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61 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2009
“I was worried maybe your friends might be right—you’ve got a thing for fixer-uppers.”
“This house…maybe. But not you, Anthony.” He sighed against my lower lip, and turned it into the brush of a kiss. “There’s not a single thing I’d change.” — Tony Potosi and David Dean
Warnings: references to drug addiction, death and life altering car accident.
Sympathy uses a fairly small cast and limited time frame to tell the story of Tony Potosi and David Dean. It is roughly 36 hours (plus two memories) told through the eyes of Tony and does feel like it has more focus on him. Tony has largely physically healed from a disastrous, life-altering accident but psychologically he is still struggling. The good intentions of his two brothers, Sal and Chip really isn't helping. This story is his healing, to a degree, it takes him back to a place that caused him already-healed scars to heal these new ones. The story of Tony's accident. That feels so unlikely but I guess not at the same time. Seeing an accident like Tony's could easily make someone reflect on their own life. it is here that the hint f magic comes in. It is effective and written well.
When you read the About this Story Sympathy feels like it was something of a personal piece for Jordan Castillo Price. Jordan is an artist with her hands as well as her words, like protagonist David, her preferred medium is clay. She includes an example of the relevant work which I appreciate. The About this Story also explains the interesting source of the title. I think I saw it to a degree but not with clarity, it was nice to have it explained.
Highly recommend to those who enjoy the MM genre, especially those looking for a quick read. It is available on KU but at only 60p I'm not sure how much I would pay for it.
“Remember, I’m not used to anyone giving a damn about what I do or don’t like. Attempts at impressing me send me into paroxysms of delight.” — David Dean
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