Uncommon Sons

by Bruce W. Bishop

1935. Nova Scotia, Canada.

Marc Youssef constantly wrestles with his commitment to his strict Lebanese culture and upbringing. But when you’re a thirty-four-year-old bachelor — and you are secretly attracted to other men — deception at home and at work simmers daily and threatens to boil over.

After two guests are found dead in the tony railway hotel in Halifax where Marc works, his job is compromised, and his personal life is vulnerable to exposure. One of the suspects in the possible murder investigation just happens to be Marc’s clandestine and married love interest.

Journalist Eva McMaster, Marc’s best friend, is determined to help him find out what really happened. The two become unlikely sleuths in this bizarre incident that becomes the talk of the east coast city.

Uncommon Sons is a fascinating tale of sexual identity, systemic racism, familial obligations, workplace pressures, and the bonds of love and friendship prior to World War II.

Interlinked to Bishop’s debut novel, Unconventional Daughters, this new page-turner further explores what happens when adults are not what and who they are expected to be. Pick up a copy of Uncommon Sons and reunite with some of the beloved characters from the author’s debut novel.

Advance praise for Uncommon Sons

“…an exploration of identity and prejudice, of the tension between old ways and new. … Mr. Bishop handles these difficult issues deftly and with sensitivity, as his main characters Marc and Eva seek to find their own way through the discrimination that surrounds them in their quest for a more tolerant world.” – Riana Everly, author of The Assistant and Through a Different Lens
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“An intriguing mystery, great characters, and a lesser known facet of Canadian history combine to make Uncommon Sons a compelling read!” – Linda Bennett Pennell, author of Miami Days Havana Nights

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2021

About the author

Bruce W. Bishop was born and raised in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, which is the predominant setting for Unconventional Daughters. He received his post-secondary degrees from Saint Mary’s University (a.k.a. SMU in Halifax) and the Ontario College of Art & Design University (a.k.a. OCAD in Toronto) and began a freelance writing career in 1997.

His articles and photos have appeared in over 100 print and online publications in Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and Brazil. His contributions to several guidebook publishers included Fodor’s and DK Eyewitness Guides, and he was principal writer for the Michelin Green Guide to Atlantic Canada and authored the Marco Polo Guide to Muskoka. He won the first Cayman Islands Award in Caribbean Travel Writing.

Reviews

[Emma Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a massive fan of Bruce's first book and Uncommon Sons is no exception.
This time around you get to follow the story of Marc, who you briefly got to see in Unconventional Daughters. The book takes you through a double murder at the hotel he works at, his struggle of being gay through a time that it was far from allowed and so much more! You even get to catch up from Eva, who was a main character in UD.

I absolutely loved this book, not only because of the storyline, but you always get some good historical knowledge and I always come away learning more about the history during the time the book is set.
The opening of the book hooks you immediately, the double murder keeps you guessing, as the suspects are quite a few! I enjoyed the setting being mainly in a hotel and getting to know the staff!

Roll on the next book!

[Michael Bartowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic and not only as a work of Historical Fiction. Uncommon Sons could easily sit alongside the best thriller or LGBTQ+ titles!

The story kicks off with an intriguing crime which keeps us gripped while we meet a cast of believable characters who are so easy to get invested in - they're so realistic that at times I almost forgot I was reading fiction!

This book gave me an excellent insight into the discrimination people faced in the 1930s because of their sexuality or the colour of their skin. We still have a long way to go to achieve equality for all but it's still great to see how far we've come.

If you enjoy Historical Fiction, this is a must. If not, I'd urge you to step outside your comfort zone and give this one a try - I'm sure you won't regret it!

Thanks to Bruce for sending me a review copy of this book - I'm so happy to have read it!

[Laurel Smith]

5.0 out of 5 stars
Classy 1930s Mystery
I received an advance copy in exchange for a fair review but will certainly be purchasing additional copies as gifts. It would appeal to anyone who enjoys a good mystery, those who are history buffs and anyone who appreciates good writing. I enjoyed this well researched, correctly geographical and fast moving story set in Halifax in the 1930s. A real page turner, which I didn't want to end.....I am now wishing for a third novel by this author. I felt as if I were walking the city streets, enjoying the period hotel and its services, visiting various landmarks and experiencing the historical events. The writer handles sensitive topics expertly and presented the reality of non whites, immigrants, women, religion, police bias, mental illness, those of non heterosexual orientation, politics, violence and more in a cohesive and fast paced story. Well developed characters in an interesting setting which teach about our history. Hard to put down. Highly recommend, you won't be disappointed.

[Liz McCoombs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another blockbuster novel by Bruce Bishop. This one is set mainly in Halifax prior to World War II, but is interlinked with his earlier book, Unconventional Daughters. Marc Youssef works at a hotel in Halifax, and his best friend is journalist Eva McMaster (nee Carroll), who is the central character in the earlier book.

I found the book fascinating, to say the least ... a sensitive tale of murder, sexual identity, systemic racism, love, friendship, discrimination, and plot twists ... all tied together by Bruce's talented pen. If you enjoy reading about any of these things, Uncommon Sons is a must-read for you.

[Bonnie Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an advance copy of uncommon sons by the author in exchange for a fair review.It was one of those books I couldn’t put down. I learned so much history around 1935! Great characters! Bruce touched on so many controversial subjects! I loved revisiting Halifax as I lived there from 1962-1971. Perfect descriptions of so many places! Bravo, Bruce!

[Anne O'Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and finding one set in my hometown was a treat! The author didn't disappoint, ensuring the accuracy of the scene setting of the era, pre-WWII in Halifax, NS. There is still a very historical feel to the city so being familiar with Halifax, I was immediately transported into the story. The story is told from a very fresh perspective, that of a gay man, who in the 1930s, had to hide his sexuality or be arrested, so a certain unspoken dramatic tension was ever present. As the story unfolds there is a suspicious death (two actually) in the hotel he works in, and his secret lover becomes a suspect. There are plenty of twists and turns for mystery lovers (my other favourite genre), interwoven amidst parallel storylines that delve unflinchingly into other sensitive issues including systemic racism. This is the author's second book, which I read before the first. I am reading the first one now and wish I had started with it! They can be read as stand alones but I would recommend starting with his first, Unconventional Daughters.

[Christine Faour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! Because I am Lebanese and living in Nova Scotia, the book dealt with these issues that are so dear to my heart. On the history side of things, I learned many things I didn't know before about the province I now call home. Bruce has done his research! The storyline kept me captivated throughout and I was surprised to see who the murderer was.
I hadn't read Bruce's first novel, Unconventional Daughters, but I surely will be getting it soon. Thank you for a great read!!

[Debbie Symonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Bruce Bishop's second book and can't wait to buy the third one!

[Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift from my father. He is always the first to support a Yarmouthian.

This book isn't my typical read, which is mainly Stephen King and a handful of other new York times best sellers.

I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort range. This story could easily be a true story. The characters are simple yet relatable. The story progresses simply, than suddenly a mystery, the mystery isn't over bearing, its not a mystery novel. It's a story of life, accepting & differences,

[Sarah Butland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, I am not a lover of history. Surprisingly, those this book was set in the 1930's, the style of writing surpassed all hesitation I had with learning about the time.

Bruce Bishop has a way of teaching important aspects of historical moments, mistakes and mishaps through a story built strongly with characters, plot and intrigue. I felt he honoured the facts, scattered them throughout to make the lessons I learned more subtle and interesting, giving me a new interest in our past and how far we have come, and still need to go.

Marc, arguably the main character of this story, struggled with his identity in the way his family and society saw him. A strong character who knew exactly who he was faced ridicule, judgement and violence if he dared share that he loved someone of the same sex. His relationship with his best friend, Eva, was compelling as I fell in love with her and her efforts for a byline in a male dominated world. I didn't like the idea that she was wavering in her strength and resolve near the end but her son, Angus, was a delightful addition to the story line and nuggets of local Nova Scotian history.

It made it even more special that Pictou County, my home, was mentioned and tied into a Powell, a name I have family ties with (though the book is fictional).

Being able to read this in three days is a testament to how it sucked me in from the very first scene of death right through to the hurricane of activity, accusations and assumptions. The relationships, friendships, and foils throughout gave much to ponder and even though Bishop filled the storyline with characters, each was so distinct and masterfully written I was easily able to keep them all straight and related to each one.

[Linda Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another interesting and mysterious read

I was completely immersed in this story. Although this wasn’t a mystery, there was certainly a mysterious twist in this book.

I also loved how the author reminded us in one way or the other of some of the characters that were presented in his first book, and this family’s life continued to be told.

Like all historical fictions, interesting facts about some of the realities of that period were peppered here in there throughout the book. I highly recommend reading this book written by a Canadian.

[Zach · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up

Interesting group of characters and a good description of setting and period, but the writing is very stilted and pedantic. The social consciousness is welcome although it often felt like we were being spoon-fed an after-school special.

After a while I imagined it was written back in 1935 (when it takes place) but just unearthed now. That somehow explained why the style felt so old fashioned. I got through it by treating it like an archival document.

Disappointing.