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Kiss and Tell
These sensual stories by prize-winning author John Sam Jones reveal lucid prose and complex lives. Moving through city steam rooms, rugged North Wales mountains, and estuaries facing other places. Risky sex, new romance, and easy understanding, a mortgage on a semi or keeping a lid on it all for the sake family, status, and belief...
- GenresShort Stories
300 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 9, 2022
3.28 "Darnau o fywydau dynion hoyw yn y 1980au a'r 90au" stars !!!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Parthian books. This was released Feb 2022 and I am providing an honest review.
Look at the book cover of a beautifully waxed chest and tight lilac speedos lying in a pool with tons of cocktails and more cocktails and lots of abs and well yes cock. In the background we have Madonna singing Cherish and all the party boys dancing and prancing. This is only the very top layer though. Underneath it all are men fighting with injustice, Aids, familial cutoffs and searches for deeper meaning and connections. These are Welsh men with lovely names and eking out an existence in other parts of the UK or Europe or even California. They deeply love their beautiful country and language but are hurt by the deeply conservative views of the of the villagers in the 1980s and 1990s. Here are their stories.....
This appears to be a retrospective of Mr. Jones short fiction and seven of the twenty one stories impacted or impressed me greatly and I will speak of these in a bit.
The rest range from an ok 2.5 to very good 3.5 and only one was a two star. The issue I had with many of these stories is that they appeared a bit forced, preachy and quasi educational. Good stories that needed a bit more artistry and subtlety...
The seven gems though were well worth this volume and I will mention the story, the rating and a thought or feeling or two. They are mostly 4 star with one 4.5 star and one superior 5 star. Here we go....
The Wedding Invitation (4 stars) a very painful family story of a traditional Welsh family wedding alongside homophobia, anti-semitism and antagonism towards the dominant English.
But Names will never hurt me (4 stars) a terribly sad tale on how bullying and homophobia led to a youth's compulsive and risky promiscuity alongside self-loathing and chronic shame alongside the beautiful Welsh coast
Just Beyond the Buddleia Bush (4 stars) The start of a new love affair between 2 men on a Welsh beach....both tender and vulnerable
The Fishboys of Vernazza.(4 stars)..a fun and whimsical tale of 2 Welsh men contemplating their relationship with the help of some Italian merboys...beautiful and descriptive prose of Italian village coastal life
Bronze of the Bunch -- The Wonder at Seal Cave (4 stars)...a sad and beautiful tale of a Calvinist Welsh youth grappling with God, society and sexuality...touches of mysticism and nature abound
Silver of the Bunch -- The Birds Don't Sing (4.5 stars) An incredibly poignant story of how illusory gay liberation is and the hate that is foisted upon queer men, Jews and the disabled...
Gold of the Bunch-- Sharks on the Bedroom Floor (5 stars) A beautiful and astute domestic piece of an interracial gay male couple looking after their young niece and nephew over the weekend in Coastal Wales
Diolch byth gymaint Mr. Jones!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Parthian books. This was released Feb 2022 and I am providing an honest review.
Look at the book cover of a beautifully waxed chest and tight lilac speedos lying in a pool with tons of cocktails and more cocktails and lots of abs and well yes cock. In the background we have Madonna singing Cherish and all the party boys dancing and prancing. This is only the very top layer though. Underneath it all are men fighting with injustice, Aids, familial cutoffs and searches for deeper meaning and connections. These are Welsh men with lovely names and eking out an existence in other parts of the UK or Europe or even California. They deeply love their beautiful country and language but are hurt by the deeply conservative views of the of the villagers in the 1980s and 1990s. Here are their stories.....
This appears to be a retrospective of Mr. Jones short fiction and seven of the twenty one stories impacted or impressed me greatly and I will speak of these in a bit.
The rest range from an ok 2.5 to very good 3.5 and only one was a two star. The issue I had with many of these stories is that they appeared a bit forced, preachy and quasi educational. Good stories that needed a bit more artistry and subtlety...
The seven gems though were well worth this volume and I will mention the story, the rating and a thought or feeling or two. They are mostly 4 star with one 4.5 star and one superior 5 star. Here we go....
The Wedding Invitation (4 stars) a very painful family story of a traditional Welsh family wedding alongside homophobia, anti-semitism and antagonism towards the dominant English.
But Names will never hurt me (4 stars) a terribly sad tale on how bullying and homophobia led to a youth's compulsive and risky promiscuity alongside self-loathing and chronic shame alongside the beautiful Welsh coast
Just Beyond the Buddleia Bush (4 stars) The start of a new love affair between 2 men on a Welsh beach....both tender and vulnerable
The Fishboys of Vernazza.(4 stars)..a fun and whimsical tale of 2 Welsh men contemplating their relationship with the help of some Italian merboys...beautiful and descriptive prose of Italian village coastal life
Bronze of the Bunch -- The Wonder at Seal Cave (4 stars)...a sad and beautiful tale of a Calvinist Welsh youth grappling with God, society and sexuality...touches of mysticism and nature abound
Silver of the Bunch -- The Birds Don't Sing (4.5 stars) An incredibly poignant story of how illusory gay liberation is and the hate that is foisted upon queer men, Jews and the disabled...
Gold of the Bunch-- Sharks on the Bedroom Floor (5 stars) A beautiful and astute domestic piece of an interracial gay male couple looking after their young niece and nephew over the weekend in Coastal Wales
Diolch byth gymaint Mr. Jones!
December 8, 2023
Welsh and Queer.....
There are many parameters that make each and every one of us who we are. I much prefer adjectives than can be in the multitude than labels, which usually are in the singular. In my opinion, labels limit whilst adjectives describe. So here the adjectives are Welsh and Queer and that opens up to a series of stories very well told by John Sam Jones. His stories are about different people in diverse situations, showing how wide a net such adjectives can cast.
A great collection with its roots in Wales and all that is Welsh and queer. The two might not always like to be together, but together, they are. They exist as an entity.
An ARC kindly provided by author/publisher via Netgalley.
There are many parameters that make each and every one of us who we are. I much prefer adjectives than can be in the multitude than labels, which usually are in the singular. In my opinion, labels limit whilst adjectives describe. So here the adjectives are Welsh and Queer and that opens up to a series of stories very well told by John Sam Jones. His stories are about different people in diverse situations, showing how wide a net such adjectives can cast.
A great collection with its roots in Wales and all that is Welsh and queer. The two might not always like to be together, but together, they are. They exist as an entity.
An ARC kindly provided by author/publisher via Netgalley.
April 15, 2022
When I decided to read Kiss and Tell I was expecting something else , a bit more romantic or better say less realistic.
Anyways, that is on me and doesn't reflect the quality of the writing that I should point is very good.
I just reviewed Kiss and Tell by John Sam Jones. #KissandTell #NetGalley
Anyways, that is on me and doesn't reflect the quality of the writing that I should point is very good.
I just reviewed Kiss and Tell by John Sam Jones. #KissandTell #NetGalley
December 24, 2021
These were short love stories of gay men in Wales. The stories were a bit of a disappointment to me because I thought it would be a lot of romantic stories. It wasn’t. I have a hard time enjoying reading about homophobia and the abuse the young men had to go through. It makes me sad to read. I was hoping for romance and the joy of falling in love. If you are interested in the stark realities of gay men in Wales than this would be great for you.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 21, 2021
Kiss and Tell is a delightfully evocative collection of short stories from John Sam Jones. Often poignant and at times both fantastical and grounded in realism, these stories present a multi-faceted portrait of Welsh gay life.
These stories are intriguing, sometimes infuriating, and thought-provoking. Not every character is lovable, or even likeable, but there is an ever-present pathos and I found myself being able to connect to the truth of each character.
I particularly enjoyed the magic realism of the story Fishboys of Vernazza, and preferred the more romantic or sensual stories to the ones depicting the harsh realities of homophobia.
I am generally not a fan of short-fiction as it frustrates me to not be able to continue on a journey with these characters, but I would recommend this collection to anyone who enjoys short stories or is looking to understand more about queer life in Wales.
These stories are intriguing, sometimes infuriating, and thought-provoking. Not every character is lovable, or even likeable, but there is an ever-present pathos and I found myself being able to connect to the truth of each character.
I particularly enjoyed the magic realism of the story Fishboys of Vernazza, and preferred the more romantic or sensual stories to the ones depicting the harsh realities of homophobia.
I am generally not a fan of short-fiction as it frustrates me to not be able to continue on a journey with these characters, but I would recommend this collection to anyone who enjoys short stories or is looking to understand more about queer life in Wales.
January 27, 2022
*eu olho a capa* narrador da minha vida: "ele esperava pegação, recebeu sofrência"
Reunindo contos escritos há uns vinte anos e alguns mais recentes, "Kiss and Tell" poderia facilmente cair no cliché de livros de contos: algumas histórias muito boas, outras ruins.
Ao menos no início, isso não aconteceu.
Ambientada numa viagem à Europa, o primeiro conto "The birds don't sing", que faz parte do livro-dentro-do-livro "Welsh Boys Too", acaba com um soco no estômago. Ler ela sem saber de nada, nem o que significa as primeiras imagens descritas é surpreendente.
O que segue são histórias igualmente ou quase tão incríveis: um casal gay cuidando dos sobrinhos, uma paixão de verão, um amor antigo que retorna no leito de morte, uma personagem que chama a atenção pelo vermelho de sua roupa, e xingamentos que não mais machucam um jovem gay.
Na segunda parte, "Fishboys of Vernazza", também há histórias muito boas. Mais viagens, um encontro nas dunas que se transforma em um amor ardente, uma família preconceituosa e outra amorosa, um ato de bondade para uma velha amiga.
E as últimas histórias, as mais modernas, se juntam àquelas que não conseguiram ter o impacto ou a grandiosidade que suas irmãs tiveram.
Seja pela repetição de temas (vivência de homens homossexuais, sexualidade, identidade, relações com outras pessoas) ou pela repetição de enredo (relação aluno-professor, a reprovação de casamento gay, história que não leva a nenhum lugar), alguns contos não foram excelentes, mas também não foram ruins. Mesmo nesses, há um ou outro ponto de reflexão, um ensinamento que pode ser discutido.
Repensando as histórias, é inegável a habilidade de escrita do autor, que usa narradores, estilos e formas diversos para alcançar o que é preciso em um conto: fisgar o leitor e deixá-lo extasiado, deixá-lo desejando mais, sedento pelo próximo grande momento da próxima história.
Falhando ou conseguindo, John Sam Jones sabe o que quer com cada história, e aborda cada pedaço da vida um homem gay, desde os dilemas da juventude e as aventuras amorosas/sexuais da vida adulta, até o casamento e os últimos momentos de vida, passando pela repressão, pela tristeza, pela Aids, por momentos mágicos e o funeral de Margareth Thatcher (descanse em paz e descanse bem, sua c*****)
(li pelo netgalley)
Reunindo contos escritos há uns vinte anos e alguns mais recentes, "Kiss and Tell" poderia facilmente cair no cliché de livros de contos: algumas histórias muito boas, outras ruins.
Ao menos no início, isso não aconteceu.
Ambientada numa viagem à Europa, o primeiro conto "The birds don't sing", que faz parte do livro-dentro-do-livro "Welsh Boys Too", acaba com um soco no estômago. Ler ela sem saber de nada, nem o que significa as primeiras imagens descritas é surpreendente.
O que segue são histórias igualmente ou quase tão incríveis: um casal gay cuidando dos sobrinhos, uma paixão de verão, um amor antigo que retorna no leito de morte, uma personagem que chama a atenção pelo vermelho de sua roupa, e xingamentos que não mais machucam um jovem gay.
Na segunda parte, "Fishboys of Vernazza", também há histórias muito boas. Mais viagens, um encontro nas dunas que se transforma em um amor ardente, uma família preconceituosa e outra amorosa, um ato de bondade para uma velha amiga.
E as últimas histórias, as mais modernas, se juntam àquelas que não conseguiram ter o impacto ou a grandiosidade que suas irmãs tiveram.
Seja pela repetição de temas (vivência de homens homossexuais, sexualidade, identidade, relações com outras pessoas) ou pela repetição de enredo (relação aluno-professor, a reprovação de casamento gay, história que não leva a nenhum lugar), alguns contos não foram excelentes, mas também não foram ruins. Mesmo nesses, há um ou outro ponto de reflexão, um ensinamento que pode ser discutido.
Repensando as histórias, é inegável a habilidade de escrita do autor, que usa narradores, estilos e formas diversos para alcançar o que é preciso em um conto: fisgar o leitor e deixá-lo extasiado, deixá-lo desejando mais, sedento pelo próximo grande momento da próxima história.
Falhando ou conseguindo, John Sam Jones sabe o que quer com cada história, e aborda cada pedaço da vida um homem gay, desde os dilemas da juventude e as aventuras amorosas/sexuais da vida adulta, até o casamento e os últimos momentos de vida, passando pela repressão, pela tristeza, pela Aids, por momentos mágicos e o funeral de Margareth Thatcher (descanse em paz e descanse bem, sua c*****)
(li pelo netgalley)
February 14, 2022
REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kiss and Tell by John Sam Jones is a collection of short stories filled with relatable characters dealing with issues such as threats of violence, identity suppression, adoption, surrogacy, HIV, physical intimacy and love. Though gay in theme, the messages found within are universal. This collection is an intriguing, thought provoking, and sometimes maudlin depictions of Welsh gay life. Many of the short stories have romantic elements, but be prepared for tales of homophobia and abuse presented with stark realism. I refrain from giving a five star rating due to the fact that I experienced repeated frustration with the brevity of some of the stories and felt that they failed to even scratch the surface of their issues. All in all, it is an enjoyable and worthwhile read. ⠀
Read
January 26, 2022Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy.
These short stories show interesting slices of queer life in Wales. They touch on such matters as language, HIV, and homophobia, including an unintended consequence of homophobic legislation in the UK. They also include nuanced portrayals of people, whether characters or historical figures, whom a lesser author would likely have portrayed as mustache-twirling villains.
However, they are all over the place in terms of enjoyment. They are variously thought-provoking, poignant, and maudlin.
These short stories show interesting slices of queer life in Wales. They touch on such matters as language, HIV, and homophobia, including an unintended consequence of homophobic legislation in the UK. They also include nuanced portrayals of people, whether characters or historical figures, whom a lesser author would likely have portrayed as mustache-twirling villains.
However, they are all over the place in terms of enjoyment. They are variously thought-provoking, poignant, and maudlin.
January 17, 2022
'Kiss and Tell' presents a clash between homosexuality and the forces that aim to demonize it. These include mainly homophobia, which blankets the entire collection, as well as religious bigotry, prejudices stemming from AIDS, and hostile family dynamics. It begins with mentions of various forms of oppression, from the fates of the pink triangle-donning victims of the Holocaust to culture-defining slavery. The bleak sense of alienation this introduces can be felt throughout.
This maneuver is carried out incredibly well, however, and proves that Jones is in possession of a truly unique voice. His talent transports you wholly out of your body, leaving you keen to see what else he's capable of. In particular, it's his inclusion of mythical elements, such as seductive mermen, that adds allure to the collection's ambient setting. Ultimately, it cements Wales as a breathtaking place burdened with small-mindedness and various tensions.
For the most part, the stories are relatively subdued, showing scraps of people's lives as opposed to weaving sensational plotlines. In fact, the titular story can easily be considered the most scandalous and provocative of them all. The rest, though varied thematically, is centered more on the idea of domesticity, with all that it entails.
In its entirety, 'Kiss and Tell' seems to be trying to cover all the planes of the gay existence, from the threat of casual violence and the suppression of one's identity to HIV, surrogacy, adoption, misguided views on pedophilia, the beauty of physical intimacy, the longevity of love, and much more. Though approached with great imagination and forbearance, this is an impossible task from the outset.
That's why it's hard to become emotionally invested in the brief snapshots of the characters' lives, and why we're often left with the same sense of fleeting dismay. And with the recurring theme of homophobia weighing down the pages of the book, most stories come across as a little sad, and a little repetitive.
This maneuver is carried out incredibly well, however, and proves that Jones is in possession of a truly unique voice. His talent transports you wholly out of your body, leaving you keen to see what else he's capable of. In particular, it's his inclusion of mythical elements, such as seductive mermen, that adds allure to the collection's ambient setting. Ultimately, it cements Wales as a breathtaking place burdened with small-mindedness and various tensions.
For the most part, the stories are relatively subdued, showing scraps of people's lives as opposed to weaving sensational plotlines. In fact, the titular story can easily be considered the most scandalous and provocative of them all. The rest, though varied thematically, is centered more on the idea of domesticity, with all that it entails.
In its entirety, 'Kiss and Tell' seems to be trying to cover all the planes of the gay existence, from the threat of casual violence and the suppression of one's identity to HIV, surrogacy, adoption, misguided views on pedophilia, the beauty of physical intimacy, the longevity of love, and much more. Though approached with great imagination and forbearance, this is an impossible task from the outset.
That's why it's hard to become emotionally invested in the brief snapshots of the characters' lives, and why we're often left with the same sense of fleeting dismay. And with the recurring theme of homophobia weighing down the pages of the book, most stories come across as a little sad, and a little repetitive.
February 21, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Parthian Books for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I enjoyed the premise of this text being an anthology of queer stories/history all sharing the common idea of kissing and telling and was why I initially requested the book. However, between the cover and book blurb I feel that it was mismarketed as more cheery and bright than it was and instead being quite doom and gloom.
I think the history in this book is important to be told and certainly does not need to be happy go lucky, but with how small each short story was I felt that most stories did not get into the full meat of their issues and only bobbing below and above the surface of it.
This text could have benefitted from less stories, but more expansion on each one in my opinion. However, with all that being said I think there is at least one story for most audiences in this book and appreciate the effort put in to tell stories of more diverse backgrounds as well.
I enjoyed the premise of this text being an anthology of queer stories/history all sharing the common idea of kissing and telling and was why I initially requested the book. However, between the cover and book blurb I feel that it was mismarketed as more cheery and bright than it was and instead being quite doom and gloom.
I think the history in this book is important to be told and certainly does not need to be happy go lucky, but with how small each short story was I felt that most stories did not get into the full meat of their issues and only bobbing below and above the surface of it.
This text could have benefitted from less stories, but more expansion on each one in my opinion. However, with all that being said I think there is at least one story for most audiences in this book and appreciate the effort put in to tell stories of more diverse backgrounds as well.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews