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Summer Symphony
Martin Zoric had vivid dreams of fatherhood, of a small hand pressed to his, of pink dresses and girlish laughter. Then his wife had a stillbirth and his world fell apart.
He listened to the unwanted apologies, stood by his wife as was expected of him, and kept his façade strong and firm for the entire world to see.
But does he have the strength let go and really grieve?
When Ren Wakahisa landed in Croatia he was hoping to escape the cultural pressures put on him to conform. His family wanted him to forsake love for duty. They viewed his happiness as secondary to familial prosperity.
Does he have the courage to be who he wants to be? Or, will he yield to their wishes?
Summer Symphony is the story of how two men find their answers and what they learn about strength, and grace, and the endurance of love.
He listened to the unwanted apologies, stood by his wife as was expected of him, and kept his façade strong and firm for the entire world to see.
But does he have the strength let go and really grieve?
When Ren Wakahisa landed in Croatia he was hoping to escape the cultural pressures put on him to conform. His family wanted him to forsake love for duty. They viewed his happiness as secondary to familial prosperity.
Does he have the courage to be who he wants to be? Or, will he yield to their wishes?
Summer Symphony is the story of how two men find their answers and what they learn about strength, and grace, and the endurance of love.
202 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2014
4 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Shire
23 books404 followersGreat stories should not depend on gender or sexual preference of a character, but instead upon the strength of the characters and the honesty and urgency of the story.
Brandon Shire proves he understands the complexity of writing LGBT fiction from two very different viewpoints – serious and smexy. His serious fiction is written for those who enjoy a book which explores life’s darker elements in a more literary form, while the smexy fiction is for those who enjoy a graphically erotic romance.
Regardless of the differentiation above, Brandon writes for people who enjoy being challenged, and for those who strive to understand situations they don’t typically encounter. He pens raw, emotional stories about characters which readers will either love or love to hate.
Life and love are pretty damned special, but neither is always perfect. Life can be painful, and real love hard to find. Brandon’s fiction is an exploration of the (sometimes) arduous search for happiness we all desire.
10% of the proceeds from the sale of any of Brandon’s book are donated to LGBT Youth charities.
Learn more about Brandon Shire and the LGBT Youth charities he supports at BrandonShire.com
Brandon Shire proves he understands the complexity of writing LGBT fiction from two very different viewpoints – serious and smexy. His serious fiction is written for those who enjoy a book which explores life’s darker elements in a more literary form, while the smexy fiction is for those who enjoy a graphically erotic romance.
Regardless of the differentiation above, Brandon writes for people who enjoy being challenged, and for those who strive to understand situations they don’t typically encounter. He pens raw, emotional stories about characters which readers will either love or love to hate.
Life and love are pretty damned special, but neither is always perfect. Life can be painful, and real love hard to find. Brandon’s fiction is an exploration of the (sometimes) arduous search for happiness we all desire.
10% of the proceeds from the sale of any of Brandon’s book are donated to LGBT Youth charities.
Learn more about Brandon Shire and the LGBT Youth charities he supports at BrandonShire.com
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October 3, 2014October 3, 2014: I will refrain from rating Summer Symphony.
He was helpless against the bitterness he felt over his daughter's death. It produced an outrage he had never known. He found himself resenting happiness in the slightest of forms - a random smile, a singing bird, a father pushing his child in the park across the street from his flat. The patronizing condolences he received only made him want to vomit up the same intoxicating rage he felt when he was alone. But rage was just another emotion he wasn't allowed to show, another suppressed disturbance that had taken control of his life without his consent. What was he supposed to do with the dreams, with the stolen memories he and Mirnela had made? What?!
And, to be honest, I don't want to review it either. It was a gut reaction right after I was done with Summer Symphony.
I will, however, always remember this:
Focus on the story without trying to make it your own.
Does the story speak to you?
It is the author's tale and he has every right to guide the story in a direction that might not please every reader. I, for one, felt like somebody had whacked me over the head. As it was, I've had several issues and among other things I neither liked where the story was heading nor did I like the conclusion but, as previously mentioned, I can't make this story my own.
Sometimes grief is being angry over a book without uttering your feelings.
******************************************************
And this is how I experience(d) grief:
Grief is as deep and various as women and men are different
Grief is
A hug
A lonely tear rolling down your cheek
An urgent well of weeping
Grief is agony and rage
Grief is a stabbing pain
Grief is being mute
Grief is cathartic
Grief is falling apart, scrambling for the little pieces and putting yourself back together
Grief is the ashes that covers the ground and nurtures the soil
Grief is the little grain that pushes its way through the fertile soil
Grief means something new will grow again
Grief is the ending of an intimate and personal journey and at the same time a means to a new beginning
Grief is love
And sometimes you can't explain grief. It just is.
Grief is overwhelming in its intensity . It chokes you. Somehow, you don't always want to talk about it because, after all, the misery is visible and palpable enough. Grief means and needs time. Grief means you don't want to hear people's platitudes the likes of 'You will have another baby' or doctors telling you 'Nature took care of 'it' because 'it' wouldn't have survived anyway'. That's just not true. You wanted exactly that baby. You didn't want another one. You. Wanted. That. Baby. It's not really relevant if you have lost her/him at six weeks or at thirty-six weeks. It was a life that grew in your womb. You can't explain or talk it away. You imagined what she/he would have looked like. The eye and hair color. The smile. The little finger grabbing your ear or nose. It's also a grief that never really goes away. It fades over time but you will always ask yourself 'what if'.
He was helpless against the bitterness he felt over his daughter's death. It produced an outrage he had never known. He found himself resenting happiness in the slightest of forms - a random smile, a singing bird, a father pushing his child in the park across the street from his flat. The patronizing condolences he received only made him want to vomit up the same intoxicating rage he felt when he was alone. But rage was just another emotion he wasn't allowed to show, another suppressed disturbance that had taken control of his life without his consent. What was he supposed to do with the dreams, with the stolen memories he and Mirnela had made? What?!
And, to be honest, I don't want to review it either. It was a gut reaction right after I was done with Summer Symphony.
I will, however, always remember this:
Focus on the story without trying to make it your own.
Does the story speak to you?
It is the author's tale and he has every right to guide the story in a direction that might not please every reader. I, for one, felt like somebody had whacked me over the head. As it was, I've had several issues and among other things I neither liked where the story was heading nor did I like the conclusion but, as previously mentioned, I can't make this story my own.
Sometimes grief is being angry over a book without uttering your feelings.
******************************************************
And this is how I experience(d) grief:
Grief is as deep and various as women and men are different
Grief is
A hug
A lonely tear rolling down your cheek
An urgent well of weeping
Grief is agony and rage
Grief is a stabbing pain
Grief is being mute
Grief is cathartic
Grief is falling apart, scrambling for the little pieces and putting yourself back together
Grief is the ashes that covers the ground and nurtures the soil
Grief is the little grain that pushes its way through the fertile soil
Grief means something new will grow again
Grief is the ending of an intimate and personal journey and at the same time a means to a new beginning
Grief is love
And sometimes you can't explain grief. It just is.
Grief is overwhelming in its intensity . It chokes you. Somehow, you don't always want to talk about it because, after all, the misery is visible and palpable enough. Grief means and needs time. Grief means you don't want to hear people's platitudes the likes of 'You will have another baby' or doctors telling you 'Nature took care of 'it' because 'it' wouldn't have survived anyway'. That's just not true. You wanted exactly that baby. You didn't want another one. You. Wanted. That. Baby. It's not really relevant if you have lost her/him at six weeks or at thirty-six weeks. It was a life that grew in your womb. You can't explain or talk it away. You imagined what she/he would have looked like. The eye and hair color. The smile. The little finger grabbing your ear or nose. It's also a grief that never really goes away. It fades over time but you will always ask yourself 'what if'.
June 22, 2015
~ ~ ~
THE REVIEW
The way Brandon Shire lays words on the page just works for me. With Summer Symphony he has captured me once again. I am an unabashed Brandon Shire devotee and a fortunate beta reader of this book. You have no idea how hard it's been to not spill everything about this powerful read, but it's something you'll need to immerse yourself in to appreciate this literary gem.
THE CHARACTERS
Martin Zoric - What a beautiful soul. This man, the maestro, is talented, kind and so destroyed.
Ren Wakahisa - A modern young man trapped by tradition. He escapes his bonds momentarily, only to land in another's struggles.
Mirnela Zoric - Fascinating. Strong, smart and very perceptive. A very impressive character. This is not m/f/m by the way.
The Symphony - It's nearly a character in its own right, with its demands and rewards. Its politics and its emotion.
THE STORY
I never thought I'd read a book that dealt with the subject of stillbirth. I'm not that strong. If it wasn't for the pull that Mr. Shire's writing has for me, I wouldn't have attempted this. How wrong I would have been.
Yes, the basis for the story is a devastating stillbirth, but with its focus on Martin rather than Mirnela I felt that I wanted to see where Mr. Shire would take this story. Martin's grief has disabled him, and from the depth of his despair we learn that men can be ruined emotionally by this tragedy that is typically viewed as a woman's burden.
Again, while that is the basis, those details are in the past; it's the present and future that Martin and Ren must figure out how to navigate. These two men come together from opposite ends of the earth, but find they each have something to offer the other.
Ren is trying to escape his own burden. I had to wonder how "real" his conflict was in modern society, and I was surprised to find that it is not uncommon in Japanese culture. Even today. He is in a very difficult position, and I was quite apprehensive about his outcome.
I don't often find myself writing about the women in my MM reads, but Mirnela deserves a whole review all on her own. Brandon has created an amazing character here, and I can't wait to get to discuss her with others. I bet she'll be controversial.
I also want to discuss what the author was able to accomplish in the symphony scenes. Without being ostentatious, the musicality of his writing gave passion and power and drove these scenes to a degree that had me feeling and experiencing the music on the page. I was in the concert hall seeing the sweat on the brow of the conductor, surrounded by the intense love of music that permeated the entire read. Breathtaking.
THE WRITING
When Brandon told me what this book would be about, I don't think I reacted very well. It was something like, "you're going to write about what now?" I mean, come on, we'd come off two hunky, steamy novels, and it threw me for a moment. I shouldn't have had a doubt. I'm learning that when he tackles the tough stuff, he's at his best.
One of the most difficult books I've ever read, emotionally, was Brandon's Listening To Dust. This latest book doesn't have that soul-shattering effect, but the masterful writing style and fully absorbing content were impressive and memorable. That's not to say that this didn't leave me sobbing. It did, but it was quite a different sensory experience.
~ ~ ~
I would like to sincerely thank Brandon Shire for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.com
5 Masterful Stars
THE REVIEW
Emotional. Musical. Political. Traditional. Classic.
Contemporary. Modern. Romantic. Breathtaking.
The way Brandon Shire lays words on the page just works for me. With Summer Symphony he has captured me once again. I am an unabashed Brandon Shire devotee and a fortunate beta reader of this book. You have no idea how hard it's been to not spill everything about this powerful read, but it's something you'll need to immerse yourself in to appreciate this literary gem.
He was afraid of that place now, mostly because he didn't believe in it anymore. It was the musical fairytale his life had never become.
THE CHARACTERS
Martin Zoric - What a beautiful soul. This man, the maestro, is talented, kind and so destroyed.
Ren Wakahisa - A modern young man trapped by tradition. He escapes his bonds momentarily, only to land in another's struggles.
Mirnela Zoric - Fascinating. Strong, smart and very perceptive. A very impressive character. This is not m/f/m by the way.
The Symphony - It's nearly a character in its own right, with its demands and rewards. Its politics and its emotion.
THE STORY
I never thought I'd read a book that dealt with the subject of stillbirth. I'm not that strong. If it wasn't for the pull that Mr. Shire's writing has for me, I wouldn't have attempted this. How wrong I would have been.
Yes, the basis for the story is a devastating stillbirth, but with its focus on Martin rather than Mirnela I felt that I wanted to see where Mr. Shire would take this story. Martin's grief has disabled him, and from the depth of his despair we learn that men can be ruined emotionally by this tragedy that is typically viewed as a woman's burden.
Again, while that is the basis, those details are in the past; it's the present and future that Martin and Ren must figure out how to navigate. These two men come together from opposite ends of the earth, but find they each have something to offer the other.
Ren is trying to escape his own burden. I had to wonder how "real" his conflict was in modern society, and I was surprised to find that it is not uncommon in Japanese culture. Even today. He is in a very difficult position, and I was quite apprehensive about his outcome.
I don't often find myself writing about the women in my MM reads, but Mirnela deserves a whole review all on her own. Brandon has created an amazing character here, and I can't wait to get to discuss her with others. I bet she'll be controversial.
I also want to discuss what the author was able to accomplish in the symphony scenes. Without being ostentatious, the musicality of his writing gave passion and power and drove these scenes to a degree that had me feeling and experiencing the music on the page. I was in the concert hall seeing the sweat on the brow of the conductor, surrounded by the intense love of music that permeated the entire read. Breathtaking.
THE WRITING
When Brandon told me what this book would be about, I don't think I reacted very well. It was something like, "you're going to write about what now?" I mean, come on, we'd come off two hunky, steamy novels, and it threw me for a moment. I shouldn't have had a doubt. I'm learning that when he tackles the tough stuff, he's at his best.
One of the most difficult books I've ever read, emotionally, was Brandon's Listening To Dust. This latest book doesn't have that soul-shattering effect, but the masterful writing style and fully absorbing content were impressive and memorable. That's not to say that this didn't leave me sobbing. It did, but it was quite a different sensory experience.
~ ~ ~
I would like to sincerely thank Brandon Shire for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.com
October 8, 2014
4.5 Stars
I'm going to state right off that if you go into this book expecting a sweet love story, you'll be disappointed. This is a story about grief - grief so severe only those who have experienced it themselves could understand. I've been there. I've lived it. I felt exactly what Martin felt in this book.
With that being said -
Martin, a conductor in Croatia, is mourning the loss of his child, who was stillborn. His marriage fell apart, his career is almost in shambles, and he has lost all sense of normalcy in his life. With the help of a visiting renowned pianist from Tokyo, he is able to once again find his music and his will to live.
This book will not be for everybody. Again, it's not a sweet love story and I have to stress this. It is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking, work of fiction. It's been awhile since I've had a book get to me the way Summer Symphony did. Once again, Brandon Shire has written a book that you will feel long after finishing it.
Full review can be found at -
This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I'm going to state right off that if you go into this book expecting a sweet love story, you'll be disappointed. This is a story about grief - grief so severe only those who have experienced it themselves could understand. I've been there. I've lived it. I felt exactly what Martin felt in this book.
With that being said -
Martin, a conductor in Croatia, is mourning the loss of his child, who was stillborn. His marriage fell apart, his career is almost in shambles, and he has lost all sense of normalcy in his life. With the help of a visiting renowned pianist from Tokyo, he is able to once again find his music and his will to live.
This book will not be for everybody. Again, it's not a sweet love story and I have to stress this. It is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking, work of fiction. It's been awhile since I've had a book get to me the way Summer Symphony did. Once again, Brandon Shire has written a book that you will feel long after finishing it.
Full review can be found at -
This book was provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
December 17, 2014
“Two broken vessels cannot hold the same water, Maestro.”
This is our first time reading one of Brandon Shire’s stories but it definitely won’t be the last. In fact we’ve gone and stocked up on his previous work. We absolutely love when an Author’s words hit straight at our hearts and that’s what happened here. We fell in love.
“But love is a fluid thing. It’s not the same for every person. The concept is. The reality isn’t. When you hear people talking, they’re usually trying to validate their own perception of what love is, or what it means to be in love.”
The writing is sublime; emotionally laden with heartbreak, grief and personal struggles. Yet in amidst that there’s the beauty of hope, inspiration and surprise human consolation in a time of great sadness. Most importantly of all is the flawless and stunning way music is interwoven almost telling the story if you will. We found this most unique and almost poetically lyrical. We were swept away as the writing unfolded so vividly through imagery and we watched with tears rolling down our cheeks and our hearts hurting. Then came healing through music and sound; liberation from guilt and fear. We listened and we loved.
“You draw your passion from the people around you.”
Martin; our Maestro stole our hearts. His story moved us to tears; his journey heart-breaking yet inspirational. His inability to let go of the past, of the loss of his daughter, affects his present – consequentially his future. Grief is overwhelming and to let go seems an impossible feat. His relationship with his wife in trouble as each struggle with their emotions, heart ache and locked away feelings, the future is bleak and coping is an impossibility. Martin and his wife have an unbreakable connection and quite a unique relationship. We understood and felt it and at no time did we feel it had any negative connotations. They each needed to be in the other’s lives yet undealt with grief is a powerful barrier to overcome.
“Sometimes, the most beautiful things we find in this life are those we can’t hold on to.”
Ren the gifted pianist entered Martin’s life when he most needed him. With his own story to tell of struggle and family relations he too needed a helping hand. The relationship between him and Martin was incredibly beautiful, soulful even – healing for both. It was an incredible journey; one we became enthralled with.
“You keep going, Maestro. There are no other options.”
So; this is where we stumbled on our rating ending up on a 4 instead of a magnificent 5. We cannot express how much we loved this story. It’s a story of human struggle more so than a romance though reading between the lines and musical notes you feel it and you understand the uniqueness of it. This meant that we were hoping and wanting an ending that differed from what we got. Not romance wise because that would have done the originality a disservice. No; what we wanted was more of a resolute ending. The abruptness of it had us quite disappointed after investing every emotional thread in our soul into this story. It was quite an odd end and it still feels like something’s missing when we think about it. We wanted the final symphony; the memory of a perfect finale. We can’t go into detail as the beauty of what we wanted as it would spoil it for future readers. What we will say is that this story deserves to be read and we hope readers pick it up. Despite the ending what came before was truly stunning!
‘There was no answer because no answer existed, and that was the cruellest of all.’
**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author with thanks **
♥ ♥ ♥
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October 1, 2014
On a rainy Saturday morning Mr. Brandon Shire took me on a journey where my heart was broken, mended and lightened. With his trademark style of writing I found myself reliving the pain of miscarriage, re-enforcing my believe that music can touch someone's soul and healing old scars.
I was forewarned by the author himself when he told me "It's a tearjerker, not a romance, so take that into consideration." But I had followed the progress of this story since the very beginning and could not help myself--even knowing full well that it might affect me one way or the other.
Martin is a conductor in Croatia. He lost his daughter a few months back and has yet to give in to the pain. Music--the one thing that always brought him comfort and happiness--has lost its magic. His wife, who he has known since childhood, has had enough and leaves him.
Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, Martin can't escape. His pain in right there on the forefront of his mind. Thoughts of raising a little girl, teaching her his love of music and cherishing her every step in life haunt in day in and day out.
Then in comes Ren. A Japanese piano player, Ren has been hired to play a concert during the summer in Croatia. He struggles between duty and being true to himself and takes advantage of the delay this engagement will put between him deciding to do what is expected of him or what he truly wants.
Like Brandon Shire stated, this is not a romance although it has romance elements in it. It's a story of loss and the pain that loss brings about. It is a story about the healing power of music and of finding yourself and accepting what fate has brought to your doorstep.
These men loved deeply and it showed with every emotion they portrayed. From the frustration over having to choose your future or the loss of all things you have held dear, Brandon Shire didn't miss a beat in bringing a wide range of emotions to the page. I loved how he went into the nitty-gritty of losing someone. Martin had given up and his every action or thought showed that. Just as well shown, were Ren's conflicted emotions over the pressure his mother was putting on him.
Thankfully, there were other elements in the story that lightened the read a bit. There was the setting and the way the author went about bringing it to the page without being overburdened with details. There was also the music. I loved how the music came alive and jumped off the page. I found myself searching for the music referenced in the story and I am not a lover of classical music.
This was not an easy read for me since it brought about all those not-so-happy moments from my own experience. However, I don't regret reading it. It served to enlighten me in how men are prone to keep their grief hidden, even when it affects them so deeply. It also served to ignite a feeling of hope that we, as individuals, are stronger than we think and can find solace in the unlikeliest of places.
All in all, a poignant story of love, loss and the strength within us all.
*I received this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
I was forewarned by the author himself when he told me "It's a tearjerker, not a romance, so take that into consideration." But I had followed the progress of this story since the very beginning and could not help myself--even knowing full well that it might affect me one way or the other.
Martin is a conductor in Croatia. He lost his daughter a few months back and has yet to give in to the pain. Music--the one thing that always brought him comfort and happiness--has lost its magic. His wife, who he has known since childhood, has had enough and leaves him.
Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, Martin can't escape. His pain in right there on the forefront of his mind. Thoughts of raising a little girl, teaching her his love of music and cherishing her every step in life haunt in day in and day out.
Then in comes Ren. A Japanese piano player, Ren has been hired to play a concert during the summer in Croatia. He struggles between duty and being true to himself and takes advantage of the delay this engagement will put between him deciding to do what is expected of him or what he truly wants.
Like Brandon Shire stated, this is not a romance although it has romance elements in it. It's a story of loss and the pain that loss brings about. It is a story about the healing power of music and of finding yourself and accepting what fate has brought to your doorstep.
These men loved deeply and it showed with every emotion they portrayed. From the frustration over having to choose your future or the loss of all things you have held dear, Brandon Shire didn't miss a beat in bringing a wide range of emotions to the page. I loved how he went into the nitty-gritty of losing someone. Martin had given up and his every action or thought showed that. Just as well shown, were Ren's conflicted emotions over the pressure his mother was putting on him.
Thankfully, there were other elements in the story that lightened the read a bit. There was the setting and the way the author went about bringing it to the page without being overburdened with details. There was also the music. I loved how the music came alive and jumped off the page. I found myself searching for the music referenced in the story and I am not a lover of classical music.
This was not an easy read for me since it brought about all those not-so-happy moments from my own experience. However, I don't regret reading it. It served to enlighten me in how men are prone to keep their grief hidden, even when it affects them so deeply. It also served to ignite a feeling of hope that we, as individuals, are stronger than we think and can find solace in the unlikeliest of places.
All in all, a poignant story of love, loss and the strength within us all.
*I received this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
February 1, 2015
One of my friends rated this 2 stars and she's very lenient when it comes to her ratings so I was a bit concerned about reading this. I love Brandon Shire's novels and at the end of the book I realize that he writes gay fiction and gay romance. This is gay fiction and it makes a difference knowing that.
This was a different story and I liked that aspect. I liked that the MCs were internationally based in Japan and Croatia. I learned a little about the Croatian culture as well. I never thought much about it before but I guess men can be deeply affected by their need to have kids and the loss of a child.
What I enjoyed most about this story was that it didn't seem like a fairy tale. Some people are only meant to be in our lives for a short time. I liked the ending and how things turned out. It was realistic.
I felt like I was at that first concert where Ren performed. I could hear the music, feel it. I never understood why conductors were so necessary; I just thought they were waving around a baton. What do I know?
This was a different story and I liked that aspect. I liked that the MCs were internationally based in Japan and Croatia. I learned a little about the Croatian culture as well. I never thought much about it before but I guess men can be deeply affected by their need to have kids and the loss of a child.
What I enjoyed most about this story was that it didn't seem like a fairy tale. Some people are only meant to be in our lives for a short time. I liked the ending and how things turned out. It was realistic.
I felt like I was at that first concert where Ren performed. I could hear the music, feel it. I never understood why conductors were so necessary; I just thought they were waving around a baton. What do I know?
December 16, 2014
“Two broken vessels cannot hold the same water, Maestro.”
This is our first time reading one of Brandon Shire’s stories but it definitely won’t be the last. In fact we’ve gone and stocked up on his previous work. We absolutely love when an Author’s words hit straight at our hearts and that’s what happened here. We fell in love.
“But love is a fluid thing. It’s not the same for every person. The concept is. The reality isn’t. When you hear people talking, they’re usually trying to validate their own perception of what love is, or what it means to be in love.”
The writing is sublime; emotionally laden with heartbreak, grief and personal struggles. Yet in amidst that there’s the beauty of hope, inspiration and surprise human consolation in a time of great sadness. Most importantly of all is the flawless and stunning way music is interwoven almost telling the story if you will. We found this most unique and almost poetically lyrical. We were swept away as the writing unfolded so vividly through imagery and we watched with tears rolling down our cheeks and our hearts hurting. Then came healing through music and sound; liberation from guilt and fear. We listened and we loved.
“You draw your passion from the people around you.”
Martin; our Maestro stole our hearts. His story moved us to tears; his journey heart-breaking yet inspirational. His inability to let go of the past, of the loss of his daughter, affects his present – consequentially his future. Grief is overwhelming and to let go seems an impossible feat. His relationship with his wife in trouble as each struggle with their emotions, heart ache and locked away feelings, the future is bleak and coping is an impossibility. Martin and his wife have an unbreakable connection and quite a unique relationship. We understood and felt it and at no time did we feel it had any negative connotations. They each needed to be in the other’s lives yet undealt with grief is a powerful barrier to overcome.
“Sometimes, the most beautiful things we find in this life are those we can’t hold on to.”
Ren the gifted pianist entered Martin’s life when he most needed him. With his own story to tell of struggle and family relations he too needed a helping hand. The relationship between him and Martin was incredibly beautiful, soulful even – healing for both. It was an incredible journey; one we became enthralled with.
“You keep going, Maestro. There are no other options.”
So; this is where we stumbled on our rating ending up on a 4 instead of a magnificent 5. We cannot express how much we loved this story. It’s a story of human struggle more so than a romance though reading between the lines and musical notes you feel it and you understand the uniqueness of it. This meant that we were hoping and wanting an ending that differed from what we got. Not romance wise because that would have done the originality a disservice. No; what we wanted was more of a resolute ending. The abruptness of it had us quite disappointed after investing every emotional thread in our soul into this story. It was quite an odd end and it still feels like something’s missing when we think about it. We wanted the final symphony; the memory of a perfect finale. We can’t go into detail as the beauty of what we wanted as it would spoil it for future readers. What we will say is that this story deserves to be read and we hope readers pick it up. Despite the ending what came before was truly stunning!
‘There was no answer because no answer existed, and that was the cruellest of all.’
**Reviewed from an ARC copy provided by the author with thanks **
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October 8, 2014
Lyrical. That is the word I would use to best describe Summer Symphony by Brandon Shire. When you look for the definition of the word as it applies to a writer, it describes how the writer expresses his emotions in an “imaginative and beautiful way.” I am not sure I could find a better way to express how this story is written.
Martin Zoric is a broken man. His heart has ceased to feel any emotion other than raw and debilitating pain, even as he seeks to somehow find a way to grieve for his lost child. He and his wife live as shadows, barely able to connect, definitely unable to comfort the other. When she leaves him, Martin sees it as his final loss, his final failure, and systematically begins to dismantle any life he has left. But his career as conductor and composer must wait to completely dissolve until after the concert series with renowned pianist Ren Wakahisa ends. Then, and only then, will Martin be able to fully let go and somehow see if he can manage to survive the life-shattering despair that has gripped him ever since his wife miscarried the daughter he already loved.
Ren is gay. Raised in an oppressive society where the son must carry on the traditions and honor of the family, he is expected to marry and produce an heir. To fail to do so would bring unutterable grief and shame to his mother and his sister. But Ren cannot bend his life to conform to a half existence that is ultimately a lie. In Croatia, he will meet a man who holds the key to easing his doubts and healing his soul. Together Martin and Ren will create such music that will bring an audience to their feet, and whose melody will sweep away the chains that hold both these men in half lives that threaten to destroy their very souls.
Lyrical. Profoundly moving. Redemptive and glorious. All of these adjectives barely do justice to the incredibly beautiful prose that Brandon Shire creates to tell his story. This is a tale that goes beyond simple definition. Rather, it is a study in grief and longing and how raw emotion affects how we live and how we manage to move through each day. There is both passion and pain in Summer Symphony. We can feel the burden that Martin carries like a shroud draped over his shoulders. We come to understand that the very music, which once set his spirit free, now threatens to drown him in a well of sadness and despair.
When Ren arrives, he reaches into that well and shines just enough light to help Martin find his way back. As they fall under the spell of the incredible music they create together, their hearts seek each other out and they begin to heal the dark places inside both of them. This is a bittersweet love story with an ending that will leave you with both tears of sadness and great hope for the future. But the journey my friends, oh, the journey is sublime.
Summer Symphony is not your typical M/M romance; but it is an incredible story of love and healing that will leave you completely shredded by novel’s end. There is such strength in this author’s writing, and there is also such hope. I highly recommend this novel to you. Lyrical…beautiful. A must read!
Martin Zoric is a broken man. His heart has ceased to feel any emotion other than raw and debilitating pain, even as he seeks to somehow find a way to grieve for his lost child. He and his wife live as shadows, barely able to connect, definitely unable to comfort the other. When she leaves him, Martin sees it as his final loss, his final failure, and systematically begins to dismantle any life he has left. But his career as conductor and composer must wait to completely dissolve until after the concert series with renowned pianist Ren Wakahisa ends. Then, and only then, will Martin be able to fully let go and somehow see if he can manage to survive the life-shattering despair that has gripped him ever since his wife miscarried the daughter he already loved.
Ren is gay. Raised in an oppressive society where the son must carry on the traditions and honor of the family, he is expected to marry and produce an heir. To fail to do so would bring unutterable grief and shame to his mother and his sister. But Ren cannot bend his life to conform to a half existence that is ultimately a lie. In Croatia, he will meet a man who holds the key to easing his doubts and healing his soul. Together Martin and Ren will create such music that will bring an audience to their feet, and whose melody will sweep away the chains that hold both these men in half lives that threaten to destroy their very souls.
Lyrical. Profoundly moving. Redemptive and glorious. All of these adjectives barely do justice to the incredibly beautiful prose that Brandon Shire creates to tell his story. This is a tale that goes beyond simple definition. Rather, it is a study in grief and longing and how raw emotion affects how we live and how we manage to move through each day. There is both passion and pain in Summer Symphony. We can feel the burden that Martin carries like a shroud draped over his shoulders. We come to understand that the very music, which once set his spirit free, now threatens to drown him in a well of sadness and despair.
When Ren arrives, he reaches into that well and shines just enough light to help Martin find his way back. As they fall under the spell of the incredible music they create together, their hearts seek each other out and they begin to heal the dark places inside both of them. This is a bittersweet love story with an ending that will leave you with both tears of sadness and great hope for the future. But the journey my friends, oh, the journey is sublime.
Summer Symphony is not your typical M/M romance; but it is an incredible story of love and healing that will leave you completely shredded by novel’s end. There is such strength in this author’s writing, and there is also such hope. I highly recommend this novel to you. Lyrical…beautiful. A must read!
October 18, 2014
I really wanted to like this book (I normally love Brandon Shire's books!!) but I just couldn't get into this one. I thought the story was really boring and skimmed through a lot of it. I almost DNF but, because of all the high GR ratings, I made myself finish and kept thinking something interesting was going to happen soon. Unfortunately that never really happened for me.
December 21, 2014
Damn this book. I'm just being stubborn with not giving this book five star.
October 1, 2014
3 star review by Lily
Beautiful writing style with complex characters interwoven with layers and layers of interesting dynamics between people. There are parts that left me sad and tearful, especially about Martin’s grief. The writer described and explained Martin’s grief exceptionally well. I could almost see myself grabbing the baby-cot in despair. Until Ren Wakahisa turned up, Martin’s response to his grief and his reaction to his colleagues were almost repetitive to the point that I found myself getting somewhat bored. There was almost nothing happening as Martin was not allowing himself to grieve as he needed to which in a way was reflecting Martin’s internal world but from my perspective as a reader, I wanted a little more here like perhaps more emotions.
After Ren came this stunted dialogue and emotion continued a little more but the story picked up a little with Ren getting harassed by his mother to marry along with him also getting ill.
I was feeling rather impatient that the romance was not happening in the story until well past the midway but by then I was so happy that something else was happening other than despair from their perspective and some boredom from my side.
I find the story stunted a little and it was lacking in emotions other than unhappiness and grief.
I feel that Ren and Martin needed a little more love and bonding scenes between them because they got together so sudden. There was hardly any build up and then they were making really hard and tough decisions.
The complex relationship between Martin and his wife was just that…very complex with many layers. Whenever I thought I was understanding the dynamics of their relationship, the writer introduced something else. As you can imagine the complexity became even more complex when Ren and Martin’s wife met. But after reading the the very end of the story convinced me that this story reminded me of an art nouveau or Indie movie.
I am not sure whether I liked Martin and his wife’s personality traits because both of them seemed to struggle with adjusting to what life throws at them and then move on. The very, very end, certainly convinced me of this. Nevertheless, these characters felt real too after all how many of us struggle with adjusting to changes when the universe challenges us? The melodramatic toned end complemented the whole story, its characters and their dialogue. This is a different kind of story. It really is like watching an Indie movie where the characters spoke a lot, think and talk a lot which I found it refreshing.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Beautiful writing style with complex characters interwoven with layers and layers of interesting dynamics between people. There are parts that left me sad and tearful, especially about Martin’s grief. The writer described and explained Martin’s grief exceptionally well. I could almost see myself grabbing the baby-cot in despair. Until Ren Wakahisa turned up, Martin’s response to his grief and his reaction to his colleagues were almost repetitive to the point that I found myself getting somewhat bored. There was almost nothing happening as Martin was not allowing himself to grieve as he needed to which in a way was reflecting Martin’s internal world but from my perspective as a reader, I wanted a little more here like perhaps more emotions.
After Ren came this stunted dialogue and emotion continued a little more but the story picked up a little with Ren getting harassed by his mother to marry along with him also getting ill.
I was feeling rather impatient that the romance was not happening in the story until well past the midway but by then I was so happy that something else was happening other than despair from their perspective and some boredom from my side.
I find the story stunted a little and it was lacking in emotions other than unhappiness and grief.
I feel that Ren and Martin needed a little more love and bonding scenes between them because they got together so sudden. There was hardly any build up and then they were making really hard and tough decisions.
The complex relationship between Martin and his wife was just that…very complex with many layers. Whenever I thought I was understanding the dynamics of their relationship, the writer introduced something else. As you can imagine the complexity became even more complex when Ren and Martin’s wife met. But after reading the the very end of the story convinced me that this story reminded me of an art nouveau or Indie movie.
I am not sure whether I liked Martin and his wife’s personality traits because both of them seemed to struggle with adjusting to what life throws at them and then move on. The very, very end, certainly convinced me of this. Nevertheless, these characters felt real too after all how many of us struggle with adjusting to changes when the universe challenges us? The melodramatic toned end complemented the whole story, its characters and their dialogue. This is a different kind of story. It really is like watching an Indie movie where the characters spoke a lot, think and talk a lot which I found it refreshing.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
October 6, 2014
I had the privilege of betaing this book, so my review may be considered not completely objective. Still, it's how I feel about it.
The characters are unforgettable, so very real and distinct, I know I'll miss them for a long while. And the settings are characters, too, very much influencing the plot and the characters' actions.
The music was transcendental. No other word for it.
This story tore my heart out, shredded it, and then showered me with the bloody confetti. It is the master mold in which all worthwhile romance should be shaped. Not for the faint of heart, that's for sure.
The true meaning of impotence is the inability to reverse death. The rest is pneumatics. If you've loved and lost, be it a great love or even the idea of one, this story is for you.
Highly recommended.
The characters are unforgettable, so very real and distinct, I know I'll miss them for a long while. And the settings are characters, too, very much influencing the plot and the characters' actions.
The music was transcendental. No other word for it.
This story tore my heart out, shredded it, and then showered me with the bloody confetti. It is the master mold in which all worthwhile romance should be shaped. Not for the faint of heart, that's for sure.
The true meaning of impotence is the inability to reverse death. The rest is pneumatics. If you've loved and lost, be it a great love or even the idea of one, this story is for you.
Highly recommended.
March 11, 2015
If you're looking for a HEA and a romance, this is not the book for you. It's more of a life story than anything else. And a sad one at that.
October 8, 2014
Title: Summer Symphony
Author: Brandon Shire
Cover Artist: Aeterum Designs
Publisher: TPG Books
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay & Bisexual
Length: Novel
Heat Rating: ♨♨♨
Book Rating: ★★★★★
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
This is truly an amazing story that I cannot recommend enough. This is more than romance between Martin and Mirnela and between Ren and Martin. This is more about the soul deep connections made at the right time and helping each other. The emotional struggles faced by Martin, Ren, and Mirnela tear at your heart, but the connections made are truly amazing. While the ending is sad it is perfectly constructed leaving you at peace with the events that have unfolded throughout.
Complete Review at WoDF - Summer Symphony
Author: Brandon Shire
Cover Artist: Aeterum Designs
Publisher: TPG Books
Reviewer: Jay
Genre: Contemporary
Type: Romance
Pairing: Gay & Bisexual
Length: Novel
Heat Rating: ♨♨♨
Book Rating: ★★★★★
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
This is truly an amazing story that I cannot recommend enough. This is more than romance between Martin and Mirnela and between Ren and Martin. This is more about the soul deep connections made at the right time and helping each other. The emotional struggles faced by Martin, Ren, and Mirnela tear at your heart, but the connections made are truly amazing. While the ending is sad it is perfectly constructed leaving you at peace with the events that have unfolded throughout.
Complete Review at WoDF - Summer Symphony
November 8, 2014
Brandon Shire is one of the most talented writers I have read in a long, long time. I love his way with words, how he can draw me into a story and made me feel I'm intimately involved. It was nice to see him writing another book that was deeper and darker. I waited impatiently for this story, and I wasn't disappointed.
I did like Listening to Dust and The Value of Rain more than this one. Those I will read again and again, and that is why they got 5 stars. His writing certainly deserves 5 stars. Because I probably won't read this one again I gave it 4. It's hard when rating books...if you give every single book you read and love 5 stars they lose their impact, so I save those for books I would read more than once.
Would I recommend this to friends and relatives? Oh, hell, yes! I already have.
I did like Listening to Dust and The Value of Rain more than this one. Those I will read again and again, and that is why they got 5 stars. His writing certainly deserves 5 stars. Because I probably won't read this one again I gave it 4. It's hard when rating books...if you give every single book you read and love 5 stars they lose their impact, so I save those for books I would read more than once.
Would I recommend this to friends and relatives? Oh, hell, yes! I already have.
April 22, 2015
I'm going to give this book a four stars review. It's so well written, so powerful, so full of emotions, I can't do otherwise. Of course it's not what I am used to read, it's not what I like to read. I'm still thinking about the story, I think it will be in my mind for a bit.
Read
September 28, 2014Review to come at Boys in our Books blog. :)
February 25, 2015
Summer Symphony is a story of love and loss, a man's perspective of what it is to lose a child, a sorrowful but endearing story. Very often and I know more so in the past a father's emotions regarding a stillbirth were not taken into consideration as much as a mother's. Brandon Shire has given us here the impact of what does indeed befall on men. Beautifully written as I always find with Brandon's stories, compelling, compassionate, filled with individualism and sentiment.
Martin Zoric is a Maestro and composer living in Croatia, he is left grieving for the loss of his stillborn daughter and the breakdown of his marriage with the beautiful Mirnela. Martin is dragged along by his emotions; to be the strong husband, the Maestro in control, while inside falling apart to within an inch of his life. Despite close friendships and his passion for music it all becomes too much and his world crumbles around him. Can he come back from it all? Can he rebuild his life? Does Martin even want too?
Ren Wakahisa, a talented musician from Tokyo, Japan, arrives in Croatia to join the orchestra to which Martin is Maestro to. Ren is the last thing Martin needs right now and he is more than happy to let his friend and member of the orchestra, Filipa, take care of Ren's time with them.
Filipa is a close friend of Martin and does much to kick Martin into touch, keeping him grounded and giving support where possible. But it's not enough to help Martin back on his feet.
Ren has concerns of his own with a mass of complications to solve back home. Ren has an overbearing, and oppressive mother, whose intention is to force Ren into an unwanted marriage. All the while throwing the loyalty and family honour card at him. All Ren wants is live his life in peace, finding a love of his own desires and not that of his mother.
Ren soon becomes entangled with Martin's life after falling ill on their opening night. They engage in a complex, empathetic and moving relationship. With their passion for music and their exceptional talent they share their pains and sorrows, whilst building a life-long admiration for each other.
Warning: Summer Symphony touches on the delicate subject of stillbirth that some readers may find distressing.
Reviewed by Teddy
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
Martin Zoric is a Maestro and composer living in Croatia, he is left grieving for the loss of his stillborn daughter and the breakdown of his marriage with the beautiful Mirnela. Martin is dragged along by his emotions; to be the strong husband, the Maestro in control, while inside falling apart to within an inch of his life. Despite close friendships and his passion for music it all becomes too much and his world crumbles around him. Can he come back from it all? Can he rebuild his life? Does Martin even want too?
Ren Wakahisa, a talented musician from Tokyo, Japan, arrives in Croatia to join the orchestra to which Martin is Maestro to. Ren is the last thing Martin needs right now and he is more than happy to let his friend and member of the orchestra, Filipa, take care of Ren's time with them.
Filipa is a close friend of Martin and does much to kick Martin into touch, keeping him grounded and giving support where possible. But it's not enough to help Martin back on his feet.
Ren has concerns of his own with a mass of complications to solve back home. Ren has an overbearing, and oppressive mother, whose intention is to force Ren into an unwanted marriage. All the while throwing the loyalty and family honour card at him. All Ren wants is live his life in peace, finding a love of his own desires and not that of his mother.
Ren soon becomes entangled with Martin's life after falling ill on their opening night. They engage in a complex, empathetic and moving relationship. With their passion for music and their exceptional talent they share their pains and sorrows, whilst building a life-long admiration for each other.
Warning: Summer Symphony touches on the delicate subject of stillbirth that some readers may find distressing.
Reviewed by Teddy
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
December 15, 2014
The Blogger Girls
This was beautiful, sad, and confusing as all get out. I made the rookie mistake of not reading any reviews, nor the blurb, and expected this to be a typical romance with a happy ending.
Not. Even. Close.
Martin just broke my heart. He was devastated over the loss of his baby and then the wife taking off. Life kicked Martin hard and he took it. What he needed was to find himself and his real purpose in life…and it wasn’t where he thought it would be. Putting on a strong and unemotional face didn’t take away the grief he was living inside, and that just makes his problems bigger. He just broke my heart.
Then he meets Ren, and he is just as lost as Martin. Being Japanese, Ren isn’t allowed to have a say in his life. His mother is a wacko, but she was raised to care more for what society deems appropriate than what her son could possibly want for his own life. She was in complete denial, and her constant nagging drove me bonkers. I would have said sayonara long before Ren did. Ren’s sister was a gem though.
Don’t make the same mistake I did and go into this book with a set of expectations. Read it and enjoy it for what it is, a story of struggles, love, and life. And like all of us, life has a way of putting people in your path that you didn’t even know you needed…and at the same time, taking them away.
This was beautiful, sad, and confusing as all get out. I made the rookie mistake of not reading any reviews, nor the blurb, and expected this to be a typical romance with a happy ending.
Not. Even. Close.
Martin just broke my heart. He was devastated over the loss of his baby and then the wife taking off. Life kicked Martin hard and he took it. What he needed was to find himself and his real purpose in life…and it wasn’t where he thought it would be. Putting on a strong and unemotional face didn’t take away the grief he was living inside, and that just makes his problems bigger. He just broke my heart.
Then he meets Ren, and he is just as lost as Martin. Being Japanese, Ren isn’t allowed to have a say in his life. His mother is a wacko, but she was raised to care more for what society deems appropriate than what her son could possibly want for his own life. She was in complete denial, and her constant nagging drove me bonkers. I would have said sayonara long before Ren did. Ren’s sister was a gem though.
Don’t make the same mistake I did and go into this book with a set of expectations. Read it and enjoy it for what it is, a story of struggles, love, and life. And like all of us, life has a way of putting people in your path that you didn’t even know you needed…and at the same time, taking them away.
January 12, 2015
I am a mother of 3 amazing and wonderful children. I was told while my son grew in my womb that I will never know love until I've had that of a child. That is true. To even think that any one of them were to be stillborn... well let's just say I can't. The loss of a child has to be the most painful loss there is. I wept for Martin in this story WEPT!
This is exactly how the title say: A Symphony. Brandon Shire set grief and love into a symphony. Emotionally suffocating at times to see Martin fracture KNOWING any minute, any minute now he's going to burst.
It takes great powerful all consuming love to help you heal and see hope. This story really does that. It leaves your heart sore in the best possible way.
This is exactly how the title say: A Symphony. Brandon Shire set grief and love into a symphony. Emotionally suffocating at times to see Martin fracture KNOWING any minute, any minute now he's going to burst.
It takes great powerful all consuming love to help you heal and see hope. This story really does that. It leaves your heart sore in the best possible way.
January 13, 2016
Beautiful and sad! The story is great, the characters are great, and its content and tone are akin to the film Once, though sadder. This deserves five stars, but I am uncomfortable with emotion and can't see myself reading this again. After finishing this book, I immediately wanted to push it away and hide until I feel better. It's excellent and deserves a read though!
January 1, 2016
I am such a fan of Brandon Shire. I love his story telling. Martin ~ sigh.. how my heart broke for him and Ren.. exactly who he needed at the time. I'm going to think about this story and Martin for a long time. Its sad and depressing but thoughtful and beautiful at the same time.
Want to Read
October 10, 2015Mm Romance Group week 4 Team BIng catagory: Over 40
December 16, 2015
Summer Symphony by Brandon Shire: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
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