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Modern Myth Trilogy #1
The Sins of Jack Branson
England, 1881. Being gay is both a sin and a crime. Parents disowning their children is considered honourable. Consensual sex risks life in prison. Sodomy scandals ruin careers and reputations. Homosexuals have to choose between safety and happiness.
After an unspeakable incident gets him exiled from his idyllic Irish hometown, twenty-four-year-old Jack Branson rebuilds his life in fog-and-mould London as a house call prostitute for closeted members of the British aristocracy. His dangerous, lucrative profession makes him dependent on the very people who deprive him of a normal life, but he is grateful for the opportunity to finally be his true self.
Jack's rave reviews impress the mysterious Oliver Hawkett, a street rat turned entrepreneur/activist with gorgeous green eyes and a plan to change his oppressive society with the opening of a homosexual brothel. Despite a growing attraction to Oliver, Jack believes he is safer in the hands of his privileged clients, learning the hard way just how wrong he is to trust them.
Inspired by true events, THE SINS OF JACK BRANSON blossoms into a complex, ensemble-driven odyssey through the unforgiving world of Victorian homosexuals, defying genre expectations with a unique blend of plot twists, romance, dry humour, tragedy, philosophy, and modern relevance.
After an unspeakable incident gets him exiled from his idyllic Irish hometown, twenty-four-year-old Jack Branson rebuilds his life in fog-and-mould London as a house call prostitute for closeted members of the British aristocracy. His dangerous, lucrative profession makes him dependent on the very people who deprive him of a normal life, but he is grateful for the opportunity to finally be his true self.
Jack's rave reviews impress the mysterious Oliver Hawkett, a street rat turned entrepreneur/activist with gorgeous green eyes and a plan to change his oppressive society with the opening of a homosexual brothel. Despite a growing attraction to Oliver, Jack believes he is safer in the hands of his privileged clients, learning the hard way just how wrong he is to trust them.
Inspired by true events, THE SINS OF JACK BRANSON blossoms into a complex, ensemble-driven odyssey through the unforgiving world of Victorian homosexuals, defying genre expectations with a unique blend of plot twists, romance, dry humour, tragedy, philosophy, and modern relevance.
326 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2021
131 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
David Schulze
4 books17 followersDavid Schulze was born and raised in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. A lifelong admirer of movies, mythology, and classic literature, David loves stories across all mediums.
In 2017, David graduated from Emerson College with a B.A. in Writing for Film and Television and a minor in Literature. He has written nine feature screenplays and four shorts, placing in a variety of screenplay competitions. His bestselling debut novel “The Sins of Jack Branson,” based on the screenplay of the same name, was published in 2021. His critically acclaimed second novel “Andrezj of Hollywood,” published in 2023, won the Bronze IPPY for West Pacific Fiction, and his novella “unplugged” was named one of the Best Indie Books of 2024 by Kirkus Reviews.
David lives in Marlton, New Jersey and Sarasota, Florida with his husband Howie.
In 2017, David graduated from Emerson College with a B.A. in Writing for Film and Television and a minor in Literature. He has written nine feature screenplays and four shorts, placing in a variety of screenplay competitions. His bestselling debut novel “The Sins of Jack Branson,” based on the screenplay of the same name, was published in 2021. His critically acclaimed second novel “Andrezj of Hollywood,” published in 2023, won the Bronze IPPY for West Pacific Fiction, and his novella “unplugged” was named one of the Best Indie Books of 2024 by Kirkus Reviews.
David lives in Marlton, New Jersey and Sarasota, Florida with his husband Howie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 17, 2023
Well… I was about to give the book 3.5 stars, but the author won me over in the end and four stars it is - to a young literary talent (David Schulze) who went into trouble to unearth history of gay erotic literature and bring to life some long forgotten scandals from late 19th century. This book is certainly different than most of gay books that are either sentimental gay memoirs or hard core gay erotica. This is a novel based on real characters and events, but written in rather sweet and innocent (despite content) voice. Not sure how he did it, but David Schulze made a notorious male prostitute to look pure, vulnerable, “innocent”. There are some really strong rhetoric and great speeches, some cheesier moments, but once the book gets your attention it holds it till the end. Just enough romance not to make it a soap, just enough eros not to make it vulgar, just enough pace not to make it unrealistic. I missed physical description of the main characters - Jack, Oliver, and others. Leaves space for imagination, I guess. Otherwise - a great, well researched, well paced debut from a young new voice in gay literature. recommend!
