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Trowchester Blues #2
Blue Eyed Stranger
A Trowchester Blues Novel Billy Wright has a he's only visible when he's wearing a mask. That's fine when he's performing at country fairs with the rest of his morris dancing troupe. But when he takes the paint off, his life is lonely and empty, and he struggles with crippling depression. Martin Deng stands out from the crowd. After all, there aren't that many black Vikings on the living history circuit. But as the founder of a fledgling historical re-enactment society, he's lonely and harried. His boss doesn't like his weekend activities, his warriors seem to expect him to run everything single-handedly, and it's stressful enough being one minority without telling the hard men of his group he's also gay. When Billy's and Martin's societies are double-booked at a packed county show, they know at once they are kindred spirits, united by a deep feeling of connectedness to their history and culture. But they're also both hiding in their different ways, and they need each other to be brave enough to take their masks off and still be seen.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2015
23 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Alex Beecroft
43 books300 followersSpaceships and galaxy spanning empires, conversations with angels, viking villages, haunted mansions and forbidden love in the Age of Sail... I love a good strong plot in an exotic setting, with characters you can admire, and a happy ending.
If you make a venn diagram of genres, including historical, fantasy, gay romance and mystery, I occupy the space in the middle where they overlap.
~
BTW, if you're thinking my reviews on here are a bit mean, most of the books I really enjoy will get a 4 star. I am saving 5 stars for books I find genuinely life changing. 4 is still "this was really really good, you should read it." 5 is "OMG, my mind is blown and my life will never be the same again."
If you make a venn diagram of genres, including historical, fantasy, gay romance and mystery, I occupy the space in the middle where they overlap.
~
BTW, if you're thinking my reviews on here are a bit mean, most of the books I really enjoy will get a 4 star. I am saving 5 stars for books I find genuinely life changing. 4 is still "this was really really good, you should read it." 5 is "OMG, my mind is blown and my life will never be the same again."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 12, 2015
Alex Beecroft’s writing is poetry: lyrical, evocative, and properly British.
Both the MCs, Martin and Billy, are involved in reenactment societies, Martin in one focused on ninth century Vikings and Billy in one with a focus on morris dancing, a type of choreographed English folk dancing that started in the fifteenth century.
The men eventually create a new music/dance troop, and their passion for their hobby is contagious.
I am a history buff, and British history is my favorite, so I loved the descriptions of costumes, music, battles, and dances. A few years back, I went to a medieval reenactment, complete with full-scale battles, at Caldicot Castle in Wales, and it was BRILLIANT.
Fair warning, however: If you are not interested in history and historical reenactment, the constant descriptions might prove a bit tedious.
Martin and Billy don’t date in the traditional sense of the word. They meet and immediately delve into a serious relationship.
Martin, who has a British mother and a Sudanese father, is deeply in the closet. Right after he meets Billy, he loses his teaching position. The head of the grammar school claims he spends too much time on his hobby, but it’s clear that she’s a racist bitch who tells Martin that his braids “smell” and suggests he cut them off.
Billy suffers from severe depression; during his lows, he goes into a kind of stupor where he can’t force himself to move. We get both men’s POV, and the depiction of Billy's depression is powerful and visceral.
Beecroft doesn’t hold back, sugarcoat it, or provide a magical cure, and I applaud her for that.
Billy and Martin’s relationship is one of comfort. They come to rely on each other. But Billy hates being relegated to “friend” status in public, and Martin becomes unhappy and unsettled when he can’t find a new job.
There is almost no steam in this book, just the barest hint of it in a couple mild frotting scenes. There isn’t even much sexual tension or kissing. The relationship feels strangely platonic.
This bothered me, but the sweetness, beautiful writing, and romantic HEA won me over anyway.
Both the MCs, Martin and Billy, are involved in reenactment societies, Martin in one focused on ninth century Vikings and Billy in one with a focus on morris dancing, a type of choreographed English folk dancing that started in the fifteenth century.
The men eventually create a new music/dance troop, and their passion for their hobby is contagious.
I am a history buff, and British history is my favorite, so I loved the descriptions of costumes, music, battles, and dances. A few years back, I went to a medieval reenactment, complete with full-scale battles, at Caldicot Castle in Wales, and it was BRILLIANT.
Fair warning, however: If you are not interested in history and historical reenactment, the constant descriptions might prove a bit tedious.
Martin and Billy don’t date in the traditional sense of the word. They meet and immediately delve into a serious relationship.
Martin, who has a British mother and a Sudanese father, is deeply in the closet. Right after he meets Billy, he loses his teaching position. The head of the grammar school claims he spends too much time on his hobby, but it’s clear that she’s a racist bitch who tells Martin that his braids “smell” and suggests he cut them off.
Billy suffers from severe depression; during his lows, he goes into a kind of stupor where he can’t force himself to move. We get both men’s POV, and the depiction of Billy's depression is powerful and visceral.
Beecroft doesn’t hold back, sugarcoat it, or provide a magical cure, and I applaud her for that.
Billy and Martin’s relationship is one of comfort. They come to rely on each other. But Billy hates being relegated to “friend” status in public, and Martin becomes unhappy and unsettled when he can’t find a new job.
There is almost no steam in this book, just the barest hint of it in a couple mild frotting scenes. There isn’t even much sexual tension or kissing. The relationship feels strangely platonic.
This bothered me, but the sweetness, beautiful writing, and romantic HEA won me over anyway.
It was probably the most English thing Martin had ever done – morris dancing on the village green in front of the pub, while the drinkers who had come out from the bar to watch heckled them good-humouredly, and the ducks on the village pond quacked out of time with the thin fragile music of the harp.
February 14, 2017
Rating: 4.5* of five
I suspect a lot more of us are familiar with hiding the agony of depression than we're willing to admit or discuss. BLUE EYED STRANGER blows that set of closet doors wide open. Add in a peek at the culture of historical re-enactors, the second-generation syndrome, and hefty dollop of sex packed in the water of love, and the winning formula is complete.
My review is live now.
I suspect a lot more of us are familiar with hiding the agony of depression than we're willing to admit or discuss. BLUE EYED STRANGER blows that set of closet doors wide open. Add in a peek at the culture of historical re-enactors, the second-generation syndrome, and hefty dollop of sex packed in the water of love, and the winning formula is complete.
My review is live now.
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December 14, 2014I love Alex Beecroft's writing, and I love this book.
Martin is such an interesting character, combining pride in his ancestry and black British history with a vivid awareness of himself as a minority. He can't hide being black, but he can hide being gay, and does. You can really see the accumulated affect of all the microaggressions on him, especially from the 'bantering' of the very macho world of Viking reenactors, which makes his situation very real. Meanwhile Billy is struggling with very serious depression. This was portrayed really well, with hope offered but no unrealistic healing powers of sex.
That sounds really gloomy. But actually this is a very funny book at points. It's also amazingly interesting. The worlds of reenactment and morris dancing are conveyed vividly and sympathetically, with an awareness of how it seems absurd at times, but also why it's important to people, and the book very lightly brings in a huge amount to think about in the discussions of history and tradition. This is a very English book in the best possible way, with ancient tradition meeting the modern mixed society, all underpinning a lovely touching romance.
Not star rating because professional connection.
Martin is such an interesting character, combining pride in his ancestry and black British history with a vivid awareness of himself as a minority. He can't hide being black, but he can hide being gay, and does. You can really see the accumulated affect of all the microaggressions on him, especially from the 'bantering' of the very macho world of Viking reenactors, which makes his situation very real. Meanwhile Billy is struggling with very serious depression. This was portrayed really well, with hope offered but no unrealistic healing powers of sex.
That sounds really gloomy. But actually this is a very funny book at points. It's also amazingly interesting. The worlds of reenactment and morris dancing are conveyed vividly and sympathetically, with an awareness of how it seems absurd at times, but also why it's important to people, and the book very lightly brings in a huge amount to think about in the discussions of history and tradition. This is a very English book in the best possible way, with ancient tradition meeting the modern mixed society, all underpinning a lovely touching romance.
Not star rating because professional connection.
maybe
February 11, 2019Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Blue-Eyed-St...
July 15, 2015
This second book in the series gives us two more interesting characters, and a fun immersion in the world of historical re-enactment.
Martin Deng is a history teacher, and a Viking re-enacter. He left his old society and founded a new one where he hopes, one day, to be able to be a gay, black Viking without the jibes and personality conflicts that kept him in the closet so far. But at present his fledgling society is struggling, all the work and weight is on his shoulders, and he's keeping his head down. He's also in trouble at work, where his efforts to teach history that might matter to his diverse students, rather than the white, bland history of the textbooks, results in him being fired. With no job, no money, and a hobby that often pays less than it brings in, Martin is under a lot of stress.
On the field of a re-enactment, he meets Billy, member of a Morris dance group, and fellow authenticity-lover. And fellow gay man. But Martin's attraction has to be tempered by his fears for both finding a teaching job and running his society, should his orientation come out. His closet still feels like the safe place to be.
Billy Wright loves his dance performances. Behind the classic black-face and costume, he's free to be the bold spirit he can't manage in his own skin. He meets Martin while in costume, and manages to make a connection that is both desire and mutual admiration. But keeping something going between them, when the mask comes off and real life presses in, is more difficult.
It doesn't help that Billy battles clinical depression, every day of his life. Some days are better, some are far worse, and it doesn't take much to derail him into a downward spiral. Martin may be the best thing he's found, or the thing that breaks him completely.
I loved both characters. Billy's depression was believably portrayed, as were Martin's conflicts, and understandable self-absorption. This was another original story, one that had both characters and atmosphere that didn't fit the common mould. I read it straight through, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Martin Deng is a history teacher, and a Viking re-enacter. He left his old society and founded a new one where he hopes, one day, to be able to be a gay, black Viking without the jibes and personality conflicts that kept him in the closet so far. But at present his fledgling society is struggling, all the work and weight is on his shoulders, and he's keeping his head down. He's also in trouble at work, where his efforts to teach history that might matter to his diverse students, rather than the white, bland history of the textbooks, results in him being fired. With no job, no money, and a hobby that often pays less than it brings in, Martin is under a lot of stress.
On the field of a re-enactment, he meets Billy, member of a Morris dance group, and fellow authenticity-lover. And fellow gay man. But Martin's attraction has to be tempered by his fears for both finding a teaching job and running his society, should his orientation come out. His closet still feels like the safe place to be.
Billy Wright loves his dance performances. Behind the classic black-face and costume, he's free to be the bold spirit he can't manage in his own skin. He meets Martin while in costume, and manages to make a connection that is both desire and mutual admiration. But keeping something going between them, when the mask comes off and real life presses in, is more difficult.
It doesn't help that Billy battles clinical depression, every day of his life. Some days are better, some are far worse, and it doesn't take much to derail him into a downward spiral. Martin may be the best thing he's found, or the thing that breaks him completely.
I loved both characters. Billy's depression was believably portrayed, as were Martin's conflicts, and understandable self-absorption. This was another original story, one that had both characters and atmosphere that didn't fit the common mould. I read it straight through, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
April 15, 2015
The second of the Trowbridge Blues series, we are once again dropped into this charming, fictional little city somewhere in what I assume is the UK’s heartland. With Beecroft’s elegant prose, we are also dragged into a world few of us know: the community of historical re-enactors, who recreate the things and activities of long-gone cultures. It’s wonderfully geeky, and I suspect more educational that I realized as I read it.
Our heroes are unconventional, in that we deal not just with men carrying emotional baggage, but men marginalized for reasons other than being gay. Martin Deng—trying to lead a band of Viking battle re-enactors—is half British and half Sudanese. Reinventing himself as a historically plausible black Viking is a proud achievement, but not one his father nor his employer appreciate. As a result, Martin is unhappily closeted.
Billy Wright, on the other hand, is all-English and of gold old Trowbridge stock. Out and proud, his problem is clinical depression, which he alleviates by throwing himself into the motley embrace of a morris-dancing troupe. But Billy’s black dog seems to be triggered by sensory overload, which suggests a kind of autism spectrum aspect to his depression.
There’s a rather harsh meet-cute when Billy’s dance troupe and Martin’s battle clan get double-booked at a country fair, leading to a near-disastrous altercation. Both Martin and Billy step up to the plate and avert disaster. Thus the spark is lit, and our boys begin a halting courtship hampered by their respective emotional hurdles.
Lots of sharply sketched supporting characters appear to fill in the background, but the focus is really always on Billy and Martin. They reveal themselves to be deeply drawn and profoundly good guys with flaws that get in the way of their happiness. The historical background that illuminates their unconventional hobbies is both fascinating and adds to our understanding of how these two men suit each other. Both of them are drawn to authenticity and historical accuracy--something they cannot achieve in their personal lives due to very modern-day issues.
We all know where we want things to go, and watching Beecroft steer the narrative there is like appreciating a well-painted landscape. Every stroke of her pen adds to the picture, making both Billy and Martin ours.
We have just a very brief glimpse of a character from the first Trowbridge Blues—Fintan Hulme, the charismatic gay owner of a bookstore in which Martin and Billy seek refuge during one of Billy’s attacks. I wistfully found myself hoping that at some point in this series these varied gay men will all find each other and become part of a larger Trowbridge-centered community.
Keep it up, Alex.
Our heroes are unconventional, in that we deal not just with men carrying emotional baggage, but men marginalized for reasons other than being gay. Martin Deng—trying to lead a band of Viking battle re-enactors—is half British and half Sudanese. Reinventing himself as a historically plausible black Viking is a proud achievement, but not one his father nor his employer appreciate. As a result, Martin is unhappily closeted.
Billy Wright, on the other hand, is all-English and of gold old Trowbridge stock. Out and proud, his problem is clinical depression, which he alleviates by throwing himself into the motley embrace of a morris-dancing troupe. But Billy’s black dog seems to be triggered by sensory overload, which suggests a kind of autism spectrum aspect to his depression.
There’s a rather harsh meet-cute when Billy’s dance troupe and Martin’s battle clan get double-booked at a country fair, leading to a near-disastrous altercation. Both Martin and Billy step up to the plate and avert disaster. Thus the spark is lit, and our boys begin a halting courtship hampered by their respective emotional hurdles.
Lots of sharply sketched supporting characters appear to fill in the background, but the focus is really always on Billy and Martin. They reveal themselves to be deeply drawn and profoundly good guys with flaws that get in the way of their happiness. The historical background that illuminates their unconventional hobbies is both fascinating and adds to our understanding of how these two men suit each other. Both of them are drawn to authenticity and historical accuracy--something they cannot achieve in their personal lives due to very modern-day issues.
We all know where we want things to go, and watching Beecroft steer the narrative there is like appreciating a well-painted landscape. Every stroke of her pen adds to the picture, making both Billy and Martin ours.
We have just a very brief glimpse of a character from the first Trowbridge Blues—Fintan Hulme, the charismatic gay owner of a bookstore in which Martin and Billy seek refuge during one of Billy’s attacks. I wistfully found myself hoping that at some point in this series these varied gay men will all find each other and become part of a larger Trowbridge-centered community.
Keep it up, Alex.
March 5, 2015
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
At first I rated this book 2.5 stars, but, now that I have let the story settle in, it has dropped down to two. It just left me feeling a bit uneasy; that the relationship between the two main characters was unequal.
Billy, one of the main characters, is severely depressed, and by severely I mean can’t get up and move, locked in his head, a hair close to suicide depressed. The only thing that gets him moving is dancing with his Morris troupe. So him having a meet cute with a quick HEA, with no medical help, and without serious therapy, was too unbelievable for me.
Well I can’t say that he has no help, Martin makes him seek help at the end of the book just before he moves in. Martin, at this point, has just lost his job, has little to no income, has just come out of the closet, and has been looking for work to no avail.
I mean I want to look this as a cute story of two flawed men finding love, but all I can see are red flags of codependency.
The second star is for the back story of Morris dancing, which I found fascinating, and I spent quite a while searching for images, and videos on the internet.
Beautiful.
I wish I could find a better gif to do it justice.
April 12, 2015
I am quickly becoming a big fan of this author. There is just something about the way that she writes that I find unique and compelling. In this second book in the series Martin is a black school teacher who spends all his free time acting in Viking re-enactments. Martin is also gay and very much in the closet. One weekend at an event he meets Billy, a Morris dancer (and yes I did have to Google Morris dancing)and the two men instantly hit it off. They quickly fall in to a relationship (which probably wasn't very realistic but I enjoyed it anyways). Both men are struggling with personal issues. Billy struggles with a lifetime problem of depression and Martin is having problems with his work. The two men are going through very difficult periods of their lives but somehow they provide the strength for the other to get through it.
The plot was unique and I thought the author did a good job portraying Billy's depression. The information about their re-enactment companies was interesting without being too detailed. The ending was such a beautiful "aahh" moment. I loved it. Can't wait to read more in this series.
*review copy provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review*
The plot was unique and I thought the author did a good job portraying Billy's depression. The information about their re-enactment companies was interesting without being too detailed. The ending was such a beautiful "aahh" moment. I loved it. Can't wait to read more in this series.
*review copy provided by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review*
April 29, 2015
Really, really nice writing here.
Back when I was in college, I had friends who did all kinds of re-enactment stuff and always tried to get me to do it with them. Socializing in costume is basically my idea of hell, however, so I usually managed to avoid it, with the exception of a themed wedding I really couldn't say no to. So the idea behind this book? I was worried I would have a difficult with it. However, being a Beecroft fan and a fan of the first book in this series, I decided to give it a go anyway.
I am pleased to say I actually enjoyed the story quite a bit, and I found the romance between Martin and Billy sweet and all around lovely.
Also, hottest masturbation scene I've read in AGES.
Back when I was in college, I had friends who did all kinds of re-enactment stuff and always tried to get me to do it with them. Socializing in costume is basically my idea of hell, however, so I usually managed to avoid it, with the exception of a themed wedding I really couldn't say no to. So the idea behind this book? I was worried I would have a difficult with it. However, being a Beecroft fan and a fan of the first book in this series, I decided to give it a go anyway.
I am pleased to say I actually enjoyed the story quite a bit, and I found the romance between Martin and Billy sweet and all around lovely.
Also, hottest masturbation scene I've read in AGES.
October 29, 2016
Billy Wright has a problem: he’s only visible when he’s wearing a mask. That’s fine when he’s performing at country fairs with the rest of his morris dancing troupe. But when he takes the paint off, his life is lonely and empty, and he struggles with crippling depression.
Martin Deng stands out from the crowd. After all, there aren’t that many black Vikings on the living history circuit. But as the founder of a fledgling historical re-enactment society, he’s lonely and harried. His boss doesn’t like his weekend activities, his warriors seem to expect him to run everything single-handedly, and it’s stressful enough being one minority without telling the hard men of his group he’s also gay.
When Billy’s and Martin’s societies are double-booked at a packed county show, they know at once they are kindred spirits, united by a deep feeling of connectedness to their history and culture. But they’re also both hiding in their different ways, and they need each other to be brave enough to take their masks off and still be seen.
This book was at once wonderfully entertaining and incredibly informative, at least for me. I’m nuts for reenactment events, and both main characters are involved in that: Martin’s group focuses on ninth century Vikings while Billy does morris dancing, some kind of ritualized English folk dance that started in the fifteenth century.
Martin was a really interesting character. He was so proud of his ancestry and the history of black people in Britain but at the same time very aware of the fact that, as a black gay man, he belonged to not only one, but two minorities at once. Since the color of his skin is too obvious to hide, he is firmly in the closet – first, because he’s a teacher after all, and also because he doesn’t think being gay has a place in the macho world of his Viking warrior society. It was touch and go for a while if he’d ever find the courage and/ or the right incentive to stand by himself and his lover.
Which would be Billy, who is struggling with serious depression. His condition is portrayed very well, in my opinion, down to the fact that he feels unworthy to the point of invisibility unless he can hide behind his dancing mask, which allows him to connect to his own inner strength. I loved his character, plain and simple, his resilience despite the almost crippling disease and his seemingly never-ending ability to forgive. I wanted to smack Martin upside the head several times for how thoughtless he treated Billy at times. But they were also a wonderful fit as a couple. There was no magical cure, no healing power of sex. And yet, the love both men feel for each other as well as for their mutual hobby, offered realistic hope for a positive outcome.
I learned a lot about historical reenactment from this book, about the motivation of the people behind it and why it might seem so important to get it exactly right even if the details border on ridiculous at times. Much of this was described in this author’s compelling prose, which I happen to like a lot but others might find tedious, especially those not interested in history or reenactment.
There wasn’t much sex in this book, which I thought fit both main characters’ personas well. Their relationship was definitely not platonic, but not focused on mattress sports either.
This was a rather quiet read, sweet rather than raunchy and thoughtful rather than action-packed, beautifully written and featuring a lovely romance. Highly recommended.
Martin Deng stands out from the crowd. After all, there aren’t that many black Vikings on the living history circuit. But as the founder of a fledgling historical re-enactment society, he’s lonely and harried. His boss doesn’t like his weekend activities, his warriors seem to expect him to run everything single-handedly, and it’s stressful enough being one minority without telling the hard men of his group he’s also gay.
When Billy’s and Martin’s societies are double-booked at a packed county show, they know at once they are kindred spirits, united by a deep feeling of connectedness to their history and culture. But they’re also both hiding in their different ways, and they need each other to be brave enough to take their masks off and still be seen.
This book was at once wonderfully entertaining and incredibly informative, at least for me. I’m nuts for reenactment events, and both main characters are involved in that: Martin’s group focuses on ninth century Vikings while Billy does morris dancing, some kind of ritualized English folk dance that started in the fifteenth century.
Martin was a really interesting character. He was so proud of his ancestry and the history of black people in Britain but at the same time very aware of the fact that, as a black gay man, he belonged to not only one, but two minorities at once. Since the color of his skin is too obvious to hide, he is firmly in the closet – first, because he’s a teacher after all, and also because he doesn’t think being gay has a place in the macho world of his Viking warrior society. It was touch and go for a while if he’d ever find the courage and/ or the right incentive to stand by himself and his lover.
Which would be Billy, who is struggling with serious depression. His condition is portrayed very well, in my opinion, down to the fact that he feels unworthy to the point of invisibility unless he can hide behind his dancing mask, which allows him to connect to his own inner strength. I loved his character, plain and simple, his resilience despite the almost crippling disease and his seemingly never-ending ability to forgive. I wanted to smack Martin upside the head several times for how thoughtless he treated Billy at times. But they were also a wonderful fit as a couple. There was no magical cure, no healing power of sex. And yet, the love both men feel for each other as well as for their mutual hobby, offered realistic hope for a positive outcome.
I learned a lot about historical reenactment from this book, about the motivation of the people behind it and why it might seem so important to get it exactly right even if the details border on ridiculous at times. Much of this was described in this author’s compelling prose, which I happen to like a lot but others might find tedious, especially those not interested in history or reenactment.
There wasn’t much sex in this book, which I thought fit both main characters’ personas well. Their relationship was definitely not platonic, but not focused on mattress sports either.
This was a rather quiet read, sweet rather than raunchy and thoughtful rather than action-packed, beautifully written and featuring a lovely romance. Highly recommended.
April 12, 2018
Mh.
What I liked about this one is the portrayal of MI and how love does not conquer all and is not the cure for struggling with your mental health issues.
What made me struggle with the romance even with that in mind was that some parts of the relationship felt... tricky? Maybe? It's hard to put my finger on the exact moments and actions, and I can acknowledge that this might have just been a timing problem for me. With things and upheavals going on in my own life I might have been extra sensitive and biased.
But some aspects did raise red flags that screamed "This could turn into a codependent disaster so fast." And it made me uncomfortable and prevented me from really enjoying the story or developing an emotional investment in their relationship.
I can't really speak on the experience of a Black queer teacher in the UK. All I can say is that A) the struggle with the whitewashed and exclusionary curriculum as well as the administrative side felt very real and well portrayed, but that I'm B) not willing to give extra praise for an (afaik) white author writing about the experience of a Black man with racism.
And while the historical backdrop of the story was as fascinating to me as it was close to my heart (since I'm no stranger to reenactment), some of the discussions of historical facts vs. moral and ethical issues made me uncomfortable.
Hence the "Mh."
What I liked about this one is the portrayal of MI and how love does not conquer all and is not the cure for struggling with your mental health issues.
What made me struggle with the romance even with that in mind was that some parts of the relationship felt... tricky? Maybe? It's hard to put my finger on the exact moments and actions, and I can acknowledge that this might have just been a timing problem for me. With things and upheavals going on in my own life I might have been extra sensitive and biased.
But some aspects did raise red flags that screamed "This could turn into a codependent disaster so fast." And it made me uncomfortable and prevented me from really enjoying the story or developing an emotional investment in their relationship.
I can't really speak on the experience of a Black queer teacher in the UK. All I can say is that A) the struggle with the whitewashed and exclusionary curriculum as well as the administrative side felt very real and well portrayed, but that I'm B) not willing to give extra praise for an (afaik) white author writing about the experience of a Black man with racism.
And while the historical backdrop of the story was as fascinating to me as it was close to my heart (since I'm no stranger to reenactment), some of the discussions of historical facts vs. moral and ethical issues made me uncomfortable.
Hence the "Mh."
June 7, 2015
Twenty six year old Martin Deng is a history teacher who is also involved with a re-enactment group. He's a black Viking when in his character of Ametel, and he’s gay. Feeling like a bit of a minority, Martin is very much in the closet. The school he teaches at is run by a principal who doesn’t much care for him or his hobbies. He’s heard plenty of ‘poofter’ jokes around re-enactment campfires so he’s worried about members of his group, Bretwalda, getting wind of his sexual orientation. And his dad is Sudanese and quite conservative – he must have a good job, marry a nice girl, settle down and be sensible. It seems that gay is not an option anywhere in Martin’s life.
“She’s wondering when she’s going to get grandchildren.” He could hear the narrowed eyes even over the phone.
Twenty four year old Billy Wright has inherited his parent’s property and converted it into three flats. He rents two out and lives in the third. To supplement that income he works odd jobs when he can. Billy also suffers from fairly major depression. He finds himself in bed more often than he should when he needs to zone out of the world around him. But he’s a Morris (folk) dancer and it’s something he never misses. It gives him purpose and it gives him routine. The thing is, Billy feels invisible. People talk over the top of him and no one seems to need his opinion. He lacks a sense of self-worth, something people definitely struggle with when depressed.
Martin and Billy meet under somewhat combative circumstances at a fair when re-enactment and dance clash. But Martin is intrigued by Billy’s blue eyes and Billy finds a warmth and a strength in Martin. From here on in they are, I suppose, an item. It isn’t traditional dating but they aren’t necessarily traditional guys, which sounds funny given they uphold tradition and customs from the 9th (re-enactment) and 15th (Morris dancing) centuries.
The biggest dilemma in Blue Eyed Stranger – a fitting title because of Billy’s eyes and a song he dances to – is how you deal with one man in the closet and one man deeply depressed. And Martin ends up with the rough end of the pineapple at the school he’s been teaching history at. It could have been angst-ridden or frustrating. However, it isn’t either of these, it’s sweet and gentle storytelling with a realism injected that made it even better. Martin’s sister, Sheena, also suffers from depression so he understands it and can empathise. Both men have history in common and embrace each other’s passion. There is a resolution to one issue, Martin coming out, and the beginning of hope for the other, Billy’s depression. The author doesn’t make everything suddenly and magically disappear but both men move forward positively.
The second instalment in the Trowchester Blues series is a nice back-up to book #1, Trowchester Blues. I still have such affection for Finton and Michael, and it was nice to see Finn and his bookstore make a cameo appearance as well as James, an MC from the next book. Billy and Martin are lovely and add their own flavour to this series. I also admire and respect that Alex Beecroft gives a brief thanks to her therapist and mention of her own depression at the beginning. It’s fitting leading into a book where one of the MCs is battling the black dog. The more we talk about it, the less stigma there is. Recommended reading for those looking for a book that is pretty much angst free, has interracial MCs as well as depression well written, and pays homage and respect to British history in a modern world. 4 Stars!
Review also at
“She’s wondering when she’s going to get grandchildren.” He could hear the narrowed eyes even over the phone.
Twenty four year old Billy Wright has inherited his parent’s property and converted it into three flats. He rents two out and lives in the third. To supplement that income he works odd jobs when he can. Billy also suffers from fairly major depression. He finds himself in bed more often than he should when he needs to zone out of the world around him. But he’s a Morris (folk) dancer and it’s something he never misses. It gives him purpose and it gives him routine. The thing is, Billy feels invisible. People talk over the top of him and no one seems to need his opinion. He lacks a sense of self-worth, something people definitely struggle with when depressed.
Martin and Billy meet under somewhat combative circumstances at a fair when re-enactment and dance clash. But Martin is intrigued by Billy’s blue eyes and Billy finds a warmth and a strength in Martin. From here on in they are, I suppose, an item. It isn’t traditional dating but they aren’t necessarily traditional guys, which sounds funny given they uphold tradition and customs from the 9th (re-enactment) and 15th (Morris dancing) centuries.
The biggest dilemma in Blue Eyed Stranger – a fitting title because of Billy’s eyes and a song he dances to – is how you deal with one man in the closet and one man deeply depressed. And Martin ends up with the rough end of the pineapple at the school he’s been teaching history at. It could have been angst-ridden or frustrating. However, it isn’t either of these, it’s sweet and gentle storytelling with a realism injected that made it even better. Martin’s sister, Sheena, also suffers from depression so he understands it and can empathise. Both men have history in common and embrace each other’s passion. There is a resolution to one issue, Martin coming out, and the beginning of hope for the other, Billy’s depression. The author doesn’t make everything suddenly and magically disappear but both men move forward positively.
The second instalment in the Trowchester Blues series is a nice back-up to book #1, Trowchester Blues. I still have such affection for Finton and Michael, and it was nice to see Finn and his bookstore make a cameo appearance as well as James, an MC from the next book. Billy and Martin are lovely and add their own flavour to this series. I also admire and respect that Alex Beecroft gives a brief thanks to her therapist and mention of her own depression at the beginning. It’s fitting leading into a book where one of the MCs is battling the black dog. The more we talk about it, the less stigma there is. Recommended reading for those looking for a book that is pretty much angst free, has interracial MCs as well as depression well written, and pays homage and respect to British history in a modern world. 4 Stars!
Review also at
May 23, 2018
I'm black and no stranger to depression so I was excited to read this story as soon as I read the summary. But my excitement quickly turned to boredom. The way this author depicted both realities swung between dismissive, unrealistic, and even preachy at points and really left much to be desired.
The dialogue was stiff and the characters lacked depth. I wasn't rooting for Martin or Billy as much as I was cheering myself on to just get through this book and read something else! Even the romance felt boring and insipid while the pace of their relationship was way too soon, way too fast.
2 stars. I appreciate Beecroft's choice to talk about racism and depression, very few romances do. Blue Eyed Stranger is not the worst book I've read, but it just wasn't for me.
The dialogue was stiff and the characters lacked depth. I wasn't rooting for Martin or Billy as much as I was cheering myself on to just get through this book and read something else! Even the romance felt boring and insipid while the pace of their relationship was way too soon, way too fast.
2 stars. I appreciate Beecroft's choice to talk about racism and depression, very few romances do. Blue Eyed Stranger is not the worst book I've read, but it just wasn't for me.
September 13, 2018
This book is so REAL in ways that I don't usually associate with romance novels, tackling depression and racism in such a raw and head-on way just within the first couple of pages that I was totally thrown for a loop. The former especially gets dealt with in such a shockingly deep and true way that I've almost never seen in writing before, and even if I hadn't liked this book, I would have respected the hell out of it for writing such a realistically depressed main character, because oof, did I ever feel for Billy. It's a brave decision to make, writing such an unpretty depiction of mental illness in a romance, and I'm really glad Alex Beecroft made that call.
Having said that, it does mean that there is just... a LOT going on in this book. Racism! Depression! Two different sets of fun cultural hobbies! Prejudice! Family and money troubles! Outing drama! There's just SO MUCH, and pretty much all of it overshadows the actual romance. I like the actual plot so, so much, and I like every aspect of it that's featured, but it just makes it feel... much less like the romance novel I wanted? There's barely any build-up to Billy and Martin being together, and while I love them together a lot, every aspect of their initial attraction and later relationship, it does feel like it's moving very quickly and so smoothly, the rest of the plot really takes precedence, which was a disappointment. I feel like maybe if it had been longer and the actual romantic build-up had gone more slowly, it would have been a lot more my particular type of book. As is, I did enjoy it, it just wasn't quite what I wanted or expected-- it's less a romance novel and more a lowkey dramatic story about two men who just happen to end up in a relationship, among everything else going on in their lives. And if that's what you want and what you enjoy reading, this book will be a delightful experience for sure!
Having said that, it does mean that there is just... a LOT going on in this book. Racism! Depression! Two different sets of fun cultural hobbies! Prejudice! Family and money troubles! Outing drama! There's just SO MUCH, and pretty much all of it overshadows the actual romance. I like the actual plot so, so much, and I like every aspect of it that's featured, but it just makes it feel... much less like the romance novel I wanted? There's barely any build-up to Billy and Martin being together, and while I love them together a lot, every aspect of their initial attraction and later relationship, it does feel like it's moving very quickly and so smoothly, the rest of the plot really takes precedence, which was a disappointment. I feel like maybe if it had been longer and the actual romantic build-up had gone more slowly, it would have been a lot more my particular type of book. As is, I did enjoy it, it just wasn't quite what I wanted or expected-- it's less a romance novel and more a lowkey dramatic story about two men who just happen to end up in a relationship, among everything else going on in their lives. And if that's what you want and what you enjoy reading, this book will be a delightful experience for sure!
April 2, 2015
Modern day Saxons and morris dancers; I must admit while reading this book I actually learnt so much about what people get up to in their free time, how people keep history and traditions alive, etc. it introduced a whole new world to me. At the beginning I didn’t have a clue about the different traditions in morris dancing and its history or how the whole re-enactment scene brings history alive so spectators like myself can get a real impression of history first hand. By the end of the book I was totally enriched about traditions and pastimes, although I knew they existed, never really bothered thinking too much about. Do you need to be a history buff or need an in depth knowledge of British culture to understand this book? No, not at all. It is all perfectly explained throughout the book, but slowly so you’ll need to be patient until things become clear if you’re not familiar with any of this for a story setting.
Martin is an history teacher who just loves to bring his history lessons alive and enthuse the children he teaches. Well, he definitely manages this and teaches them a history that is exciting, real and somewhat unconventional. Showing them the rich tapestry of different heroes from different, cultures, race and creed and not the generic, white anglo-saxon history that the syllabus dictates. Why? Well, Martin is black and feels that he needs to teach and show an all inclusive history. As a teacher myself I thought this idea was absolutely wonderful!! However, the school is run by a somewhat conservative regime under the headmistress and inevitably two world’s collide. In his free time he belongs a started a historical re-enactment club, Bretwalda, whose period is the saxons and frequent shows around the country entertaining the public with shows of battle scenes and saxon encampments.
Billy belongs to the local morris dancing side (team), the Griffins, another tradition going back to 15th century England. Kept alive all this time by the numerous clubs around the country. But even here there are regional variations and Billy’s team belongs to the Border Morris who dance with blackened faces.
I must admit it took me a few chapters to get into the whole scene of both of their hobbies not having a clue about either. But whether it was intentional or not, at the beginning as a reader I was kept guessing a little as to what all this could be until things are gradually revealed and it is perfectly clear. I loved the second chapter where Billy is introduced, mystical and mysterious and asking myself what exactly has he been doing sat in a graveyard all night. However, as I read further I realised that this was part of the ploy to bring across the suffering of Billy’s illness and works perfectly. I don’t know how Alex did it but she had me feeling sorry for him from the very first time we read about him. Then when we find out what he is suffering from it makes everything all the more poignant but there are brighter times ahead for him which made my heart lift by the end of the book.
Martin and Billy first meet when the organisers of an event double book them which leads to an altercation of soap opera dimensions. I loved this, these guys all in their respective traditional get-ups fighting out whose slot it is. It was just comical to think of these guys arguing in their get-ups while the public is looking on. Anyway, when Martin and Billy meet, Martin is taken aback by the shy and unassuming Billy. Billy has good days and bad days, and despite what happened this was one of his better days.
I loved the way that they both had their issues they had to overcome in order to find their HEA. Billy with his illness and Martin not being able to come out due to his parents, his job and fellow club members. After all Saxon warriors are real men, rough and tough, not gay. Oh the prejudices I could have screamed especially with the conservative school he was working for. No wonder he was banged up in the closet when he first meets Billy. But his love and care for Billy changes all this.
I also felt Billy’s pain, always putting himself down, believing himself to be worthless, always doubting himself and others, no self-confidence to speak of which would have him running away from everyone and anything. Cocooning himself up in his flat and shutting the rest of the world out. He would have days where too many people, too many noises, too much sensory input would have him running scared. My heart just wanted to reach out to him.
When these two were together you could just feel that they were so right for each other, but they both have to overcome their obstacles in their own way. In doing so they find a greater love for each other that just flourishes until they get to their HEA. Oh my I have read a number of HEA in my time as a reviewer but this one really was exquisite! Had me oohing and aahing all over the place for days.
Although this is the second book in the Trowchester Blues series it can be read perfectly OK as a stand alone. We meet one of the characters from the first book, Finn, when they have a cup of coffee in the bookshop. But there is no need to have any knowledge of Finn from the previous book as these guys don’t know him and just see him as the colourful bookshop owner that he is. So it’s more like a series of books based around a town and the individual stories of its inhabitants.
Another great addition to the Trowchester Blues series and can’t wait for the next one to be released. I’m seriously invested in this series now.
Martin is an history teacher who just loves to bring his history lessons alive and enthuse the children he teaches. Well, he definitely manages this and teaches them a history that is exciting, real and somewhat unconventional. Showing them the rich tapestry of different heroes from different, cultures, race and creed and not the generic, white anglo-saxon history that the syllabus dictates. Why? Well, Martin is black and feels that he needs to teach and show an all inclusive history. As a teacher myself I thought this idea was absolutely wonderful!! However, the school is run by a somewhat conservative regime under the headmistress and inevitably two world’s collide. In his free time he belongs a started a historical re-enactment club, Bretwalda, whose period is the saxons and frequent shows around the country entertaining the public with shows of battle scenes and saxon encampments.
Billy belongs to the local morris dancing side (team), the Griffins, another tradition going back to 15th century England. Kept alive all this time by the numerous clubs around the country. But even here there are regional variations and Billy’s team belongs to the Border Morris who dance with blackened faces.
I must admit it took me a few chapters to get into the whole scene of both of their hobbies not having a clue about either. But whether it was intentional or not, at the beginning as a reader I was kept guessing a little as to what all this could be until things are gradually revealed and it is perfectly clear. I loved the second chapter where Billy is introduced, mystical and mysterious and asking myself what exactly has he been doing sat in a graveyard all night. However, as I read further I realised that this was part of the ploy to bring across the suffering of Billy’s illness and works perfectly. I don’t know how Alex did it but she had me feeling sorry for him from the very first time we read about him. Then when we find out what he is suffering from it makes everything all the more poignant but there are brighter times ahead for him which made my heart lift by the end of the book.
Martin and Billy first meet when the organisers of an event double book them which leads to an altercation of soap opera dimensions. I loved this, these guys all in their respective traditional get-ups fighting out whose slot it is. It was just comical to think of these guys arguing in their get-ups while the public is looking on. Anyway, when Martin and Billy meet, Martin is taken aback by the shy and unassuming Billy. Billy has good days and bad days, and despite what happened this was one of his better days.
I loved the way that they both had their issues they had to overcome in order to find their HEA. Billy with his illness and Martin not being able to come out due to his parents, his job and fellow club members. After all Saxon warriors are real men, rough and tough, not gay. Oh the prejudices I could have screamed especially with the conservative school he was working for. No wonder he was banged up in the closet when he first meets Billy. But his love and care for Billy changes all this.
I also felt Billy’s pain, always putting himself down, believing himself to be worthless, always doubting himself and others, no self-confidence to speak of which would have him running away from everyone and anything. Cocooning himself up in his flat and shutting the rest of the world out. He would have days where too many people, too many noises, too much sensory input would have him running scared. My heart just wanted to reach out to him.
When these two were together you could just feel that they were so right for each other, but they both have to overcome their obstacles in their own way. In doing so they find a greater love for each other that just flourishes until they get to their HEA. Oh my I have read a number of HEA in my time as a reviewer but this one really was exquisite! Had me oohing and aahing all over the place for days.
Although this is the second book in the Trowchester Blues series it can be read perfectly OK as a stand alone. We meet one of the characters from the first book, Finn, when they have a cup of coffee in the bookshop. But there is no need to have any knowledge of Finn from the previous book as these guys don’t know him and just see him as the colourful bookshop owner that he is. So it’s more like a series of books based around a town and the individual stories of its inhabitants.
Another great addition to the Trowchester Blues series and can’t wait for the next one to be released. I’m seriously invested in this series now.
October 24, 2017
This is a well done romance between two compelling heroes: Martin and Billy.
We get dual points of view in this book and that gives us deep into Billy's depression and Martin struggles with being fully out.
The depiction of depression is especially vivid and just as vivid is the love of history and place that inhabits the story. I love learning as I read and this details of Morris dancing and Vikings as well as early music are a treasure.
I also like how Billy's mental health issues are not make more powerful than Martin's layers that get revealed as the book goes on. Each of the men's troubles are as much a part of them as the rest of who they are.
Even though both Billy and Martin have groups of friends through their activities they are both loners. It would have been a richer book with some others that the heroes were close too and the romance could have bloomed a little more but it is a good pace of falling in love. and a good book.
We get dual points of view in this book and that gives us deep into Billy's depression and Martin struggles with being fully out.
The depiction of depression is especially vivid and just as vivid is the love of history and place that inhabits the story. I love learning as I read and this details of Morris dancing and Vikings as well as early music are a treasure.
I also like how Billy's mental health issues are not make more powerful than Martin's layers that get revealed as the book goes on. Each of the men's troubles are as much a part of them as the rest of who they are.
Even though both Billy and Martin have groups of friends through their activities they are both loners. It would have been a richer book with some others that the heroes were close too and the romance could have bloomed a little more but it is a good pace of falling in love. and a good book.
June 20, 2017
Lovely. I think both morris dancing and historical re-enactment are cool, plus I love Alex Beecroft's books, so I was well placed to enjoy this book and I definitely did. It's vivid and engaging and interesting and a little different. Alex Beecroft is so dependably good and I enjoy their books so much.
April 9, 2015
This review was written for Joyfully Jay reviews.
This is the second book in the Trowchester Blues series, but can be read as a standalone.
Billy is a morris dancer in a troupe that performs at country fairs. He is remarkably sensitive, shy, lonely, gay, and struggling with severe depression. At times he is overwhelmed by the sheer cacophony of life and cannot function.
Martin is na Englishman, a history teacher, and a lover of ancient times and ways. He heads up a reenactment group of 9th century Vikings and spends his summer weekends leading historically-accurate battle scenes, living the life of a Viking marauder at fairs. He is a closeted gay man who is fiercely protective of his privacy, knowing his Sudanese father and bigoted employer will never accept his homosexuality.
Martin and Billy meet at a fair and their commitment to historical accuracy of their respective societies provides a backdrop for conversation. Billy, in his troupe gear, is a more outgoing man than his normal introverted self—and he takes the initiative to give Martin a means to contact him, never expecting that Martin will. Pleasantly enough, Billy is wrong. The main crux of this story is the balance between recognition and acknowledgement. Billy needs a lover’s support to be whole, and the only way for Martin to truly support him would be to come out publicly. This, however, may (potentially) cost Martin employment and his position in his reenactment society, and will definitely cause difficulty in Martin’s family.
Here is what I loved about this story: its absolutely fearless description of Billy’s crushing depression. Billy has struggled his entire life to overcome the negativity in his own head and has set in place several checks and balances that keep him semi-functional. Billy lives almost a half-life of invisibility, even in company. He’s the guy who sits on the fringe, unwilling to ruffle feathers because, well, why should anyone value his opinion? His mood felt traumatic and pathologic, as opposed to angsty. On his “dark” days, Billy truly believes he is worthless, and his actions and behaviors are frighteningly realistic. Martin is, at first, very in tune with this. Having a sister who also suffers depression, Martin is careful to gauge Billy’s awareness and mood when they are able to connect. That I also loved.
What I didn’t love: Martin is very selfish for most of the book. He spends ages publicly denying his sexuality, to the detriment of his relationships—most notably that with Billy. He is a constant caretaker for his society, but never takes care of his own needs, always pushing off even the thought that he could come out. This is even more ludicrous as members of both Billy’s troupe and Martin’s own society begin to openly suspect their involvement with each other.
The story unfolds over the course of several months, so there is plenty of time for a real bond to develop between Martin and Billy—one that I totally wanted Martin to celebrate. I was so glad the alternating POV reflected both Martin and Billy’s thoughts, because I think I would have hated Martin if I couldn’t feel his internal struggle. As it was, I didn’t really respect him much until the last quarter of the book. I strongly identified with Billy’s need to be important to just one person, and especially the one person who continues to come over and warm his bed. Martin’s nearly constant public brush-offs gave me as much pause as they did Billy.
All that said, the end was as spectacular as I wanted with an HEA that rivals any tender romance. The book did lack for sex, in my opinion. I am sure it happened; pity I just couldn’t find much of it on the page. A bit more heat would have balanced out the melancholy of Billy’s depression and tension of Martin’s work/coming out anxiety. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
This is the second book in the Trowchester Blues series, but can be read as a standalone.
Billy is a morris dancer in a troupe that performs at country fairs. He is remarkably sensitive, shy, lonely, gay, and struggling with severe depression. At times he is overwhelmed by the sheer cacophony of life and cannot function.
Martin is na Englishman, a history teacher, and a lover of ancient times and ways. He heads up a reenactment group of 9th century Vikings and spends his summer weekends leading historically-accurate battle scenes, living the life of a Viking marauder at fairs. He is a closeted gay man who is fiercely protective of his privacy, knowing his Sudanese father and bigoted employer will never accept his homosexuality.
Martin and Billy meet at a fair and their commitment to historical accuracy of their respective societies provides a backdrop for conversation. Billy, in his troupe gear, is a more outgoing man than his normal introverted self—and he takes the initiative to give Martin a means to contact him, never expecting that Martin will. Pleasantly enough, Billy is wrong. The main crux of this story is the balance between recognition and acknowledgement. Billy needs a lover’s support to be whole, and the only way for Martin to truly support him would be to come out publicly. This, however, may (potentially) cost Martin employment and his position in his reenactment society, and will definitely cause difficulty in Martin’s family.
Here is what I loved about this story: its absolutely fearless description of Billy’s crushing depression. Billy has struggled his entire life to overcome the negativity in his own head and has set in place several checks and balances that keep him semi-functional. Billy lives almost a half-life of invisibility, even in company. He’s the guy who sits on the fringe, unwilling to ruffle feathers because, well, why should anyone value his opinion? His mood felt traumatic and pathologic, as opposed to angsty. On his “dark” days, Billy truly believes he is worthless, and his actions and behaviors are frighteningly realistic. Martin is, at first, very in tune with this. Having a sister who also suffers depression, Martin is careful to gauge Billy’s awareness and mood when they are able to connect. That I also loved.
What I didn’t love: Martin is very selfish for most of the book. He spends ages publicly denying his sexuality, to the detriment of his relationships—most notably that with Billy. He is a constant caretaker for his society, but never takes care of his own needs, always pushing off even the thought that he could come out. This is even more ludicrous as members of both Billy’s troupe and Martin’s own society begin to openly suspect their involvement with each other.
The story unfolds over the course of several months, so there is plenty of time for a real bond to develop between Martin and Billy—one that I totally wanted Martin to celebrate. I was so glad the alternating POV reflected both Martin and Billy’s thoughts, because I think I would have hated Martin if I couldn’t feel his internal struggle. As it was, I didn’t really respect him much until the last quarter of the book. I strongly identified with Billy’s need to be important to just one person, and especially the one person who continues to come over and warm his bed. Martin’s nearly constant public brush-offs gave me as much pause as they did Billy.
All that said, the end was as spectacular as I wanted with an HEA that rivals any tender romance. The book did lack for sex, in my opinion. I am sure it happened; pity I just couldn’t find much of it on the page. A bit more heat would have balanced out the melancholy of Billy’s depression and tension of Martin’s work/coming out anxiety. I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
October 7, 2015
This lovely romance is the story of Martin and Billy. Both men are involved in reenacting authentic history (Martin as a Viking and Billy as a Morris Dancer) and are drawn to each other at a fair, finding that though they may be different in temperament, they really click. But Martin, a black gay man already feels the sting of ostracism over his race and keeps his sexuality hidden, something Billy at first accepts but begins to feel frustration with, as he is tired of always being overlooked. As well Billy suffers from depression and this affects him and his ability to believe someone could be interested in him. Can these two men overcome their fears in order to secure a future together?
I really enjoyed this story. There is an incredible amount of research that has gone into this novel in describing the lives of both men and the periods of time and characters they inhabit as reanactors. Having seen Viking settlement camps myself at a local Icelandic festival where I live, I found this to be a really interesting part of the story (though some may find it a bit more information than they want to know), seeing things from the inside as opposed to just being a visitor. The Morris dancer history was equally fun to learn about. Both Martin and Billy strive for authenticity in the characters they play and appreciate that in each other. But though Martin wants to be an authentic Viking, he isn't so willing to be as open about his personal life and it's his struggle through the story to be able to be comfortable in the open with Billy as a gay man that makes his character empathetic and believable. Billy is very likeable as a young man struggling with his depression and his self confidence, used to being invisible except when in his actor's mask. That Martin sees the real him all the time is gratifying for Billy, helping to keep the insecure voices in his head to a dull murmur. I liked that Martin wasn't put off by Billy's depression but took it in stride and accepted it as part of who Billy is, encouraging treatment but not requiring it in order for him to be Billy's partner. The sexual attraction between them was definitely present and leads to some sexy and tender love scenes. I felt that they really fit together well as a couple.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read for me with an interesting plot, engaging characters and bits of history to boot. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. 4 sweet stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
I really enjoyed this story. There is an incredible amount of research that has gone into this novel in describing the lives of both men and the periods of time and characters they inhabit as reanactors. Having seen Viking settlement camps myself at a local Icelandic festival where I live, I found this to be a really interesting part of the story (though some may find it a bit more information than they want to know), seeing things from the inside as opposed to just being a visitor. The Morris dancer history was equally fun to learn about. Both Martin and Billy strive for authenticity in the characters they play and appreciate that in each other. But though Martin wants to be an authentic Viking, he isn't so willing to be as open about his personal life and it's his struggle through the story to be able to be comfortable in the open with Billy as a gay man that makes his character empathetic and believable. Billy is very likeable as a young man struggling with his depression and his self confidence, used to being invisible except when in his actor's mask. That Martin sees the real him all the time is gratifying for Billy, helping to keep the insecure voices in his head to a dull murmur. I liked that Martin wasn't put off by Billy's depression but took it in stride and accepted it as part of who Billy is, encouraging treatment but not requiring it in order for him to be Billy's partner. The sexual attraction between them was definitely present and leads to some sexy and tender love scenes. I felt that they really fit together well as a couple.
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read for me with an interesting plot, engaging characters and bits of history to boot. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. 4 sweet stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
March 19, 2015
I've read a couple things by Alex Beecroft, enough to know she's a smart writer. The premise of this book was off-beat enough to be intriguing, and the execution lived up to that promise.
The story is set in the world of historical re-enactors. Billy's a morris dancer - a Renaissance artform - who suffers from severe depression and anxiety. The only time he can be himself is when he's in costume, including black face paint. Martin's a teacher who heads up a new group of living-history Vikings. When they meet, the two men feel an instantaneous attraction, but Billy doesn't do well when he's out of costume, and Martin's not out, period. He's black, and maintaining his Viking persona and getting his group established is hard enough without throwing in the gay card.
I really liked the way the author handled the challenges each man is facing. Billy's pretty much a mess, and she doesn't back away from some of the harsher aspects of mental illness. She doesn't cut Martin any slack, either. From the interaction with his boss, to the politics in his Viking world, to the conversation with his father, you see how much his choices cost him. The challenges the two men face and the things they have to work to to be together are real and substantial, and I think the way they overcome them is satisfying.
I also thought Ms. Beecroft did an amazing job with the historical re-enactment elements. She sold me on the world, and I was fascinated by the way the characters researched all aspects of their personas, and how they presented them to the public. I've read a couple of geek-culture stories lately where the characters have been cubical dwellers whose points of reference are video games. Billy, Martin and their friends however, are real geeks, willing to follow their passion for history down to the nitty gritty details.
If I have a quibble, it's that I thought the ending was a little too easy. "Blue Eyed Stranger" is a romance novel, so I had a pretty good idea going in of how things were going to end up, but the author did such a great job showing how messy the conflicts were that the clean-up came too quickly for me. That said, I can highly recommend this book to readers who want to experience a unique world, those who like their characters to face real-life challenge, or even those who wonder what it would be like to date a Viking. Good stuff, y'all!
The story is set in the world of historical re-enactors. Billy's a morris dancer - a Renaissance artform - who suffers from severe depression and anxiety. The only time he can be himself is when he's in costume, including black face paint. Martin's a teacher who heads up a new group of living-history Vikings. When they meet, the two men feel an instantaneous attraction, but Billy doesn't do well when he's out of costume, and Martin's not out, period. He's black, and maintaining his Viking persona and getting his group established is hard enough without throwing in the gay card.
I really liked the way the author handled the challenges each man is facing. Billy's pretty much a mess, and she doesn't back away from some of the harsher aspects of mental illness. She doesn't cut Martin any slack, either. From the interaction with his boss, to the politics in his Viking world, to the conversation with his father, you see how much his choices cost him. The challenges the two men face and the things they have to work to to be together are real and substantial, and I think the way they overcome them is satisfying.
I also thought Ms. Beecroft did an amazing job with the historical re-enactment elements. She sold me on the world, and I was fascinated by the way the characters researched all aspects of their personas, and how they presented them to the public. I've read a couple of geek-culture stories lately where the characters have been cubical dwellers whose points of reference are video games. Billy, Martin and their friends however, are real geeks, willing to follow their passion for history down to the nitty gritty details.
If I have a quibble, it's that I thought the ending was a little too easy. "Blue Eyed Stranger" is a romance novel, so I had a pretty good idea going in of how things were going to end up, but the author did such a great job showing how messy the conflicts were that the clean-up came too quickly for me. That said, I can highly recommend this book to readers who want to experience a unique world, those who like their characters to face real-life challenge, or even those who wonder what it would be like to date a Viking. Good stuff, y'all!
May 2, 2015
Blue Eyed Stranger is an emotional journey for Billy Wright and Martin Deng as they struggle through individual challenges and the hurdles of a new relationship. Billy’s depression and Martin’s closet anxiety are fully third and fourth main characters in the book. Beecroft does an exceptional job of sharing the depression and anxiety for each character; I felt stomach aching pain for them both, though I had a bit more empathy for Billy.
Billy’s hurdles were largely out of his control and he struggled to find he methods to cope with those hurdles. While it can be easy to tell someone with depression that they “need help”, and it can even be easy for someone with depression to know there are resources available, there is absolutely nothing easy about the crippling despair and self-doubts one must conquer in order to reach those resources.
Martin’s challenges, in his professional, personal, and hobby lives, are more of his own choosing. He creates some of his own worst situations, and his journey follows a path focused on conquering his external fears. He’s spent most of his life fighting his parents's expectation that a black man must be above reproach and at the top of his profession. The conversations with his family help to solidify his struggle there. It can be hard to sympathize with a character making these choices if you haven’t lived a life as a minority let alone two of them. I felt there was a good amount of “show” rather than “tell” for these issues, and it helped reinforce the sometimes extreme panic Martin often suffers from.
Full review can be found at All About Romance.
Billy’s hurdles were largely out of his control and he struggled to find he methods to cope with those hurdles. While it can be easy to tell someone with depression that they “need help”, and it can even be easy for someone with depression to know there are resources available, there is absolutely nothing easy about the crippling despair and self-doubts one must conquer in order to reach those resources.
Martin’s challenges, in his professional, personal, and hobby lives, are more of his own choosing. He creates some of his own worst situations, and his journey follows a path focused on conquering his external fears. He’s spent most of his life fighting his parents's expectation that a black man must be above reproach and at the top of his profession. The conversations with his family help to solidify his struggle there. It can be hard to sympathize with a character making these choices if you haven’t lived a life as a minority let alone two of them. I felt there was a good amount of “show” rather than “tell” for these issues, and it helped reinforce the sometimes extreme panic Martin often suffers from.
Full review can be found at All About Romance.
July 26, 2015
This is the second book by Alex Beecroft I’ve read and the second book in her Trowchester series. I really admire her writing. She is fluid, coherent, descriptive and not telling, creates amazingly detailed characters and a deeply emotional story.
This is a very DARK story. There is an almost instant connection between the two lovers but the physical aspect of their story is a slow burn.
Martin is in the closet and Billy has some serious psychological problems. When they find each other they find that other piece of their soul that completes them.
Martin teaches history at a high school (British equivalent) and is obsessed with historical re-enactments. As a result there is A LOT of history in this story.
Billy’s depression also plays a major role in the story line and though Martin helps he is not the “cure”, which is awesome.
So… I have a hard time reviewing this book. On the one hand it’s quite good, but… I can’t say I “enjoyed” it. It’s very hard to get through at times, the subject matter is heavy and the history will either be fascinating to you or boring…
In either case – if you are in the mood for a more “meaty” romance I’d recommend this – if you’re looking for light and fluffy – keep looking.
3.5 of 5 stars
This is a very DARK story. There is an almost instant connection between the two lovers but the physical aspect of their story is a slow burn.
Martin is in the closet and Billy has some serious psychological problems. When they find each other they find that other piece of their soul that completes them.
Martin teaches history at a high school (British equivalent) and is obsessed with historical re-enactments. As a result there is A LOT of history in this story.
Billy’s depression also plays a major role in the story line and though Martin helps he is not the “cure”, which is awesome.
So… I have a hard time reviewing this book. On the one hand it’s quite good, but… I can’t say I “enjoyed” it. It’s very hard to get through at times, the subject matter is heavy and the history will either be fascinating to you or boring…
In either case – if you are in the mood for a more “meaty” romance I’d recommend this – if you’re looking for light and fluffy – keep looking.
3.5 of 5 stars
October 7, 2017
Oh gosh, this was a weird experience for me. As a romance: it's VERY GOOD. A++ I approve wholeheartedly.
As a study of historical re-creationism, I'm not sure if it's IRRITATING or SPOT ON. This guy's Viking re-enactment group are called Bretwaelda. An Old English word for an *English* war-band. The characters throughout keep consistently mixing up Saxon and Norse culture *without ever referencing the Danelaw as a justification*.
The spiel on the Victorian origins of blacking up in Morris Dancing completely ignores the probable, much older (as in, pre-dating the blacking up) links between Morris dance itself and appropriation/bad imitation of Moorish culture, and the much firmer links between early 20th c Morris Dance and American minstrelsy.
And the thing about the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance completely ignores the fact that the reindeer horns in use, which have indeed been radiocarbon dated to the 11th century, nevertheless *postdate the extinction of reindeer in England*. They were BROUGHT to Abbotts Bromley at some point between falling off the reindeer and their first appearance in the written record in the 17th c.
This is all very infuriating, but also, exactly how historical re-enactors work.
As a study of historical re-creationism, I'm not sure if it's IRRITATING or SPOT ON. This guy's Viking re-enactment group are called Bretwaelda. An Old English word for an *English* war-band. The characters throughout keep consistently mixing up Saxon and Norse culture *without ever referencing the Danelaw as a justification*.
The spiel on the Victorian origins of blacking up in Morris Dancing completely ignores the probable, much older (as in, pre-dating the blacking up) links between Morris dance itself and appropriation/bad imitation of Moorish culture, and the much firmer links between early 20th c Morris Dance and American minstrelsy.
And the thing about the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance completely ignores the fact that the reindeer horns in use, which have indeed been radiocarbon dated to the 11th century, nevertheless *postdate the extinction of reindeer in England*. They were BROUGHT to Abbotts Bromley at some point between falling off the reindeer and their first appearance in the written record in the 17th c.
This is all very infuriating, but also, exactly how historical re-enactors work.
August 19, 2015
I just didn't feel alot for this book or characters. Billy's suppose the be depressed. Closet case Martin's love is suppose to help him. I just don't see it. Martin should have been helping Billy to see a doctor in the beginning especially since he knew the score on the disease having a sister that had it. On top of that I never really could tell his his father was a homophobe/asshole or if he was someone that Martin didn't want to disappoint. It felt like the man's character wavered alot throughout the book. Lots of Martin trying to get a job and a lot of blurring over the interesting aspects of their two historical groups.
October 2, 2016
A really well crafted series of three books, all had been a delight to read.
I would love to get to see more of the people in Trowchester.
Each book features another couple, different circumstances and each book is a little written gem itself.
They can all read as standalones but really, you wouldn't want to miss out on any of them.
I would love to get to see more of the people in Trowchester.
Each book features another couple, different circumstances and each book is a little written gem itself.
They can all read as standalones but really, you wouldn't want to miss out on any of them.
November 24, 2024
I rarely read contemporary romances, they just aren’t my thing. This author is totally new to me too. So I didn’t expect to like this one much. I only added it to my To Be Read pile because I found it on a list of books that feature morris dancing, and then I picked it up next because K J Charles’ review says they loved it. (Charles has never steered me wrong yet.)
I confess I am on a bit of a mission to read my way through as many literary depictions of the Morris as I can. For fun, intellectual curiosity and because sometimes it is just nice to add a theme or a rule when crafting the year’s reading list. Just to shake it up a bit.
I digress. But you already know that I did end up loving this book, right? Well. I came here pretty much just for the Morris content. But I stayed for the way Beecroft handled race, mental health, queer life and special interests. I also really enjoyed the content about teaching, reenactment, and folk music. Oh, and there was a brief mention of cloth in there that left this fibre artist weak at the knees!
There are so many little nods to Morris life in here. It made me so happy each time I spotted one. Mind you they are on every page, this is not a story that has had some ‘content’ sprinkled on for flavour. It is baked in alright. Even the passages that deal with reenactment are very relatable. Here is a list of some of what I was pleased to find in this story:
*Diversity in previously (cis-het white) men-only spaces.
*The struggle to keep musos dry.
*Lugging around the stick bag.
*Odd nicknames.
*’Historical accuracy’.
*Reality versus the common understanding of The Lore.
*Ritualistic drinking.
*The blackface debate.
*Carpooling.
*Contrast in public reactions to both Cotswolds and Border styles.
*Sessions.
*The power of costume.
*Stopping traffic (literally, though as a suburban dwelling colonial, I have not yet personally experienced this last).
I also really appreciate the care shown for a character who is largely non-verbal during times of overwhelm. As an autistic person, this meant a lot to me. I dare say it is a bit different with depression, but I am here for it. It reads as very sweet and certainly deepened the romance. This book also touches very lightly on the effects of masking, which again is a nice inclusion from a neurodivergent’s perspective. It is subtle, and all the more interesting because it is depicted alongside themes around the wearing of actual masks and costumes.
And now I (finally) get to what I came here to say. The Morris content in this story is top tier, I have not yet read better. Heck I began ranting to other dancers about the content in this book the first day I picked it up. I will be recommending this to my whole side, a few Vikings, some teachers, and maybe even a folkie or two (if I get a chance).
I should also mention, I do think this will read fine to those who are not Folkies or Living History geeks. There is no prerequisite understanding of lingo, culture or concepts here. All is presented naturally and there are no onerous lectures.
One last thing to sweeten the deal for my Morris folk. But I’m putting this last, because although by normal standards it definitely isn’t a spoiler (this is something that happens early on, shortly after a Meet Cute in which the side offers to throw down with the Vikings, swords be damned), it is perhaps a bit of an overshare. Ok. How about a spontaneous cheeky public jig, performed in a spirit of challenge and intimidation, but also as a means of flirting? Yup that happens. Hot! I reckon I’d have to doff my floral hat to fan myself if I witnessed something like that in real life.
I confess I am on a bit of a mission to read my way through as many literary depictions of the Morris as I can. For fun, intellectual curiosity and because sometimes it is just nice to add a theme or a rule when crafting the year’s reading list. Just to shake it up a bit.
I digress. But you already know that I did end up loving this book, right? Well. I came here pretty much just for the Morris content. But I stayed for the way Beecroft handled race, mental health, queer life and special interests. I also really enjoyed the content about teaching, reenactment, and folk music. Oh, and there was a brief mention of cloth in there that left this fibre artist weak at the knees!
There are so many little nods to Morris life in here. It made me so happy each time I spotted one. Mind you they are on every page, this is not a story that has had some ‘content’ sprinkled on for flavour. It is baked in alright. Even the passages that deal with reenactment are very relatable. Here is a list of some of what I was pleased to find in this story:
*Diversity in previously (cis-het white) men-only spaces.
*The struggle to keep musos dry.
*Lugging around the stick bag.
*Odd nicknames.
*’Historical accuracy’.
*Reality versus the common understanding of The Lore.
*Ritualistic drinking.
*The blackface debate.
*Carpooling.
*Contrast in public reactions to both Cotswolds and Border styles.
*Sessions.
*The power of costume.
*Stopping traffic (literally, though as a suburban dwelling colonial, I have not yet personally experienced this last).
I also really appreciate the care shown for a character who is largely non-verbal during times of overwhelm. As an autistic person, this meant a lot to me. I dare say it is a bit different with depression, but I am here for it. It reads as very sweet and certainly deepened the romance. This book also touches very lightly on the effects of masking, which again is a nice inclusion from a neurodivergent’s perspective. It is subtle, and all the more interesting because it is depicted alongside themes around the wearing of actual masks and costumes.
And now I (finally) get to what I came here to say. The Morris content in this story is top tier, I have not yet read better. Heck I began ranting to other dancers about the content in this book the first day I picked it up. I will be recommending this to my whole side, a few Vikings, some teachers, and maybe even a folkie or two (if I get a chance).
I should also mention, I do think this will read fine to those who are not Folkies or Living History geeks. There is no prerequisite understanding of lingo, culture or concepts here. All is presented naturally and there are no onerous lectures.
One last thing to sweeten the deal for my Morris folk. But I’m putting this last, because although by normal standards it definitely isn’t a spoiler (this is something that happens early on, shortly after a Meet Cute in which the side offers to throw down with the Vikings, swords be damned), it is perhaps a bit of an overshare. Ok. How about a spontaneous cheeky public jig, performed in a spirit of challenge and intimidation, but also as a means of flirting? Yup that happens. Hot! I reckon I’d have to doff my floral hat to fan myself if I witnessed something like that in real life.
August 8, 2019
3.5 rounded up
This book is very different from the first, and can absolutely be read as a stand-alone--the characters/events from the first book don't play any role at all, really. Part of me likes that, and part of me struggled a little mentally with the concept of these books being in the same series but really not having anything in common except a location, which actually didn't even *feel* like a unique enough location to really be enough of a link. Such a small thing, but it did mentally throw me to be reading the 2nd book in a series that was essentially not at all connected to the first.
All that being said, I really did enjoy this one! Much more relationship-focused than the first, with no real plot, and hardly any significant conflict either, but it still managed to be an enjoyable read. This author writes beautifully, and I thought the depiction of Billy's depression was really well done. I also super appreciated the representation here, and that the author actually talked about Martin's experiences as a black (and gay) man in the UK in a way that felt authentic and respectful. I liked the characters together, but felt this relationship (like the first book) moved way faster than believable, and it bothered me a bit more than in the first book. Not overly so because the author writes so well it didn't come off too much like instalove, but enough that it did detract a bit from what was otherwise a lovely story.
This book is very different from the first, and can absolutely be read as a stand-alone--the characters/events from the first book don't play any role at all, really. Part of me likes that, and part of me struggled a little mentally with the concept of these books being in the same series but really not having anything in common except a location, which actually didn't even *feel* like a unique enough location to really be enough of a link. Such a small thing, but it did mentally throw me to be reading the 2nd book in a series that was essentially not at all connected to the first.
All that being said, I really did enjoy this one! Much more relationship-focused than the first, with no real plot, and hardly any significant conflict either, but it still managed to be an enjoyable read. This author writes beautifully, and I thought the depiction of Billy's depression was really well done. I also super appreciated the representation here, and that the author actually talked about Martin's experiences as a black (and gay) man in the UK in a way that felt authentic and respectful. I liked the characters together, but felt this relationship (like the first book) moved way faster than believable, and it bothered me a bit more than in the first book. Not overly so because the author writes so well it didn't come off too much like instalove, but enough that it did detract a bit from what was otherwise a lovely story.
July 8, 2019
A thoroughly enjoyable m/m romance with writing that sparkles from an astonishingly knowledgeable author
Blue Eyed Stranger by Alex Beecroft is a thoroughly enjoyable contemporary m/m romance. The superb writing is evocative and visceral in turn, connecting with me emotionally such that I found myself caring about the main characters and their future - individually and as a couple. Each has a burden to bear. Billy's life is threatened with severe, untreated (and undiagnosed) clinical depression that is reinforced when others habitually take his shy demeanor to mean that his thoughts and opinions aren't worth considering - or, worse, simply don't acknowledge him at all. Yet his intelligence, talent and sly humor sparkle when dancing or playing an instrument. Martin is a teacher and the son of a (presumably homophobic) Sudanese father which, together, keep him tightly locked in the closet. As a result, he's a bit obsessive about historical reenactment, which he uses, in part, as a shield to hide from the world. The author displays an astonishing in-depth knowledge I a wide array of subjects, from ancient instruments, dancing and archeology to mental health. Her descriptions are vivid and her metaphors sparkle with insight. Reading Beecroft's words is a pleasure by itself. I'm getting the two other books in this series and reading them next.
Blue Eyed Stranger by Alex Beecroft is a thoroughly enjoyable contemporary m/m romance. The superb writing is evocative and visceral in turn, connecting with me emotionally such that I found myself caring about the main characters and their future - individually and as a couple. Each has a burden to bear. Billy's life is threatened with severe, untreated (and undiagnosed) clinical depression that is reinforced when others habitually take his shy demeanor to mean that his thoughts and opinions aren't worth considering - or, worse, simply don't acknowledge him at all. Yet his intelligence, talent and sly humor sparkle when dancing or playing an instrument. Martin is a teacher and the son of a (presumably homophobic) Sudanese father which, together, keep him tightly locked in the closet. As a result, he's a bit obsessive about historical reenactment, which he uses, in part, as a shield to hide from the world. The author displays an astonishing in-depth knowledge I a wide array of subjects, from ancient instruments, dancing and archeology to mental health. Her descriptions are vivid and her metaphors sparkle with insight. Reading Beecroft's words is a pleasure by itself. I'm getting the two other books in this series and reading them next.
September 19, 2020
Billy feels invisible in his life and struggles with a severe depression disorder that has its hooks in deep and a really mean voice. Every time Billy feels invisible or overwhelmed that voice pops up to tell him how useless he is. There is one small window of sunshine in Billy’s life and that is his Morris dancing. He puts on that face pain and wild costume and he can be braver and the world notices him.
When Martin and Billy first meet they are in their costumes and there is an instant attraction. With Martin deep in the closet and Billy struggling with his identity and depression, it takes a while for these two to get to a healthy place. It took them a while, but they did get to their HEA. There are a few appearances from other characters in the series, which is always fun. Billy’s neighbor was a hoot.
The discussion about the Morris dancers face paint was done well and the history behind the practice was interesting.
Part of me really wanted Martin to fight back or for the parents to cause problems on his behalf, but not everything can have a fairy tale ending. If this last few years has taught us anything is that it does not take much for people to let their prejudice flags fly high if they think it is acceptable and they will get support from the people in the spotlight.
When Martin and Billy first meet they are in their costumes and there is an instant attraction. With Martin deep in the closet and Billy struggling with his identity and depression, it takes a while for these two to get to a healthy place. It took them a while, but they did get to their HEA. There are a few appearances from other characters in the series, which is always fun. Billy’s neighbor was a hoot.
The discussion about the Morris dancers face paint was done well and the history behind the practice was interesting.
Part of me really wanted Martin to fight back or for the parents to cause problems on his behalf, but not everything can have a fairy tale ending. If this last few years has taught us anything is that it does not take much for people to let their prejudice flags fly high if they think it is acceptable and they will get support from the people in the spotlight.
April 13, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
4.5 stars
This is the second book in the author’s wonderful “Blues” series, however it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. A few characters from the excellent first book, ‘Trowchester Blues’, make cameo appearances only.
I am a huge fan of history, and of the distinctive and gorgeous writing consistently delivered by this author. Reading ‘Blue Eyed Stranger’ was a slice of heaven. I found myself transported smack into the scenes via Beecroft’s colorful, lively and oh so vivid portrayal of characters and settings.
This book hit me in the gut for other reasons too. Beecroft knows well of what she writes, as she has been personally involved in Morris dancing as a member of historical re-enactment societies. In the dedication of this book, she also speaks to personal experience as a depressive. Knowing that she herself has lived and breathed a huge slice of what Martin and Billy encounter on these pages made the reading experience particularly rich.
Martin is a teacher. He loves his job. He loves the kids he teaches. He prides himself on actually sparking an interest in history within the kids through creative teaching methods, and by being true to actual history rather than, shall we say, whitewashing it. His school head sees things differently, and has been pretty much looking for a viable reason to let Martin go. His involvement as well as demands on his time stemming from being the leader of a fledgling Viking historical re-enactment society end up giving her the final straw she has been looking for. Of course Martin, who is of Nubian descent and is gay too, can’t help but wonder if his firing wasn’t truly an act of bigotry. But, Martin was not out at work. He isn’t out to anyone in fact, including his family, other than his sister. He can’t imagine his hard line father accepting a gay son. Not seeking to prove prejudice with the firing, Martin finds himself looking for another job. He needs work, but he does not want to rock the boat in the teaching realm by disclosing his sexuality, nor does he want the fact he is gay known within the ranks of his historic society. Martin already feels he has to “overcome” being black as a teacher, and as a weekend Viking. No need to add gay to the mix. Needless to say, Martin finds himself stressed out and stretched thin.
Enter Billy. Billy is a lovely, lithe and talented young man. Billy is …invisible. Or at least living with depression has him believing so. He needn’t hold a job, as the family home has been divided into apartments, and he lives quite nicely on rent money. This is probably a good thing (well, of course not really), as he has many mornings where he simply can’t bring himself to get out of bed. However, there is one activity he never misses out on. Practicing and participating with a Morris dancing troupe at festivals around the country. He loves to dance, he loves becoming visible as someone else while wearing the costume and accompanying mask. Billy and Martin first meet at a festival when Billy is “on”. Brilliantly, radiantly on. Martin can’t take his eyes off of Billy, who is dancing with panache, abandon and attitude. Blue eyes shining like beacons through the mask. Martin is majorly and immediately attracted… and the feeling is mutual. Billy can’t believe he all but propositioned Martin by way of his dancing and is initially mortified. Martin doesn’t waste anytime pursuing Billy. Literally tracking him down to where he lives near the village of Trowchester.
The romance between the two men heats up quickly. They fit together marvelously well. Martin is completely nonplussed by Billy’s depression. He handles it with genuine patience, understanding and support. If only he had such a clear handle on dealing with his own issues. Billy wonders a bit at his good fortune, but he is happy and grateful. Well, for a while anyway. Until depressive issues involving self- doubt and low self- worth threaten to take over again. And he gets an infusion of “life according to Finn” while visiting a certain book store in Trowchester. The story never crosses into too dark a place regarding Billy’s depression. What it does do is paint a very clear, accurate – and yes painful at times – picture of someone traversing life with this disorder on a day to day basis.
If you fancy history you will love the richly detailed descriptions of Martin and Billy’s re-enactment group performances. The author gifts us with generous amounts of detail, as the men are teaching each other about their respective eras. I bet you will love these scenes even if you are not a history buff ;-) I felt as though I had a front row seat to every performance.
The real beauty of this story is how marvelously the author weaves societal themes and personal issues into a story about two men finding a life together. This type of storyline runs the risk of coming off as preachy, or cliché. Not so here, not by a longshot. Martin gets so absorbed in how he is perceived and perhaps prejudged by others, that he becomes blind to the fact that he is guilty of doing the very same. He lets these fears rule his life. It’s an interesting juxtaposition to Billy’s clinical depression. Martin’s avoidance of major aspects of his life, and his reticence to have faith in his friends and himself put his relationship with Billy at risk. They put Billy at risk. This point is brought home in several sub-plots that end up being integral to Martin’s personal growth and his ability to move forward with Billy.
It was brilliant seeing Martin first and foremost gather the courage to be true to himself – and to Billy – and then watching things falling into place for them because of the work they put into living authentically. I loved the scene near the end that takes place at the archeological dig. Oh my, very original and romantic ♥
I’m certainly looking forward to reading and experiencing the next in the series.
4.5 stars
This is the second book in the author’s wonderful “Blues” series, however it can definitely be enjoyed as a standalone. A few characters from the excellent first book, ‘Trowchester Blues’, make cameo appearances only.
I am a huge fan of history, and of the distinctive and gorgeous writing consistently delivered by this author. Reading ‘Blue Eyed Stranger’ was a slice of heaven. I found myself transported smack into the scenes via Beecroft’s colorful, lively and oh so vivid portrayal of characters and settings.
This book hit me in the gut for other reasons too. Beecroft knows well of what she writes, as she has been personally involved in Morris dancing as a member of historical re-enactment societies. In the dedication of this book, she also speaks to personal experience as a depressive. Knowing that she herself has lived and breathed a huge slice of what Martin and Billy encounter on these pages made the reading experience particularly rich.
Martin is a teacher. He loves his job. He loves the kids he teaches. He prides himself on actually sparking an interest in history within the kids through creative teaching methods, and by being true to actual history rather than, shall we say, whitewashing it. His school head sees things differently, and has been pretty much looking for a viable reason to let Martin go. His involvement as well as demands on his time stemming from being the leader of a fledgling Viking historical re-enactment society end up giving her the final straw she has been looking for. Of course Martin, who is of Nubian descent and is gay too, can’t help but wonder if his firing wasn’t truly an act of bigotry. But, Martin was not out at work. He isn’t out to anyone in fact, including his family, other than his sister. He can’t imagine his hard line father accepting a gay son. Not seeking to prove prejudice with the firing, Martin finds himself looking for another job. He needs work, but he does not want to rock the boat in the teaching realm by disclosing his sexuality, nor does he want the fact he is gay known within the ranks of his historic society. Martin already feels he has to “overcome” being black as a teacher, and as a weekend Viking. No need to add gay to the mix. Needless to say, Martin finds himself stressed out and stretched thin.
Enter Billy. Billy is a lovely, lithe and talented young man. Billy is …invisible. Or at least living with depression has him believing so. He needn’t hold a job, as the family home has been divided into apartments, and he lives quite nicely on rent money. This is probably a good thing (well, of course not really), as he has many mornings where he simply can’t bring himself to get out of bed. However, there is one activity he never misses out on. Practicing and participating with a Morris dancing troupe at festivals around the country. He loves to dance, he loves becoming visible as someone else while wearing the costume and accompanying mask. Billy and Martin first meet at a festival when Billy is “on”. Brilliantly, radiantly on. Martin can’t take his eyes off of Billy, who is dancing with panache, abandon and attitude. Blue eyes shining like beacons through the mask. Martin is majorly and immediately attracted… and the feeling is mutual. Billy can’t believe he all but propositioned Martin by way of his dancing and is initially mortified. Martin doesn’t waste anytime pursuing Billy. Literally tracking him down to where he lives near the village of Trowchester.
The romance between the two men heats up quickly. They fit together marvelously well. Martin is completely nonplussed by Billy’s depression. He handles it with genuine patience, understanding and support. If only he had such a clear handle on dealing with his own issues. Billy wonders a bit at his good fortune, but he is happy and grateful. Well, for a while anyway. Until depressive issues involving self- doubt and low self- worth threaten to take over again. And he gets an infusion of “life according to Finn” while visiting a certain book store in Trowchester. The story never crosses into too dark a place regarding Billy’s depression. What it does do is paint a very clear, accurate – and yes painful at times – picture of someone traversing life with this disorder on a day to day basis.
If you fancy history you will love the richly detailed descriptions of Martin and Billy’s re-enactment group performances. The author gifts us with generous amounts of detail, as the men are teaching each other about their respective eras. I bet you will love these scenes even if you are not a history buff ;-) I felt as though I had a front row seat to every performance.
The real beauty of this story is how marvelously the author weaves societal themes and personal issues into a story about two men finding a life together. This type of storyline runs the risk of coming off as preachy, or cliché. Not so here, not by a longshot. Martin gets so absorbed in how he is perceived and perhaps prejudged by others, that he becomes blind to the fact that he is guilty of doing the very same. He lets these fears rule his life. It’s an interesting juxtaposition to Billy’s clinical depression. Martin’s avoidance of major aspects of his life, and his reticence to have faith in his friends and himself put his relationship with Billy at risk. They put Billy at risk. This point is brought home in several sub-plots that end up being integral to Martin’s personal growth and his ability to move forward with Billy.
It was brilliant seeing Martin first and foremost gather the courage to be true to himself – and to Billy – and then watching things falling into place for them because of the work they put into living authentically. I loved the scene near the end that takes place at the archeological dig. Oh my, very original and romantic ♥
I’m certainly looking forward to reading and experiencing the next in the series.
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