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Even Beyond Death
'The storytelling is so addictive. This is sexy, witty, tense and touching - a terrific achievement' Patrick Gale
'Even Beyond Death is a remarkable achievement - passionate, witty, and moving. A smart, spirited and highly original historical novel, written with tremendous flair, humour and compassion' Antonia Hodgson
EVEN BEYOND DEATH is an account of the life of the 24-year-old Marquis Jehan Beaudelaire - as told to his Scribe.
It is 1657, Avignon, and the Marquis needs a wife, an heir and, most pressingly, a new valet. Enter Jonathan Kryk who is . . . oh god he is beautiful. But despite Jehan's wealth, he is caught in a trap of his time and position in society. The man he desires attends to him every day, dresses him, bathes him . . . yet neither can be free with each other. Everywhere there are spies - can his household be trusted? Even his own family? - and the eyes of God and the law are upon them.
Unable to live freely as he wishes, Jehan must ask himself what is he willing to risk, for love.
EVEN BEYOND DEATH is a sweeping and exquisite 'catalogue of desire' and a heart-breaking story of an agonising, forbidden affair. At once lavish, steamy and dramatic, Fiona Melrose's bold new novel is an intimate depiction of love, passion, tenderness and devotion - even beyond death.
'Even Beyond Death is a remarkable achievement - passionate, witty, and moving. A smart, spirited and highly original historical novel, written with tremendous flair, humour and compassion' Antonia Hodgson
EVEN BEYOND DEATH is an account of the life of the 24-year-old Marquis Jehan Beaudelaire - as told to his Scribe.
It is 1657, Avignon, and the Marquis needs a wife, an heir and, most pressingly, a new valet. Enter Jonathan Kryk who is . . . oh god he is beautiful. But despite Jehan's wealth, he is caught in a trap of his time and position in society. The man he desires attends to him every day, dresses him, bathes him . . . yet neither can be free with each other. Everywhere there are spies - can his household be trusted? Even his own family? - and the eyes of God and the law are upon them.
Unable to live freely as he wishes, Jehan must ask himself what is he willing to risk, for love.
EVEN BEYOND DEATH is a sweeping and exquisite 'catalogue of desire' and a heart-breaking story of an agonising, forbidden affair. At once lavish, steamy and dramatic, Fiona Melrose's bold new novel is an intimate depiction of love, passion, tenderness and devotion - even beyond death.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2025
9 people are currently reading
767 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Melrose
4 books34 followersFiona Melrose was born in Johannesburg but has spent the majority of her adult life in the UK, first in London and then in East Anglia. She moved to Suffolk to concentrate on her writing and it is there that Midwinter was conceived. Previously Fiona has worked in academia, NGO's, public affairs and as an emerging markets analyst. She continues to keep a foot in both continents and is currently spending the majority of her time back in South Africa where she is completing her second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 13, 2024
Fiona Melrose please pay for the therapy I need after that
December 26, 2024
this had so much potential - it seemed so much like my kind of book: historical fiction, romance, cheeky narrative voice - but it was just far too long and i have to admit i didnt buy the romance at the center of this whole story.
November 23, 2024
A really beautiful historical fiction novel throbbing with emotion, very funny in places and so tragic in others, I’m not sure I’ve ever read anything else that can quite compare to it. The protagonist and narrator is the dramatic Jehan Baudelaire, an extravagant French Marquis who lives a life of luxury and beauty - charismatic, witty, passionate but oh so lonely, and quite the star of the novel. Jehan recounts, via his scribe (the author) what happened in his short life - according to his own insistence, it is ‘a catalog of desire’, it is the account of a love affair which was scandalous and utterly forbidden by the society of the time, but completely devoted. Jehan falls in love unexpectedly yet in a single instant, with his valet, a Dutch man by the name of Jonathan Kryk, who had only recently arrived in his household. When he eventually finds out that his love is returned, he is ecstatic- but when the pair of lovers are later found out, all threatens to turn to ruin. Jehan finds an unknown strength within himself as he fights to save his great love, Mr Kryk, and himself from death at the hands of those who would condemn them. It’s gorgeously written and really humorous in the way it is written at certain moments, yet also overflowing with compassion and tenderness for a really quite horrible set of circumstances and events as the novel concludes. Despite containing some rough events, the overall tone is one of triumph and optimism for all love. It’s beautiful.
My thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher, Corsair (Little, Brown), for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
My thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher, Corsair (Little, Brown), for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2025
3.5*
This is a story about choosing love at all costs, even at the expense of your own life. Jehan, Marquis de Beaudelaire, is a libertine; a self-absorbed, vain and wealthy man; whose great pleasures in life are writing indulgent poetry, buying jewellery for his twin sister Hortense and pissing off his uptight priest of an uncle. He is also sensitive, passionate, funny, loyal and deeply lonely. In other words, a delightful narrator - I was wholly devoted to him by the end of the first chapter.
Enter Master Jonathan Kryk of Amsterdam, just at the moment when Jehan is, reluctantly, seeking a new valet. He is austere, proper, extremely efficient - so, living up to the reputation of his countrymen. Jehan is reluctant to accept such a stick-in-the-mud into his house of pleasure but what can a man do when his person is so high maintenance? He must take the best man he can get. Jehan’s reluctance masks an attraction to Kryk which, after witnessing him weeping at the beauty of a musical recital, becomes a full-blown passion. A passion which, ultimately, is powerfully reciprocated.
Even Beyond Death is at its best when it represents the yearning, fear, fulfilment and sheer pleasure of the love between Jehan and Joe. This is 17th century Avignon, so it’s not exactly a haven for queer joy, but through Jehan’s eyes we see the exquisite delight of finally being able to love and be loved in return, as you had always dreamed of. He is a generous, giddy lover - although he also has to learn the sharp lessons of his own pettiness, jealousy and privilege. He has a penchant for the melodramatic; he never met a grand gesture he didn’t like. It makes him open, tender, giving. But it also makes him careless, or reckless at least, and that sets in motion a downward spiral of destruction in the last third of the book. I mean, the title should have given it away. Although the final struggle of the story is threaded through with hope and devotion, it doesn’t have a happy ending. On the contrary, it’s absolutely, horrifically devastating and I cried.
The reason that I couldn’t get behind this book with my whole chest? It has a framing conceit, where the author Fiona Melrose is Jehan’s ‘scribe’ - he talks about her reactions to his tale in the main text and mentions her love life, the coffee shops she is writing from, the moments when she cries at the injustice meted against him. It gives Jehan 400 years of hindsight and a position to speak from that turns his love story into a kind of parable, with a clear message. That message is driven home in a ‘Dear Reader’ epilogue in which the spirits of Jehan and Joe return, like saints of queer love, to bless and succour those who have struggled after. And oh, how I hated it. Every reference to the author pulled me out of the narrative, and ultimately the effect was to dampen the emotional resonance of the characters. I already know I’m reading a novel, step off and let me have it for itself!
I also had some reservations about how the master/valet relationship is navigated. There are many times when Joe and circumstances force Jehan to confront the power he has over his lover; none more so than when Jehan is offered a get out of jail free card if he will simply denounce his servant. However, these ‘teachable’ moments are deeply uncomfortable - for example, during one awful scene, early in their relationship, Jehan is rough with Joe during sex without his consent and doesn’t stop when asked. Like a child, Jehan is always remorseful when his bad actions are pointed out to him, but this episode of sexual violence and other ways in which he takes advantage of Joe aren’t adequately integrated. His devotion and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice are powerful, but the reader can’t know how much of that arises from his romantic ideal and how much from his true understanding of Joe’s pain and needs.
I guess both of my critiques here boil down to: I want to believe in and wholeheartedly feel the message of this story about love, truth to self, and honour to your ideals, but I can’t quite get past the artifice.
This is a story about choosing love at all costs, even at the expense of your own life. Jehan, Marquis de Beaudelaire, is a libertine; a self-absorbed, vain and wealthy man; whose great pleasures in life are writing indulgent poetry, buying jewellery for his twin sister Hortense and pissing off his uptight priest of an uncle. He is also sensitive, passionate, funny, loyal and deeply lonely. In other words, a delightful narrator - I was wholly devoted to him by the end of the first chapter.
Enter Master Jonathan Kryk of Amsterdam, just at the moment when Jehan is, reluctantly, seeking a new valet. He is austere, proper, extremely efficient - so, living up to the reputation of his countrymen. Jehan is reluctant to accept such a stick-in-the-mud into his house of pleasure but what can a man do when his person is so high maintenance? He must take the best man he can get. Jehan’s reluctance masks an attraction to Kryk which, after witnessing him weeping at the beauty of a musical recital, becomes a full-blown passion. A passion which, ultimately, is powerfully reciprocated.
Even Beyond Death is at its best when it represents the yearning, fear, fulfilment and sheer pleasure of the love between Jehan and Joe. This is 17th century Avignon, so it’s not exactly a haven for queer joy, but through Jehan’s eyes we see the exquisite delight of finally being able to love and be loved in return, as you had always dreamed of. He is a generous, giddy lover - although he also has to learn the sharp lessons of his own pettiness, jealousy and privilege. He has a penchant for the melodramatic; he never met a grand gesture he didn’t like. It makes him open, tender, giving. But it also makes him careless, or reckless at least, and that sets in motion a downward spiral of destruction in the last third of the book. I mean, the title should have given it away. Although the final struggle of the story is threaded through with hope and devotion, it doesn’t have a happy ending. On the contrary, it’s absolutely, horrifically devastating and I cried.
The reason that I couldn’t get behind this book with my whole chest? It has a framing conceit, where the author Fiona Melrose is Jehan’s ‘scribe’ - he talks about her reactions to his tale in the main text and mentions her love life, the coffee shops she is writing from, the moments when she cries at the injustice meted against him. It gives Jehan 400 years of hindsight and a position to speak from that turns his love story into a kind of parable, with a clear message. That message is driven home in a ‘Dear Reader’ epilogue in which the spirits of Jehan and Joe return, like saints of queer love, to bless and succour those who have struggled after. And oh, how I hated it. Every reference to the author pulled me out of the narrative, and ultimately the effect was to dampen the emotional resonance of the characters. I already know I’m reading a novel, step off and let me have it for itself!
I also had some reservations about how the master/valet relationship is navigated. There are many times when Joe and circumstances force Jehan to confront the power he has over his lover; none more so than when Jehan is offered a get out of jail free card if he will simply denounce his servant. However, these ‘teachable’ moments are deeply uncomfortable - for example, during one awful scene, early in their relationship, Jehan is rough with Joe during sex without his consent and doesn’t stop when asked. Like a child, Jehan is always remorseful when his bad actions are pointed out to him, but this episode of sexual violence and other ways in which he takes advantage of Joe aren’t adequately integrated. His devotion and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice are powerful, but the reader can’t know how much of that arises from his romantic ideal and how much from his true understanding of Joe’s pain and needs.
I guess both of my critiques here boil down to: I want to believe in and wholeheartedly feel the message of this story about love, truth to self, and honour to your ideals, but I can’t quite get past the artifice.
January 27, 2025
A passionate, heartfelt story of a tragic love. It was a slow burn for me, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. I became deeply caught up in the story of Jehan and Joe. There’s bawdiness and tenderness, humour and hardship. An evocative story of a love that transcends every cruelty of life.
February 9, 2025
Any book that makes me feel that much deserves 5 stars!!
January 7, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown Publishing for the early review copy!
This book hooked me right away with its witty tone and short chapters, exactly my jam. The historical flair was intriguing too, and I had high hopes for an immersive story. But somewhere along the way, my enjoyment decreased. About a third of the way in, it started to feel like a chore to finish. The main issue? The heavy focus on the central relationship. I wasn’t drawn to it, and that lack of connection made it hard to keep my enthusiasm up. I wanted more of the historical setting, more of the rich details of the time period. Instead, the book felt like a tightly encapsulated story with only a few characters and the primary conflict.
The narration style didn’t land for me. The story is told as if Jehan is in conversation with the author, Fiona Melrose. I usually enjoy this kind of meta storytelling when it feels natural, but here, it didn’t quite work. The scribe’s behaviour became overly emotional toward the end, which was meant to be heart-wrenching but just left me feeling indifferent. I couldn’t connect with the characters or feel the weight of their struggles, so the dramatic moments fell flat for me.
As a bit of a side note, I’m always picky about the portrayal of Dutch characters and cultural details (this is my thing), and the nickname Jonathan gets, which is Joe, really threw me. Jonathan is perfectly fine in Dutch, and “Joe” makes no sense phonetically or culturally, especially in the historical period this book is set in. I get it, creative liberties and all that, but small details like this can make a difference. It’s especially surprising given the author’s ties to South Africa and, by extension, Afrikaans, which evolved from Dutch. A little more historical and cultural accuracy here would have gone a long way.
That said, I can see this book finding its audience. If you’re looking for an introspective story about a relationship and don’t mind the historical backdrop taking a backseat, this might be for you. Personally, I want my historical fiction to focus more on the environment and time period rather than the romance at its core.
This book hooked me right away with its witty tone and short chapters, exactly my jam. The historical flair was intriguing too, and I had high hopes for an immersive story. But somewhere along the way, my enjoyment decreased. About a third of the way in, it started to feel like a chore to finish. The main issue? The heavy focus on the central relationship. I wasn’t drawn to it, and that lack of connection made it hard to keep my enthusiasm up. I wanted more of the historical setting, more of the rich details of the time period. Instead, the book felt like a tightly encapsulated story with only a few characters and the primary conflict.
The narration style didn’t land for me. The story is told as if Jehan is in conversation with the author, Fiona Melrose. I usually enjoy this kind of meta storytelling when it feels natural, but here, it didn’t quite work. The scribe’s behaviour became overly emotional toward the end, which was meant to be heart-wrenching but just left me feeling indifferent. I couldn’t connect with the characters or feel the weight of their struggles, so the dramatic moments fell flat for me.
As a bit of a side note, I’m always picky about the portrayal of Dutch characters and cultural details (this is my thing), and the nickname Jonathan gets, which is Joe, really threw me. Jonathan is perfectly fine in Dutch, and “Joe” makes no sense phonetically or culturally, especially in the historical period this book is set in. I get it, creative liberties and all that, but small details like this can make a difference. It’s especially surprising given the author’s ties to South Africa and, by extension, Afrikaans, which evolved from Dutch. A little more historical and cultural accuracy here would have gone a long way.
That said, I can see this book finding its audience. If you’re looking for an introspective story about a relationship and don’t mind the historical backdrop taking a backseat, this might be for you. Personally, I want my historical fiction to focus more on the environment and time period rather than the romance at its core.
February 23, 2025
I really liked this book for its polished and rich language, even if it felt a little tedious at times (and i read classics and Homer!!) The humor made me laugh (the protagonist would’ve loved Gen Z) and the prose was definitely compelling. That said, I had minor issues—mainly with the pacing of the romance and some historical inaccuracies.
I absolutely adored the Jo and Jehan together, but I wish their relationship had more buildup. Their first kiss felt rushed because we missed so many interactions leading up to it (i want long conversations, feelings that are developed!) I wanted to see them getting to know each other. Instead, it felt like we jumped too quickly from strangers to lovers to husbands (that part was cute)
The ending left me unsure. As someone who reads a lot of historical fiction, especially queer historical fiction, I expect tragedy—it’s historically accurate. But this ending felt like it could’ve been avoided, and that frustrated me (that was your decision and how dare you give us another gay tragic lovestory Miss Melrose?? )
Still, I get why the author chose it. It forces readers to confront the reality of forbidden love in 17th-century Europe. But Jamaica as exile?? Especially under Englands colonialism? Unlikely.
Speaking of historical accuracy, I caught a few details. The biggest one was the use of "Socratic" as a synonym for "sodomite." That term wasn’t really used in 17th-century France—it came later in Germany and even there wasn’t really prominent. A Catholic French aristocrat would have used "sodomite." Most readers won’t notice, but as someone passionate about the era, it stood out to me unfortunately.
Enough lamenting! One thing I REALLY loved was how the author played with narration. I was completely convinced by the protagonist’s voice, only to realize toward the end that a lot of what I thought was fact was actually his perception. That made the story feel even more layered and compelling.
Overall, despite my gripes, this was a fantastic book. I definitely enjoyed the first half more than the second, but the rich prose and strong character work kept me hooked. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction, especially stories about forbidden love.
I absolutely adored the Jo and Jehan together, but I wish their relationship had more buildup. Their first kiss felt rushed because we missed so many interactions leading up to it (i want long conversations, feelings that are developed!) I wanted to see them getting to know each other. Instead, it felt like we jumped too quickly from strangers to lovers to husbands (that part was cute)
The ending left me unsure. As someone who reads a lot of historical fiction, especially queer historical fiction, I expect tragedy—it’s historically accurate. But this ending felt like it could’ve been avoided, and that frustrated me (that was your decision and how dare you give us another gay tragic lovestory Miss Melrose?? )
Still, I get why the author chose it. It forces readers to confront the reality of forbidden love in 17th-century Europe. But Jamaica as exile?? Especially under Englands colonialism? Unlikely.
Speaking of historical accuracy, I caught a few details. The biggest one was the use of "Socratic" as a synonym for "sodomite." That term wasn’t really used in 17th-century France—it came later in Germany and even there wasn’t really prominent. A Catholic French aristocrat would have used "sodomite." Most readers won’t notice, but as someone passionate about the era, it stood out to me unfortunately.
Enough lamenting! One thing I REALLY loved was how the author played with narration. I was completely convinced by the protagonist’s voice, only to realize toward the end that a lot of what I thought was fact was actually his perception. That made the story feel even more layered and compelling.
Overall, despite my gripes, this was a fantastic book. I definitely enjoyed the first half more than the second, but the rich prose and strong character work kept me hooked. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction, especially stories about forbidden love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2024
The book is all voice and I loved it. Witty, stylised narration that completely immersed me, Jehan was genuinely funny and - despite his obvious, glaring flaws - utterly charming. The meta insertion of the writer was a genius stroke to both acknowledge the melodramatic flair while keeping a vibe of historical accuracy to the characters' actions. In fact, until I finished and looked it up, I was sure it was a story based on historical record instead of entirely fictional.
The end result was a story that managed to be juicy and engaging, while also hopelessly romantic and uplifting, without falling back on tropes or mawkishness. Everything is delicately and expertly balanced and managed to be extremely satisfying.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
The end result was a story that managed to be juicy and engaging, while also hopelessly romantic and uplifting, without falling back on tropes or mawkishness. Everything is delicately and expertly balanced and managed to be extremely satisfying.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.
December 14, 2024
I know the word romantic gets thrown around a lot when it comes to fiction, but this book is Romantic with a capital R. It’s both humorous and tragic but the undercurrent is pure love and devotion. It’s giving Achilles and Patroclus, Ed and Stede, etc. What an incredible book!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
July 19, 2025
It’s the 17th century in Avignon, France, and young and attractive Marquis Jehan Beaudelaire is in need of a wife and a new valet. Enter Jonathan Kryk, a beautiful Dutchman, who seems to answer all of Jehan’s needs. Despite the obvious barriers presented by living in such a time and place, Jehan falls for Jonathan and his love is returned. But they must take care. Jehan’s uncle insists that Jehan must soon marry and continue the family line. There are spies among the court. And Jehan, in love, throws caution to the wind and becomes reckless.
I had no idea how much I would love this big gay love story. On the face of it it’s not my usual type of read - historical fiction set in 17th century France. The main character is a marquis (what even IS a marquis?) The hierarchies within society are oppressive, familial responsibilities are a heavy burden, the Church and State are involved in the intimate lives of people. These things combined wouldn’t usually interest me in a novel, or might make me think that perhaps much of it would go above my head. And yet! Even Beyond Death was intensely readable and I needn’t have worried about the historical fiction aspects of it. This bawdy tale of illicit love is both sexy and gripping, jaunty and tragic. Plus it has one of the most beautiful transcendental endings that I have read in a novel.
If you’re looking for the love child of some historical fiction and a big gay love story, then this is your book!
I had no idea how much I would love this big gay love story. On the face of it it’s not my usual type of read - historical fiction set in 17th century France. The main character is a marquis (what even IS a marquis?) The hierarchies within society are oppressive, familial responsibilities are a heavy burden, the Church and State are involved in the intimate lives of people. These things combined wouldn’t usually interest me in a novel, or might make me think that perhaps much of it would go above my head. And yet! Even Beyond Death was intensely readable and I needn’t have worried about the historical fiction aspects of it. This bawdy tale of illicit love is both sexy and gripping, jaunty and tragic. Plus it has one of the most beautiful transcendental endings that I have read in a novel.
If you’re looking for the love child of some historical fiction and a big gay love story, then this is your book!
February 5, 2025
Set in Avignon 1657, we are introduced to Jehan de Beaudelaire, a vain, wealthy, elegant man , who seems to have everything in life except love.
His family are keen for him to marry and produce heirs to ensure the title doesn’t die out, but Jehan is aware that he is attracted to men. This is a sin in Catholic France, and the crime of sodomy, would see both men imprisoned and put to death if discovered.
One day, Jehan is playing tennis, very badly, and decides to cheat. When he is called out, a young man in the crowd supports his innocence.
Intrigued, Jehan meets this man and there is an immediate attraction between them. The young man, Jonathan Kryk becomes the personal valet to Jehan, and this means they can enjoy a close and eventual sexual relationship without rousing suspicion.
The narrator of this book is the Scribe, she writes down the story of Jehan and his life over many centuries. Initially she is overcome with emotion and disgust at what she hears, but there is also kindness, and understanding of their complicated situation, their anguish at having to lie to friends and family members about this forbidden love.
This is a book about love, it is full of emotion, desires, loyalty, humour, teasing, and there are descriptions of really strong sexual needs and practices, that are tantalising and very moving to read. There are very high stakes in this novel, Sin that will bring about the death penalty, but although the conclusion seems inevitable, it is an awful and cruel punishment dealt out to both men.
This is a very moving and original story. I finished reading this three weeks ago and the story still haunts me. I found this to be thought provoking , strong characters and a well researched historical novel. This will be recommended to my local library and various book groups, 2025, has only just arrived, but this is going to be a hard book to beat for me.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, Corsair, Little, Brown Book group, for my ARC, freely given in exchange for my honest review. A 5 star. Read.
I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
His family are keen for him to marry and produce heirs to ensure the title doesn’t die out, but Jehan is aware that he is attracted to men. This is a sin in Catholic France, and the crime of sodomy, would see both men imprisoned and put to death if discovered.
One day, Jehan is playing tennis, very badly, and decides to cheat. When he is called out, a young man in the crowd supports his innocence.
Intrigued, Jehan meets this man and there is an immediate attraction between them. The young man, Jonathan Kryk becomes the personal valet to Jehan, and this means they can enjoy a close and eventual sexual relationship without rousing suspicion.
The narrator of this book is the Scribe, she writes down the story of Jehan and his life over many centuries. Initially she is overcome with emotion and disgust at what she hears, but there is also kindness, and understanding of their complicated situation, their anguish at having to lie to friends and family members about this forbidden love.
This is a book about love, it is full of emotion, desires, loyalty, humour, teasing, and there are descriptions of really strong sexual needs and practices, that are tantalising and very moving to read. There are very high stakes in this novel, Sin that will bring about the death penalty, but although the conclusion seems inevitable, it is an awful and cruel punishment dealt out to both men.
This is a very moving and original story. I finished reading this three weeks ago and the story still haunts me. I found this to be thought provoking , strong characters and a well researched historical novel. This will be recommended to my local library and various book groups, 2025, has only just arrived, but this is going to be a hard book to beat for me.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers, Corsair, Little, Brown Book group, for my ARC, freely given in exchange for my honest review. A 5 star. Read.
I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.
April 20, 2025
Silver lining of shivering in bed with flu? Getting to read a proof of Fiona Melrose’s ‘Even Beyond Death’: a witty, charming, beautiful and tragic celebration of the glories of love.
Set in increasingly pious southern French Avignon in 1657, it follows aspiring writer Jehan, Marquis de Baudelaire, as he discovers the true beauty and power of love when a good looking Dutch valet arrives in search of a job. If I’ve made that sound too schmaltzy it’s because I’m still recovering from the ending (and because flu).
Outwardly, Jehan is naughty, sexy, witty, vain, and feckless, and his voice as a narrator dictating to his C21st scribe as she writes and weeps in coffee shops, is fun and compelling from the first page in a world of real tennis, musketeers, scheming clerics, and Moliere. Inwardly, as only his sister and his scribe know, things are very different.
The writing is gorgeous, full of sweetspot descriptions that conjure up a pool on hot summer’s day, the heat of impossible desire, and the contrast between the potential shame of being caught cheating at tennis and of breaking the law for the one he loves so they might be together even if only in eternal sleep like his inspiration shepherd boy Endymion, lover of the moon.
Physical and platonic love are depicted beautifully, and if graphic desperations of the former aren’t your thing, writerly debates between Baudelaire and his scribe act as neat warnings to skip. (I particularly loved the wry, writerly bickering and presentation of a character working with - or against - an author as her work takes shape).
You might need a handkerchief though, preferably soaked in rose water and neroli (not just for any seasonal ague you might be suffering from).
NB these comps might be influenced by a raging fever: It reminded me at various points of the film ‘Ridicule’, AJ West’s ‘Thomas True’, and Alice Wynn’s ‘In Memoriam’. I think it ought to have reminded me of some glorious French lit too, but I shamefully haven’t read enough.
Thanks for @littlebrownbookgroup_uk and @netgalley for the advanced copy.
Set in increasingly pious southern French Avignon in 1657, it follows aspiring writer Jehan, Marquis de Baudelaire, as he discovers the true beauty and power of love when a good looking Dutch valet arrives in search of a job. If I’ve made that sound too schmaltzy it’s because I’m still recovering from the ending (and because flu).
Outwardly, Jehan is naughty, sexy, witty, vain, and feckless, and his voice as a narrator dictating to his C21st scribe as she writes and weeps in coffee shops, is fun and compelling from the first page in a world of real tennis, musketeers, scheming clerics, and Moliere. Inwardly, as only his sister and his scribe know, things are very different.
The writing is gorgeous, full of sweetspot descriptions that conjure up a pool on hot summer’s day, the heat of impossible desire, and the contrast between the potential shame of being caught cheating at tennis and of breaking the law for the one he loves so they might be together even if only in eternal sleep like his inspiration shepherd boy Endymion, lover of the moon.
Physical and platonic love are depicted beautifully, and if graphic desperations of the former aren’t your thing, writerly debates between Baudelaire and his scribe act as neat warnings to skip. (I particularly loved the wry, writerly bickering and presentation of a character working with - or against - an author as her work takes shape).
You might need a handkerchief though, preferably soaked in rose water and neroli (not just for any seasonal ague you might be suffering from).
NB these comps might be influenced by a raging fever: It reminded me at various points of the film ‘Ridicule’, AJ West’s ‘Thomas True’, and Alice Wynn’s ‘In Memoriam’. I think it ought to have reminded me of some glorious French lit too, but I shamefully haven’t read enough.
Thanks for @littlebrownbookgroup_uk and @netgalley for the advanced copy.
March 31, 2025
Many thanks to the author, publishers and netgalley for an ARC of this novel. This tale of a seventeenth-century French aristocrat and his love affair with his valet has echoes of Moliere and Dumas, and is by turns witty, intelligent, tender, and tragic.
It’s also laugh-out-loud funny and will definitely be one of my books of the year.
It’s 1657, the reign of King Louis XIV, and Jehan de Baudelaire is 21. Young, rich, handsome, and
smart, he should be a catch for any woman, and his family are keen to see him get married and carry on the family name. The problem is that Baudelaire has fallen irrevocably in love with his new valet, Jonathan Kyrt, from Amsterdam, (who, in addition to being male, is “probably a Huguenot”). Jehan’s timing is particularly unfortunate as the authorities plan a clampdown on “libertinage” in the Languedoc, and Jehan is scared to confess his love. As you can imagine, this isn’t going to be a novel with a happy ending...
I loved everything about this book and was hooked from the first few pages. Jehan is a brilliant
character – intelligent, vivid, conceited and vain, but also prone to self-doubt, especially in regard to love (even after he and Joe have declared their mutual interest, Jehan is still draping himself over
furniture in an attempt to look more alluring). There’s also a wonderful playfulness to the novel.
Jehan tells us in the beginning that he’s dictating it to “the damsel Melrose”, who has undertaken
the commission because her previous works haven’t sold well (he blames a lack of swordfighting and fornication).
It’s also laugh-out-loud funny and will definitely be one of my books of the year.
It’s 1657, the reign of King Louis XIV, and Jehan de Baudelaire is 21. Young, rich, handsome, and
smart, he should be a catch for any woman, and his family are keen to see him get married and carry on the family name. The problem is that Baudelaire has fallen irrevocably in love with his new valet, Jonathan Kyrt, from Amsterdam, (who, in addition to being male, is “probably a Huguenot”). Jehan’s timing is particularly unfortunate as the authorities plan a clampdown on “libertinage” in the Languedoc, and Jehan is scared to confess his love. As you can imagine, this isn’t going to be a novel with a happy ending...
I loved everything about this book and was hooked from the first few pages. Jehan is a brilliant
character – intelligent, vivid, conceited and vain, but also prone to self-doubt, especially in regard to love (even after he and Joe have declared their mutual interest, Jehan is still draping himself over
furniture in an attempt to look more alluring). There’s also a wonderful playfulness to the novel.
Jehan tells us in the beginning that he’s dictating it to “the damsel Melrose”, who has undertaken
the commission because her previous works haven’t sold well (he blames a lack of swordfighting and fornication).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2024
This was unlike any other historical fiction I have ever read. The prose felt appropriate to the time period, and the narration style made me laugh a lot (particularly the opening chapter which gave me period drama Challengers vibes). The pacing is quite slow, but it is steady story telling that slowly enevelops you in Jehan and Joe's romance.
Jehan was flawed, but lovable. I'm glad the author didn't shy away from what would have been obvious snags in their relationship (behind the illegality of it all of course) - the differences in their station, the power dynamic, Jehans inherent selfishness due to the way he was brought up, Joe's popularity amongst his peers, Joe's past experiences. Every time Jehan was thoughtless towards Joe I cursed him, but it didn't take long for me to forgive him. Their relationship was genuinely sweet and loving, but as the title and description of the book suggest, it was ultimately heartbreaking. I loved all of Jehan's relationships - with his sister, with his staff, with the comtesse.
The unique narration style stopped the ending from feeling clichéd, but it didn't stop me from being devastated. It's been a while since a book made me this sad, though the running theme of love, and privilege of having loved and been loved in return, kept it overall uplifting.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Group UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jehan was flawed, but lovable. I'm glad the author didn't shy away from what would have been obvious snags in their relationship (behind the illegality of it all of course) - the differences in their station, the power dynamic, Jehans inherent selfishness due to the way he was brought up, Joe's popularity amongst his peers, Joe's past experiences. Every time Jehan was thoughtless towards Joe I cursed him, but it didn't take long for me to forgive him. Their relationship was genuinely sweet and loving, but as the title and description of the book suggest, it was ultimately heartbreaking. I loved all of Jehan's relationships - with his sister, with his staff, with the comtesse.
The unique narration style stopped the ending from feeling clichéd, but it didn't stop me from being devastated. It's been a while since a book made me this sad, though the running theme of love, and privilege of having loved and been loved in return, kept it overall uplifting.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Group UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2025
What a rollicking adventure, and yes, there are pirates, sort of. Jehan Beaudelaire is a Marquis, however at age twenty four he is without wife and heir. “Legacy, lineage, reputation, these were the things that bound me to my history and my station.” The Marquis may be in trouble, particularly with his avaricious, venal uncle, whose road to Rome, preferably as a ring-kissing Cardinal will not be stymied by a flutter-by-night dilettante: his nephew must marry.
Jehan is a writer of plays and stories, in an attempt to rival his compatriot Moliere, tales that delight the salons of his beloved twin sister Hortense.
The Reader is accepted into Jehan’s reveries courtesy of his young female amanuenses, the scribe of Jehan’s life and travails. Much to The Reader’s pleasure, Jehan takes great glee embarrassing his scribe.
The story begins in 1657, Avignon, when the “devilishly handsome” Marquis (his words) miraculously beats the King’s cousin at jeu de paume. Only one bystander realises that the Marquis has cheated, and despite possible ruin, this unknown man corroborates the Marquis’s story. The man is Dutch (naturally suspected of Protestant heresies, partly because of short hair), a cartographer’s son who applies for a position within the Marquis’s household. And then Dear Reader, the real story begins. Despite reservations, Hortense persuades her brother to accept the Dutchman as his valet, and from that seminal narrative point…
Well, you’ll just have to read this splendid novel.
The author has a wonderful capability to evoke a sense of place and time; many times I felt I was there…and smile…many times.
Jehan is a writer of plays and stories, in an attempt to rival his compatriot Moliere, tales that delight the salons of his beloved twin sister Hortense.
The Reader is accepted into Jehan’s reveries courtesy of his young female amanuenses, the scribe of Jehan’s life and travails. Much to The Reader’s pleasure, Jehan takes great glee embarrassing his scribe.
The story begins in 1657, Avignon, when the “devilishly handsome” Marquis (his words) miraculously beats the King’s cousin at jeu de paume. Only one bystander realises that the Marquis has cheated, and despite possible ruin, this unknown man corroborates the Marquis’s story. The man is Dutch (naturally suspected of Protestant heresies, partly because of short hair), a cartographer’s son who applies for a position within the Marquis’s household. And then Dear Reader, the real story begins. Despite reservations, Hortense persuades her brother to accept the Dutchman as his valet, and from that seminal narrative point…
Well, you’ll just have to read this splendid novel.
The author has a wonderful capability to evoke a sense of place and time; many times I felt I was there…and smile…many times.
April 6, 2025
the first half of this book was so slow and tedious that i nearly gave up on it a few times. it was especially frustrating that it casually references people without explaining who they are or their place in society or the story, so i found myself constantly flicking back through to see if I'd missed something. Melrose takes readers' knowledge of 1650s french aristocracy somewhat for granted.
it does pick up tremendously around the midway point, enough so that I stuck with it to the end.
however, although the ending was tragic and beautifully realised, i found myself not invested enough in the romance to become overly emotional about it. more of the plot is dedicated to hiding their romance or evading punishment for it than actually developing it to the point that a reader is moved by it and its inevitably bittersweet end.
i also think mileage will vary greatly on the gimmick of the narrator speaking directly to the author; i personally wasn't in love with it.
I'm glad i saw it through to the ending but i don't think i would've missed out on anything too incredible if i had given up when i originally was tempted to.
it does pick up tremendously around the midway point, enough so that I stuck with it to the end.
however, although the ending was tragic and beautifully realised, i found myself not invested enough in the romance to become overly emotional about it. more of the plot is dedicated to hiding their romance or evading punishment for it than actually developing it to the point that a reader is moved by it and its inevitably bittersweet end.
i also think mileage will vary greatly on the gimmick of the narrator speaking directly to the author; i personally wasn't in love with it.
I'm glad i saw it through to the ending but i don't think i would've missed out on anything too incredible if i had given up when i originally was tempted to.
February 5, 2025
Fiona Melrose's Even Beyond Death masterfully revives the 18th-century narrative device of pseudo-documentaty fiction, blending it with a comical, sardonic tone that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern. With biting wit and a narrator who insists on their dubious reliability, the author turns historical storytelling on its head, offering a sharp, satirical journey through love, loss, and the absurdity of human nature. A delightful and clever homage to literary tradition, with a sly wink to the present.
Unfortunately for me, after a few chapters the narrative voice became a tad tiring. So even though the plot of the novel retained its interest - even though, again, personal preference, I would have appreciated more of a historical/p0litical tone rather than such a personal one - I found myself rolling my eyes extensively.
Unfortunately for me, after a few chapters the narrative voice became a tad tiring. So even though the plot of the novel retained its interest - even though, again, personal preference, I would have appreciated more of a historical/p0litical tone rather than such a personal one - I found myself rolling my eyes extensively.
January 1, 2025
An interesting concept.
The main character was a 17th century Marquis in Avignon who fell in love with his valet.
The author also appears in the book, as does the Marquis as he is today.
Today's readers often fail to appreciate what life was like a few years ago, never mind hundreds of years ago. This book certainly gives some insights into life in 17th century France.
Sensitively written, while trying to push the boundaries of what can be written just a little, I think that the story worked.
The story was written with some humour on a delicate subject.
The end was a little disappointing, probably the only part of the book that wasn't 'punchy'.
I liked it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The main character was a 17th century Marquis in Avignon who fell in love with his valet.
The author also appears in the book, as does the Marquis as he is today.
Today's readers often fail to appreciate what life was like a few years ago, never mind hundreds of years ago. This book certainly gives some insights into life in 17th century France.
Sensitively written, while trying to push the boundaries of what can be written just a little, I think that the story worked.
The story was written with some humour on a delicate subject.
The end was a little disappointing, probably the only part of the book that wasn't 'punchy'.
I liked it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 4, 2025
Marquis Jehan Beaudelaire needs a wife. in 1657 Avignon, that shouldn't be hard. after all, he's handsome, rich, and excellent at tennis. so why is he so distracted by his valet?
i ADORED this novel. it's narrated by the Marquis, who is at times conceited, shallow, and silly, but is always deeply lovable and sharply witty. his love story is so moving and the repeated tragedies he faces are genuinely devastating. this book broke my heart and yet left me feeling charmed and delighted, all at once. how? it's a mystery.
thank you NetGalley for the review copy!
i ADORED this novel. it's narrated by the Marquis, who is at times conceited, shallow, and silly, but is always deeply lovable and sharply witty. his love story is so moving and the repeated tragedies he faces are genuinely devastating. this book broke my heart and yet left me feeling charmed and delighted, all at once. how? it's a mystery.
thank you NetGalley for the review copy!
February 11, 2025
Jehan de Beaudelaire is a young rich and eligible bachelor, His family and th whole town of Avignon wants him to marry. However, Jehan's passions are not of an acceptable nature for 17th Century France, he is in love with his Dutch valet and faces punishment if discovered.
This is perfectly pleasant book which recounts a story of forbidden love. It is nicely pitched but, for me, I didn't really fall in love with the tale!
This is perfectly pleasant book which recounts a story of forbidden love. It is nicely pitched but, for me, I didn't really fall in love with the tale!
January 11, 2025
Got my hands on a review copy at work and GAHHH. Absolutely devoured it. I even snuck away from my desk to tear through chapters because I physically couldn’t wait to see what happened. The characterisation is flawless and the Duke is modern and flawed and awful and relatable and loveable. I never think books are laugh out loud funny and god this one is. Read it as soon as you can!!!!
March 15, 2025
The writing voice in this is lively and witty but the book as a whole is shallower than a puddle in Summer. The only time I felt any love between our main characters was at the end. I was very disappointed with the ending and felt unsatisfied. I would've been happier with a fade to black.
Also why is the oft referred to 'scribe' such a prude?
Also why is the oft referred to 'scribe' such a prude?
May 5, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley,publishers and author for an ARC of Even Beyond Death.
This book started slow for me, took a few goes to get past the first few pages. But when I fell into this book, nothing could tear me away from it. This book had love, laughter and heartbreak, I loved it, and cried at it.
Highly recommend.
This book started slow for me, took a few goes to get past the first few pages. But when I fell into this book, nothing could tear me away from it. This book had love, laughter and heartbreak, I loved it, and cried at it.
Highly recommend.
August 2, 2025
The surge of expectation dies as the plot progresses. The story begins with extraordinary fiction of the French court, but later hides under the carapace of gay relationship which I surprisingly find a little daft. No doubt Fiona’s skills at storytelling is remarkable, but this book is just a bit off. Perhaps, next book will be more interesting than this.
August 5, 2025
At first, I enjoyed Jehan and how gray a character he was. But after a while... it just went on and on... The romance also dragged on, especially the last 150 pages. I wanted to root for them, but I eventually couldn't even care what happened to them. I do like the bond between Jehan and his sister Hortense; it was a fresh perspective of how siblings in that time period are portrayed.
December 13, 2024
Beautifully written, with a delightful narrative voice and a clever way of folding the writer into the fringes of her own novel. Devastatingly sad, absolutely emotionally ruinous.
January 26, 2025
3.5 stars
August 9, 2025
Interesting historical gay love story, if rather predictably sad... the whole literal 'ghost' writer shtick though felt unnecessary and rather gimmicky
August 23, 2025
Truly funny, moving and so engaging. This book has one of the best writing styles and the protagonist has one of the most entertaining inner voices.
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