May 17, 2021
Amazing book.
A literary work exploring the hypocritical attitude of the late 19th Century London.
The literary work at hand today holds a good deal of importance as the same to a great extent explores the contours of the attitude of England and its citizens as the level of anachronistic thoughts is quite well displayed and presented. Delving further, the storyline of the same is concerned with the life of Jack in the year 1881 when for certain actions which being unspeakable as per the norms of the society back then tends to lose everything he had including home, family, friends as disowning was considered as a matter of pride for the parents. However, despite all of this at the age of 24 he tends to reverse his ill situation and opts for something which at first instance may not seem as minatory as he thinks but later turns out to be a roller coaster ride as the profession briefly connoted being a male prostitute and serving the rich ones
It must be noted that the author has opted for a topic that deserves appreciation and has from the beginning has cut to the chase and shows the life of jack and at the same instance also presses upon the dualistic societal approach and how it ruins lives. All in all, the book can be safely called as a good read as it implores the societal rot
Gripping storyline with apt subject matter. This book is recommended to anyone who is willing to explore literature that explores the hypocritical attitude of the society and how the elitists remain involved in the same.
A literary work exploring the hypocritical attitude of the late 19th Century London.
The literary work at hand today holds a good deal of importance as the same to a great extent explores the contours of the attitude of England and its citizens as the level of anachronistic thoughts is quite well displayed and presented. Delving further, the storyline of the same is concerned with the life of Jack in the year 1881 when for certain actions which being unspeakable as per the norms of the society back then tends to lose everything he had including home, family, friends as disowning was considered as a matter of pride for the parents. However, despite all of this at the age of 24 he tends to reverse his ill situation and opts for something which at first instance may not seem as minatory as he thinks but later turns out to be a roller coaster ride as the profession briefly connoted being a male prostitute and serving the rich ones
It must be noted that the author has opted for a topic that deserves appreciation and has from the beginning has cut to the chase and shows the life of jack and at the same instance also presses upon the dualistic societal approach and how it ruins lives. All in all, the book can be safely called as a good read as it implores the societal rot
Gripping storyline with apt subject matter. This book is recommended to anyone who is willing to explore literature that explores the hypocritical attitude of the society and how the elitists remain involved in the same.
August 21, 2021
I have very mixed feelings about this book. It is amazing that this is loosely based on real people and events but I didn’t love the style of writing. I feel that the “creative liberties being taken with linguistics…and a modern interpretation of homosexuality” was detrimental to the feel of the book. It really took me out of the time and setting of the story.
February 18, 2022
VICTORIAN ENGLAND MEETS THE VILLAGE PEOPLE
It's been more than a year since I read a biography entitled, The Sins of Jack Saul, by Glenn Chandler. Because quantifiable details in the life of this late 19th century male prostitute are extremely rare, the book reads more like a report, gleaned from public records Chandler was able to dig up. Frankly, it's a rather dull read with lots of names, dates, court records, and newspaper accounts. So, given the similarities in titles and subject, when I began this first novel from author David Schulze, I assumed his "fictional" Jack was going to be loosely based on the real one. I was correct. Great, I thought. Schultze's imaginings of what life was really like living as a prostitute in London at the height of the Victorian era was the story I'd been hoping for when I read Chandler's "book of facts" about the real Jack.
Unfortunately, Schultze failed to meet expectations in a number of ways. I was all ready to launch into my criticisms when, in reading Schultze's Postscript, I discovered he already had identified what I believed was the book's major shortcomings:
"While creative liberties have been taken with linguistics, historical accuracy,
and a modern interpretation of homosexuality, the most unbelievable parts of
The Sins of Jack Branson actually happened."
They may well have happened by not in the extreme and outlandish way Schultze has portrayed them. The story just isn't plausible and the insertion of modern gay liberation politics into a Victorian novel of late 19th century London just didn't work for me. The book, at times, is just silly on its face. Laugh out loud funny, but not in the way Schutlze intended.
There are other issues too. The book is written in two parts. Part one is told in first person by Jack until the last chapter. Then Schutlze intertwines first and third person narrative. He continues with this mixed style into the first chapter of the second part before finally switching into third person for the remainder of the novel. These narrative shifts were off-putting and I never grasped the purpose for them. There are also quite a few "Polyana moments." These scenes are so altruistic that you're left in giggles, or slightly nauseous, as Jack and his fellow crusaders strive to put homosexuals on an equal footing with the rest of British society. Schutlze gets preachy and a little heavy-handed in his messaging. In the end though, Jack and his fellow gay liberators conclude that Victorian England just isn't ready for their kind. Ya think?!?
This was a worthy idea gone bad. I wish Schutlze had written a more historically accurate fictional account of the real Jack Saul. As it is, I just couldn't take this book seriously. The ludicrously weakened the book's central message that gay people, then and now, are only human just like their straight brothers and sisters. Schutlze is a talented writer and I look forward to reading another novel from him. He just missed on this one.
It's been more than a year since I read a biography entitled, The Sins of Jack Saul, by Glenn Chandler. Because quantifiable details in the life of this late 19th century male prostitute are extremely rare, the book reads more like a report, gleaned from public records Chandler was able to dig up. Frankly, it's a rather dull read with lots of names, dates, court records, and newspaper accounts. So, given the similarities in titles and subject, when I began this first novel from author David Schulze, I assumed his "fictional" Jack was going to be loosely based on the real one. I was correct. Great, I thought. Schultze's imaginings of what life was really like living as a prostitute in London at the height of the Victorian era was the story I'd been hoping for when I read Chandler's "book of facts" about the real Jack.
Unfortunately, Schultze failed to meet expectations in a number of ways. I was all ready to launch into my criticisms when, in reading Schultze's Postscript, I discovered he already had identified what I believed was the book's major shortcomings:
"While creative liberties have been taken with linguistics, historical accuracy,
and a modern interpretation of homosexuality, the most unbelievable parts of
The Sins of Jack Branson actually happened."
They may well have happened by not in the extreme and outlandish way Schultze has portrayed them. The story just isn't plausible and the insertion of modern gay liberation politics into a Victorian novel of late 19th century London just didn't work for me. The book, at times, is just silly on its face. Laugh out loud funny, but not in the way Schutlze intended.
There are other issues too. The book is written in two parts. Part one is told in first person by Jack until the last chapter. Then Schutlze intertwines first and third person narrative. He continues with this mixed style into the first chapter of the second part before finally switching into third person for the remainder of the novel. These narrative shifts were off-putting and I never grasped the purpose for them. There are also quite a few "Polyana moments." These scenes are so altruistic that you're left in giggles, or slightly nauseous, as Jack and his fellow crusaders strive to put homosexuals on an equal footing with the rest of British society. Schutlze gets preachy and a little heavy-handed in his messaging. In the end though, Jack and his fellow gay liberators conclude that Victorian England just isn't ready for their kind. Ya think?!?
This was a worthy idea gone bad. I wish Schutlze had written a more historically accurate fictional account of the real Jack Saul. As it is, I just couldn't take this book seriously. The ludicrously weakened the book's central message that gay people, then and now, are only human just like their straight brothers and sisters. Schutlze is a talented writer and I look forward to reading another novel from him. He just missed on this one.
October 10, 2021
4.5 stars. This book is well researched. It is also extremely descriptive. It was a quick read for me. Cant quite figure a way to describe in words why it’s 4.5 stars and not 5, but still a good book
August 2, 2024
An intense and occasionally dramatic time travel to the era when being yourself and open about it was a crime. The Sins of Jack Branson characters are as real as they can be, or once were.
July 21, 2021
A wonderful story that anyone in the LGBTQ+ community should well relate to as is no doubt the book's intention, and I believe most people can relate to the story as well.
The book tells the first person accounts of the title character, who after being outed as a homosexual in 19th century Ireland, is banished from his old life and must make a new one in London. I am immediately reminded of a quote from Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone" as well as the hit musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie" that says if you ain't got nothing, you ain't got nothing to lose. (Dylan and "Millie" each use that phrase slightly differently). That phrase perfectly describes Jack. He arrives in London with nothing and practically his only skill is to, well, be gay.
Many adventures flow from Jack's arrival in the city and his desperate situation, far too many to list and far too riveting to spoil. However, one key theme plays throughout the book: what are you willing to risk, and what are you risking by not taking said risk? With Jack in such a precarious situation, any chance he has to improve his lot in life is risky, often outright dangerous. He must constantly decide what chances he is willing to take in order to progress in any way, while also realizing that if he does not take necessary risks, he will be permanently stuck in his wretched life. Every decision and indecision Jack makes takes him all sorts of different places, and you can never predict what will happen next.
I couldn't put this book down. With all the adventures alluded to above along with the engaging and witty first person narration, I fell in love with our hero instantly and couldn't possibly wait to see what would happen next. Whether you're in the LGBTQ community and are looking to read some of your own history or you just need a good read for other reasons, this book should have something to say to you. "The Sins of Jack Branson" is an excellent book to remind you that there is a world out there beyond your wildest imagination, and any decision you make (or don't make) will take you somewhere.
The book tells the first person accounts of the title character, who after being outed as a homosexual in 19th century Ireland, is banished from his old life and must make a new one in London. I am immediately reminded of a quote from Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone" as well as the hit musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie" that says if you ain't got nothing, you ain't got nothing to lose. (Dylan and "Millie" each use that phrase slightly differently). That phrase perfectly describes Jack. He arrives in London with nothing and practically his only skill is to, well, be gay.
Many adventures flow from Jack's arrival in the city and his desperate situation, far too many to list and far too riveting to spoil. However, one key theme plays throughout the book: what are you willing to risk, and what are you risking by not taking said risk? With Jack in such a precarious situation, any chance he has to improve his lot in life is risky, often outright dangerous. He must constantly decide what chances he is willing to take in order to progress in any way, while also realizing that if he does not take necessary risks, he will be permanently stuck in his wretched life. Every decision and indecision Jack makes takes him all sorts of different places, and you can never predict what will happen next.
I couldn't put this book down. With all the adventures alluded to above along with the engaging and witty first person narration, I fell in love with our hero instantly and couldn't possibly wait to see what would happen next. Whether you're in the LGBTQ community and are looking to read some of your own history or you just need a good read for other reasons, this book should have something to say to you. "The Sins of Jack Branson" is an excellent book to remind you that there is a world out there beyond your wildest imagination, and any decision you make (or don't make) will take you somewhere.
February 25, 2022
Refreshing, that's the word that comes to mind as I start this review, refreshing. I read M/M romance 99.99% of my reading time, some plots are repeated, sex scenes the same old same old, men's attitudes similar, always enjoyable but always the same, until this one. I turn to my old favorite, historical m/m, now and then for a recharge, this one was a punch in the gut, a stunning piece of work. An amazing tale of one man's incredible journey through life and all the mind boggling adventures on the way. The sex, and especially the orgies, are well described but, somehow, not offensive as you can't help but like Jack, his gusto for sex is admirable. The first half is Jack's story, told in first person, but at around 63% it suddenly, in the middle of a chapter no less, switches to third person, quite a bold move and a little disconcerting, for a moment I felt I'd lost something but the story remained totally engrossing after I'd readjusted. What makes it all the more amazing is that in his postscript the author explains that this is all based on actual persons and events, although a little creative license has been used. But, he adds, all the most unbelievable parts of this story actually did happen.
Oh, and Mary's verbal diarrhea at 78% (checking my kindle it says it's page 292) is absolutely hilarious, I was choking with laughter as I stumbled through it.
Oh, and Mary's verbal diarrhea at 78% (checking my kindle it says it's page 292) is absolutely hilarious, I was choking with laughter as I stumbled through it.
July 29, 2021
First of all, the author is extremely talented. He created a must read novel based on true events. Although the true Dublin Jack did not fare as well. The author canonized his efforts and placed them on a grand pedestal of Gay Pride. The courtroom speech was incredible. Please. Please make this into a movie or a TV series!
March 4, 2022
Wonderful novel based on historical persons and events
May 7, 2022
This was a surprisingly well written and captivating novel for a debut author! Set in late 1800’s London where being gay is both a sin and a crime…and parents disowning their children is considered honorable. Inspired by real life event, Schulze creates a moving story about finding self-worth and finding the value in chosen family.
The novel is broken into three distinct parts. Part I is actually a novel within a novel. It is a manuscript written by the main character (Jack Branson) which is more autobiography than novel, but given the controversial content is presented as fictional. It tells the tale of a young man who was excommunicated from his family and small Irish village following “The Incident”. Fleeing to London, he finds his way to a life of prostitution to survive (and ultimately thrive). An encounter with another gay man (Oliver) presents him with the business opportunity to create a safe haven for other gay men in the form of a secret brothel. After some poor choices and fighting feelings of love, he finds his way back to the brothel which becomes his home, his sanctuary and offers him the family he hasn’t known in years.
Part II is a collection of Epilogues where Branson re-introduces us to the characters in his novel and lets us in on their backstories (in the forms of interviews and confessionals).
Part III focuses on the ramifications of Branson writing the novel, including a nasty court case and political scandal.
The overall theme is one that Schulze returns to several times – the dream of a world where homosexuality is viewed as normal and people are accepted and given the chance to love…regardless of their sexuality. “I’m writing this novel so you know what it’s like to be a man like me. We suffer because you refuse to understand us. We are not evil. You are the evil ones, destroying our lives and calling it justice. To the homosexuals reading this in hiding, you are not strange and you are not alone. Please, learn from my story. Write your own. By putting our lives on paper, we finally have an equal say. It’s the only way we can prove we exist. Ultimately, I wrote this novel to show the normal world what it didn’t want to talk about, what it refused to remember. If you people knew our pain, what we have to live with, all the ways we’re being punished for something we’re born with, you’d want to help us. Then the world would truly be a better place”. True in 1888…..still true today!
The novel is broken into three distinct parts. Part I is actually a novel within a novel. It is a manuscript written by the main character (Jack Branson) which is more autobiography than novel, but given the controversial content is presented as fictional. It tells the tale of a young man who was excommunicated from his family and small Irish village following “The Incident”. Fleeing to London, he finds his way to a life of prostitution to survive (and ultimately thrive). An encounter with another gay man (Oliver) presents him with the business opportunity to create a safe haven for other gay men in the form of a secret brothel. After some poor choices and fighting feelings of love, he finds his way back to the brothel which becomes his home, his sanctuary and offers him the family he hasn’t known in years.
Part II is a collection of Epilogues where Branson re-introduces us to the characters in his novel and lets us in on their backstories (in the forms of interviews and confessionals).
Part III focuses on the ramifications of Branson writing the novel, including a nasty court case and political scandal.
The overall theme is one that Schulze returns to several times – the dream of a world where homosexuality is viewed as normal and people are accepted and given the chance to love…regardless of their sexuality. “I’m writing this novel so you know what it’s like to be a man like me. We suffer because you refuse to understand us. We are not evil. You are the evil ones, destroying our lives and calling it justice. To the homosexuals reading this in hiding, you are not strange and you are not alone. Please, learn from my story. Write your own. By putting our lives on paper, we finally have an equal say. It’s the only way we can prove we exist. Ultimately, I wrote this novel to show the normal world what it didn’t want to talk about, what it refused to remember. If you people knew our pain, what we have to live with, all the ways we’re being punished for something we’re born with, you’d want to help us. Then the world would truly be a better place”. True in 1888…..still true today!
