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The Year Without Summer
Lieutenant Robert Pierce of the Royal Navy was raised in the shadow of his father, a great admiral, and has spent his life on the high seas fighting the ships of Napoelon Bonaparte. When he loses a leg in battle and is confined to land, Robert is devastated. Taken in by his sister Maria, Robert faces the infamously cold, wet summer of 1816 trying to adjust to his new life. It's made all the gloomier by his worry for his best friend and lover, Lieutenant John Burgess, who is still at sea... until a visitor brings a bright ray of sunshine into Robert's overcast life.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2010
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68 people want to read
About the author
G.S. Wiley
60 books15 followersG.S. Wiley is a writer, reader, sometime painter, and semi-avid scrapbooker who lives in Canada.
Visit G.S.'s web site at http://wileyromance.googlepages.com/.
Visit G.S.'s web site at http://wileyromance.googlepages.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 5, 2011
The blurb caught my imagination immediately. There's not enough stories about the wounded after the Napoleonic wars, and I'd been dying to read one that dealt with it, in a way that wasn't amputee kink (not that I think there are any that are, thank goodness!) I warmed very much to poor Robert, whose life has pretty much come to an end, as far as he's concerned, and that's exactly how he would have felt.
After the introduction to Robert and his sister we have a lengthy flashback regarding his affair with John Burgess, the Lt he fell in love with and I have to say I loved this section; although being entirely circumspect in the face of their shipmates, as they would need to be,
Burgess is shown to have an impish sense of humour and there's a couple of things he does to entirely discombobulate Robert that I laughed out loud.
It's one of those books that manages to evoke a period without immense lumps of info dumping, the author is clever enough to give period touches, sights and sounds and smells which place you clearly in Portsmouth or elsewhere without the need for reams of description.
“No.” Robert could scarcely believe John of all people would make such a suggestion. “It may be that this is for the best.” He walked over to the window. Below, the bustling life of Portsmouth went on. Two midshipmen from another ship, as young and fresh-faced as Robert himself had once been, emerged, blinking, from a nearby bookseller’s. A couple of the Rose’s men, with girls on each arm, passed into the tavern beneath the window. “How so?” John leaned back. The straw mattress crackled beneath his weight.
and
Robert was suddenly acutely aware of John’s body above him, of his heat and strength, of the roughness of his woolen jacket and the smell of salt and sweat emanating from his skin. The sounds of voices on the street, the cheerful laughter and angry shouts, and the creaking of the ships in the harbor seemed far away.
It's a light touch, and more than enough to pull you into another time and place, I think.
I also liked that although John was a natural leader and a natural sailor, willing for the fight and all that, Robert was decidedly not, and not even in the unwilling hero mould that Hornblower was. He was in the Navy because of his unpopular Admiral father and it had made Robert an unpopular officer until he garners the friendship of John, and I loved the way that John saw the good in Robert that he often hid behind the shadow of his father, and the bitterness of his life.
The ubiquitous "handy lube" made me raise my eyebrows a little, because it was the salve that the doctor had recommended for Robert's stump which "smelled vile" but God alone knows what it was made of, so it seemed most unwise to use that--but it made me smile. Spit works, you know...
When the naval action starts it's fast and furious (and again, like Comstock, this book manages to pack a hell of lot in in under 60 pages) - I've said many times that my naval knowledge is zilch, but if there were any errors I didn't spot them, even if a rabid Age of Sail fan may do. It feels right and reads right, and that's good enough for me.
The ending is bittersweet, but in the same way entirely hopeful and works perfectly with the title and the theme of the book--coming through bad times and either giving in to them or not, and I for one think I know what happened, and you'll have to make your own decisions. A delightful read, which I simply can't give less than five stars.
I was tempted to knock off half a point because it really should have been a full sized novel, but that's just selfish. That the author could cram all this into 60 pages is a real achievement and this will definitely be a re-read for me, which is rare for a book that small.
