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Captured Shadows
Jim Sinnett spends his days on respectable portrait photography and his nights creating scandalous erotic pictures for men who hide their desires in locked cabinets and between the pages of books. When a new friendship leads to a secret opportunity, one more dangerous than ever before, Jim agrees to step in front of the camera but finds himself baring much more than his skin.
A twisting historical romance set in the fog of Victorian London, Captured Shadows follows the path of love, blackmail and obsession to a devastating climax.
A twisting historical romance set in the fog of Victorian London, Captured Shadows follows the path of love, blackmail and obsession to a devastating climax.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 19, 2014
9 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Richard Rider
12 books376 followersRichard Rider's name once autocorrected to Richard Ridiculous, which kind of says it all.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 29, 2014
2.5 stars. Review posted October 29, 2014
I'm not in the mood to review this book extensively. Thus, I'm going to make it very short. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed because I sure am. I've read a few good books by Richard Rider in the past, namely:
Stockholm Syndrome
17 Black and 29 Red
No Beginning, No End (my favorite)
It's hard to say who is to blame. While I have enjoyed historical romance books in the past, I must admit that I'm not a huge fan of that sub-genre. So, maybe it's me and not the book.
The writing was good but fact was, the book failed to engage me in the beginning. Between my updates at 23% and 41% the story picked up again, mainly due to a couple beautiful scenes between the MCs. But somewhere along the way the story really took a total nose dive and I was bored out of my mind. I also felt that the main "twist" happened way too late. Besides, I didn't really care or empathize with the main protagonists and more often than not I had a hard time to invest myself in the story. I also wanted more character development and more emotion. And when I think back how hot Rider's sex scenes have been in the past, then the smexy times in Captured Shadows left me wanting for more. What I did like very much were and the acknowledgements which I found quite inspiring.
It's probably obvious that Jim's passion for the magic of traditional photography is my own. We've lost it somewhere in pixels and apps and the way we only ever seem to share pictures through social media these days, rarely as real tangible things you can hold in your hand or put in a frame or kiss and send with a love letter.
(…)
Photographs last longer than we do -- at least they do when we take them properly. Take photos, play with chemicals, hold hands with history. You can even keep your clothes on.
I'm not in the mood to review this book extensively. Thus, I'm going to make it very short. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed because I sure am. I've read a few good books by Richard Rider in the past, namely:
Stockholm Syndrome
17 Black and 29 Red
No Beginning, No End (my favorite)
It's hard to say who is to blame. While I have enjoyed historical romance books in the past, I must admit that I'm not a huge fan of that sub-genre. So, maybe it's me and not the book.
The writing was good but fact was, the book failed to engage me in the beginning. Between my updates at 23% and 41% the story picked up again, mainly due to a couple beautiful scenes between the MCs. But somewhere along the way the story really took a total nose dive and I was bored out of my mind. I also felt that the main "twist" happened way too late. Besides, I didn't really care or empathize with the main protagonists and more often than not I had a hard time to invest myself in the story. I also wanted more character development and more emotion. And when I think back how hot Rider's sex scenes have been in the past, then the smexy times in Captured Shadows left me wanting for more. What I did like very much were and the acknowledgements which I found quite inspiring.
It's probably obvious that Jim's passion for the magic of traditional photography is my own. We've lost it somewhere in pixels and apps and the way we only ever seem to share pictures through social media these days, rarely as real tangible things you can hold in your hand or put in a frame or kiss and send with a love letter.
(…)
Photographs last longer than we do -- at least they do when we take them properly. Take photos, play with chemicals, hold hands with history. You can even keep your clothes on.
August 26, 2016
Written February 16, 2015
4 Stars - A thought-provoking and very interesting historical M/M with both realism and a tender romance
An impulse buddyread of a Valentine Day freebie novel (see here) with a bunch of 'Ladies'. A quite short (just 143 pages) historical M/M by an author who was new for me (I of course know about his famous "Stockholm Syndrome" books).
I'm so glad I grabbed this freebie and joined the BR
Captured Shadows will absolutely stay in my mind for a while. In my opinion a memorable and very topic-interesting gem.
I dare to recommend this one to girls like me, who (also) likes some good historical story —that is more than sugar-sweet romance and hot steam— now and then.
***********************************************
London 1888
Captured Shadows is a story told by a man, James 'Jim' Sinnett, who works as an assistant for a photographer in 1880's London. The story begins when they become three men in the photo-shop. The new guy is young and beautiful and Jim's interest is catched at once. Archie Wilkes, a cobbler's son, is always cheerful and irresistibly charming.
Not enough with that, on the night takes some odd very secret photo shoots. Jim's life is from now changing rapidly and dramatically. For better or worse?
***********************************************
Somewhat shocking...
I don't want to spoil the plot here but you have to be a bit open minded and don't judge to fast. These men really had to make some hard choices and I felt for them.
Whatever you think and feel about some moral decisions here, gave this story (me at least) a sense of authenticity. I was emotionally touched ... and that makes this to a very fine book for me.
Certainly there were some sad and rough parts (but life was tougher then), it was indeed a melancholy shimmer (but also hopeful for gay mens future), and sure enough I sobbed a few tears (but also had grand lovely romance moments). Best of all, it ended well.
***********************************************
Captured Shadows kind of surprised me. I hadn't a clue about what to expect. ~ I liked these men, their love, their friends and relatives. And I ALWAYS like historical novels which tells me a good story, in a dignified way, about how life could be for men who loved men more than 100 years ago.
Will try to pick up other books from this writer. Well done!!
I LIKE - and enjoyed without hesitation
4 Stars - A thought-provoking and very interesting historical M/M with both realism and a tender romance
An impulse buddyread of a Valentine Day freebie novel (see here) with a bunch of 'Ladies'. A quite short (just 143 pages) historical M/M by an author who was new for me (I of course know about his famous "Stockholm Syndrome" books).
I'm so glad I grabbed this freebie and joined the BR
Captured Shadows will absolutely stay in my mind for a while. In my opinion a memorable and very topic-interesting gem.
I dare to recommend this one to girls like me, who (also) likes some good historical story —that is more than sugar-sweet romance and hot steam— now and then.
***********************************************
London 1888
Captured Shadows is a story told by a man, James 'Jim' Sinnett, who works as an assistant for a photographer in 1880's London. The story begins when they become three men in the photo-shop. The new guy is young and beautiful and Jim's interest is catched at once. Archie Wilkes, a cobbler's son, is always cheerful and irresistibly charming.
‘I also knew he believed I was lonely and ought to spend more time with young men than I did with myself and my books and the giggling prostitutes with whom we worked at night.
I suppose that one backfired on him. This is a memoir of love, after all.’
Not enough with that, on the night takes some odd very secret photo shoots. Jim's life is from now changing rapidly and dramatically. For better or worse?
***********************************************
Somewhat shocking...
I don't want to spoil the plot here but you have to be a bit open minded and don't judge to fast. These men really had to make some hard choices and I felt for them.
Whatever you think and feel about some moral decisions here, gave this story (me at least) a sense of authenticity. I was emotionally touched ... and that makes this to a very fine book for me.
“... I lie there in my bed in the dark and I wonder how can I make Archie Wilkes believe I'm clever and interesting and worth knowing? Then I see you and words don't seem to make sense any more, because all my mouth wants to do is kiss you. But now, even now I'm allowed to kiss you, when I do then all over again I try to think of things to say to you after.”
. .
Certainly there were some sad and rough parts (but life was tougher then), it was indeed a melancholy shimmer (but also hopeful for gay mens future), and sure enough I sobbed a few tears (but also had grand lovely romance moments). Best of all, it ended well.
***********************************************
Captured Shadows kind of surprised me. I hadn't a clue about what to expect. ~ I liked these men, their love, their friends and relatives. And I ALWAYS like historical novels which tells me a good story, in a dignified way, about how life could be for men who loved men more than 100 years ago.
Will try to pick up other books from this writer. Well done!!
I LIKE - and enjoyed without hesitation
Read
November 6, 2015I really enjoyed this. Terrific atmosphere, lovely setting, great historical detail and sense of place and time. Lovely and sweet and sexy, with a constant tension about the illegality of their love that became nerve-jangling at times.
I would say, the plot was a bit picaresque - a series of events, more than a tightly spun sequence of X leading inexorably to Y - but then that's life and it's a very lifelike book in some ways. And I'd have liked more growth in the romance. It was lovely, but the challenges were basically anger and forgiveness, repeated; we didn't see a huge amount of growth and which for me would have really lifted the book. But nevertheless a hugely enjoyable and extremely well written book with lovely MCs. I hope the author does a lot more historicals because I'm in like Flynn.
I would say, the plot was a bit picaresque - a series of events, more than a tightly spun sequence of X leading inexorably to Y - but then that's life and it's a very lifelike book in some ways. And I'd have liked more growth in the romance. It was lovely, but the challenges were basically anger and forgiveness, repeated; we didn't see a huge amount of growth and which for me would have really lifted the book. But nevertheless a hugely enjoyable and extremely well written book with lovely MCs. I hope the author does a lot more historicals because I'm in like Flynn.
October 28, 2014
I was given this book free by the author for an honest review and a night of passion.
I absolutley loved this book.
Rider's writing is beautiful and compelling, his characters complex, believable and intruiging.
Jim and Archie are just gorgeous. I could easily read hundreds more books about them.
Richard Rider's books should all be made into films, and this one is no exception. They offer depth, humour and intelligence that can be difficult to find within this genre.
In a word, "OUTSTANDING." In a few more words "BUY IT"!!!!
By the way, I lied about the night of passion. It was only an hour.
I absolutley loved this book.
Rider's writing is beautiful and compelling, his characters complex, believable and intruiging.
Jim and Archie are just gorgeous. I could easily read hundreds more books about them.
Richard Rider's books should all be made into films, and this one is no exception. They offer depth, humour and intelligence that can be difficult to find within this genre.
In a word, "OUTSTANDING." In a few more words "BUY IT"!!!!
By the way, I lied about the night of passion. It was only an hour.
October 19, 2014
Set in Victorian London, Captured Shadows by Richard Rider is quite the departure from his previous Stockholm Syndrome series. You’ll be pleased to know though, that the riveting storyline, lyrical prose and perfect characterisation is still present and you will not be disappointed by this book.
Captured Shadows follows the experiences of narrator Jim, an assistant to a successful London photographer, Mr Everett. By day, Everett runs a respectable business photographing wealthy Londoners for portraits and calling cards. At night, however, he deals a lucrative side-line in under-the-counter pornography - which Jim again assists in photographing.
I love this book. Granted, I generally love everything Richard Rider writes, with his easy to read, deceptively simple yet beautiful prose, but this one in particular ticks all my history boxes. The first thing that struck me is the wonderful attention to detail. It’s easy to miss, because all the nuances of Victorian life are so naturally described that you find yourself transported back to that time without anything ever jarring. Even the more detailed accounts of period photographic process aren’t laboured at all - they’re fascinating, and very obviously born of the in depth expertise and love that makes this story so utterly believable.
Also effortlessly believable are the wonderful relationships in this book -
The storyline is perfectly pitched Victorian melodrama, but again - Richard must be magic - it never feels unbelievable. You will care about these characters and be on the edge of your seat, as I was, reading this. It’s a shout-out-loud-at-the-pages plot,
This is probably my favourite Richard Rider piece to date and I can only look forward to future stories. An effortless five stars.
Captured Shadows follows the experiences of narrator Jim, an assistant to a successful London photographer, Mr Everett. By day, Everett runs a respectable business photographing wealthy Londoners for portraits and calling cards. At night, however, he deals a lucrative side-line in under-the-counter pornography - which Jim again assists in photographing.
I love this book. Granted, I generally love everything Richard Rider writes, with his easy to read, deceptively simple yet beautiful prose, but this one in particular ticks all my history boxes. The first thing that struck me is the wonderful attention to detail. It’s easy to miss, because all the nuances of Victorian life are so naturally described that you find yourself transported back to that time without anything ever jarring. Even the more detailed accounts of period photographic process aren’t laboured at all - they’re fascinating, and very obviously born of the in depth expertise and love that makes this story so utterly believable.
Also effortlessly believable are the wonderful relationships in this book -
The storyline is perfectly pitched Victorian melodrama, but again - Richard must be magic - it never feels unbelievable. You will care about these characters and be on the edge of your seat, as I was, reading this. It’s a shout-out-loud-at-the-pages plot,
This is probably my favourite Richard Rider piece to date and I can only look forward to future stories. An effortless five stars.
dnf
May 23, 2019This could be a lovely read for the right person in the right mood. Unfortunately that's not me right now. I'm not interested in lush leisurely scene-setting, lengthy dwelling on the significance of glances and accidental touches, or a long, lingering exploration of the MC's feelings. In all honesty, I'd rather read about things blowing up. Consider it a failing on my part, not the book's.
DNF @34%.
DNF @34%.
February 21, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really loved the Victorian London setting, especially as parts were set around Lambeth, which is where a lot of my family originate from. James and Archie are just the sweetest couple ever and I was willing them on from the word go. I'm a huge fan of Richard Rider's and as with the Stockholm Syndrome series, the writing is perfect and this book certainly lived up to my expectations. On a couple of occasions Archie even reminded me a little bit of Pip with his cheeky humer!
May 17, 2019
London 1888. James Sinnett and Archie Wilkes work in a photographic studio in the West End. The respectable work that takes place in the studio in the morning is doubled up at night by the production of blue pictures - erotic portraits of men and women to be sold to private collectors. When Jim and Archie find themselves moving from behind the camera to the front of the lenses, things take a dark and complicated turn.
This, in a nutshell, is the premise of Richard Rider's intriguingly beautiful Captured Shadows, a novel that brings together classical themes such as love, regret, morality and trust with the fascination for the technological innovations of the Victorian age.
I have a profound interest in photography and its history and developments. Rider's novel is very rich in details regarding all the technical procedures involved in the taking and developing of pictures in the late 19th century. The sense of suspension that came together with the technical limitations of Victorian photography - with people having to freeze their position for several seconds in order to avoid the blurring of the images - takes on an entirely new meaning when the photographs described in the book are often depictions of intimate acts of sexual intercourse.
James and Archie's courtship and first contacts take place in full view of the camera and other external observers and this adds a narrative twist to the novel that is at the same time intriguing, profoundly melancholic and ultimately disturbing since it forces them to a degree of exposure which is unfair and intrusive.
The two MCs are beautifully portrayed and it's easy to warm to them and their predicaments - James' shyness and reflectiveness are nicely counterbalanced by Archie's apparent openness and self-confidence and the end of the book is moving and really gratifying.
Maybe the end of the novel would have deserved more pages and a better development - things happened way too quickly and I felt somewhat deprived of the pleasure of reading some more about characters I've grown fond of.
Overall, though, this a very satisfying novel, well-written, with a great atmosphere and with a Victorian London that is, at the same time, respectable and seedy, just like Mr Everett's photographic studio that thus acts as a sort of mirror of British society.
I really recommend it!
This, in a nutshell, is the premise of Richard Rider's intriguingly beautiful Captured Shadows, a novel that brings together classical themes such as love, regret, morality and trust with the fascination for the technological innovations of the Victorian age.
I have a profound interest in photography and its history and developments. Rider's novel is very rich in details regarding all the technical procedures involved in the taking and developing of pictures in the late 19th century. The sense of suspension that came together with the technical limitations of Victorian photography - with people having to freeze their position for several seconds in order to avoid the blurring of the images - takes on an entirely new meaning when the photographs described in the book are often depictions of intimate acts of sexual intercourse.
James and Archie's courtship and first contacts take place in full view of the camera and other external observers and this adds a narrative twist to the novel that is at the same time intriguing, profoundly melancholic and ultimately disturbing since it forces them to a degree of exposure which is unfair and intrusive.
The two MCs are beautifully portrayed and it's easy to warm to them and their predicaments - James' shyness and reflectiveness are nicely counterbalanced by Archie's apparent openness and self-confidence and the end of the book is moving and really gratifying.
Maybe the end of the novel would have deserved more pages and a better development - things happened way too quickly and I felt somewhat deprived of the pleasure of reading some more about characters I've grown fond of.
Overall, though, this a very satisfying novel, well-written, with a great atmosphere and with a Victorian London that is, at the same time, respectable and seedy, just like Mr Everett's photographic studio that thus acts as a sort of mirror of British society.
I really recommend it!
August 27, 2020
What a gem! I received a recommendation for this book from John T. Fuller, author of another favorite of mine, When the Music Stops. I'm always so impressed by writers of historical fiction because it takes SO MUCH time and research to get all of the little details just right, and this author really nailed both the late Victorian era and the daguerreotype process, which was the predecessor to modern photography. (Can we take a moment to appreciate the word "daguerreotype?") Being a photographer myself, I delighted in all of the detail and devotion to the art of photography. The darkroom is indeed part alchemy, part magic.
Jim and Archie were wonderful, two men in love at a time when their affections being known would have dire consequences. Even while engaging in a kind of performative intimacy in the form of erotic photographs, these two managed to also find their way to a very private intimacy away from the camera's invasive eye.
In true Victorian fashion, this book had it all: petticoats, prostitutes, smog-filled London streets, fire-lit parlors, a meddlesome gold-digging "nephew," and a sickly child. The prose was beautiful and if you'll indulge me for a moment, their relationship was like that moment when you slip the photographic paper into the tray of emulsion and first see the image appear, startling and lovely!
Jim and Archie were wonderful, two men in love at a time when their affections being known would have dire consequences. Even while engaging in a kind of performative intimacy in the form of erotic photographs, these two managed to also find their way to a very private intimacy away from the camera's invasive eye.
In true Victorian fashion, this book had it all: petticoats, prostitutes, smog-filled London streets, fire-lit parlors, a meddlesome gold-digging "nephew," and a sickly child. The prose was beautiful and if you'll indulge me for a moment, their relationship was like that moment when you slip the photographic paper into the tray of emulsion and first see the image appear, startling and lovely!
February 15, 2015
Didn’t enjoy this book at all. I struggled to finish and considered DNF-ing more than once. Luckily it wasn’t a long read.
The characters were the worst thing in the book for me. James was good and noble on the surface but also weak, indecisive, and often quite the hypocrite. Archie remained just a good looking love interest, and Mr. Everett swung between a loving father figure and a greedy pimp depending on the situation.
The romance – didn’t feel it. There was friendship, and sure, there was attraction but shining green eyes and beautiful smiles don't mean love.
The plot – the blurb made it sound intriguing but it didn’t work for me because I found the characters’ motivation for what they did weak, their moral dilemma unconvincing, the conflicts were, well, ridiculous, and, sadly, the subplot with Archie’s family failed to make me sympathize.
Overall, this was my worst reading experience so far this year. Hopefully, it will be a better one for my reading buddies.
To end on a positive note – I liked James and Archie’s first meeting.
February 16, 2015
3.5 stars
Rider successfully shows the seedier side behind the ‘artful’ photographs sold for profit to satisfy whims of clients. He takes us step by step with Jim and Archie through this Victorian pornographic world, which had become mixed with one of the great loves in Jim’s life, photography. Especially poignant were the point where Jim realised fully what this buying and selling meant and what kind of future it might lead to.
As a story it left me feeling rather sad. I liked the writing, the guys Jim and Archie and the story. I think I missed a further connection, maybe some more happy times to balance out the melancholy. But then maybe not, after all this was but a slice of their life, a time captured in a photograph and that particular time came with that particular feeling and if so Rider captured it well.
BR with Ingela, Irina and Maya
October 28, 2014
I folded my love up tight and tucked it away, unexamined and ignored, until the night of Archie's first private photograph session – then it took flight, and it soared.
What I love most in this book is the beautiful writing of Richard Rider, how the words were able to channel the setting and the feelings of the story as well as the characters. At some point, I didn't know whether to be amazed by the phrases written or be aroused reading the scenes so erotically deep and full of emotions. I adore how beautifully written this piece is and reading this book felt like watching a movie. In my mind I could see the twist of their faces betraying their reactions, I could hear their laughs and their silent whispers and most of all, I could feel within me the hurt, the anger, the thrill , the joy and most of all the heart-warming love they have for each other, most specially Jim's. I love how this book is narrated by Jim, how I was able to know and feel his inner thoughts and senses. I was totally immersed in the emotionally intense and sensually romantic narration of Jim.
The story started when Jim Sinnet meets Archie Wilkes through the photographer Mr. Everett and they started working together and slowly developed feelings for one another. I came to think that the story was somehow predictable yet when I thought I already knew what was gonna happen next, I was assaulted by events I didn't even consider to take place. The thrill and the dread of what's going to become of Jim and Archie was stomach-churning I thought I was going to have stomachache.
By the time Jim and Archie came across something that would threaten their relationship, despite the fact they haven't established anything solid yet, I was like a bystander witnessing a currently occurring series of events.
It was strange feeling detached yet at the same time consumed by Jim's burning emotions and thoughts. It was like being there but not there at all.
The realness of the characters really charmed me specially Archie and Jim. I couldn't even bring myself to hate either of them despite their thoughtless actions and the fact that they were so good at not communicating properly with each other. Jim's fear of rejection as well as Archie's act of misplaced jealousy felt so genuine. Even Mr. Everett's fatherly sacrifice in the end pained me despite the faults he's done to both Archie and Jim.
I remembered Tennyson's mournful reminder that 'tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all but in that moment I wished fervently that Archie had saved Mr Everett from that horse and then faded quietly out of our lives, for this inexplicable anger we suddenly felt for one another was almost too painful to bear.
Overall, this book was a deep and fascinating read. It hit me in the right places and I can't wait to read another book by Richard Rider.
November 9, 2015
4.5 stars
Loved the lush writing and the unique historical setting. It's Victorian England. This is about two young men (Jim and Archie) working in a portrait photography studio by day and assisting with the seedier side of the business (indecent photography) by night. They are friends first but are attracted to each other and eventually are compelled, for need of money, to start posing for the photographs themselves. And their relationship begins to deepen both on and off the screen. But, this is a seedy world they have become a part of which leads to complications for their relationship.
I really enjoyed the author's unique writing style. The historical aspects were well done and it was obvious to me that the author has a passion for early photography (read his afterword!). I loved Jim and Archie as characters, although I had some frustrations with the conflict between them. There were several situations where I just wanted to yell at them to communicate properly! All in all, though, a very enjoyable historical.
Loved the lush writing and the unique historical setting. It's Victorian England. This is about two young men (Jim and Archie) working in a portrait photography studio by day and assisting with the seedier side of the business (indecent photography) by night. They are friends first but are attracted to each other and eventually are compelled, for need of money, to start posing for the photographs themselves. And their relationship begins to deepen both on and off the screen. But, this is a seedy world they have become a part of which leads to complications for their relationship.
I really enjoyed the author's unique writing style. The historical aspects were well done and it was obvious to me that the author has a passion for early photography (read his afterword!). I loved Jim and Archie as characters, although I had some frustrations with the conflict between them. There were several situations where I just wanted to yell at them to communicate properly! All in all, though, a very enjoyable historical.
October 13, 2016
Historia de amor agradable, protagonistas tiernos, pero me voy con un sabor agridulce por esos últimos capítulos.
January 19, 2022
Історичний M/M роменс у пізньовікторіанському сеттінгу, сюжет обертається навколо фотомайстерні - головні герої з асистентів фотографа перетворюються на моделей.
Як для роменса, це досить складна і похмура книжка - вона значно більш психологізована, ніж інші у цьому жанрі, що я читала, тут траєкторія у маятника емоція ширша.
Але можливо, саме через це мені здалося, що автор дуже добре відтворив дуже епохи - сентиментальний і похмурий (але закінчується усе добре, хоча й світло-сумно).
Окремо мені сподобався такий собі вікторіанський чекліст: лондонський туман, хвора дитина і трагічна смерть, фотографування мертвих, бідність, повія з золотим серцем тощо.
Любовна лінія переконлива і мила (герої інколи поводяться як придурки, але неможливо не посміхатися, коли читаєш опис їхніх почуттів, цією іскристої радості від взаємного кохання).
Загалом книжка мені сподобалася, але я би додала тригер ворнінг про сексуальну експлуатацію, бо (мабуть, через те, як на цю тему накручені емоції) місцями мене дуже мутило.
Як для роменса, це досить складна і похмура книжка - вона значно більш психологізована, ніж інші у цьому жанрі, що я читала, тут траєкторія у маятника емоція ширша.
Але можливо, саме через це мені здалося, що автор дуже добре відтворив дуже епохи - сентиментальний і похмурий (але закінчується усе добре, хоча й світло-сумно).
Окремо мені сподобався такий собі вікторіанський чекліст: лондонський туман, хвора дитина і трагічна смерть, фотографування мертвих, бідність, повія з золотим серцем тощо.
Любовна лінія переконлива і мила (герої інколи поводяться як придурки, але неможливо не посміхатися, коли читаєш опис їхніх почуттів, цією іскристої радості від взаємного кохання).
Загалом книжка мені сподобалася, але я би додала тригер ворнінг про сексуальну експлуатацію, бо (мабуть, через те, як на цю тему накручені емоції) місцями мене дуже мутило.
September 9, 2020
This was released six years ago and there are already plenty of wonderful reviews. All I'll say on here is that this is a beautiful story. I loved the writing, the characters, the well executed Victorian world that Jim and Archie inhabited, the feelings it pulled from me.
Captured Shadows appealed to me on multiple levels and I'm so glad it was recommended to me.
Audio-visual review at-
Captured Shadows appealed to me on multiple levels and I'm so glad it was recommended to me.
Audio-visual review at-
February 19, 2015
When a couple days ago I was thinking that it had been a while since I'd read some historical MM, I really didn't think that my next one would be about Victorian-era pornography. But then this book popped up on feed, and it was on sale for free! And despite some misgivings, I enjoyed this quite a lot.
'Captured Shadows' is refreshingly different from any other historical MM UK-set book I've read. There are no lords or ladies, no country houses or high society protocols. Jim and Archie are just two average working-class young men living in London at the end of the 1800s. The author does an amazing job of portraying how life would be at this time, during the Technological Revolution. Jim's wonder at the advances in photographic technology were particularly illuminating.
The portrayal of the underground Victorian porn industry was likewise enlightening. I, like most folks I think, am more familiar with Victorian morality than with the kinky erotic images that wealthier members of society were able to buy. So this completely different side to Victorian society was fascinating.
Jim and Archie's romance isn't entirely pretty. And that's to be expected, given the time period they were living in. For two gay working-class men to have a relationship at that time would have been hard enough. Throw in that these two were basically porn stars in the late 1800s, and you've got a recipe for disaster. So there's angst and anger. But there's also hope for a better future together. One in which the two might not be able to live openly, but at least they could be together in some way.
My main gripe with this book is the ending. Something happens which just very conveniently solves all of the conflicts and problems. I'm really not a fan of those quick-fix resolutions. I just wasn't sure what to think at the end. There were some problems which were fixed, but I really didn't understand how. I also wanted a bit more from Archie. The book is told from Jim's POV, so very often I wasn't sure why Archie did what he did. I was hoping to get a deeper insight at some point, which didn't really happen.
Overall, this was a very good, and very different, historical read. I'd recommend this for historical-MM fans looking for something different than the usual regency romance formula!
Here's my obligatory Victorian-era humour:
An ankle? She's practically naked! =P
'Captured Shadows' is refreshingly different from any other historical MM UK-set book I've read. There are no lords or ladies, no country houses or high society protocols. Jim and Archie are just two average working-class young men living in London at the end of the 1800s. The author does an amazing job of portraying how life would be at this time, during the Technological Revolution. Jim's wonder at the advances in photographic technology were particularly illuminating.
The portrayal of the underground Victorian porn industry was likewise enlightening. I, like most folks I think, am more familiar with Victorian morality than with the kinky erotic images that wealthier members of society were able to buy. So this completely different side to Victorian society was fascinating.
Jim and Archie's romance isn't entirely pretty. And that's to be expected, given the time period they were living in. For two gay working-class men to have a relationship at that time would have been hard enough. Throw in that these two were basically porn stars in the late 1800s, and you've got a recipe for disaster. So there's angst and anger. But there's also hope for a better future together. One in which the two might not be able to live openly, but at least they could be together in some way.
My main gripe with this book is the ending. Something happens which just very conveniently solves all of the conflicts and problems. I'm really not a fan of those quick-fix resolutions. I just wasn't sure what to think at the end. There were some problems which were fixed, but I really didn't understand how. I also wanted a bit more from Archie. The book is told from Jim's POV, so very often I wasn't sure why Archie did what he did. I was hoping to get a deeper insight at some point, which didn't really happen.
Overall, this was a very good, and very different, historical read. I'd recommend this for historical-MM fans looking for something different than the usual regency romance formula!
Here's my obligatory Victorian-era humour:
An ankle? She's practically naked! =P
November 17, 2017
A veritable jewel of a novel. In a sea of same old same old this was a treasure.
Review soon at the blog
And finally, full review here
https://ingloriousbitches.wordpress.c...
Review soon at the blog
And finally, full review here
https://ingloriousbitches.wordpress.c...
Read
November 1, 2014Unexpected and lovely.... Will write a proper review soon.
October 5, 2017
I bought the trilogy of Stockholm Syndrome over a year ago, and for some reason I just couldn't start it, a friend recommended it so highly as well, but I had a kind of mental block I think - possibly the title ? I enjoyed the Trojan Project so much as well. The your TBR grows, and you forget what you have on it, and books go by the wayside.
The same friend who recommended SS tweeted that this was free (actually pay what you want) and so I grabbed it, and decided to read a little, as I was supposed to be having a BR next. Other than work, and I will admit to reading a chapter under the auspices of 'urgent email check', I read this straight through in one day. I then went back and read passages over, and then read the last chapters again.
And again,
I fell in love with this book, the story of Archie and Jim, Archie's family, the London landscape, it is a love story, but also a snap shot of a Victorian London alternative life, and the love of photography is palpable, and how much photographs can mean.
The writing is wonderful, elegant and evocative , I highlighted passages, and quoted them endlessly to friends .
It's not perfect, the jealousy theme is a little overdone, and the epilogue is a little sudden, but overall this is a glorious book, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
I think it's still pay as much as you want - https://knightrrider.wordpress.com/bo... so get a copy !
The same friend who recommended SS tweeted that this was free (actually pay what you want) and so I grabbed it, and decided to read a little, as I was supposed to be having a BR next. Other than work, and I will admit to reading a chapter under the auspices of 'urgent email check', I read this straight through in one day. I then went back and read passages over, and then read the last chapters again.
And again,
I fell in love with this book, the story of Archie and Jim, Archie's family, the London landscape, it is a love story, but also a snap shot of a Victorian London alternative life, and the love of photography is palpable, and how much photographs can mean.
The writing is wonderful, elegant and evocative , I highlighted passages, and quoted them endlessly to friends .
It's not perfect, the jealousy theme is a little overdone, and the epilogue is a little sudden, but overall this is a glorious book, and I can't recommend it highly enough.
I think it's still pay as much as you want - https://knightrrider.wordpress.com/bo... so get a copy !
June 12, 2017
3.5 stars for this turn of the century romance. I'm not a huge fan of these historical times - such repression and secrecy that's makes me so frustrated for the characters, knowing how real those times were. This was an interesting story about a friendship that developed into love and devotion. Archie & James were the pioneers of gay porn - much to their initial reluctance. They managed some interesting turns of events, even though jealousy arose, and made the most of the tougher situations. I loved the final chapter and that made me smile ... peace ❤️
January 5, 2015
London, 1888.;
the age of prevalent moral ideals and great technological progress;
rich and bored figured out some other uses for camera and discovered pornography;
and somewhere in West End two young men who are helping in photographer's shop fell in love.
*~*~*
There are some books you like for story.
Some you like for characters, so you read along to see where will they end up.
And then there are some you keep reading for phrasing and descriptions because these strings of words are just so damn beautiful. It's reward on itself. How are some people able to put these random words one after another in this particular order and transform ordinary statements into something that sounds so amazing? I have no idea, but it makes me read some passages twice and then sometimes aloud because it's not ok for them to stay voiced only in my head. I get like this over Glitterland or An Instance of the Fingerpost or...gah, nevermindshyembarrassed. It's a craft I admire greatly.
That was like reading Captured Shadows for me.
You see... plot of this novel is not new or terribly clever. I had these flashbacks of Hot Head which surprised me because there couldn't be two books more different, and yet.. they are telling (arguably) the same story. So,I am just repeating what everyone else had to say in their reviews: this is one beautifully written book and it's my strongest impression of it.
*~*~*
Entire story is told from Jim's pov; but it's more his remembrance then straight up reconstruction of events. I am mentioning this because it occurred to me few times that he is not reliable narrator at all.He remembers things so selectively; his focus is entirely on Archie while everything else:, people, places,things, is fuzzy on edges. But Archie? He remembers every little thing about Archie, from peculiar coloring his hair gets on sun to face reactions and every muscle twitch.
It's one man's memory of a person who matters the most. :)
Characters were both lovely and frustrating together: they fell in love and do stupid things because they are in love; then they fight and do stupid things because they fought. I would be more annoyed by this and their utter lack of communication if not for the fact that Archie is only 19y old and Jim is couple of years older.
I chucked a star off because, while great tool to satisfy readers like me who appreciate lyrical prose, this complete awareness Jim had of Archie, ended up working against story. We are simply left wondering about some events, especially ones that preceded culmination. I wanted more on antagonist and general feel of setting. It actually occurred to me that it's 1888. and there is not a whiff, not a mention of Whitechapel murders and it's just strange, especially considering the fact they work with prostitutes so often. It's totally crazy and unrelated* but... one of examples I wondered just why is Jim's scope so narrow.
*I blame my brain. :|
June 8, 2015
Captured Shadows
By Richard Rider
Five Stars
Maybe it’s because Richard Rider is not a typical m/m novelist and has not gotten focused on following the rules; but this is an exceptional, emotion-packed, historically fascinating novel. Central to its narrative is a romantic relationship between two men, a sine qua non for me; but beyond that it is a great piece of historical fiction.
From the opening colophon (a quotation of a letter from Elizabeth Barrett Browning to Mary Russell Mitford, marveling about the power of this new invention, the daguerreotype!), this book gripped my imagination. The year is 1888 and Archie Wilkes has just saved the life of Ralph Everett, well known photographer in London. In a burst of generosity, Everett offers Wilkes a job in his photographic studio, working with his assistant, James Sinnett.
And thus we are ushered into the world of late Victorian photography, and—amazingly enough—late Victorian pornography. Just think of the Internet and its relationship to pornography, and it will all make sense.
Few of us today fully understand the impact of photography on civilization. I remember from graduate school, re-reading Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “House of the Seven Gables.” In it, the young daguerreotypist who lives in the attic of the old house becomes the metaphor for modernization, the emerging presence of science and technology that will transform the world. This is what Rider gives us in “Captured Shadows.”
Rider handles the period narrative beautifully and avoids anachronism without any unseemly showing off of knowledge of period detail. His writing is natural and comfortable. Archie and Jim are lovable and likeable and, more importantly, totally believable. Rider’s depiction of Ralph Everett is far more complicated, startling us with new revelations as the plot unrolls. The moral ambiguity that pervades the story is both a driving ingredient in the plot and a benchmark against which we measure the souls of the characters.
Although it is a fantasy, “Captured Shadows” allows readers like me to imagine how a same-sex relationship might have happened in a world deeply hostile to its existence. Rider does not apply a modern romantic concept to a setting in the past; he creates a plausible moment that gives the reader insight into how gay folk survived in a world unimaginable to modern minds.
By Richard Rider
Five Stars
Maybe it’s because Richard Rider is not a typical m/m novelist and has not gotten focused on following the rules; but this is an exceptional, emotion-packed, historically fascinating novel. Central to its narrative is a romantic relationship between two men, a sine qua non for me; but beyond that it is a great piece of historical fiction.
From the opening colophon (a quotation of a letter from Elizabeth Barrett Browning to Mary Russell Mitford, marveling about the power of this new invention, the daguerreotype!), this book gripped my imagination. The year is 1888 and Archie Wilkes has just saved the life of Ralph Everett, well known photographer in London. In a burst of generosity, Everett offers Wilkes a job in his photographic studio, working with his assistant, James Sinnett.
And thus we are ushered into the world of late Victorian photography, and—amazingly enough—late Victorian pornography. Just think of the Internet and its relationship to pornography, and it will all make sense.
Few of us today fully understand the impact of photography on civilization. I remember from graduate school, re-reading Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “House of the Seven Gables.” In it, the young daguerreotypist who lives in the attic of the old house becomes the metaphor for modernization, the emerging presence of science and technology that will transform the world. This is what Rider gives us in “Captured Shadows.”
Rider handles the period narrative beautifully and avoids anachronism without any unseemly showing off of knowledge of period detail. His writing is natural and comfortable. Archie and Jim are lovable and likeable and, more importantly, totally believable. Rider’s depiction of Ralph Everett is far more complicated, startling us with new revelations as the plot unrolls. The moral ambiguity that pervades the story is both a driving ingredient in the plot and a benchmark against which we measure the souls of the characters.
Although it is a fantasy, “Captured Shadows” allows readers like me to imagine how a same-sex relationship might have happened in a world deeply hostile to its existence. Rider does not apply a modern romantic concept to a setting in the past; he creates a plausible moment that gives the reader insight into how gay folk survived in a world unimaginable to modern minds.
December 31, 2022
Not always an easy read, very grounded in class/social distinctions and inequities. But interesting and compelling and I cared for the characters (including secondary ones).
September 2, 2016
I was completely caught up in the story!
It's a beautifully written tale infused with friendship and love. The relationship between Jim and Archie is intense and touching, I fell totally and irrevocably in love with them!
As far as I can tell, this book captured the spirit of the Victorian era and its double moral standard perfectly.
It's the kind of book I'll read again ...
Just Superb!
May 25, 2017
4 stars
This was a quiet, gorgeous little story set in Victorian London about two men who meet when one of them is hired at the photographer's studio the other works at, and end up falling for each other under bizarrely kinky circumstances.
This couldn't be more different than Stockholm Syndrome, my favourite Richard Rider book (that whole series is excellent, really) but it was no less enjoyable. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical romance, or anyone who might be interested in erotica from the Victorian era.
This was a quiet, gorgeous little story set in Victorian London about two men who meet when one of them is hired at the photographer's studio the other works at, and end up falling for each other under bizarrely kinky circumstances.
This couldn't be more different than Stockholm Syndrome, my favourite Richard Rider book (that whole series is excellent, really) but it was no less enjoyable. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical romance, or anyone who might be interested in erotica from the Victorian era.
October 28, 2014
If I had any concerns from the outset (and I did) that a combination of two of my favourite things, history and Richard Rider, could not possibly meet my expectations, they vanished in the first few pages of Captured Shadows. From living, breathing characters to heartrending dialogue, everything I wanted was here, and all neatly wrapped up in a Victorian setting that's just seamless. You never feel like you're being punished with all the research he's clearly done about London or photography or anything else. There are no clumsy insertions of facts here, all of the historical information is so congruously woven into the text that you're left to enjoy an immersive world unimpeded.
Now, I'm generally discouraged by the state of historical m/m because, even as a youngish genre, it's already hopelessly mired in tropes. Read a dozen books or so and the plots become interchangeable. Imagine my delight then when Captured Shadows managed to avoid all of these easy dramatic traps and present some of the usual suspects of Victorian literature in a refreshing and inventive way, like a morality play without the moralizing. There is pleasure here without violence, fallen women redeemed on their own terms, and love without shame. Lots of big events and tiny domestic ones, but all plausible and eminently compelling.
And the sex, well it's pretty excellent, but that's probably not unexpected, given Rider's track record. There are some surprises here as well and they are…effective. And I have to point out that he is one of the very few authors I've read who can extend the burn between protagonists past the initial hook-up: it’s the beginning of things, not the end of them, and that almost never happens.
I haven't said anything about the characters yet because I don't want to spoil anyone's read, but each and every one of them are genre-defying, fully formed people, with a past and a future, and an uncanny ability to tug at your heartstrings even if you’ve only known them fleetingly. You're forced to care about their situations, but it never feels manipulative even when you’re stifling sobs in public. (True story.)
If you don't normally go for m/m or historical fiction, you will come to love this compact novel for its satisfying twists and caring treatments of huge feelings and ordinary lives. If you love the genres though, buckle up because this is all quality, no tropes.
Now, I'm generally discouraged by the state of historical m/m because, even as a youngish genre, it's already hopelessly mired in tropes. Read a dozen books or so and the plots become interchangeable. Imagine my delight then when Captured Shadows managed to avoid all of these easy dramatic traps and present some of the usual suspects of Victorian literature in a refreshing and inventive way, like a morality play without the moralizing. There is pleasure here without violence, fallen women redeemed on their own terms, and love without shame. Lots of big events and tiny domestic ones, but all plausible and eminently compelling.
And the sex, well it's pretty excellent, but that's probably not unexpected, given Rider's track record. There are some surprises here as well and they are…effective. And I have to point out that he is one of the very few authors I've read who can extend the burn between protagonists past the initial hook-up: it’s the beginning of things, not the end of them, and that almost never happens.
I haven't said anything about the characters yet because I don't want to spoil anyone's read, but each and every one of them are genre-defying, fully formed people, with a past and a future, and an uncanny ability to tug at your heartstrings even if you’ve only known them fleetingly. You're forced to care about their situations, but it never feels manipulative even when you’re stifling sobs in public. (True story.)
If you don't normally go for m/m or historical fiction, you will come to love this compact novel for its satisfying twists and caring treatments of huge feelings and ordinary lives. If you love the genres though, buckle up because this is all quality, no tropes.
July 17, 2015
I read a review which commented that after enjoying the story the ending came too swiftly and seemed contrived. I can only say that while I would have greatly enjoyed another 20 pages or so, I can't see that the conclusion is either too rapid or very contrived.
The early scenes in which young Jim Sinnet—acclimatized, or perhaps desensitized to the night time pornographic photography activities of his employer—introduces the even younger, innocent Archie to the sexual antics of the prostitutes and "gentlemen" brought in as "actors" who they must photograph are extraordinarily erotic, through implication far more than by graphic description.
Overall, I rated this novel highly (4.5 *), both for character, situation, locale and the feeling for the period. The evocation of early photographic processes is beautifully presented by Jim with a confidence he lacks when it comes to wooing Archie and then keeping him. I don't consider this to be M/M Romance; it is far more a gay man's novel—which when you think about it might be considered odd since when they are convinced to act before the camera they must dress in women's clothing. Does this make them lesbians? :-)
The early scenes in which young Jim Sinnet—acclimatized, or perhaps desensitized to the night time pornographic photography activities of his employer—introduces the even younger, innocent Archie to the sexual antics of the prostitutes and "gentlemen" brought in as "actors" who they must photograph are extraordinarily erotic, through implication far more than by graphic description.
Overall, I rated this novel highly (4.5 *), both for character, situation, locale and the feeling for the period. The evocation of early photographic processes is beautifully presented by Jim with a confidence he lacks when it comes to wooing Archie and then keeping him. I don't consider this to be M/M Romance; it is far more a gay man's novel—which when you think about it might be considered odd since when they are convinced to act before the camera they must dress in women's clothing. Does this make them lesbians? :-)
April 2, 2016
I really enjoyed this. It's set in the late 19th century, and for once, there's a real sense that homosexual relationships are illegal (and dangerous). There's also what I think would be a realistic lack of knowledge on the part of the two protagonists. Young gay people growing up nowadays are coming into a world (at least, in the West), where being gay - while not always accepted - is at least a known phenomenon. Even if it's not common knowledge in your community, there's always the internet. Back in the 19th century, not so much - and quite possible for two people to think they're they only ones to feel the way they do.
This was more narrative than actual plot, but I don't view that as a weakness; most people's lives are more like this-happened-and-then-that-happened, rather than a plot with a beginning, a middle, and an end. This was not so much a story as an accounting of the beginning of a relationship.
This, then, is a book for people who like a more thoughtful brand of romance - there's a distinct lack of spies, pirates, dastardly murderers, or mistaken identities. Instead, there's a lot of real feeling, and a sense that yes, it could really have happened like that.
This was more narrative than actual plot, but I don't view that as a weakness; most people's lives are more like this-happened-and-then-that-happened, rather than a plot with a beginning, a middle, and an end. This was not so much a story as an accounting of the beginning of a relationship.
This, then, is a book for people who like a more thoughtful brand of romance - there's a distinct lack of spies, pirates, dastardly murderers, or mistaken identities. Instead, there's a lot of real feeling, and a sense that yes, it could really have happened like that.
June 12, 2015
This had a very nice period feel and I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Archie's large family and homelife. I would've liked to see a bit more of their lives outside of work and less emphasis on the erotic photography. And I could've done without the sex lesson from the female prostitute entirely.
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