September 6, 2023
I didn’t completely know what I was in for when I grabbed this book. I expected the stories of a male sex worker at a time (1880’s) when homosexuality was illegal. Yes, this book is that, but it is so much more.
Jack is a complicated and emotional character, surrounded by other complicated characters in a very complicated world. Jack’s upbringing was idyllic until a scandal had his parents throwing him out of his home in Ireland and heading for London as a frightened young man with no money and a big secret. Though he starts in prostitution out of a combination of opportunity and need, he finds it’s enjoyable at times, and he’s damn good at it.
Jack’s story and those of his friends show how truly difficult it was to be a gay man at this time. Many of the men in this story have lost homes and families more than once, and all of them have to keep their attractions in the shadows. Many of them come to Jack, and later the brother, not just for sex but for companionship and camaraderie; to be in a place where there are people like them and they won’t be judged for who they are.
The majority of the story is told as a manuscript Jack is writing, then later as an observation of what happens to Jack after it’s published. Jack struggles throughout with being proud of who he is, and being horribly afraid of losing all he has, again.
Of course there are plenty of sex scenes in the book, but it’s the emotional scenes that makes it amazing.
Jack is a complicated and emotional character, surrounded by other complicated characters in a very complicated world. Jack’s upbringing was idyllic until a scandal had his parents throwing him out of his home in Ireland and heading for London as a frightened young man with no money and a big secret. Though he starts in prostitution out of a combination of opportunity and need, he finds it’s enjoyable at times, and he’s damn good at it.
Jack’s story and those of his friends show how truly difficult it was to be a gay man at this time. Many of the men in this story have lost homes and families more than once, and all of them have to keep their attractions in the shadows. Many of them come to Jack, and later the brother, not just for sex but for companionship and camaraderie; to be in a place where there are people like them and they won’t be judged for who they are.
The majority of the story is told as a manuscript Jack is writing, then later as an observation of what happens to Jack after it’s published. Jack struggles throughout with being proud of who he is, and being horribly afraid of losing all he has, again.
Of course there are plenty of sex scenes in the book, but it’s the emotional scenes that makes it amazing.
September 3, 2023
I found the book to be very engaging and the characters were all unique and interesting. It was well written and gave a fictional read to the challenges of homosexuality and "being different" in Victorian England. Although Jack Branson was from Ireland, most of his time was spent in London and it is in this city where he found his true self and some meaning to his life with the variety of friends he made. He struggled immensely with having been rejected by his family in Ireland, being disowned and struggling all the while sending letters and money to his Mother but never getting any response. This overshadowed his existence and self esteem. With all the trials and tribulations thrown at the reader, the conclusion to the story was heart warming
July 9, 2023
Ten stars
Five stars is not enough. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read with immersion reading (listening to audio book and reading.) The effect of the two combined was amazing with this book. The narrator was great. Characters had Irish, English, French, Welsh and Chicago American accents. In addition there were some audio background sounds. The first time I have ever found an audio book to have background sounds. The book is very creativity written. The character are well developed with a lot of depth. in addition to all of the above, it is very sexy. I highly recommend immersion reading this book.
Five stars is not enough. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read with immersion reading (listening to audio book and reading.) The effect of the two combined was amazing with this book. The narrator was great. Characters had Irish, English, French, Welsh and Chicago American accents. In addition there were some audio background sounds. The first time I have ever found an audio book to have background sounds. The book is very creativity written. The character are well developed with a lot of depth. in addition to all of the above, it is very sexy. I highly recommend immersion reading this book.
October 25, 2023
A solid 4/5
The writing is a bit florid sometimes, but the story of a male prostitute in Victorian London is very engaging, told with wit and compassion. It is even more interesting knowing that the characters and events are based on actual people and occurrences of the era. Schulze doesn't shy away from the sexual content inherent in the story, but he also doesn't dwell on it gratuitously. This is an adult story written for an adult audience. If you're interested in the material, I'd definitely recommend it,
The writing is a bit florid sometimes, but the story of a male prostitute in Victorian London is very engaging, told with wit and compassion. It is even more interesting knowing that the characters and events are based on actual people and occurrences of the era. Schulze doesn't shy away from the sexual content inherent in the story, but he also doesn't dwell on it gratuitously. This is an adult story written for an adult audience. If you're interested in the material, I'd definitely recommend it,
May 17, 2023
Not as Expected
I really liked this. I usually go for MM ROMANCE and thought that was what I was getting, but this was more literary IMO. I cried for the characters and laughed along with them. It broke my heart and uplifted it as well. I loved how the first part was as a book. Jacks journey was epic and I hope (imagine) that he and Oliver lived out their lives together and happy
I really liked this. I usually go for MM ROMANCE and thought that was what I was getting, but this was more literary IMO. I cried for the characters and laughed along with them. It broke my heart and uplifted it as well. I loved how the first part was as a book. Jacks journey was epic and I hope (imagine) that he and Oliver lived out their lives together and happy
May 19, 2023
The best part is that the story is real
Not written by the people of the 1800,s but brought back to life and re-told now. With all the new laws against the gay community we still have it so much better than our predecessors. The story does not have any flat spots. Lots of turns and twists for sure. I found that I couldn’t put it down it was so enjoyable. Thank you Jack for all you did.
Not written by the people of the 1800,s but brought back to life and re-told now. With all the new laws against the gay community we still have it so much better than our predecessors. The story does not have any flat spots. Lots of turns and twists for sure. I found that I couldn’t put it down it was so enjoyable. Thank you Jack for all you did.
November 22, 2022
It’s phenomenal. The writing is brilliant and gorgeous truly. The relationship with Oliver and Jack is just so sweet and loving and I’m so happy is the ending was such as sweet and beautiful as this book. It’s my new favorite book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2024
Great story with just enough steam!
Underdog love story that pulls you in from the start and doesn't spare on the titillating adventures such a character would have had. Cannot wait to see what other works are to come from Mister Shulze.
Underdog love story that pulls you in from the start and doesn't spare on the titillating adventures such a character would have had. Cannot wait to see what other works are to come from Mister Shulze.
April 12, 2024
Beautifully written and engrossing. Very romantic.
I enjoyed the adventures of Jack an his friends.
A real look at the hypocrisy of the “Real People” and their use of those they felt were expendable. It really so much different now?
I enjoyed the adventures of Jack an his friends.
A real look at the hypocrisy of the “Real People” and their use of those they felt were expendable. It really so much different now?
October 10, 2021
Enjoyed this book. Easy, fast read about a gay prostitute in 1800s London.
November 26, 2022
An amazing story. Based on true history. Not easy to be gay in the late 19th Century London and Ireland. the book explores the hypocritical attitude of society.
April 24, 2023
One of the best m/m novels I have ever read. The narration on the audible book is superb.
July 4, 2023
A thoroughly good read.
September 18, 2021
This is a 3.5 stars for me. It was a good book, I enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the supporting characters, Mr. Munce, Louise, Mary, Francois, Denny and Andy, I’m glad the author gave a little history on each of them and how they came to be at the brothel.
April 12, 2022
Good read
A few grammar errors here and there towards the end of the book but overall a pretty good read. The characters are very enjoyable
A few grammar errors here and there towards the end of the book but overall a pretty good read. The characters are very enjoyable
January 29, 2023
The first half of this book was four stars. I enjoyed it, it seemed smart and relatively well researched. Then the wheels kind of came off. Throughout the book I thought the prose was very good, but the dialogue lacking (if you’ll allow me to separate the two). Emotions seemed to bounce back and forth like a metronome. There was an awful lot of crying and an allergy to the word “said.”
I also had some small quibbles. The article excoriating the Tory candidate seemed far too wrapped in modern politics than the ideological differences between conservative and liberals of this time period. I also feel the need to ask what election was transpiring in 1889? It’s smack in the middle of general elections and Grant was certainly not appointed to a position in Salisbury’s government… and he was still alive. Further, what polls? Some straw polls existed in the US around this time but they didn’t migrate over the Atlantic until after Gallup and Roper were running scientific polls in the 1930s. The pain of not being able to suspend disbelief when it comes to history is partially my own fault, but here we are.
I was tempted to knock another star for the courtroom scene alone but that wouldn’t be fair. The fact is, practically no one can write convincing legal action, at least not that I have seen. Is this civil defamation? If so, why is “prosecution” being used? If it’s criminal there would have to be evidence of breach of the peace. Also, why does the defense go first? The plaintiff/prosecution produced no evidence! That’s ignoring the questions and long winded answers that a judge would not have allowed. Anyway, I digress. The first half is definitely worth reading and the allusions to real people and events clear. Worth trying anyway.
I also had some small quibbles. The article excoriating the Tory candidate seemed far too wrapped in modern politics than the ideological differences between conservative and liberals of this time period. I also feel the need to ask what election was transpiring in 1889? It’s smack in the middle of general elections and Grant was certainly not appointed to a position in Salisbury’s government… and he was still alive. Further, what polls? Some straw polls existed in the US around this time but they didn’t migrate over the Atlantic until after Gallup and Roper were running scientific polls in the 1930s. The pain of not being able to suspend disbelief when it comes to history is partially my own fault, but here we are.
I was tempted to knock another star for the courtroom scene alone but that wouldn’t be fair. The fact is, practically no one can write convincing legal action, at least not that I have seen. Is this civil defamation? If so, why is “prosecution” being used? If it’s criminal there would have to be evidence of breach of the peace. Also, why does the defense go first? The plaintiff/prosecution produced no evidence! That’s ignoring the questions and long winded answers that a judge would not have allowed. Anyway, I digress. The first half is definitely worth reading and the allusions to real people and events clear. Worth trying anyway.
August 31, 2022
I started this book expecting to enjoy the subject matter. While it was an interesting subject, the entire novel was written too poorly to enjoy. From the overly sunny quick resolutions, to language and themes that were not present at the time of the story, to flat characters who showed little depth, I couldn't find anything to like. I'm sad because I wanted to support a new writer. He could have used an editor (or two) to help tighten up the book. I also didn't appreciate the use of a single quotation mark for dialogue with double marks for quotes within quotes. This just makes reading more difficult and serves no purpose.
I hope Schulze's second book improves on the mistakes of this first try.
I hope Schulze's second book improves on the mistakes of this first try.
May 28, 2024
Entertaining and Touching
It's hard not to admire Jack Branson. David Schultze has written a well written historical novel about a homosexual young man in late Victorian England who tried to live life on his own terms. I would have loved to have met Jack and maybe have spent a night getting to know him better!!
It's hard not to admire Jack Branson. David Schultze has written a well written historical novel about a homosexual young man in late Victorian England who tried to live life on his own terms. I would have loved to have met Jack and maybe have spent a night getting to know him better!!
July 16, 2024
Entertained, Intrigued, Enlightened
The Sins of Jack Branson: A Novel is quite the page-turner. It reminds me that we, the queer, have not been deemed equal to cisgendered, ever in history, and that our struggle has ensued since the very beginning. Though we have so much work ahead of us, the ultimate reward, should it ever be reached, will have been well worth the trouble.
The Sins of Jack Branson: A Novel is quite the page-turner. It reminds me that we, the queer, have not been deemed equal to cisgendered, ever in history, and that our struggle has ensued since the very beginning. Though we have so much work ahead of us, the ultimate reward, should it ever be reached, will have been well worth the trouble.
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