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A House of Cranes
In 1963, Lucius Cook, an eleven-year-old orphan, comes to live with a lawyer, Kenneth Crane, and his family at their stately Victorian home in the affluent suburbs of Hartford, Connecticut. Quiet and precocious, Lucius is in awe of his surroundings. He discovers he shares Mr. Crane’s creative passion for photography. The Crane’s clever daughter, Beatrice, keeps Lucius on his toes, while the lawyer’s stunning and aloof wife, Eleanor, captivates him. As time passes, his curiosity for Eleanor, twenty years his senior, grows from spellbound boyhood fascination to a young man’s deep consuming desire. Charmed by amorous illusions, love and happiness elude Lucius, and he wonders if he will ever know what they truly mean.
364 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2024
2 people are currently reading
4074 people want to read
About the author
James Walter Lee
3 books64 followersJames Walter Lee is an award-winning American author. He is the founder and editor of two publishing imprints, Zennea Press and 2nd Sight Press. He holds a Master’s in Fine Arts from The New York Academy of Art and a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from the College for Creative Studies. James is also an avid photographer and lives in Pennsylvania. For more about James Walter Lee, please visit jameswalterlee.com.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 2, 2024
When eleven-year-old Lucius Cook unexpectedly loses both his parents in an accident, the newly orphaned boy’s life changes forever. Kenneth Crane, a wealthy lawyer, graciously takes him in and introduces Lucius to a life of affluence in Hartfield, Connecticut. Despite his grief, the boy quickly becomes accustomed to the Crane family. He gets along well with Beatrice, Mr. Crane’s daughter, and is captivated by his stunning wife—Eleanor Crane—who remains a beautiful mystery to Lucious. What begins as an innocent boyhood crush develops into an all-encompassing infatuation, and time only deepens his complex feelings for the much older woman.
In this coming-of-age romance novel, James Walter Lee explores themes of love, family, and identity as a boy struggles to find his place. Burdened with these new intense, but confusing feelings, Lucius has trouble articulating them. Lucius uses art to make sense of his thoughts when he develops a keen eye for photography. He deduces that life is most beautiful behind the lens of his prized Leica. Thrust into a family bursting with secrets and dysfunction; photography provides stability that is lacking in the Crane household.
“A House of Cranes” by James Walter Lee is exceptionally written. I’ve had the pleasure of reading Lee’s work before, and I hold this novel in the same high regard. The writing is immersive and connects the reader with profoundly absorbing characters. Lucius is a shy, peculiar young man who is wise beyond his years but still very much a child. Readers are quickly pulled into his inner thoughts, where he grapples with a deep sense of loss and a void filled by his unwavering obsession with Mrs. Crane. His evolution from a shy boy to an assertive man unfolds at the perfect pace—my interest never wavered.
The Crane family dynamic captured my attention from the get-go. To an outsider, Eleanor and Kenneth’s partnership was picture-perfect. But inside, the foundation of their marriage was cracking due to disloyalty. Mr. Crane was a shameless philanderer, and Mrs. Crane seemed aware of this but enjoyed the control she had over him. In the middle of this dysfunction were Beatrice and Lucius, desperate for love and attention. How would it all pan out? My curiosity had me fervently flipping through the pages!
Beyond character development and family eccentricities, the novel teemed with sensual moments. Lee has a talent for creating variety in amorous scenes and building palpable tension— a longing glance here and a heated touch there; he skillfully teases readers as they anticipate what comes next.
Readers drawn to character-driven romance books will undoubtedly fall in love with “A House of Cranes.” The author has crafted an intricately woven plot that is emotional, sensual, and, at times, achingly poignant—a true literary gem. I cannot wait to read more from James Walter Lee.
In this coming-of-age romance novel, James Walter Lee explores themes of love, family, and identity as a boy struggles to find his place. Burdened with these new intense, but confusing feelings, Lucius has trouble articulating them. Lucius uses art to make sense of his thoughts when he develops a keen eye for photography. He deduces that life is most beautiful behind the lens of his prized Leica. Thrust into a family bursting with secrets and dysfunction; photography provides stability that is lacking in the Crane household.
“A House of Cranes” by James Walter Lee is exceptionally written. I’ve had the pleasure of reading Lee’s work before, and I hold this novel in the same high regard. The writing is immersive and connects the reader with profoundly absorbing characters. Lucius is a shy, peculiar young man who is wise beyond his years but still very much a child. Readers are quickly pulled into his inner thoughts, where he grapples with a deep sense of loss and a void filled by his unwavering obsession with Mrs. Crane. His evolution from a shy boy to an assertive man unfolds at the perfect pace—my interest never wavered.
The Crane family dynamic captured my attention from the get-go. To an outsider, Eleanor and Kenneth’s partnership was picture-perfect. But inside, the foundation of their marriage was cracking due to disloyalty. Mr. Crane was a shameless philanderer, and Mrs. Crane seemed aware of this but enjoyed the control she had over him. In the middle of this dysfunction were Beatrice and Lucius, desperate for love and attention. How would it all pan out? My curiosity had me fervently flipping through the pages!
Beyond character development and family eccentricities, the novel teemed with sensual moments. Lee has a talent for creating variety in amorous scenes and building palpable tension— a longing glance here and a heated touch there; he skillfully teases readers as they anticipate what comes next.
Readers drawn to character-driven romance books will undoubtedly fall in love with “A House of Cranes.” The author has crafted an intricately woven plot that is emotional, sensual, and, at times, achingly poignant—a true literary gem. I cannot wait to read more from James Walter Lee.
March 21, 2024
Set in 1963 in Hartford, Connecticut, A House of Cranes by James Walter Lee delves into the life of Lucius Cook, an eleven-year-old orphan who finds solace in the Crane household. This historical fiction portrays Lucius' complex relationship with the Crane family, particularly the enigmatic Eleanor Crane, sparking a journey filled with self-discovery amidst the family's hidden struggles.
Lee masterfully crafts a narrative that delves into themes of identity, familial bonds, and the intricate nature of love. As Lucius transitions from a reserved boy to a young man contending with burgeoning desires, the reader is drawn into a richly described world of emotional complexity. The author's prose, characterized by its immersive quality, offers a deep dive into Lucius's psychological landscape, marking key moments of realization and growth. The portrayal of the Crane family serves as a poignant reflection on the dichotomy between appearances and reality, especially in the context of Eleanor and Kenneth Crane's strained marriage. This dynamic adds layers to the narrative as each character navigates their intricate web of relationships amid emotional upheaval. Lee's handling of sensuality and desire within the novel is noteworthy, blending tenderness with a sense of provocative exploration. Central to the narrative, this aspect delves into complex and provocative themes, offering a rich and thought-provoking experience for those who engage with its depth. It contributes significantly to the novel's examination of intimacy and personal growth.
A House of Cranes is a compelling blend of historical setting and profound character study. James Walter Lee's adept storytelling and rich characterizations make this work a significant contribution to the literary fiction genre. Its introspective exploration of human emotions and relationships will likely engage readers who appreciate nuanced, character-driven narratives.
Lee masterfully crafts a narrative that delves into themes of identity, familial bonds, and the intricate nature of love. As Lucius transitions from a reserved boy to a young man contending with burgeoning desires, the reader is drawn into a richly described world of emotional complexity. The author's prose, characterized by its immersive quality, offers a deep dive into Lucius's psychological landscape, marking key moments of realization and growth. The portrayal of the Crane family serves as a poignant reflection on the dichotomy between appearances and reality, especially in the context of Eleanor and Kenneth Crane's strained marriage. This dynamic adds layers to the narrative as each character navigates their intricate web of relationships amid emotional upheaval. Lee's handling of sensuality and desire within the novel is noteworthy, blending tenderness with a sense of provocative exploration. Central to the narrative, this aspect delves into complex and provocative themes, offering a rich and thought-provoking experience for those who engage with its depth. It contributes significantly to the novel's examination of intimacy and personal growth.
A House of Cranes is a compelling blend of historical setting and profound character study. James Walter Lee's adept storytelling and rich characterizations make this work a significant contribution to the literary fiction genre. Its introspective exploration of human emotions and relationships will likely engage readers who appreciate nuanced, character-driven narratives.
August 2, 2024
Based on the synopsis I read of this book, I realized I went in quite blind. It is a coming-of-age, taboo love, mixed with a little bit of sadomasochism. Pretty early on I predicted the connection between the MMC, Lucius, and Mr. Crane. For being set in the 1960s, I feel like the overall nonchalance of the quite problematic issues faced by the Cranes, was what I imagine it truly was in that era. What I mean by that is, as we know now, certain issues such as illegitimate children and taboo attraction were swept under the rug and ignored. To that regard, I sympathized with Lucius. He was an orphan who didn't exactly have a rich past, now being adopted by a family of means and trying to acclimate with his new environment, while also grappling with unanswered questions pertaining to his and his deceased parents' history.
I also sympathized with Eleanor Crane, the matriarch of the Crane household and the object of Lucius' obsession. Mrs. Crane was the quintessential housewife of the 60s. She ran a tight ship, delegating, disciplining, and of course kept her mouth shut about her husband's increasing absence in the home, which she suspected was due to philandering behavior. While Mrs. Crane was a frustrating character for me, I quickly realized that the points of frustration for me were due to Mrs. Crane being a woman scorned.
Overall, it felt like the plot got lost periodically. I would've liked to have read more about Beatrice and Lucius' connection and I found the fight scene a bit absurd, though I did find humor in it. The little twist at the end was almost too much, I had to put my kindle down for a second and hope for the best! lol
I also sympathized with Eleanor Crane, the matriarch of the Crane household and the object of Lucius' obsession. Mrs. Crane was the quintessential housewife of the 60s. She ran a tight ship, delegating, disciplining, and of course kept her mouth shut about her husband's increasing absence in the home, which she suspected was due to philandering behavior. While Mrs. Crane was a frustrating character for me, I quickly realized that the points of frustration for me were due to Mrs. Crane being a woman scorned.
Overall, it felt like the plot got lost periodically. I would've liked to have read more about Beatrice and Lucius' connection and I found the fight scene a bit absurd, though I did find humor in it. The little twist at the end was almost too much, I had to put my kindle down for a second and hope for the best! lol
April 11, 2024
What to say about 'A House of Cranes'? It is like watching a genre-defying movie like 'The Virgin Suicides' or 'American Beauty.' It is not for everyone. Where I read it from it has an erotica label. I'm not sure that is a great label for it. For, while there is some graphic sexual scenes, it is not particularly titillating. So what genre? Indie-modern-coming-of-age-literary fiction perhaps?
The story revolves around a lower income boy coming to live with a wealthier family after his parents die then follows him through adulthood. He becomes fascinated by the adopted family's wife and photography. The two leading him through his adolescents and into adulthood coming to grips with his past and that of his adopted family's.
I enjoyed the story and felt the younger characters were given life within their complicated upbringing. The first portion of the book is from the perspective of the main character when he is around ten. Being in that head space as he views the world and awakens sexually is uncomfortable but lays the ground work for the rest of the story as he becomes an adult. I would have liked for the female characters to have a little more so you could understand their motivations, but as the story is Lucius's to tell he was a bit mystified by them so perhaps the could not quite articulate that either.
If you enjoy a slow burn, darkly plotted coming of age story that spans decades this one is for you. Again, not particularly arousing, but you should be aware there are some sexual scenes that definitely go outside of normative boundaries.
The story revolves around a lower income boy coming to live with a wealthier family after his parents die then follows him through adulthood. He becomes fascinated by the adopted family's wife and photography. The two leading him through his adolescents and into adulthood coming to grips with his past and that of his adopted family's.
I enjoyed the story and felt the younger characters were given life within their complicated upbringing. The first portion of the book is from the perspective of the main character when he is around ten. Being in that head space as he views the world and awakens sexually is uncomfortable but lays the ground work for the rest of the story as he becomes an adult. I would have liked for the female characters to have a little more so you could understand their motivations, but as the story is Lucius's to tell he was a bit mystified by them so perhaps the could not quite articulate that either.
If you enjoy a slow burn, darkly plotted coming of age story that spans decades this one is for you. Again, not particularly arousing, but you should be aware there are some sexual scenes that definitely go outside of normative boundaries.
June 19, 2024
Newly orphaned, Lucius Cook, is taken in by Kenneth and Eleanor Crane, despite the apparent apprehension of Eleanor. Kenneth however, has a soft spot for Lucius. Especially when Lucius shows interest and true talent in photography, and soon becomes Kenneth’s protege. Lucius on the other hand has a soft spot for the elusive and volatile Mrs. Eleanor Crane and continuously wants to act upon it.
Growing up in the dysfunctional Crane household Lucius deals with his passions and interests in the only way he is shown even if it is considered taboo. As the Crane's daughter Beatrice Crane grows up, she and Lucius eventually form a bond that is unbreakable or is it? Will Lucius ever act upon his deepest desires?
Overall rating 1/5
This book was just not for me. I just could not get over the voyeuristic tendencies of Lucius and the crude treatment of women by Kenneth. I felt there was no character development beyond Lucius’ love for photography and Eleanor. The inappropriate and consistent infidelity did not add anything constructive to the story other than set the stage of how destructive of a parental figure Kenneth was. I do feel that people who are not triggered by infidelity, a basic male perspective of sex, taboo sexual desires, and happy endings than this book might be just for you.
*Thank you to the author, Netgalley and James Walter Lee | Zennea Press. I am freely leaving my honest review.
Growing up in the dysfunctional Crane household Lucius deals with his passions and interests in the only way he is shown even if it is considered taboo. As the Crane's daughter Beatrice Crane grows up, she and Lucius eventually form a bond that is unbreakable or is it? Will Lucius ever act upon his deepest desires?
Overall rating 1/5
This book was just not for me. I just could not get over the voyeuristic tendencies of Lucius and the crude treatment of women by Kenneth. I felt there was no character development beyond Lucius’ love for photography and Eleanor. The inappropriate and consistent infidelity did not add anything constructive to the story other than set the stage of how destructive of a parental figure Kenneth was. I do feel that people who are not triggered by infidelity, a basic male perspective of sex, taboo sexual desires, and happy endings than this book might be just for you.
*Thank you to the author, Netgalley and James Walter Lee | Zennea Press. I am freely leaving my honest review.
June 27, 2024
A House of Cranes is a novel about a boy on a sexual exploration journey when he is asked to live with a family after his parents died. And the odd thing is this is pretty much sums up this book. The sex scenes were hot but I found it so saturated with sex that it took away from the story. It touched on many uncomfortable topics that I think it could have really delved deeply into this but the reader is bombarded with sex that it was kind of difficult regroup and get the broader themes of the novel. Not that I am complaining it was good erotica but I think it had a little more give. 🫣🫢😜
I thought the writing was good. It was an interesting story. I was just hoping for a little more. I know, needy baby, greedy baby. I would say I got subtle Cider House Rules, The Graduate vibes, with the good parts of 50 Shades. 3.25 Stars. It is what it is. Enjoy it for the sexy times.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me ARC access. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I thought the writing was good. It was an interesting story. I was just hoping for a little more. I know, needy baby, greedy baby. I would say I got subtle Cider House Rules, The Graduate vibes, with the good parts of 50 Shades. 3.25 Stars. It is what it is. Enjoy it for the sexy times.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me ARC access. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 24, 2024
Another reviewer described this as "beautiful, sad, erotic, and twisted," and I wholeheartedly agree. This was really well written, and not quite what I was expecting. There is one part towards the end where there is a big reveal that felt rushed to me, but other than that, I really enjoyed the pacing and the movement from present day to the past. The characters were all sort of tragic in their own ways, and I was constantly uncertain who I was rooting for (if anyone). This is a difficult read at times, but one I had a hard time putting down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 3, 2024
James Walter Lee creates an amazing reality right from the start. It is a coming-of-age story as eleven-year-old Lucius, from a decidedly blue-collar family, loses his parents and is taken in by Kenneth Crane, an upper-class lawyer, and his family.
Reading it seemed more like observing the interactions of this family from the inside, over decades. It ran a range of emotions from love, hate, angst, confusion, and definitely a bit twisted. The detail in which Lee writes makes the characters come to life, human, flawed yet constantly evolving.
I had trouble putting this down, well written and a lot more than I expected. Thanks to Netgalley and Zeannea Press for the ARC
Reading it seemed more like observing the interactions of this family from the inside, over decades. It ran a range of emotions from love, hate, angst, confusion, and definitely a bit twisted. The detail in which Lee writes makes the characters come to life, human, flawed yet constantly evolving.
I had trouble putting this down, well written and a lot more than I expected. Thanks to Netgalley and Zeannea Press for the ARC
March 17, 2024
Book 12 of Year 2024: A House of Cranes by James Walter Lee
This page-turner of a novel captivated me with its dark academia vibe, leaving me eager to know more. Despite its 57 chapters, it was an easy read. However, there’s something intriguingly illegal about everything in it. Moreover, even with its numerous chapters, many questions remain unanswered, and certain details are left dangling.
All in all this was an okay read for me. Out on April 1, 2024, thank you netgalley for the approved copy.
This page-turner of a novel captivated me with its dark academia vibe, leaving me eager to know more. Despite its 57 chapters, it was an easy read. However, there’s something intriguingly illegal about everything in it. Moreover, even with its numerous chapters, many questions remain unanswered, and certain details are left dangling.
All in all this was an okay read for me. Out on April 1, 2024, thank you netgalley for the approved copy.
March 19, 2024
Wow. I had no idea what I was getting into when I read this book. It is beautiful, sad, erotic and twisted. After poor Lucius's parents pass in a tragic car accident, a lawyer, Mr. Crane, decides to allow him to stay on his large estate with his new wife and daughter. He introduces Lucius to his passion of photography. Lucius picks it up quickly and has a new passion and talent.
There is A LOT of sex in this book. Some disturbing, but the story itself is a good one and you will press on to see how this family navigates its oddness throughout.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.
There is A LOT of sex in this book. Some disturbing, but the story itself is a good one and you will press on to see how this family navigates its oddness throughout.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.
January 31, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down. The characters are intriguing and interesting and written so well. I think the story is captivating. I wanted to know more about the characters and their personalities. The way they interact as a family made me cringe at times but at others my heart breaks for them. Well done. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
February 15, 2024
Complicated and intriguing characters. Certainly a page turner that keeps you wanting to know more even after it’s finished. Spice and seduction. A couple of creepy moments with personal relationships. Thanks to NetGallery.
November 13, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, especially because the cover is absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, the writing style didn’t resonate with me, and the portrayal of the relationship, which was already inappropriate, made the story even more uncomfortable. I just couldn’t get over the voyeuristic tendencies of Lucius and the crude treatment of women by Kenneth. There was no real character development beyond Lucius’ love for photography and Eleanor. The inappropriate and consistent infidelity didn’t add anything constructive to the story other than highlighting how destructive a parental figure Kenneth was.
That said, if you're not triggered by infidelity, a basic male perspective on sex, taboo sexual desires, and enjoy happy endings, then this book might be for you. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.
That said, if you're not triggered by infidelity, a basic male perspective on sex, taboo sexual desires, and enjoy happy endings, then this book might be for you. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.
December 8, 2024
“A House of Cranes,” James Walter Lee
When Lucius, at eleven years old, becomes an orphan he goes to live with a lawyer Kenneth Crane and his family in a well to do neighborhood. The wife Eleanor entrances Lucius, and he cannot stop thinking about her.
This book was a big no for me. I didn’t like the writing style and the way the relationship, which was already inappropriate to begin with, was portrayed and talked about made it even weirder. I did want to give the book a fair chance because the cover is so beautiful, but I just couldn’t get with it. 1 out of 5 stars.
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.
When Lucius, at eleven years old, becomes an orphan he goes to live with a lawyer Kenneth Crane and his family in a well to do neighborhood. The wife Eleanor entrances Lucius, and he cannot stop thinking about her.
This book was a big no for me. I didn’t like the writing style and the way the relationship, which was already inappropriate to begin with, was portrayed and talked about made it even weirder. I did want to give the book a fair chance because the cover is so beautiful, but I just couldn’t get with it. 1 out of 5 stars.
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.
May 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. There were some taboo moments and some spicy scenes for sure, but the storytelling was fantastic. The skips in the timeline were the only thing that threw me off. I felt like it took away from the flow. Perhaps if it could have blended a little better, they wouldn’t be an issue. They just felt choppy. Other than that, seriously, phenomenal read.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews