the cemetery someone close to him was recently buried at (as in the last few days). Considering most cemeteries in Manhattan are no longer used (there is one that sold 2 plots is recent history, yes I Googled that) it was hard to keep focused on the story. Then you find out about the details *spoiler alert* you know fron early on the gadget is abusive to both the mother and Jonathan. The mother pretty much turns a blind eye because what is she to do? Right. WRONG! you find out she not only is financially independent. She's RICH! She could have left all along! Protected her child! Sigh... this is NOT a reread
The story line is compelling, the characters are well described with very detailed back stories, but they is just something of about the writing. It occurred to be, due to some of the vocabulary used, that this might be a translation, which would explain a lot, including the writing style. Another thing. It's not made very clear at the beginning where exactly it takes place, other than a great forest. So I thought maybe Europe, but then they drive to NYC. Then something happens and Jonathan walks around Manhattan until he casually arrives at the cemetery someone close to him was recently buried at (as in the last few days). Considering most cemeteries in Manhattan are no longer used (there is one that sold 2 plots is recent history, yes I Googled that) it was hard to keep focused on the story. Then you find out about the details *spoiler alert* you know fron early on the gadget is abusive to both the mother and Jonathan. The mother pretty much turns a blind eye because what is she to do? Right. WRONG! you find out she not only is financially independent. She's RICH! She could have left all along! Protected her child! Sigh... this is NOT a reread
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2016
Tender and hopeful
Jonathan's Hope is a very tender love story, just the kind I love to read.
So what's it about? Dan is a 31 year old freelance writer who lives alone in a small rustic cabin deep in the country. On a cold winter day marking the one year anniversary of his lover's death, Dan answers a knock on his door. Standing before him in tattered clothing is a young malnourished teenager by the name of Jonathan, whose parents abandoned him in the forest after they found out he was gay. Thus begins a journey of two lonely souls whose paths intersect at just the right time and place.
The author does a wonderful job of taking his readers back in time recounting the history of Dan's loss of his partner Sean and also of Jonathan's nightmare of abuse at the hands of his father. It was painful to read and I found myself shedding a few tears. But woven throughout the pain was the hope of a new beginning.
If you like reading about love, angst, and hope, then you will enjoy this beautifully tender story which I'm giving 5 stars.
Jonathan's Hope is a very tender love story, just the kind I love to read.
So what's it about? Dan is a 31 year old freelance writer who lives alone in a small rustic cabin deep in the country. On a cold winter day marking the one year anniversary of his lover's death, Dan answers a knock on his door. Standing before him in tattered clothing is a young malnourished teenager by the name of Jonathan, whose parents abandoned him in the forest after they found out he was gay. Thus begins a journey of two lonely souls whose paths intersect at just the right time and place.
The author does a wonderful job of taking his readers back in time recounting the history of Dan's loss of his partner Sean and also of Jonathan's nightmare of abuse at the hands of his father. It was painful to read and I found myself shedding a few tears. But woven throughout the pain was the hope of a new beginning.
If you like reading about love, angst, and hope, then you will enjoy this beautifully tender story which I'm giving 5 stars.
October 19, 2015
Stark Bleak. The word I would choose to describe the first two-thirds of this book is bleak. Not even when the two main characters who come together find each other, heal each other, grow together and find love somehow it still feels bleak. Don't get me wrong I overall liked the story. The back story was well done and so necessary to give this whole book a complete feeling. Here comes the part that's going to sound a bit odd. It felt like it was written by somebody from Norway or Sweden or Finland. Lo & behold, at the end of this book I find out it was. There's just the style they have that for me just feels bleak and cold. Think about The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest
September 10, 2016
A story about love that portraits the balance between affection and physical attraction that exists in happy life-long relationships. In a simple and yet beautiful way, the author presents us the characters in a vivid and human way, with their flaws, insecurities and dilemmas made natural. This made me relate to them, suffer with their anguish and rejoice with their happiness. With some unexpected mishaps and plot twists, this book has always made me want to keep on reading it. Until the end, where hope and sadness were mixed in an incredible way, I kept wondering what was going to happen next, because the book was pleasantly unpredictable.
July 10, 2015
This story was great from start to finish. The writing style was different from what I am used to reading but the story flowed so well.
Jonathan's plight broke my heart, and I am not ashamed to say that I cried several times throughout the book. This story just reinforced for me what the kindness of strangers can lead to. Dan was a wonderful character and his heartache was so palpable that I felt his loss.
This is my first book by this author, but it will not be my last. He did a great job of bringing these characters to life for me and that, to me, is the sign of a wonderful writer. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Jonathan's plight broke my heart, and I am not ashamed to say that I cried several times throughout the book. This story just reinforced for me what the kindness of strangers can lead to. Dan was a wonderful character and his heartache was so palpable that I felt his loss.
This is my first book by this author, but it will not be my last. He did a great job of bringing these characters to life for me and that, to me, is the sign of a wonderful writer. I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 20, 2015
OK, I'm biased; any story that takes place in a little cabin in a wintry forest by a lake is likely to get my approval, even without its tall, dark, handsome, nice and hairy-chested occupant. ;)
But besides that it's a very compelling, emotional story, often about life in its more homophobic state. There are some pretty harrowing bits, one could say realistic, although fortunately for most people in this part of the world it won't be their reality.
So it's a story full of tragedy, but also of love and hope for the future, and I'm glad to say it does have a happy ending. Kind of.
It's one of those books I will continue to come back to.
But besides that it's a very compelling, emotional story, often about life in its more homophobic state. There are some pretty harrowing bits, one could say realistic, although fortunately for most people in this part of the world it won't be their reality.
So it's a story full of tragedy, but also of love and hope for the future, and I'm glad to say it does have a happy ending. Kind of.
It's one of those books I will continue to come back to.
July 20, 2015
Dear Author, did you want to give me a heart attack? I had heart palpitations, was about to throw my kindle in the corner, refuse to continue reading about 65 % into the book with one f**king sentence.
How could you leave me hanging with a quivering lip, tears in my eyes, brain spinning about 100 m/h? Don't you ever do that to me again. I am getting older, you know and my heart cannot take heartrending love stories anymore.
Loved it, loved it, loved it.
How could you leave me hanging with a quivering lip, tears in my eyes, brain spinning about 100 m/h? Don't you ever do that to me again. I am getting older, you know and my heart cannot take heartrending love stories anymore.
Loved it, loved it, loved it.
July 22, 2013
Very sweet and touching story about a seventeen year old boy that is abandoned by his family when he finally comes out to them. At the brink of death, he wanders into the warm cabin of a reclusive man who is dealing with his own feelings of grief and loss. Together, they save each other. I laughed and cried and can't wait to read more from this new author!
June 12, 2015
I usually don't read too many books with that kind of ending but when I do it's always a bittersweet feeling....sometimes i'm better off believing in the happily ever after fairy tale and sometimes there is this and it was beautiful and good epilogue. I liked to hear about their future together and their family. Sad and happy story.
November 20, 2013
My friend recommended this to me just the other day and she was right. This book was great, from page one you are completely taken in to this books. I loved everything about this book except the epilogue. It was a good one just not my kind of epilogue.
December 9, 2017
I rarely give 5 stars but felt this deserved more that 4 and you can’t give partial stars. At first I wasn’t really getting into the story but then things really started to piece together. I was confused at the beginning because I just couldn’t understand the depth of hatred as a result of self-loathing in Jonathan’s father or how his mother could put up with the beating and stay. But unless you’ve been a victim yourself, you can never understand. I also tried to figure out where this was taking place. It refers to parliament and States and they use dollars. But then it hit me. The author was making this anyplace. It wasn’t necessarily the US, the UK, Canada etc. but could have been happening anywhere in the world. The fight for LGBT individuals to live in peace without fear has been going on for a long time and the journey continues. The abuse portrayed in this story is very real and happens every day. This is not so much a story of gay romance but a journey of survival. Jonathan survived to rise above the hatred, find his heart’s love in Dan and go on to raise a beautiful family with true family values. The epilogue was heartwrenching and beautiful at the same time.
December 9, 2016
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
I absolutely adored this story. I love how Jonathan goes from his lowest point all the way to having a beautiful family that loves him. Watching him overcome so many obstacles was amazing to see. I loved how supportive Dan was. He made sure Jon knew he was card for and gave all he could to ensure Jon had a loving and supportive environment to blossom in. Dan was so sweet and I wanted to see more of him and learn more about him.
There were a few times the omniscient narrator point of view was awkward to read. I’d either forget or it wasn’t as fleshed out as it could have been. But it was only a few times and didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story.
I loved the ending. While it was sad and made me tear up, it was the most beautiful happily ever after I could hope for. I’m eager to read the next book in the trilogy to see where Mr. Hirschi takes the characters and the story.
Four and a half stars!
I absolutely adored this story. I love how Jonathan goes from his lowest point all the way to having a beautiful family that loves him. Watching him overcome so many obstacles was amazing to see. I loved how supportive Dan was. He made sure Jon knew he was card for and gave all he could to ensure Jon had a loving and supportive environment to blossom in. Dan was so sweet and I wanted to see more of him and learn more about him.
There were a few times the omniscient narrator point of view was awkward to read. I’d either forget or it wasn’t as fleshed out as it could have been. But it was only a few times and didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story.
I loved the ending. While it was sad and made me tear up, it was the most beautiful happily ever after I could hope for. I’m eager to read the next book in the trilogy to see where Mr. Hirschi takes the characters and the story.
September 10, 2020
The individual monologues were too full of details, long winded and a little boring.
The themes and tropes included were nothing unique as they have been written about before so originality wasn’t totally present.
Some details weren’t believable like Jonathan using a credit card when he’s a millionaire and an attorney using client privilege to not report the father for abuse and the mother not using her inheritance to start a new life.
Also going from the story to sixty years latter shouldn’t have been covered but instead ten years forward in time like other authors and authoresses do
In general it was a ok read
The themes and tropes included were nothing unique as they have been written about before so originality wasn’t totally present.
Some details weren’t believable like Jonathan using a credit card when he’s a millionaire and an attorney using client privilege to not report the father for abuse and the mother not using her inheritance to start a new life.
Also going from the story to sixty years latter shouldn’t have been covered but instead ten years forward in time like other authors and authoresses do
In general it was a ok read
March 10, 2018
I really like it but there were some parts in which I didn't buy the story or how the characters reacted. Like the thing with his father at the end I couldn't just simply believe that he felt so badly and with much repentance when nothing has actually meke him change perspective, it made me have a step back and distance myself from the story. Also the last pages of the epilogue felt kind of downing for me it made no sense for them to be there. Otherwise it's a lovely gay story.
March 8, 2019
Great book
This first in the Jonathan Trilogy was a great read. The story had several unexpected twists that leave me eager to read the next book in the series.
This first in the Jonathan Trilogy was a great read. The story had several unexpected twists that leave me eager to read the next book in the series.
July 15, 2015
“Hope brings chances; Chances gives hope; And hoping for chances is what life is all about.” ~ Hanif Hassan Barbhuiya
The sadness and loneliness is about to crush Dan, from 'Jonathan's Hope' by Hans M. Hirschi, as he sits by the fire in his small cabin, his dog by his side. Dan is remembering the awful day when his lover, Sean, was killed. His gloomy thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door. More curious than anything, Dan opens it. What he sees is a beautiful, bedraggled, and freezing young man. Dan doesn't know it at the moment, but he is also glimpsing hope.
When Dan loses Sean, he cuts all ties with his life in the city. He loses touch with his friends, sells his condo, and puts his furniture in storage. The small, idyllic cabin in the woods where he vacationed with Sean becomes a prison instead of a refuge. Dan's life is at a painful standstill until he meets Jonathan. As bewildered as he is about how to handle the situation with Jonathan, he does his best, for the most part, letting Jonathan's actions govern his own. Even when Dan realizes he's attracted to Jonathan, he still puts what's best for Jonathan first. Jonathan is only seventeen; Dan is well aware he is a minor and behaves like a gentleman, offering him comfort and affection, but sexual contact is out of the question until his eighteenth birthday.
When Dan learns more about how Jonathan ended up in the forest, he wants some kind of retribution, but, again, knows it would be less harmful for Jonathan to stay at his cabin and stabilize rather than confront his parents in any way. Dan is frequently saddened and enraged at the extent of neglect and abuse Jonathan suffered and does whatever he can to make it up to him, including cooking Jonathan his first birthday cake. Dan feels guilty about falling in love with Jonathan, but he's also aware he's getting a second chance, which may end up changing Jonathan's life for the better as well.
Jonathan is overwhelmed by Dan's generosity and consideration for his well-being. As he begins to realize what he's missed, what normal children take for granted, he grieves for what he never had, but it doesn't make him bitter. Jonathan has had more to deal with at this point in his life than most adults, yet he continues to be a gentle, loving person. Fortunately, he doesn't turn it in on himself either. Yes, Jonathan's self-esteem is battered almost past recognition, but he doesn't blame himself. Jonathan is insecure and frightened, but having Dan to help him, he starts to relax and trust. Their first trip back to the city doesn't go well. They run into his high school principal who gives Jonathan startling news. This throws Jonathan into a tailspin of doubt and insecurity which threatens to destroy all he's built with Dan, but Dan, in his consistent, charming, loving way, encourages Jonathan back into a better place. Jonathan and Dan know there will be a lot more seemingly insurmountable obstacles ahead, but as long as they work together, they will be ok.
Although it begins fairy-tale like, this book has a lot of cold, hard reality woven in as well. It's an endearing story about second chances and hope which both Dan and Jonathan desperately needed. Since little is all black or white, in many cases, Hans portrayed both sides of a character's stories making it difficult to blame or hate anyone, even Jonathan's father. If you enjoy a story which is realistic and sentimental at the same time, with well developed characters, unexpected plot twists, and a happy ending, you may like this book. Thank you, Hans, for the exceptional story.
The sadness and loneliness is about to crush Dan, from 'Jonathan's Hope' by Hans M. Hirschi, as he sits by the fire in his small cabin, his dog by his side. Dan is remembering the awful day when his lover, Sean, was killed. His gloomy thoughts are interrupted by a knock on the door. More curious than anything, Dan opens it. What he sees is a beautiful, bedraggled, and freezing young man. Dan doesn't know it at the moment, but he is also glimpsing hope.
When Dan loses Sean, he cuts all ties with his life in the city. He loses touch with his friends, sells his condo, and puts his furniture in storage. The small, idyllic cabin in the woods where he vacationed with Sean becomes a prison instead of a refuge. Dan's life is at a painful standstill until he meets Jonathan. As bewildered as he is about how to handle the situation with Jonathan, he does his best, for the most part, letting Jonathan's actions govern his own. Even when Dan realizes he's attracted to Jonathan, he still puts what's best for Jonathan first. Jonathan is only seventeen; Dan is well aware he is a minor and behaves like a gentleman, offering him comfort and affection, but sexual contact is out of the question until his eighteenth birthday.
When Dan learns more about how Jonathan ended up in the forest, he wants some kind of retribution, but, again, knows it would be less harmful for Jonathan to stay at his cabin and stabilize rather than confront his parents in any way. Dan is frequently saddened and enraged at the extent of neglect and abuse Jonathan suffered and does whatever he can to make it up to him, including cooking Jonathan his first birthday cake. Dan feels guilty about falling in love with Jonathan, but he's also aware he's getting a second chance, which may end up changing Jonathan's life for the better as well.
Jonathan is overwhelmed by Dan's generosity and consideration for his well-being. As he begins to realize what he's missed, what normal children take for granted, he grieves for what he never had, but it doesn't make him bitter. Jonathan has had more to deal with at this point in his life than most adults, yet he continues to be a gentle, loving person. Fortunately, he doesn't turn it in on himself either. Yes, Jonathan's self-esteem is battered almost past recognition, but he doesn't blame himself. Jonathan is insecure and frightened, but having Dan to help him, he starts to relax and trust. Their first trip back to the city doesn't go well. They run into his high school principal who gives Jonathan startling news. This throws Jonathan into a tailspin of doubt and insecurity which threatens to destroy all he's built with Dan, but Dan, in his consistent, charming, loving way, encourages Jonathan back into a better place. Jonathan and Dan know there will be a lot more seemingly insurmountable obstacles ahead, but as long as they work together, they will be ok.
Although it begins fairy-tale like, this book has a lot of cold, hard reality woven in as well. It's an endearing story about second chances and hope which both Dan and Jonathan desperately needed. Since little is all black or white, in many cases, Hans portrayed both sides of a character's stories making it difficult to blame or hate anyone, even Jonathan's father. If you enjoy a story which is realistic and sentimental at the same time, with well developed characters, unexpected plot twists, and a happy ending, you may like this book. Thank you, Hans, for the exceptional story.
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