After the introduction to Robert and his sister we have a lengthy flashback regarding his affair with John Burgess, the Lt he fell in love with and I have to say I loved this section; although being entirely circumspect in the face of their shipmates, as they would need to be,
Burgess is shown to have an impish sense of humour and there's a couple of things he does to entirely discombobulate Robert that I laughed out loud.
It's one of those books that manages to evoke a period without immense lumps of info dumping, the author is clever enough to give period touches, sights and sounds and smells which place you clearly in Portsmouth or elsewhere without the need for reams of description.
“No.” Robert could scarcely believe John of all people would make such a suggestion. “It may be that this is for the best.” He walked over to the window. Below, the bustling life of Portsmouth went on. Two midshipmen from another ship, as young and fresh-faced as Robert himself had once been, emerged, blinking, from a nearby bookseller’s. A couple of the Rose’s men, with girls on each arm, passed into the tavern beneath the window. “How so?” John leaned back. The straw mattress crackled beneath his weight.
and
Robert was suddenly acutely aware of John’s body above him, of his heat and strength, of the roughness of his woolen jacket and the smell of salt and sweat emanating from his skin. The sounds of voices on the street, the cheerful laughter and angry shouts, and the creaking of the ships in the harbor seemed far away.
It's a light touch, and more than enough to pull you into another time and place, I think.
I also liked that although John was a natural leader and a natural sailor, willing for the fight and all that, Robert was decidedly not, and not even in the unwilling hero mould that Hornblower was. He was in the Navy because of his unpopular Admiral father and it had made Robert an unpopular officer until he garners the friendship of John, and I loved the way that John saw the good in Robert that he often hid behind the shadow of his father, and the bitterness of his life.
The ubiquitous "handy lube" made me raise my eyebrows a little, because it was the salve that the doctor had recommended for Robert's stump which "smelled vile" but God alone knows what it was made of, so it seemed most unwise to use that--but it made me smile. Spit works, you know...
When the naval action starts it's fast and furious (and again, like Comstock, this book manages to pack a hell of lot in in under 60 pages) - I've said many times that my naval knowledge is zilch, but if there were any errors I didn't spot them, even if a rabid Age of Sail fan may do. It feels right and reads right, and that's good enough for me.
The ending is bittersweet, but in the same way entirely hopeful and works perfectly with the title and the theme of the book--coming through bad times and either giving in to them or not, and I for one think I know what happened, and you'll have to make your own decisions. A delightful read, which I simply can't give less than five stars.
I was tempted to knock off half a point because it really should have been a full sized novel, but that's just selfish. That the author could cram all this into 60 pages is a real achievement and this will definitely be a re-read for me, which is rare for a book that small.
May 5, 2011
Perhaps I have been spoiled in relation to Navy books by reading authors such as Dudley Pope, but I found this book rather lacking. The romance lacked detail and there was no chance for the reader to understand or witness the growing intimacy between the two men. Instead of the details of shipboard life and a growing friendship giving way to lust/love we were merely shown a catalogue of sexual encounters in flashback. One can only assume the reader is supposed to infer intimacy, in much the same way as we are supposed to infer the detail of people, surroundings and situations which is also missing from the book.
There was also not the slightest hint the author understood life in the 19th century navy. There are many errors in the book, however the one that got my goat in particular was the idea of Midshipmen being sent ashore in Italy to purchase supplies. For one, unless every other officer and warrant officer on the ship were dead no captain is going to entrust the purchasing of supplies to a midshipman...not to mention that it's the purser's job. Plus unless a ship is skirting the most barren coast on the planet, captains were extremely unlikely to purchase fresh water. Common practice was to send boats ashore and provision from streams etc. And then there's the idea that a British ship just rocks up to Italy, docks and its men wander about freely. During the latter half of the 18th and the early 19th century Italy (such that it was) was a client state of the French Empire. Which England was at war with. Italy was not a friendly foreign power and British ships would have been rather unwelcome. Probably to the tune of a broadside or two and being shot as a spy if found on land. Not to mention that Italy as a nation state didn't actually exist until 1861, some 45 years after the book is set.
All in all I found the book's attention to detail sloppy and it was a disappointing read in both romantic and historical terms. A rather poor showing for an historical romance.
There was also not the slightest hint the author understood life in the 19th century navy. There are many errors in the book, however the one that got my goat in particular was the idea of Midshipmen being sent ashore in Italy to purchase supplies. For one, unless every other officer and warrant officer on the ship were dead no captain is going to entrust the purchasing of supplies to a midshipman...not to mention that it's the purser's job. Plus unless a ship is skirting the most barren coast on the planet, captains were extremely unlikely to purchase fresh water. Common practice was to send boats ashore and provision from streams etc. And then there's the idea that a British ship just rocks up to Italy, docks and its men wander about freely. During the latter half of the 18th and the early 19th century Italy (such that it was) was a client state of the French Empire. Which England was at war with. Italy was not a friendly foreign power and British ships would have been rather unwelcome. Probably to the tune of a broadside or two and being shot as a spy if found on land. Not to mention that Italy as a nation state didn't actually exist until 1861, some 45 years after the book is set.
All in all I found the book's attention to detail sloppy and it was a disappointing read in both romantic and historical terms. A rather poor showing for an historical romance.
April 25, 2019
I realized after finishing the last book that I'd read four queer historical fiction books this month! So I'm wondering how far I can push that number lols. This is my fifth now, and it's shorter than the others, a mere novella.
My feelings on it are somewhat lukewarm. There were parts of it that were quite sweet. I liked the fact that it had a disabled protagonist (though I'm not an expert enough to say if the rep was good, it seemed decent to me), and I enjoyed the bittersweet tone. I also liked how the story interwove the past and the present. However, the love interest didn't have much character, and by the ending, nothing significant seemed to have changed from how things were at the beginning. So. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. I don't know.
I'd probably try the author again sometime, but as I said, I have no strong feelings about this one.
My feelings on it are somewhat lukewarm. There were parts of it that were quite sweet. I liked the fact that it had a disabled protagonist (though I'm not an expert enough to say if the rep was good, it seemed decent to me), and I enjoyed the bittersweet tone. I also liked how the story interwove the past and the present. However, the love interest didn't have much character, and by the ending, nothing significant seemed to have changed from how things were at the beginning. So. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. I don't know.
I'd probably try the author again sometime, but as I said, I have no strong feelings about this one.
April 20, 2010
4.5 stars
GS Wiley continues her tradition of beautifully written, emotional stories filled with longing, romance, love, and separation with the fabulous offering The Year without a Summer. This bittersweet and touching tale relives the naval life of Robert Pierce and his long affair with fellow officer John Burgess. Separated now by injury and circumstance, Robert wonders what future his life brings and struggles with a depressing outlook in the face of constant, chilly rain.
The story is told mostly in flashbacks as Robert remembers his first encounter with John and how their affair came to be. This is set against current events of Robert in his sister’s house in England as she tries to draw Robert from his depression. The characters are all wonderfully drawn and come to life with a grace and elegance that is so unique to this author. Robert’s sister is a strong, intelligent, capable woman shown in the whirl of social life but not willfully ignorant. Her subtle comments and guidance offer a glimpse of hope in Robert’s despair.
The great writing gently sets up the tale of Robert as he fell in love with John and due to Robert’s injury resulting in amputation, their separation. The story kept me on edge wondering if John would turn out to be a callous lover, abandoning Robert once he’s out of sight or if Robert would meet someone new in his quiet, isolated life. I was curious to see if John would somehow be the love of Robert’s life. The question is handled deftly and beautifully with rich prose and gentle emotion that sneaks up on you with its intensity. I was almost in tears at the end and the swell of emotion is built from the beginning to the wonderful, if bittersweet ending.
Many of Wiley’s writings don’t fit the classic romance definition with big happy endings, yet the story and writing is filled with incredible romance. The small touches, subtle glances come through with more impact than an explicit sex scene. Here the romance of two hands nearly touching as the men stand side by side is simply beautiful. This understated sophistication lends itself to every aspect of the story from the characters and their relationship to the vivid setting and historical accuracy. The ending is the only one possible but there is always a thread of hope.
If you’re looking for a lyrical romance that is as affecting as it’s beautiful, check this out. It doesn’t have any explicit sex scenes yet the romance is certainly passionate and heart felt. This slides to the top of the author’s impressive backlist.
GS Wiley continues her tradition of beautifully written, emotional stories filled with longing, romance, love, and separation with the fabulous offering The Year without a Summer. This bittersweet and touching tale relives the naval life of Robert Pierce and his long affair with fellow officer John Burgess. Separated now by injury and circumstance, Robert wonders what future his life brings and struggles with a depressing outlook in the face of constant, chilly rain.
The story is told mostly in flashbacks as Robert remembers his first encounter with John and how their affair came to be. This is set against current events of Robert in his sister’s house in England as she tries to draw Robert from his depression. The characters are all wonderfully drawn and come to life with a grace and elegance that is so unique to this author. Robert’s sister is a strong, intelligent, capable woman shown in the whirl of social life but not willfully ignorant. Her subtle comments and guidance offer a glimpse of hope in Robert’s despair.
The great writing gently sets up the tale of Robert as he fell in love with John and due to Robert’s injury resulting in amputation, their separation. The story kept me on edge wondering if John would turn out to be a callous lover, abandoning Robert once he’s out of sight or if Robert would meet someone new in his quiet, isolated life. I was curious to see if John would somehow be the love of Robert’s life. The question is handled deftly and beautifully with rich prose and gentle emotion that sneaks up on you with its intensity. I was almost in tears at the end and the swell of emotion is built from the beginning to the wonderful, if bittersweet ending.
Many of Wiley’s writings don’t fit the classic romance definition with big happy endings, yet the story and writing is filled with incredible romance. The small touches, subtle glances come through with more impact than an explicit sex scene. Here the romance of two hands nearly touching as the men stand side by side is simply beautiful. This understated sophistication lends itself to every aspect of the story from the characters and their relationship to the vivid setting and historical accuracy. The ending is the only one possible but there is always a thread of hope.
If you’re looking for a lyrical romance that is as affecting as it’s beautiful, check this out. It doesn’t have any explicit sex scenes yet the romance is certainly passionate and heart felt. This slides to the top of the author’s impressive backlist.
April 5, 2010
4.5 stars
A short story with some lovely descriptions of Robert, his lover John, and reminiscences of their time together. A bit bittersweet at the end. Recommended.
You can read a longer review at Speak Its Name:
http://speakitsname.com/2010/04/05/th...
A short story with some lovely descriptions of Robert, his lover John, and reminiscences of their time together. A bit bittersweet at the end. Recommended.
You can read a longer review at Speak Its Name:
http://speakitsname.com/2010/04/05/th...
August 30, 2016
I really liked this novel.
Beautifully restrained, as the feelings of the two MCs, in a time in which love between two men was a capital sin.
I liked very much the melanchonic undertone, and the suppressed emotions (the final dialogue between Robert and his sister is wonderful).
I hate angst, but I love melancholy, because it's a poetical feeling.
Beautifully restrained, as the feelings of the two MCs, in a time in which love between two men was a capital sin.
I liked very much the melanchonic undertone, and the suppressed emotions (the final dialogue between Robert and his sister is wonderful).
I hate angst, but I love melancholy, because it's a poetical feeling.
July 19, 2012
A very moving and beautifully told story - so atmospheric - a gem
May 7, 2013
3.5 Stars
August 22, 2016
Beautiful gem of a story, short and sweet, yet still layered with character and setting.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews