Without Paradise: A Novel

by Kenneth Sean Campbell

In a gay twist on Brief Encounter, Charlie Morgan and Ben McSwain meet on a train and are instantly drawn to each other. Charlie is a gay writer and atheist. Ben is an evangelical Christian, widowed with two children, who has never even thought about a relationship with another man. While it appears that these two have nothing in common, they find that they are "soulmates." It's a surprising and joyous discovery for Charlie and a confusing one for Ben as they try to bridge their vastly different lives. Ben has a full life with his work as a nurse, his family and his devotion to his church. His love for Charlie and a personal tragedy will test all of those commitments and make him question everything in his life. Charlie's work takes him to Texas to write a Broadway-bound show in collaboration with his old college roommate, Lee, and sexy, young country and western star, Luke Beecham. It looks like a smash hit until a secret from Lee's past shatters everyone's chances for happiness and brings Charlie to the loneliest place in his life.

228 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Kenneth Sean Campbell is a native Texan. He’s lived in Florida, California, Michigan, Oregon and Colorado. He knows the value of finally finding that place to call home and he found it when he returned to his beloved Sacramento, California last year. If it’s good enough for Joan Didion and Herb Caen, it’s good enough for him! Mr. Campbell started this phase of his life five years ago with the publication of Without Paradise. That was followed last year with Home. Gangplank! is the third book in a series that he calls “those stories I’ve always wanted to tell.” These writing projects have been the centerpiece of a clean and sober life and a great source of joy. He says, “Twenty-four year old twinks in Los Angeles aren’t the only gay men who have lives. There is a whole world of us out there over 50, over 60, over 70 who live and laugh and yes, fall in love. I write for them...and for myself!” Mr. Campbell is 66 years old, a Moon Child and an atheist (the nice kind.) He lives alone, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t love in his life!

Reviews

[Steven Letner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wished I could give more stars; read it in one day could not put it down: was literally sobbing: loved the characters

[PaperMoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a HFN or HEA ending at all so readers beware. Other than that - a very realistic and heart-tugging story. 3.5 stars from me.