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Counterpoint: Dylan's Story
At eighteen Dylan Rutledge has one music. He believes his destiny is to be the greatest composer of the rapidly approaching twentieth century. Only Laurence Northcliff, a young history master at The Venerable Bede School for Young Gentlemen, believes in Dylan’s talent and encourages his dream, not realizing Dylan is in love with him.
But Dylan’s passion and belief in his future come at a high price. They will alienate him from his family and lead him on a rocky path fraught with disappointment, rejection, and devastating loss that kills his dream. A forbidden love could bring the dream back to life and rescue Dylan from despair and bitterness, but does he have the courage to reach out and take it? Will he deny the music that rules his soul?
But Dylan’s passion and belief in his future come at a high price. They will alienate him from his family and lead him on a rocky path fraught with disappointment, rejection, and devastating loss that kills his dream. A forbidden love could bring the dream back to life and rescue Dylan from despair and bitterness, but does he have the courage to reach out and take it? Will he deny the music that rules his soul?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2010
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764 people want to read
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Ruth Sims
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 11, 2011
Following Dylan's story is a journey that will require patience at first, but as Dylan grows and finds love you begin to connect to him more intimately. You will follow him through failure, loss and grief, certain that your heart will break while sobbing and blinking the tears from your eyes so you can keep reading.
You will also cheer for Dylan as he begins to let himself live again and finds love once more when he least expects it. But love is never easy, and there are outside forces that will try to take away everything Dylan cares about. Dylan refuses to give up and we follow him and his lover to their ultimate triumph. Just reading the last paragraph of this story brought the tears again.
When you are able to step back after finishing this powerful story, you realize you've put yourself in the hands of a master. And her name is Ruth Sims.
You will also cheer for Dylan as he begins to let himself live again and finds love once more when he least expects it. But love is never easy, and there are outside forces that will try to take away everything Dylan cares about. Dylan refuses to give up and we follow him and his lover to their ultimate triumph. Just reading the last paragraph of this story brought the tears again.
When you are able to step back after finishing this powerful story, you realize you've put yourself in the hands of a master. And her name is Ruth Sims.
August 6, 2010
Ruth Sims is a great author. I can say that unequivocally and as a huge fan. When I read The Phoenix, I was blown away by the beauty and sensuality of that book. Sims does it again with another stunning story that rides a wave of emotion from tears, laughter, beauty, frustration, and obsession. At one point I threw my ereader (gently onto the couch) in frustration then hurried to pick it up and continue reading. Although a wonderfully written historical, the themes and emotion transcend the time period to something all readers can enjoy.
Dylan Rutledge is a composer. Even from a young age music has dominated the young man’s life and become a harsh taskmaster. His irrepressible personality and behavior do no favors as he struggles in the tightly controlled society of family, education, and hierarchy of England in the late 1800s. Although eventually graduating school with some difficulty, Dylan breaks from the support and comfort of family to pursue success and love in Paris. Unfortunately while finding love with ex-school master Laurence, Dylan’s road to musical fame is littered with obstacles. From London to Paris and back, Dylan’s life is an incredibly journey in love, loss, pain, hardship, and perseverance.
In many ways this tightly plotted, well written story reminds me of historical biographies of great artists. Tortured, obsessive, painful, and redeeming, Dylan Rutledge’s fictional existence fits well with such tales of hardship and genius. The third person narrative follows Dylan through his life as he meets the first and then second loves of his life, encounters great bigotry and frustration as a composer ahead of his time, and displays all the eccentricities expected of brilliance with a touch of insanity. There is a lot of action but it is very character dependant and the characterization is truly inspired.
Dylan is clearly the star, and loves to be so. His personality is complex, difficult, stubborn, antagonistic, brilliant, frustrating, heart breaking and beautiful all at once. He is a great example of a wonderfully flawed hero. His characterization is nuanced, subtle, bold, and engrossing. You simply can’t stop wondering and thinking about him long after the story ends. His journey however is touched by a cast of equally eye catching men and women with no throw away characters. Laurence is a beautiful foil for Dylan’s intensity and wildness but he is never empty and stands well on his own. Together it makes for a lovely romance but not to be denied are Ivy, Schonnie and Geoffrey. These characters make for a totally absorbing reading experience where the personalities feel honest, real, and important. You want to know more about them and how they survive and react.
The themes of friendship, love, loss, tragedy, and redemption are folded into the story alongside great world building. I’d be surprised if any readers found fault with the historical setting and the wealth of detail afforded. The time frame is never forgot, yet manages to produce a story with universal appeal and interest. It may be historical and steeped deeply in that time period but it feels contemporary with the themes and engrossing nature. There is no dry language, dull recitation of the time period that a lot of readers associate with historicals. Instead the setting comes alive in the details, folded in with skill and timing. There is so much emotion to the scenes that you simply can’t stop reading.
Some of the best scenes – and the most frustrating – revolve around Geoffrey. He’s undoubtedly a fabulous character, the strong willed Gypsy yearning for his lost family and culture. Yet at the same time I often wanted to crawl into the book and strangle him myself for his actions and refusal to protect himself. The negative repercussions are well telegraphed and yet the scenes remain vivid, stark, harsh, and unforgettable. That portion of the book made me want to cry and yell simultaneously. It’s wonderfully written with crisp, evocative prose and shows the real flaws of the characters. Similarly, the scenes halfway through the book dealing with Dylan’s depression (not to give spoilers, the reason will make you cry). These scenes delve into the dark areas of his life and heart without the story ever feeling depressing or heavy. Instead it’s a meaty read for those that want to sink their teeth into a great story with a roller coaster of emotions.
Another great aspect is the theme of music. Dylan as a composer with Schonnie and Geoffrey as violinists create an atmosphere where you can almost hear the music being discussed. Too often translating music through a story as an essential character is difficult and falls flat. Here it succeeds remarkably well and becomes a living, breathing detail woven into almost every scene. When the music stops for part of the story, its absence is stark and obvious. It’s almost as if the book and characters are missing something vital and important.
I could go on and on about the aspects I really enjoyed since this is a memorable and delightful read, but I won’t bore readers. I’ll simply urge everyone to give this a chance, even if you’re not a big historical fan. It doesn’t read like a historical even as numerous details are constantly offered to keep the time period alive and interesting. There are parts of the book and Geoffrey especially that I wanted to slap but it wouldn’t be the same story if they were changed. I think the story is exactly what was intended down to my own anger and frustration. Thankfully the pleasure in reading far outweighs the few book throwing moments.
Dylan Rutledge is a composer. Even from a young age music has dominated the young man’s life and become a harsh taskmaster. His irrepressible personality and behavior do no favors as he struggles in the tightly controlled society of family, education, and hierarchy of England in the late 1800s. Although eventually graduating school with some difficulty, Dylan breaks from the support and comfort of family to pursue success and love in Paris. Unfortunately while finding love with ex-school master Laurence, Dylan’s road to musical fame is littered with obstacles. From London to Paris and back, Dylan’s life is an incredibly journey in love, loss, pain, hardship, and perseverance.
In many ways this tightly plotted, well written story reminds me of historical biographies of great artists. Tortured, obsessive, painful, and redeeming, Dylan Rutledge’s fictional existence fits well with such tales of hardship and genius. The third person narrative follows Dylan through his life as he meets the first and then second loves of his life, encounters great bigotry and frustration as a composer ahead of his time, and displays all the eccentricities expected of brilliance with a touch of insanity. There is a lot of action but it is very character dependant and the characterization is truly inspired.
Dylan is clearly the star, and loves to be so. His personality is complex, difficult, stubborn, antagonistic, brilliant, frustrating, heart breaking and beautiful all at once. He is a great example of a wonderfully flawed hero. His characterization is nuanced, subtle, bold, and engrossing. You simply can’t stop wondering and thinking about him long after the story ends. His journey however is touched by a cast of equally eye catching men and women with no throw away characters. Laurence is a beautiful foil for Dylan’s intensity and wildness but he is never empty and stands well on his own. Together it makes for a lovely romance but not to be denied are Ivy, Schonnie and Geoffrey. These characters make for a totally absorbing reading experience where the personalities feel honest, real, and important. You want to know more about them and how they survive and react.
The themes of friendship, love, loss, tragedy, and redemption are folded into the story alongside great world building. I’d be surprised if any readers found fault with the historical setting and the wealth of detail afforded. The time frame is never forgot, yet manages to produce a story with universal appeal and interest. It may be historical and steeped deeply in that time period but it feels contemporary with the themes and engrossing nature. There is no dry language, dull recitation of the time period that a lot of readers associate with historicals. Instead the setting comes alive in the details, folded in with skill and timing. There is so much emotion to the scenes that you simply can’t stop reading.
Some of the best scenes – and the most frustrating – revolve around Geoffrey. He’s undoubtedly a fabulous character, the strong willed Gypsy yearning for his lost family and culture. Yet at the same time I often wanted to crawl into the book and strangle him myself for his actions and refusal to protect himself. The negative repercussions are well telegraphed and yet the scenes remain vivid, stark, harsh, and unforgettable. That portion of the book made me want to cry and yell simultaneously. It’s wonderfully written with crisp, evocative prose and shows the real flaws of the characters. Similarly, the scenes halfway through the book dealing with Dylan’s depression (not to give spoilers, the reason will make you cry). These scenes delve into the dark areas of his life and heart without the story ever feeling depressing or heavy. Instead it’s a meaty read for those that want to sink their teeth into a great story with a roller coaster of emotions.
Another great aspect is the theme of music. Dylan as a composer with Schonnie and Geoffrey as violinists create an atmosphere where you can almost hear the music being discussed. Too often translating music through a story as an essential character is difficult and falls flat. Here it succeeds remarkably well and becomes a living, breathing detail woven into almost every scene. When the music stops for part of the story, its absence is stark and obvious. It’s almost as if the book and characters are missing something vital and important.
I could go on and on about the aspects I really enjoyed since this is a memorable and delightful read, but I won’t bore readers. I’ll simply urge everyone to give this a chance, even if you’re not a big historical fan. It doesn’t read like a historical even as numerous details are constantly offered to keep the time period alive and interesting. There are parts of the book and Geoffrey especially that I wanted to slap but it wouldn’t be the same story if they were changed. I think the story is exactly what was intended down to my own anger and frustration. Thankfully the pleasure in reading far outweighs the few book throwing moments.
September 2, 2010
I’ve always been of the opinion that books should be pretty. To (probably) misquote the Arts & Crafts Movement, “one should have nothing in one’s house, that is not useful and decorative.”
Counterpoint is beautifully laid out. From the gorgeous cover by Alex Beecroft (which clearly tells the story) to the wonderful art nouveau font on the headings, this book looks good.
But is it useful? I.e. It might look good, but is it well written?
In a word, yes. This won’t come as any surprise to those readers who have already read Ms Sims’ first book “The Phoenix.” They–as have I–have been waiting a long time for this book, and the polite thing would be to say that the wait was worth it, but I’m greedy and wouldn’t complain if Ms Sims wrote a book a year. This shows progression from the Phoenix; there is a richer depth of emotion and characterisation, and the love affairs described are touching in a way that I never felt with the characters from the first novel.
This is, as the title suggests, Dylan’s story, and he stands firmly at the core of it all: young, passionate, arrogant with a very firm belief in his talent and entirely obsessed with music, and with little care for anything else, whether it be rules, or family. It’s only the attempts of his family and friends that save him from ruining himself entirely, because if he had been allowed he would have run off and studied music right from the beginning of the book.
It’s a real coming-of-age story, not in a clichéd way of “I’m homosexual and have to come to terms with it” but the way that life forces Dylan to get to grips with his pride, overcome it at times, and compromise with other people, other artists. At first he’s all “it’s my way or nothing” but gradually he learns to work with others, even if that sense of “no, I’m right, and they’ll realise it one day” never leaves him. He sees something, and in his brash young, privileged manner he thinks everything, including love, will fall into his lap, and it’s heartbreaking sometimes to see how he finds that life isn’t like that.
I think the blurb hints that there’s real tragedy in this book, and so readers who can’t bear anyone dying might need to check out whether they want to get invested in the story before starting. But I liked it because life’s like that, you don’t always get to live with the person you love–not forever, and this handles that very well. I have to say that the “forbidden love” tag in the blurb confused me – in that day and age, I couldn’t see why one homosexual relationship was any more forbidden than another.
There are themes here that are echoed from The Phoenix, and I think I would have preferred something altogether different rather than another artisan who works hard to get to the top of his profession. There’s a top-heavy amount of tragedy, too, which didn’t put me off, as I’m a lover of unremitting angst, but it would have been nice if we’d been shown some of the lighter, sweeter moments in Dylan’s life, especially with his relationship with Laurence Northcliff.
It might sound like I’m being super critical, but when a book is actually as good as this, there’s little point me telling who how damned good. But it is. Sims’ prose is never too layered or dense that you get lost in run-on sentences and too many adjectives; she seems to have an instinct of exactly how much description to add to create an atmosphere, and when to let well enough alone and let the imagination take flight.She never becomes over-technical, particularly when dealing with concepts such as the Gypsies or music, but neither does she dumb down–relying instead on context to make her meaning crystal clear.
As a rich and winding story of love, obsession, disappointment and talent it works beautifully, and anyone with an interest of the fin de siècle period of London and Paris will find it satisfying and intense. Don’t miss this one.
Counterpoint is beautifully laid out. From the gorgeous cover by Alex Beecroft (which clearly tells the story) to the wonderful art nouveau font on the headings, this book looks good.
But is it useful? I.e. It might look good, but is it well written?
In a word, yes. This won’t come as any surprise to those readers who have already read Ms Sims’ first book “The Phoenix.” They–as have I–have been waiting a long time for this book, and the polite thing would be to say that the wait was worth it, but I’m greedy and wouldn’t complain if Ms Sims wrote a book a year. This shows progression from the Phoenix; there is a richer depth of emotion and characterisation, and the love affairs described are touching in a way that I never felt with the characters from the first novel.
This is, as the title suggests, Dylan’s story, and he stands firmly at the core of it all: young, passionate, arrogant with a very firm belief in his talent and entirely obsessed with music, and with little care for anything else, whether it be rules, or family. It’s only the attempts of his family and friends that save him from ruining himself entirely, because if he had been allowed he would have run off and studied music right from the beginning of the book.
It’s a real coming-of-age story, not in a clichéd way of “I’m homosexual and have to come to terms with it” but the way that life forces Dylan to get to grips with his pride, overcome it at times, and compromise with other people, other artists. At first he’s all “it’s my way or nothing” but gradually he learns to work with others, even if that sense of “no, I’m right, and they’ll realise it one day” never leaves him. He sees something, and in his brash young, privileged manner he thinks everything, including love, will fall into his lap, and it’s heartbreaking sometimes to see how he finds that life isn’t like that.
I think the blurb hints that there’s real tragedy in this book, and so readers who can’t bear anyone dying might need to check out whether they want to get invested in the story before starting. But I liked it because life’s like that, you don’t always get to live with the person you love–not forever, and this handles that very well. I have to say that the “forbidden love” tag in the blurb confused me – in that day and age, I couldn’t see why one homosexual relationship was any more forbidden than another.
There are themes here that are echoed from The Phoenix, and I think I would have preferred something altogether different rather than another artisan who works hard to get to the top of his profession. There’s a top-heavy amount of tragedy, too, which didn’t put me off, as I’m a lover of unremitting angst, but it would have been nice if we’d been shown some of the lighter, sweeter moments in Dylan’s life, especially with his relationship with Laurence Northcliff.
It might sound like I’m being super critical, but when a book is actually as good as this, there’s little point me telling who how damned good. But it is. Sims’ prose is never too layered or dense that you get lost in run-on sentences and too many adjectives; she seems to have an instinct of exactly how much description to add to create an atmosphere, and when to let well enough alone and let the imagination take flight.She never becomes over-technical, particularly when dealing with concepts such as the Gypsies or music, but neither does she dumb down–relying instead on context to make her meaning crystal clear.
As a rich and winding story of love, obsession, disappointment and talent it works beautifully, and anyone with an interest of the fin de siècle period of London and Paris will find it satisfying and intense. Don’t miss this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2013
Counterpoint is the musical relationship of melodic lines playing independently but forming a harmonic whole. There couldn't be a more fitting title for this book. A story with many independent tales, but coming together in one grand finale.
It is very difficult to review this story due to it's complexity and length which is by no means a criticism but a complement as it stands out from the normal trope of m/m stories. Intricate, complex, intriguing, thought provoking and well balanced. Just like a musical score itself.
The main character in this story is Dylan a musical genius discovered very early while still in high school, but also obnoxious and arrogant. It's about his life's trails and tribulations of becoming a recognised composer. He has two loves in his life, Laurence a teacher at his college and Geoffrey a violin prodigy. When Dylan first meets Laurence it is at college and due to Laurence seeing the talent in the rough diamond and taking him under his wing. Over a nimber of years the relationship flourishes into an intense love. The only way they could do this was due to several circumstances, of which i won't go into here, but they both end up living in Paris. Here they lived out their dream and built a perfect home for themselves. During this period Paris was the more liberal city compared to Victorian London with it's conservative values.
"Well, to put it delicately, they insulted each other's mother, father, ancestry, religion, and the state of his bowels. You really need to learn French; English is so hopelessly civilised. The French can say the most divinely vile things and it sounds like poetry."
It is while being in France Dylan meets for the first time Geoffrey who is studying violin with Adler Schonberg who is a world renowned violin player. He meets these two at a party hosted by Ivy an American with loads of money and a great sponsor of the arts. Geoffrey is from Romanichel origin and has had a very different childhood to that of Dylan of which we learn more about gradually during the book.
Then a fatal accident means that Laurence is taken from Dylan and here I cried, no I'm not ashamed to admit it, the writing was so beautiful I could feel the pain, anger, hurt and greaving that Dylan was going through. However, this book is written in two parts which is a wonderful concept. Ivy gets Dylan back on his feet and gradually starts to come to terms with Laurence's death. He then decides to return to London. Shutting one chapter on his life and starting a new one. As the old saying goes,"It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."
"TIME. Dylan wondered how the pasing of something without form, sound or taste could so pervadeeverything. TIME. He wishes he knew how to beat it, kick it, take out his anger upon it."
Back in London Dylan is getting to grips with his life more and more everyday and he visits his friend Schonberg who is now ailing in health. However, his understudy Geaoffrey takes care of his every need. Schonberg wants Dylan to write a concerto for Geoffrey. At the beginning the artistic animosity is there, but then grows it a rivalry and then into attraction. Dylan finds himself in love again, but at the beginning it is difficult for him still to let completely go of Laurence's memory.
Schonberg's brother and sister-in-law come to visit and while they are there he dies. This is their chance to get at Schonberg's money and concoct a plan which leaves Geoffrey going to jail. Here the unfairness of it all was hideous. Geoffrey due to his gypsy origins is treated like a second class citizen despite his talent and ends up doing hard labour. Dylan does not give up trying to prove his innocence and calls upon an old school friend, Rob who is a barrister. They manage to prove his innocence and Geoffrey is released.
After all this, Dylan is still struggling to get recognition as a composer and in a moment of inspiration starts work on his breakthrough concerto, Prometheus. He writes for Geoffrey to play but still has to convince the powers that be in the orchestra to let Geoffrey play it. All's well that ends well and eventually due to some influential friends the concerto is played with Geoffrey as the soloist upon request of HRH The Princess of Wales and the deserved recognition is arrives.
This book is incredibly multi-facetted and I loved it on manyl levels. First the time it was set in causing a whole set of problems that we don't even consider today. Having to be totally secret about your relationship or when some people knew they really had be close and trusted friends. Secondly ,the trials and tribulations of dealing with what life throws at you. Dylan is heart broken after he loses Laurence, but he finds love again and realises that life must go on and never to give up. Thirdly, Dylan never gives up in believing in himself as a composer. He was sometimes tempestuous, arrogant, irritating and obnoxious, but his belief in himself and his tenacity against all odds and despite what people said he never gave up and in the end got the recognition he deserved. Fourthly, I loved the character of Ivy, although a secondary character once she appeared on the scene she stayed a constant like a guardian angel, always supportive and always believing in Dylan. This book introduces many characters, but they all have their significant role to play and contribute to the whole, just like the musical strucutre and theory of counterpoint.
All in all an enthralling epic, that kept me riveted from beginning to end. Packed full of emotion, trials and tribulations, but all coming together in one grand finale.
All the way through this book I did have a constant earworm when reading about Geoffrey's violin playing and this was the violinist Joshua Bell playing the theme tune from the film Ladies in Lavender by Nigel Hess. However, if I was to suggest a playlist while reading this book it would be this;
1) Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E Minor
2) Brahms Violin Concerto in D Major
3) Sibelius Violin Concerto in D Minor
4) Schumann Violin Concerto in D Minor
Looks like I have thing going for German composers I guess. Spot the odd one out - lol!
It is very difficult to review this story due to it's complexity and length which is by no means a criticism but a complement as it stands out from the normal trope of m/m stories. Intricate, complex, intriguing, thought provoking and well balanced. Just like a musical score itself.
The main character in this story is Dylan a musical genius discovered very early while still in high school, but also obnoxious and arrogant. It's about his life's trails and tribulations of becoming a recognised composer. He has two loves in his life, Laurence a teacher at his college and Geoffrey a violin prodigy. When Dylan first meets Laurence it is at college and due to Laurence seeing the talent in the rough diamond and taking him under his wing. Over a nimber of years the relationship flourishes into an intense love. The only way they could do this was due to several circumstances, of which i won't go into here, but they both end up living in Paris. Here they lived out their dream and built a perfect home for themselves. During this period Paris was the more liberal city compared to Victorian London with it's conservative values.
"Well, to put it delicately, they insulted each other's mother, father, ancestry, religion, and the state of his bowels. You really need to learn French; English is so hopelessly civilised. The French can say the most divinely vile things and it sounds like poetry."
It is while being in France Dylan meets for the first time Geoffrey who is studying violin with Adler Schonberg who is a world renowned violin player. He meets these two at a party hosted by Ivy an American with loads of money and a great sponsor of the arts. Geoffrey is from Romanichel origin and has had a very different childhood to that of Dylan of which we learn more about gradually during the book.
Then a fatal accident means that Laurence is taken from Dylan and here I cried, no I'm not ashamed to admit it, the writing was so beautiful I could feel the pain, anger, hurt and greaving that Dylan was going through. However, this book is written in two parts which is a wonderful concept. Ivy gets Dylan back on his feet and gradually starts to come to terms with Laurence's death. He then decides to return to London. Shutting one chapter on his life and starting a new one. As the old saying goes,"It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all."
"TIME. Dylan wondered how the pasing of something without form, sound or taste could so pervadeeverything. TIME. He wishes he knew how to beat it, kick it, take out his anger upon it."
Back in London Dylan is getting to grips with his life more and more everyday and he visits his friend Schonberg who is now ailing in health. However, his understudy Geaoffrey takes care of his every need. Schonberg wants Dylan to write a concerto for Geoffrey. At the beginning the artistic animosity is there, but then grows it a rivalry and then into attraction. Dylan finds himself in love again, but at the beginning it is difficult for him still to let completely go of Laurence's memory.
Schonberg's brother and sister-in-law come to visit and while they are there he dies. This is their chance to get at Schonberg's money and concoct a plan which leaves Geoffrey going to jail. Here the unfairness of it all was hideous. Geoffrey due to his gypsy origins is treated like a second class citizen despite his talent and ends up doing hard labour. Dylan does not give up trying to prove his innocence and calls upon an old school friend, Rob who is a barrister. They manage to prove his innocence and Geoffrey is released.
After all this, Dylan is still struggling to get recognition as a composer and in a moment of inspiration starts work on his breakthrough concerto, Prometheus. He writes for Geoffrey to play but still has to convince the powers that be in the orchestra to let Geoffrey play it. All's well that ends well and eventually due to some influential friends the concerto is played with Geoffrey as the soloist upon request of HRH The Princess of Wales and the deserved recognition is arrives.
This book is incredibly multi-facetted and I loved it on manyl levels. First the time it was set in causing a whole set of problems that we don't even consider today. Having to be totally secret about your relationship or when some people knew they really had be close and trusted friends. Secondly ,the trials and tribulations of dealing with what life throws at you. Dylan is heart broken after he loses Laurence, but he finds love again and realises that life must go on and never to give up. Thirdly, Dylan never gives up in believing in himself as a composer. He was sometimes tempestuous, arrogant, irritating and obnoxious, but his belief in himself and his tenacity against all odds and despite what people said he never gave up and in the end got the recognition he deserved. Fourthly, I loved the character of Ivy, although a secondary character once she appeared on the scene she stayed a constant like a guardian angel, always supportive and always believing in Dylan. This book introduces many characters, but they all have their significant role to play and contribute to the whole, just like the musical strucutre and theory of counterpoint.
All in all an enthralling epic, that kept me riveted from beginning to end. Packed full of emotion, trials and tribulations, but all coming together in one grand finale.
All the way through this book I did have a constant earworm when reading about Geoffrey's violin playing and this was the violinist Joshua Bell playing the theme tune from the film Ladies in Lavender by Nigel Hess. However, if I was to suggest a playlist while reading this book it would be this;
1) Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E Minor
2) Brahms Violin Concerto in D Major
3) Sibelius Violin Concerto in D Minor
4) Schumann Violin Concerto in D Minor
Looks like I have thing going for German composers I guess. Spot the odd one out - lol!
September 30, 2010
Dylan Rutledge is a headstrong teenager in an all-boys English boarding school. He is driven by a desire to compose music, and this passion is so powerful that it leads him to take bold risks. He steals the cathedral key from the headmaster’s office for a single opportunity to play the church organ. He simply must hear his music played as he intended it to sound when he wrote it. Dylan is obstinate and daring, and he cannot help but challenge the conservative establishment. Sadly, this sort of behavior leads to his expulsion from the school.
One of the school’s instructors, Laurence Northcliff, is charmed by young Dylan. He sees a talent in the aspiring artist that none of his other teachers seem willing to acknowledge. He convinces the headmaster to reinstate Dylan at the school and agrees to be his tutor. Unbeknownst to Laurence, Dylan begins to fall in love with his tutor. When Dylan advances on Laurence with an unexpected kiss, Laurence panics and flees the school.
It isn’t until after Dylan’s graduation that he reconnects with his former teacher in Paris. Dylan, now an adult, is embarrassed by his earlier behavior, yet he once again finds himself smitten by Laurence. The two begin seeing one another socially, and eventually a romance blossoms.
When Dylan elects to remain in Paris in order to pursue his study of music, his family disowns him. His father learns of his relationship with Laurence and is disgraced. Although the loss of his family is devastating to Dylan, his love for Laurence trumps all else. They fall even deeper in love and build a life together where Laurence realizes enormous success as an author of fiction, and Dylan finally begins to make strides with his musical compositions.
Suddenly tragedy strikes, and it appears that Dylan will lose everything. All of the happiness he has thus far realized in his life is instantly swept away, and he must begin anew. How will he ever find the strength to go on after losing everything? Will his passion for music sustain him in his darkest hours? Will he ever love again?
Ruth Sims has done it again. She’s written a masterpiece! She has woven an epic love story into a painstakingly accurate historical depiction of nineteenth century English life. This accuracy is evidenced by the minutiae of daily life which is presented in a beautiful, seamless manner, painting a vivid portrait of a truly remarkable era.
The story’s central character, Dylan Rutledge, is a marvelously flawed and utterly human protagonist—passionate, arrogant, impudent, and undeniably lovable. Introduced as a rebellious teenager whose passion for music is so powerful that it’s nearly all-consuming, Dylan ultimately matures and evolves into a man who loves with an equally powerful fervency.
Like Job of the Bible, Dylan helplessly watches his entire world crumble before him, and he somehow manages to endure the unimaginable heartbreak. He somehow finds the will to go on and eventually love again. Ultimately it is he who must choose to redirect this love and place his faith in another. His eternal love for Laurence remains within him, and it brings him full circle to a place where he assumes the role in another’s life which Laurence once so perfectly demonstrated in Dylan’s life.
Ruth Sims is a marvelous storyteller. Her prose is written beautifully, and her character development is executed superbly. The villains are detestable, and the heroes are impossible not to love. The intimate scenes are romantic and tasteful, and the feel of the novel is of such high literary quality that the same-gender romance is inconsequential. It is purely a love story, and that is all that matters.
I felt that Ruth Sims had peaked when she released The Phoenix, and I feared that any subsequent work by her would pale in comparison. I’m thrilled to admit I was wrong. Counterpoint is a must read, and it is sure to remain one of my all-time favorite historical romances.
One of the school’s instructors, Laurence Northcliff, is charmed by young Dylan. He sees a talent in the aspiring artist that none of his other teachers seem willing to acknowledge. He convinces the headmaster to reinstate Dylan at the school and agrees to be his tutor. Unbeknownst to Laurence, Dylan begins to fall in love with his tutor. When Dylan advances on Laurence with an unexpected kiss, Laurence panics and flees the school.
It isn’t until after Dylan’s graduation that he reconnects with his former teacher in Paris. Dylan, now an adult, is embarrassed by his earlier behavior, yet he once again finds himself smitten by Laurence. The two begin seeing one another socially, and eventually a romance blossoms.
When Dylan elects to remain in Paris in order to pursue his study of music, his family disowns him. His father learns of his relationship with Laurence and is disgraced. Although the loss of his family is devastating to Dylan, his love for Laurence trumps all else. They fall even deeper in love and build a life together where Laurence realizes enormous success as an author of fiction, and Dylan finally begins to make strides with his musical compositions.
Suddenly tragedy strikes, and it appears that Dylan will lose everything. All of the happiness he has thus far realized in his life is instantly swept away, and he must begin anew. How will he ever find the strength to go on after losing everything? Will his passion for music sustain him in his darkest hours? Will he ever love again?
Ruth Sims has done it again. She’s written a masterpiece! She has woven an epic love story into a painstakingly accurate historical depiction of nineteenth century English life. This accuracy is evidenced by the minutiae of daily life which is presented in a beautiful, seamless manner, painting a vivid portrait of a truly remarkable era.
The story’s central character, Dylan Rutledge, is a marvelously flawed and utterly human protagonist—passionate, arrogant, impudent, and undeniably lovable. Introduced as a rebellious teenager whose passion for music is so powerful that it’s nearly all-consuming, Dylan ultimately matures and evolves into a man who loves with an equally powerful fervency.
Like Job of the Bible, Dylan helplessly watches his entire world crumble before him, and he somehow manages to endure the unimaginable heartbreak. He somehow finds the will to go on and eventually love again. Ultimately it is he who must choose to redirect this love and place his faith in another. His eternal love for Laurence remains within him, and it brings him full circle to a place where he assumes the role in another’s life which Laurence once so perfectly demonstrated in Dylan’s life.
Ruth Sims is a marvelous storyteller. Her prose is written beautifully, and her character development is executed superbly. The villains are detestable, and the heroes are impossible not to love. The intimate scenes are romantic and tasteful, and the feel of the novel is of such high literary quality that the same-gender romance is inconsequential. It is purely a love story, and that is all that matters.
I felt that Ruth Sims had peaked when she released The Phoenix, and I feared that any subsequent work by her would pale in comparison. I’m thrilled to admit I was wrong. Counterpoint is a must read, and it is sure to remain one of my all-time favorite historical romances.
June 7, 2011
1st draft:
Counterpoint: Dylan's Story is a beautiful novel which I enjoyed in every manner, from cover to cover.
Superficially, a highly individualist teen lusts for his history teacher in a boys school in England, they eventually meet in Paris and become a couple. Teacher is killed in a manner reminiscent of Pierre Curie's death. Boy becomes despondent but eventually falls for a similar kid near his age and things work out, probably. All are of course gorgeous and lustiferous, reinforced by the cover.
Sounds familiar, but that is not at all what the books is about. I think it is primarily about creative obsession. Or the obsession necessary to become a true artist, one of the greats. It is a literary, historical fiction concerning being Gay in Edwardian England and Paris and about the music world of the time. Names were reminiscent of many real people in the music world and I spent a lot of time looking up names of characters to check if they were indeed real. This is telling about Sims' characterization.
It is also about the contrast between a father/son type romance and a romance between two creative forces. And it is about dragging oneself out of the despair caused about the sudden loss of a lover. And it is about the conflict caused by an upper middle class British kid falling for an Angloromani kid during the 19th century. It is about sensuous beauty.
This is a lot to cover in a relatively short novel, but I think the author carries it off. I liked her style which flowed easily and was simply quite beautiful, almost muscial. And the sex is understated which I thought appropriate to its themes. Still I kept feeling, "If only..."—meaning it is sensuous enough for me to fall for the protagonists. It's a novel I want to read again.
Closely examine the cover, before and after reading the novel, it's telling. I am still working oe figuring out what violin sonata is depicted, but my piano is surrounded by TBR mountains.
Counterpoint: Dylan's Story is a beautiful novel which I enjoyed in every manner, from cover to cover.
Superficially, a highly individualist teen lusts for his history teacher in a boys school in England, they eventually meet in Paris and become a couple. Teacher is killed in a manner reminiscent of Pierre Curie's death. Boy becomes despondent but eventually falls for a similar kid near his age and things work out, probably. All are of course gorgeous and lustiferous, reinforced by the cover.
Sounds familiar, but that is not at all what the books is about. I think it is primarily about creative obsession. Or the obsession necessary to become a true artist, one of the greats. It is a literary, historical fiction concerning being Gay in Edwardian England and Paris and about the music world of the time. Names were reminiscent of many real people in the music world and I spent a lot of time looking up names of characters to check if they were indeed real. This is telling about Sims' characterization.
It is also about the contrast between a father/son type romance and a romance between two creative forces. And it is about dragging oneself out of the despair caused about the sudden loss of a lover. And it is about the conflict caused by an upper middle class British kid falling for an Angloromani kid during the 19th century. It is about sensuous beauty.
This is a lot to cover in a relatively short novel, but I think the author carries it off. I liked her style which flowed easily and was simply quite beautiful, almost muscial. And the sex is understated which I thought appropriate to its themes. Still I kept feeling, "If only..."—meaning it is sensuous enough for me to fall for the protagonists. It's a novel I want to read again.
Closely examine the cover, before and after reading the novel, it's telling. I am still working oe figuring out what violin sonata is depicted, but my piano is surrounded by TBR mountains.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2012
I happen to be a classically trained musician. Actually a church organist--though part time at the moment. So I was rather interested in seeing how the whole subject of music and composition were treated. Needless to say, I was unimpressed. This book might be fine for high schoolers or readers in their teens, but it is far too simplistic and sophomoric for anyone else. I just thought it was rather stupid.
Dylan is supposed to be this great composer-in-the-rough who through his struggles becomes a success. In my experience the way this happens with Dylan and the way it happens in reality are two different things. Great composers don't become great by being taught to compose. It seems to come as a wellspring from withing. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn...you name it...were first of all performers. Through their performances they seemed to develop the ability to compose simply because they needed music to express themselves. None of them went to a tutor and were taught to compose. So much for that plot line.
I found it strange that Laurence was able to run off to Paris and live the life of a Bohemian, eating in cafes and living the carefree life...with what?? He didn't have enough money when he was working as an underpaid professor to serve an extra biscuit. How was that working in the plot?
These being said, the other major flaw I found was that good writers create characters in their head and then allow those characters to develop for the reader by the things they say and do as part of being themselves and interacting with the other characters in the story. Less than great authors treat their characters like the writer is a ventriloquist by putting words in their mouths and making them act. Unfortunately, I felt this was the case with this book.
Less than average book.
Dylan is supposed to be this great composer-in-the-rough who through his struggles becomes a success. In my experience the way this happens with Dylan and the way it happens in reality are two different things. Great composers don't become great by being taught to compose. It seems to come as a wellspring from withing. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn...you name it...were first of all performers. Through their performances they seemed to develop the ability to compose simply because they needed music to express themselves. None of them went to a tutor and were taught to compose. So much for that plot line.
I found it strange that Laurence was able to run off to Paris and live the life of a Bohemian, eating in cafes and living the carefree life...with what?? He didn't have enough money when he was working as an underpaid professor to serve an extra biscuit. How was that working in the plot?
These being said, the other major flaw I found was that good writers create characters in their head and then allow those characters to develop for the reader by the things they say and do as part of being themselves and interacting with the other characters in the story. Less than great authors treat their characters like the writer is a ventriloquist by putting words in their mouths and making them act. Unfortunately, I felt this was the case with this book.
Less than average book.
July 22, 2010
I have been a fan of Ms. Sims since I read The Phoenix several years ago. I can't say enough about this new book. Counterpoint: Dylan's Story is a beautiful love story from start to finish. There's nothing I would improve and her characters will linger in my head for days. I inhaled this first read, tearing throught it like glutton. I plan to read it again, but this time, savoring every passage. Her mastery of time and location, her word choices, the attention to detail, and the fierce love between her characters is palpable, and this is what makes this worthy of a five star rating. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historicals, but more importantly, anyone who believes in love.
August 13, 2012
Reviewed By BlackTulip for Booked Up
This story was such a roller coaster ride of emotions, that I don't know where to begin. I was literally engulfed by the book and I had some difficulty trying to emerged from it. As incredible as it sounds it left me nervously exhausted. Unlike other books that very swiftly fade away, this one continues to haunt me...
The thing that characterizes this novel is that it takes place over a long period of time thereby allowing the writer to take her time with her story. At a slow pace you are able to connect with all the characters and become intimate with them.
There are two wonderful and powerful love stories here. It begins with Dylan, as a young boy falling in love with his teacher and tutor Laurence. When Laurence disappears from Dylan's life some twelve years later, after a certain amount of time Dylan who is an older man at the time falls in love with a young violinist Geoffrey.
It is Dylan's journey of discovery of life! He has the arrogance of youth, he is very stubborn, impatient, and certain of so many things. He lives only for his music and he is the despair of his family and teachers in general. The only one that believes in him is Laurence. Pursuing his dream will cost him dearly, he will lose everything that is precious to him - family, security, and even Laurence for a time. They lose sight of each other in England when Laurence resign from his position, but they find themselves together again by chance in Paris, free from the English law and able at last to love each other!
Because of the length of this book, we have the opportunity to see Dylan mature little by little. We are able to share his frustration and disillusions. He will not conform to what is expected of him. This attitude at some point can be admired but at some other times it can be annoying and irritating as it closes many doors for him.
Laurence is a wonderful character that acts as a counterbalance here and tries to smooth things over. He loves without reserve, guiding, helping, and soothing. They are intricately connected to each other by their passion and this passion feeds Dylan's music. They have a rather uncomplicated love story but a very intense one.
And then the unthinkable happens, but I will not elaborate more here ...
Time stands still for Dylan. He has lost his fire, his passion, and his music; there is only coldness, loneliness, emptiness ... nothingness!
He cannot live in Paris anymore and he decides to return home. The Dylan that comes back to England is a different person. Life has its own way of teaching us lessons that allows us to evolve, thank God for that. Even after the worst there is still hope.
Dylan will meet again with Maestro Schoenberg and his protégé Geoffrey, he briefly met them in Paris. Geoffrey Dohnanyi has a Gypsy heritage and despite being extremely gifted, he is rejected by society. It gives a goal to Dylan, make society accept Geoffrey's talent. He is such an inspiration to him that Dylan against all odds seems to have found his way again with music.
Geoffrey is a very affectionate and caring young man who comes into Dylan's life when he needed it, giving a new meaning to his life. He has to let go of Laurence to get on with his life. Thanks to Geoffrey, Dylan is able to hear his music again and to feel passion a second time.
But fate strikes another time and the story takes another tragic turn. Their lives and love are put to the test. Once again there is tragedy and desperation but it will all end well.
Ruth Sims succeeds in intermixing very craftily real-life artists and fictional ones giving an exceptional depth to her novel. It is very clear too, that her research on Paris at that time was extremely well done. I was born, raised, and lived in Paris for forty years, and I've never felt something ring so true and be so realistic. The description of London in general and prison conditions in particular at the time seems dreadfully realistic also.
This book was awesome from start to finish. It was rather long but never boring. This story grabbed me at the beginning and didn't want to free me in the end but I have no regrets. I give this book 5/5 but if I could I would give more!
This story was such a roller coaster ride of emotions, that I don't know where to begin. I was literally engulfed by the book and I had some difficulty trying to emerged from it. As incredible as it sounds it left me nervously exhausted. Unlike other books that very swiftly fade away, this one continues to haunt me...
The thing that characterizes this novel is that it takes place over a long period of time thereby allowing the writer to take her time with her story. At a slow pace you are able to connect with all the characters and become intimate with them.
There are two wonderful and powerful love stories here. It begins with Dylan, as a young boy falling in love with his teacher and tutor Laurence. When Laurence disappears from Dylan's life some twelve years later, after a certain amount of time Dylan who is an older man at the time falls in love with a young violinist Geoffrey.
It is Dylan's journey of discovery of life! He has the arrogance of youth, he is very stubborn, impatient, and certain of so many things. He lives only for his music and he is the despair of his family and teachers in general. The only one that believes in him is Laurence. Pursuing his dream will cost him dearly, he will lose everything that is precious to him - family, security, and even Laurence for a time. They lose sight of each other in England when Laurence resign from his position, but they find themselves together again by chance in Paris, free from the English law and able at last to love each other!
Because of the length of this book, we have the opportunity to see Dylan mature little by little. We are able to share his frustration and disillusions. He will not conform to what is expected of him. This attitude at some point can be admired but at some other times it can be annoying and irritating as it closes many doors for him.
Laurence is a wonderful character that acts as a counterbalance here and tries to smooth things over. He loves without reserve, guiding, helping, and soothing. They are intricately connected to each other by their passion and this passion feeds Dylan's music. They have a rather uncomplicated love story but a very intense one.
And then the unthinkable happens, but I will not elaborate more here ...
Time stands still for Dylan. He has lost his fire, his passion, and his music; there is only coldness, loneliness, emptiness ... nothingness!
He cannot live in Paris anymore and he decides to return home. The Dylan that comes back to England is a different person. Life has its own way of teaching us lessons that allows us to evolve, thank God for that. Even after the worst there is still hope.
Dylan will meet again with Maestro Schoenberg and his protégé Geoffrey, he briefly met them in Paris. Geoffrey Dohnanyi has a Gypsy heritage and despite being extremely gifted, he is rejected by society. It gives a goal to Dylan, make society accept Geoffrey's talent. He is such an inspiration to him that Dylan against all odds seems to have found his way again with music.
Geoffrey is a very affectionate and caring young man who comes into Dylan's life when he needed it, giving a new meaning to his life. He has to let go of Laurence to get on with his life. Thanks to Geoffrey, Dylan is able to hear his music again and to feel passion a second time.
But fate strikes another time and the story takes another tragic turn. Their lives and love are put to the test. Once again there is tragedy and desperation but it will all end well.
Ruth Sims succeeds in intermixing very craftily real-life artists and fictional ones giving an exceptional depth to her novel. It is very clear too, that her research on Paris at that time was extremely well done. I was born, raised, and lived in Paris for forty years, and I've never felt something ring so true and be so realistic. The description of London in general and prison conditions in particular at the time seems dreadfully realistic also.
This book was awesome from start to finish. It was rather long but never boring. This story grabbed me at the beginning and didn't want to free me in the end but I have no regrets. I give this book 5/5 but if I could I would give more!
Read
October 13, 2010As I finished Counterpoint: Dylan’s Story, there were tears in my eyes. Not tears of sorrow, but tears due to the indescribable beauty that is Ruth Sims’ Counterpoint: Dylan’s Story. This is a powerful and, to my mind, epic story; it sweeps through history and the lives of two men, men whose love of music is incomparable. It is complex but has a sublime beauty that is almost overwhelming. There were times in the book that I was completely overcome; the emotions that this most talented new-to-me author evokes still have me in awe.
This may seem to be overly extravagant flattery, but truly my poor words can’t even begin to do justice to Ms. Sims’ book. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the chance to read Dylan’s Story; it’s much more than I ever could have anticipated; what a treat.
The depth into which she takes us into the world of music is astonishing. While I appreciate music, I’ve never been overly fond of stories in which the detail is so complete, but Ms. Sims was able to take me into the emotional and creative force behind it. Hard to believe that a story set in the late Victorian era dealing with composers could be so spellbinding, but that is exactly what the author does. She weaves a spell of ever-increasing tension and as the story progressed I found myself further and further drawn into the world of Dylan Rutledge.
The book is separated into two different parts. The first details Dylan’s earlier years; the years of discovery—not of music because that was always with him—but of what it means to actually live the music. Not only does he have to deal with a well-meaning family, who has no idea what music means to Dylan, but he’s feeling the first pangs of love… for one of his teachers. Growing up is often very painful but throw into the mix a forbidden love and a calling that, to most people, is nothing more than a hobby and the difficulty is multiplied.
In the second half, Dylan’s life has gone through some extremely dramatic changes and he still suffering. All I can say is he is most fortunate to have people around him who care for him, but who won’t give up on him. This second part has no less heartache, but it’s also got the promise of a future that fulfills all Dylan’s dreams.
There are a lot of painful events that occur throughout this book, but when something beautiful happens it’s all the more precious. I really can’t say anything more without giving away parts of the story that are much better left to be discovered by the reader. For those who are romantics and need a happy ending, I’m here to tell you that, while it’s not what I expected to happen, it’s still very satisfying.
Ruth Sims is right there on my gotta-get list with this, the first story that I’ve read by her. I highly recommend this book to anyone willing to step out of their comfort zone, fans of historicals, fans of men-loving-men romance or for those who enjoy tales that verge on sweeping epics. Counterpoint: Dylan’s Story will fill your heart and your mind and it’s one that you will not want to forget. This is an unforgettable journey about love, family, genius, friends, societal disdain and, ultimately, achieving dreams. Powerful, heart-breaking, joyful and amazing… treat yourself.
This may seem to be overly extravagant flattery, but truly my poor words can’t even begin to do justice to Ms. Sims’ book. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the chance to read Dylan’s Story; it’s much more than I ever could have anticipated; what a treat.
The depth into which she takes us into the world of music is astonishing. While I appreciate music, I’ve never been overly fond of stories in which the detail is so complete, but Ms. Sims was able to take me into the emotional and creative force behind it. Hard to believe that a story set in the late Victorian era dealing with composers could be so spellbinding, but that is exactly what the author does. She weaves a spell of ever-increasing tension and as the story progressed I found myself further and further drawn into the world of Dylan Rutledge.
The book is separated into two different parts. The first details Dylan’s earlier years; the years of discovery—not of music because that was always with him—but of what it means to actually live the music. Not only does he have to deal with a well-meaning family, who has no idea what music means to Dylan, but he’s feeling the first pangs of love… for one of his teachers. Growing up is often very painful but throw into the mix a forbidden love and a calling that, to most people, is nothing more than a hobby and the difficulty is multiplied.
In the second half, Dylan’s life has gone through some extremely dramatic changes and he still suffering. All I can say is he is most fortunate to have people around him who care for him, but who won’t give up on him. This second part has no less heartache, but it’s also got the promise of a future that fulfills all Dylan’s dreams.
There are a lot of painful events that occur throughout this book, but when something beautiful happens it’s all the more precious. I really can’t say anything more without giving away parts of the story that are much better left to be discovered by the reader. For those who are romantics and need a happy ending, I’m here to tell you that, while it’s not what I expected to happen, it’s still very satisfying.
Ruth Sims is right there on my gotta-get list with this, the first story that I’ve read by her. I highly recommend this book to anyone willing to step out of their comfort zone, fans of historicals, fans of men-loving-men romance or for those who enjoy tales that verge on sweeping epics. Counterpoint: Dylan’s Story will fill your heart and your mind and it’s one that you will not want to forget. This is an unforgettable journey about love, family, genius, friends, societal disdain and, ultimately, achieving dreams. Powerful, heart-breaking, joyful and amazing… treat yourself.
Read
February 7, 2011Counterpoint is at the same time a detailed, and wonderfully described, historical fiction and a love story; actually it is two love stories in one life, Dylan’s life, and as a perfect Salomon’s decision, Ruth Sims devoted the exact number of page to one love, Laurence, 160 pages, and another 160 pages to the second one, Geoffrey. And like in a perfect consecutio temporis, when the story starts Laurence is an adult who falls in love for a boy, Dylan, and when Laurence’s story is almost to the end, Dylan’s next love, Geoffrey, enters the scene, and he is only a boy to whom Dylan will be protector and lover, like Laurence was for him.
Dylan’s love for Laurence is completely different from what he will feel for Geoffrey, different but not for this reason lesser. If fate was not to interfere in their relationship, I’m sure Dylan and Laurence would have aged together, indeed the more or less 15 years they have of age difference can be huge when Dylan is only a student and Laurence his ancient history professor, but they are nothing when Dylan is in his middle twenty and Laurence is an handsome man in his forty. And with time they would have been even lesser until the difference would have disappeared. For sure Dylan’s love for Laurence was born from his need to be accepted, where his family and other professors didn’t comprehend his love for music, Laurence helped him, tutored him to become the man who was able to really write good music. But Laurence was also the man Dylan pursued, and not the other way; if they are lovers it was since Dylan, impetuous and young Dylan pursued Laurence until the quiet man couldn’t avoid to completely falling for his young protégé. Dylan doesn’t see in Laurence an old man, he sees his future, his love and the fire that will feed his passion.
When that fire is taken away, Dylan is almost destroyed, in mind and heart. Geoffrey comes back in his life at the right moment, giving him another pursue. Geoffrey is not a substitute of Laurence, he is a completely different man; not only he is way younger; he is also someone who needs Dylan and not the other way. Loving Geoffrey Dylan is not forgetting Laurence; on the contrary, in a way he is doing what Laurence wanted for him, to live for music. Dylan is a composer; Geoffrey is the violinist who will give sound to Dylan music, but also passion.
Counterpoint can well being two novels in one and having them together will prove to the reader that is possible to love two times, with the same deepness, and the point is that when something tragic happens in your life, you have to let your heart be open to that second chance.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615815333/?...
Dylan’s love for Laurence is completely different from what he will feel for Geoffrey, different but not for this reason lesser. If fate was not to interfere in their relationship, I’m sure Dylan and Laurence would have aged together, indeed the more or less 15 years they have of age difference can be huge when Dylan is only a student and Laurence his ancient history professor, but they are nothing when Dylan is in his middle twenty and Laurence is an handsome man in his forty. And with time they would have been even lesser until the difference would have disappeared. For sure Dylan’s love for Laurence was born from his need to be accepted, where his family and other professors didn’t comprehend his love for music, Laurence helped him, tutored him to become the man who was able to really write good music. But Laurence was also the man Dylan pursued, and not the other way; if they are lovers it was since Dylan, impetuous and young Dylan pursued Laurence until the quiet man couldn’t avoid to completely falling for his young protégé. Dylan doesn’t see in Laurence an old man, he sees his future, his love and the fire that will feed his passion.
When that fire is taken away, Dylan is almost destroyed, in mind and heart. Geoffrey comes back in his life at the right moment, giving him another pursue. Geoffrey is not a substitute of Laurence, he is a completely different man; not only he is way younger; he is also someone who needs Dylan and not the other way. Loving Geoffrey Dylan is not forgetting Laurence; on the contrary, in a way he is doing what Laurence wanted for him, to live for music. Dylan is a composer; Geoffrey is the violinist who will give sound to Dylan music, but also passion.
Counterpoint can well being two novels in one and having them together will prove to the reader that is possible to love two times, with the same deepness, and the point is that when something tragic happens in your life, you have to let your heart be open to that second chance.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1615815333/?...
July 11, 2012
In Counterpoint: Dylan's Story, Ruth Sims gives us two stories for the price of one, contrasting love stories that echo one another across the years. In the first half of the book, we experience the first tentative stirrings of love from a young man infatuated with an older gentleman. In the second the tables are turned, and we instead experience a similar love from the perspective of the older, more experienced suitor.
Over the course of the novel Dylan grows and develops, maturing through his relationships, and sustained by his love for music. A talented, but misunderstood young man, Dylan finds himself musically and emotionally through the efforts of a tutor by the name of Laurence. Self-confident to the point of arrogance, Dylan is determined to redefine the world of music with his compositions. In many ways, he's like a 19th century rock star, ahead of his time, misunderstood by his peers, and a victim of his own success. As much as he may be hard to warm up to emotionally, you cannot help but admire his tenacity in pursuing his dream.
His affair with Laurence does serve to smooth some of his rough edges, and balance out his arrogance, but it also propels him to make some difficult choices . . . and nearly destroys him when the affair comes to an abrupt end.
That brings us to the second half of the story, in which the roles and reversed and an older, wiser, more nature Dylan takes a young violinist under his wing - both musically and romantically. Geoffrey was, for me, the high point of the novel. A child prodigy and a gypsy, he's looked down upon by his peers out of jealousy, and by society out of prejudice. Where Dylan was arrogant and angry, Geoffrey is more naive and vulnerable - much more the typical sympathetic artist. While their relationship mirrors that of Dylan and Laurence, it's not an intentional choice on Dylan's behalf to repair his past.
At times difficult, but also exciting, this is a historical drama, two love stories, and a book about music all at the same time. It's a fascinating tale, and one that hits so hard emotionally because it manages to engage the reader intellectually. Ruth makes the reader both think and feel, which makes it hard to move on when things get dark, but ultimately makes the entire read more significant and satisfying.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
Over the course of the novel Dylan grows and develops, maturing through his relationships, and sustained by his love for music. A talented, but misunderstood young man, Dylan finds himself musically and emotionally through the efforts of a tutor by the name of Laurence. Self-confident to the point of arrogance, Dylan is determined to redefine the world of music with his compositions. In many ways, he's like a 19th century rock star, ahead of his time, misunderstood by his peers, and a victim of his own success. As much as he may be hard to warm up to emotionally, you cannot help but admire his tenacity in pursuing his dream.
His affair with Laurence does serve to smooth some of his rough edges, and balance out his arrogance, but it also propels him to make some difficult choices . . . and nearly destroys him when the affair comes to an abrupt end.
That brings us to the second half of the story, in which the roles and reversed and an older, wiser, more nature Dylan takes a young violinist under his wing - both musically and romantically. Geoffrey was, for me, the high point of the novel. A child prodigy and a gypsy, he's looked down upon by his peers out of jealousy, and by society out of prejudice. Where Dylan was arrogant and angry, Geoffrey is more naive and vulnerable - much more the typical sympathetic artist. While their relationship mirrors that of Dylan and Laurence, it's not an intentional choice on Dylan's behalf to repair his past.
At times difficult, but also exciting, this is a historical drama, two love stories, and a book about music all at the same time. It's a fascinating tale, and one that hits so hard emotionally because it manages to engage the reader intellectually. Ruth makes the reader both think and feel, which makes it hard to move on when things get dark, but ultimately makes the entire read more significant and satisfying.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
August 26, 2013
We first meet Dylan as a youth on the edge of manhood and journey with him to manhood shaped by tragedy and love. The one constant in his life is music, his music. His family, especially his father, does not support his passion. His father is wealthy and wants his children to choose professions that will not embarrass the family.
Dylan travels to Paris, studies with a great teacher and reconnects with his old teacher of history, Lawrence. He and Lawrence finally give into the passion and now the student is the teacher. Dylan's struggle to get his music heard and Lawrence's quiet yet strong support is the heart of the first half of the book. Lawrence cares for people and tries to show Dylan how to care for others also. Not a lesson Dylan learns easily. He must experience his family cutting him out of their life, his music being ridiculed and a personal heartbreak that kills his inner music.
There is another character in this beautiful story that grabs the heart. He is Geoffrey. He is beautiful inside and outside and a most talented violinist. What happens to him tears the readers' heart apart.
The journey of these three souls is set in the late 1800's in England and in Paris. The view of facets of life of the times is sometimes raw and sometimes sweet but always real. We meet many historical important movers in the music world, but the story always remains on Dylan, Lawrence and Geoffrey. It is their stories that work into our hearts and bring pain and joy. Not an easy read at times but one I could not put down. The story and the characters are still with me.
Dylan travels to Paris, studies with a great teacher and reconnects with his old teacher of history, Lawrence. He and Lawrence finally give into the passion and now the student is the teacher. Dylan's struggle to get his music heard and Lawrence's quiet yet strong support is the heart of the first half of the book. Lawrence cares for people and tries to show Dylan how to care for others also. Not a lesson Dylan learns easily. He must experience his family cutting him out of their life, his music being ridiculed and a personal heartbreak that kills his inner music.
There is another character in this beautiful story that grabs the heart. He is Geoffrey. He is beautiful inside and outside and a most talented violinist. What happens to him tears the readers' heart apart.
The journey of these three souls is set in the late 1800's in England and in Paris. The view of facets of life of the times is sometimes raw and sometimes sweet but always real. We meet many historical important movers in the music world, but the story always remains on Dylan, Lawrence and Geoffrey. It is their stories that work into our hearts and bring pain and joy. Not an easy read at times but one I could not put down. The story and the characters are still with me.
August 21, 2013
This was a very emotional story, and in my opinion the artistic nature of the characters was well portrayed. The only complaint I have is that at times, especially the second part, it became very histrionical. Other than that, it was a satisfying read.
December 12, 2014
DNF page 20 of 332
June 17, 2018
I waffled back and forth about what to rate this. I like this story it was well put together. Even though Dylan was an ass through a great deal of the book I also wanted to find out what happened to him. We get to see him go through his life trying to be recognized as a great composer from his school days well into his life when he is finally recognized. It took me a while to figure out what bugged be about to the book and finally a couple of days later I think I figured it out.
November 2, 2014
(No explicit spoilers, but spoilers regarding the general direction in which the story goes.)
That right there might just be my favorite book of all time. The passion evident in every scene--front the youthful, fiery, arrogance that pervaded the beginning of Dylan's youth and time with Laurence to the slow maturity and strength and pained losses that came and were endured by Dylan and Geoffrey, to their ultimate successes.
"'These pieces are extraordinary for one your age and with your limited training. I was but warning you of the difficulties ahead, for I can see by this music that you want to break rules and smash barriers.'
'I do indeed, Sir!'
'You must understand one thing: when one smashes barriers, one often breaks one's own hear in doing it.'
'I don't care about that.'
'Understandable. At your age, why should you?'"
I was lost in this book, lost in the tremendous love for music and love for another human being that overflowed from these pages. This had one of the two most emotional and tragic scenes that I have ever read and I cried the most I ever had while reading a story. At that most tragic scene my tears would not stop slipping down my face--I still get teary-eyed just thinking about it--and my eyes again dripped at the triumphant culmination of the story. I felt every moment keenly, loved the authenticity of the time and places and every emotion felt, saw how human and true each character was, and completely was entranced. I feel like I lived through each moment with Dylan, like I was there with him and Laurence, and later him and Geoffrey, and everyone else in their lives. It was the most amazing feeling, one I'll never forget and will strive to recapture. I feel like these people should be real, and I want to hear their music with my ears, not just my soul, as I have though out this book. I feel like all the emotions I felt must transfer into something more.
"My love. Emotion shook him as Laurence touched his face with trembling fingertips. My love. Love. So this was what love felt like--being willing to die for just one more touch, being willing to wait for the rest if need be."
Remembering the beginning scenes, no, the beginning half, and the differences between that and the second half or the ending of this book; not just the characters, but the whole tone, the situations, the scenes, everything grew up and changed, and yet was so closely linked to the earlier parts...oh it was incredible! All of it was! This review is more of a stream-of-consciousness process, of me reliving the scenes, than a proper review, but that is how much this book has scrambled my mind, given me everything I wanted and more. Horrified me and made me overjoyed; touched me and made me cry; made me hold my breath and then breathe out in awe; sickened and astonished me, then made me grin. Up and down, over and again. This was absolute mastery, and it took command of my soul. I will remember this journey, and cannot recommend this book highly enough. I hope everyone reads it just for the experience of being invaded and changed into a whole new being. It's magic, the way Dylan's and Geoffrey's music is to the people of this book.
"'Without you to play it, it's nothing but small black marks on paper. When I wrote, it was like a flood from my brain and my heart out through my fingers. Those marks are the sum of everything I feel for you! Every grand detache, every bariolage is yours. Every rest, every fermata, every time change, every notation, every bloody note is yours.'"
P.S. The writing was also so, so beautiful in itself. I highlighted the most sections I ever have from one book. Too many to list or write out, but I included a few of my favorites in here.
P.P.S. I've been thinking about it, and one reason I liked this so much was that Ms. Sims didn't use any of the tried and true (and tired) plot threads like that would have been easy to use as a filler, but instead forged her own unique path for the story, which made it all the better for that choice. Also, I feel like I almost don't want to read another story right now out of respect for this one. I'm not sure if any will live up to this one, and I have this playing on a loop in my head, and I don't want to taint that :) Oh well, I must take each story on its own merit I suppose!
That right there might just be my favorite book of all time. The passion evident in every scene--front the youthful, fiery, arrogance that pervaded the beginning of Dylan's youth and time with Laurence to the slow maturity and strength and pained losses that came and were endured by Dylan and Geoffrey, to their ultimate successes.
"'These pieces are extraordinary for one your age and with your limited training. I was but warning you of the difficulties ahead, for I can see by this music that you want to break rules and smash barriers.'
'I do indeed, Sir!'
'You must understand one thing: when one smashes barriers, one often breaks one's own hear in doing it.'
'I don't care about that.'
'Understandable. At your age, why should you?'"
I was lost in this book, lost in the tremendous love for music and love for another human being that overflowed from these pages. This had one of the two most emotional and tragic scenes that I have ever read and I cried the most I ever had while reading a story. At that most tragic scene my tears would not stop slipping down my face--I still get teary-eyed just thinking about it--and my eyes again dripped at the triumphant culmination of the story. I felt every moment keenly, loved the authenticity of the time and places and every emotion felt, saw how human and true each character was, and completely was entranced. I feel like I lived through each moment with Dylan, like I was there with him and Laurence, and later him and Geoffrey, and everyone else in their lives. It was the most amazing feeling, one I'll never forget and will strive to recapture. I feel like these people should be real, and I want to hear their music with my ears, not just my soul, as I have though out this book. I feel like all the emotions I felt must transfer into something more.
"My love. Emotion shook him as Laurence touched his face with trembling fingertips. My love. Love. So this was what love felt like--being willing to die for just one more touch, being willing to wait for the rest if need be."
Remembering the beginning scenes, no, the beginning half, and the differences between that and the second half or the ending of this book; not just the characters, but the whole tone, the situations, the scenes, everything grew up and changed, and yet was so closely linked to the earlier parts...oh it was incredible! All of it was! This review is more of a stream-of-consciousness process, of me reliving the scenes, than a proper review, but that is how much this book has scrambled my mind, given me everything I wanted and more. Horrified me and made me overjoyed; touched me and made me cry; made me hold my breath and then breathe out in awe; sickened and astonished me, then made me grin. Up and down, over and again. This was absolute mastery, and it took command of my soul. I will remember this journey, and cannot recommend this book highly enough. I hope everyone reads it just for the experience of being invaded and changed into a whole new being. It's magic, the way Dylan's and Geoffrey's music is to the people of this book.
"'Without you to play it, it's nothing but small black marks on paper. When I wrote, it was like a flood from my brain and my heart out through my fingers. Those marks are the sum of everything I feel for you! Every grand detache, every bariolage is yours. Every rest, every fermata, every time change, every notation, every bloody note is yours.'"
P.S. The writing was also so, so beautiful in itself. I highlighted the most sections I ever have from one book. Too many to list or write out, but I included a few of my favorites in here.
P.P.S. I've been thinking about it, and one reason I liked this so much was that Ms. Sims didn't use any of the tried and true (and tired) plot threads like that would have been easy to use as a filler, but instead forged her own unique path for the story, which made it all the better for that choice. Also, I feel like I almost don't want to read another story right now out of respect for this one. I'm not sure if any will live up to this one, and I have this playing on a loop in my head, and I don't want to taint that :) Oh well, I must take each story on its own merit I suppose!
May 17, 2011
I live and breathe violin music. To me, to hear Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Winter II Largo conjures a world so beautiful I can hardly contain myself, stirs something in me that I can’t even write, can’t articulate. So, when I saw the cover of Ruth Sim’s Counterpoint: Dylan’s Story, I had to read it. It had a violin on the cover, as well as two beautiful men. All the elements in this reader’s mind for a delicious story—gorgeous men and music.
But that Ruth Sims. Damn her. She threw me a fast one and sent me on a journey so gut-wrenchingly poignant, so rousing, so sensual, that I couldn’t get the characters and their story out of my mind.
I loved Dylan Rutledge. Fiery, insubordinate, the true artist who is consumed with his passion for music. So confident, cocky. In his mind, the premiere composer of the coming twentieth century. Young, handsome.
His spirited persona is offset beautifully by the man he secretly has a ‘crush’ on—his history teacher and mentor at The Venerable Bede School for Young Gentlemen, Laurence Northcliff. Dylan’s vitality compliments Laurence’s serene, wise countenance in such a lovely way; and, when their relationship becomes one of lovers, it’s lyrical and, to me, sometimes comical with their night-and-day contrast. And it’s very sensual.
And, speaking of sensual, I loved Sims’s handling of sex. I love sex in books. If used carefully, all sex in books can be used as another language between lovers. Don’t fade to black, let me in the room. Well, Sims lets you in the room, yet she makes you stand just outside a silky canopy where you can hear and see the lovemaking, but it’s muted and sensual.
You know me. I’m not going to divulge plot. The blurb gives you an ample glimpse into that. I can only say that something in particular in this book made me mad, made me cry; and I even found myself thinking, Damn you, Ruth Sims. But, I had to admit that it was necessary, it was natural, and it…well…it had to be. In fact, when I finished the book, I thought about it and, in retrospect, I realized it could have been no other way.
But what the blurb does NOT show you, which was THE gem of the story, THE treasure of characters, and—in my mind—one of the most memorable characters I’ve EVER read is Geoffrey Dohnanyi, a brilliant Gypsy violinist.
Upon thoughts of Geoffrey, words fail me. He’s too beautiful, too passionate, too sensual, too everything. He’s a violinist, for land’s sake. What more needs to be said?
But this character steals the show.
When I first met him, I almost didn’t like him. He was arrogant, rude. But I was intrigued and attracted anyway by his lush wildness, a beautiful animal plunked into society, Tarzan among the aristocrats. Curly dark hair (oh, come on, you know he had me with that alone), smoldering looks, lovely body. And a musician. My man.
Okay, sure, that got me. I gave him a chance, and I fell for him.
But it’s what happens to Geoffrey in the story—a horrific atrocity brought on by prejudice—and how he deals with it, how his spirit prevails, that tore my heart in pieces and made me cry, made my chest swell with a mixture of pride and pain and love for him.
His bravery, almost pitiful in its near defeat, branded this reader’s soul. Even now, writing about him, remembering his torture, I’m fighting tears.
I can’t recall ever having seen a more vivid portrayal of a character, a tapestry of fire, red, purple, gold, black, burgundy, every warm color the mind can imagine. A man who only seems arrogant, but whose arrogance is merely his armor to shield a delicate flower of a soul.
I’m not even going to tell you what his significance in the story is, as that would reveal plot. But I will tell you that our friend Dylan will be the one constant in the young violinist’s life that will see him through his fire. And if you loved them both during the book, you will cry and cheer and embrace them in the end.
My job is to hit you over the head with books I love and jump up and down, saying, READ THIS BOOK. There is something in it that you will LOVE, I promise you. Really, really, really.
So here I am, dancing and hopping before you, begging you to read this story.
But that Ruth Sims. Damn her. She threw me a fast one and sent me on a journey so gut-wrenchingly poignant, so rousing, so sensual, that I couldn’t get the characters and their story out of my mind.
I loved Dylan Rutledge. Fiery, insubordinate, the true artist who is consumed with his passion for music. So confident, cocky. In his mind, the premiere composer of the coming twentieth century. Young, handsome.
His spirited persona is offset beautifully by the man he secretly has a ‘crush’ on—his history teacher and mentor at The Venerable Bede School for Young Gentlemen, Laurence Northcliff. Dylan’s vitality compliments Laurence’s serene, wise countenance in such a lovely way; and, when their relationship becomes one of lovers, it’s lyrical and, to me, sometimes comical with their night-and-day contrast. And it’s very sensual.
And, speaking of sensual, I loved Sims’s handling of sex. I love sex in books. If used carefully, all sex in books can be used as another language between lovers. Don’t fade to black, let me in the room. Well, Sims lets you in the room, yet she makes you stand just outside a silky canopy where you can hear and see the lovemaking, but it’s muted and sensual.
You know me. I’m not going to divulge plot. The blurb gives you an ample glimpse into that. I can only say that something in particular in this book made me mad, made me cry; and I even found myself thinking, Damn you, Ruth Sims. But, I had to admit that it was necessary, it was natural, and it…well…it had to be. In fact, when I finished the book, I thought about it and, in retrospect, I realized it could have been no other way.
But what the blurb does NOT show you, which was THE gem of the story, THE treasure of characters, and—in my mind—one of the most memorable characters I’ve EVER read is Geoffrey Dohnanyi, a brilliant Gypsy violinist.
Upon thoughts of Geoffrey, words fail me. He’s too beautiful, too passionate, too sensual, too everything. He’s a violinist, for land’s sake. What more needs to be said?
But this character steals the show.
When I first met him, I almost didn’t like him. He was arrogant, rude. But I was intrigued and attracted anyway by his lush wildness, a beautiful animal plunked into society, Tarzan among the aristocrats. Curly dark hair (oh, come on, you know he had me with that alone), smoldering looks, lovely body. And a musician. My man.
Okay, sure, that got me. I gave him a chance, and I fell for him.
But it’s what happens to Geoffrey in the story—a horrific atrocity brought on by prejudice—and how he deals with it, how his spirit prevails, that tore my heart in pieces and made me cry, made my chest swell with a mixture of pride and pain and love for him.
His bravery, almost pitiful in its near defeat, branded this reader’s soul. Even now, writing about him, remembering his torture, I’m fighting tears.
I can’t recall ever having seen a more vivid portrayal of a character, a tapestry of fire, red, purple, gold, black, burgundy, every warm color the mind can imagine. A man who only seems arrogant, but whose arrogance is merely his armor to shield a delicate flower of a soul.
I’m not even going to tell you what his significance in the story is, as that would reveal plot. But I will tell you that our friend Dylan will be the one constant in the young violinist’s life that will see him through his fire. And if you loved them both during the book, you will cry and cheer and embrace them in the end.
My job is to hit you over the head with books I love and jump up and down, saying, READ THIS BOOK. There is something in it that you will LOVE, I promise you. Really, really, really.
So here I am, dancing and hopping before you, begging you to read this story.
November 27, 2010
In March of this year I had the pleasure of reviewing The Phoenix by Ruth Sims, and described it as, “A masterful piece of writing, credible and enjoyable from start to finish.” At that time I thought that I had exhausted all the superlatives possible on a novel, but with Counterpoint: Dylan’s Story [Dream Spinner Press, July 2010] she had surpassed even these. Indeed, Counterpoint has been described as “A symphony of words.”
It begins with a tasteful cover design by Alex Beecroft that captures the theme of the novel with just the right flare. Then the story opens like an insightful overture containing a glimpse of what is to come, but most of all it artfully introduces Dylan’s impetuous personality better than any descriptive narrative could do. Here we find Dylan playing one of his own composition illicitly on the main organ of the Bede College (for young gentlemen) chapel; an instrument that is almost the ‘proprietary’ province of the old-school, hide-bound choir master—ushering in one of nemesis in Dylan’s life; the first of many.
Chapter one also introduces us to Laurence Northcliff, a more liberal-minded teaching master—although, how ‘liberal’ remains to be seen in a later chapter.
In fact, the character development in this story is one of the very strong points of Ruth Sims’ writing; for they are all true to the period in their attitudes and way of thinking, credible for who and what they are, and consistent throughout. For example, Dylan retains his artless idealism throughout; Northcliff his maturity and understanding; Dylan’s father his ultra-conservative, middleclass standards; etc. I also thought it very true-to-life that his father would blame Northcliff for Dylan’s ‘downfall,’ referring to his homosexuality, because it couldn’t have come from his genes—plus ca change.
The setting, both in England and in Paris, deserve a special mention as well; for I find it quite remarkable that a gal who “has lived her entire life in conservative, Republican, tiny-town Midwest USA,” can create 19th-century, European settings that are so credible in detail and ambiance that they rival travel brochures.
Indeed ‘ambiance’ is another aspect of her writing that is worthy of praise. It creates that period “feeling” that so many of her readers have commented on, including myself regarding The Phoenix:
“Not to be overlooked is the amount of research required to reproduce Victorian England to a credible degree is quite considerable—especially for a gal who, according to her biography, has never seen a moor! Well, the test of the ‘credibility factor’ is that I as a reader certainly believed it.”
Counterpoint: Dylan’s Story reads like silk rippling across naked skin, and the overall experience of it—the heights and depths of love, the highs and lows of life, the counterpoints of success and failure, and the triumph of the human spirit has left me with the afterglow of having read a great story!
It begins with a tasteful cover design by Alex Beecroft that captures the theme of the novel with just the right flare. Then the story opens like an insightful overture containing a glimpse of what is to come, but most of all it artfully introduces Dylan’s impetuous personality better than any descriptive narrative could do. Here we find Dylan playing one of his own composition illicitly on the main organ of the Bede College (for young gentlemen) chapel; an instrument that is almost the ‘proprietary’ province of the old-school, hide-bound choir master—ushering in one of nemesis in Dylan’s life; the first of many.
Chapter one also introduces us to Laurence Northcliff, a more liberal-minded teaching master—although, how ‘liberal’ remains to be seen in a later chapter.
In fact, the character development in this story is one of the very strong points of Ruth Sims’ writing; for they are all true to the period in their attitudes and way of thinking, credible for who and what they are, and consistent throughout. For example, Dylan retains his artless idealism throughout; Northcliff his maturity and understanding; Dylan’s father his ultra-conservative, middleclass standards; etc. I also thought it very true-to-life that his father would blame Northcliff for Dylan’s ‘downfall,’ referring to his homosexuality, because it couldn’t have come from his genes—plus ca change.
The setting, both in England and in Paris, deserve a special mention as well; for I find it quite remarkable that a gal who “has lived her entire life in conservative, Republican, tiny-town Midwest USA,” can create 19th-century, European settings that are so credible in detail and ambiance that they rival travel brochures.
Indeed ‘ambiance’ is another aspect of her writing that is worthy of praise. It creates that period “feeling” that so many of her readers have commented on, including myself regarding The Phoenix:
“Not to be overlooked is the amount of research required to reproduce Victorian England to a credible degree is quite considerable—especially for a gal who, according to her biography, has never seen a moor! Well, the test of the ‘credibility factor’ is that I as a reader certainly believed it.”
Counterpoint: Dylan’s Story reads like silk rippling across naked skin, and the overall experience of it—the heights and depths of love, the highs and lows of life, the counterpoints of success and failure, and the triumph of the human spirit has left me with the afterglow of having read a great story!
August 8, 2011
I had the honor of being a beta reader for this novel, and ever since then I have been eagerly anticipating its publication so I could read it again. Though I truly enjoyed Sims' previous novel, "The Phoenix," I have to say that Counterpoint is even better. This is brilliant historical fiction with two love stories at the heart of it.
Dylan Rutledge has a gift for music, and nothing but disdain for traditional schooling that keeps him from it. At the Bede School, only Master Laurence Northcliff can see Dylan's potential. What he cannot see is that Dylan loves him. Dylan will lose everything in pursuit of his dream: his family, security, even true love. As he struggles to make his place in the world, he crosses paths with another musical genius who could be the salvation of both his heart, and his music. Geoffrey is a gifted violinist, apprenticed to a master musician. His life is torn apart when his master dies; and Dylan must find a way to save Geoffrey, and himself.
The historical setting is very well done, with lots of details to put a reader in the time, but it is the characters that make this book come alive. Dylan's passion for his music is so intense, a reader cannot help but be pulled in. I wanted Dylan to find success. But, this is not a simple romance with some angst and an HEA. Readers follow Dylan as his life unravels - through his first experiments with sex, his confrontations with his father, his consuming need to compose, his first true love, the pain of loss and finally redemption. Though Dylan is the focus, many secondary characters are also fully developed. Dylan eventually finds a patron, and she is pivotal in weaving some of the threads back together. And then there is Geoffrey, who is Rom (Romany, Gypsy). It is easy to see how these two could connect. Both feel like outsides; Geoffrey because of his heritage, Dylan because he refuses the traditional path of a young gentleman. But, they are also sustained by their music. Theirs is a beautiful romance, fiery at one moment, tender the next. They are so very real.
Overall, this is a fantastic read that I cannot recommend enough. I also have to say, the cover art is gorgeous!
Dylan Rutledge has a gift for music, and nothing but disdain for traditional schooling that keeps him from it. At the Bede School, only Master Laurence Northcliff can see Dylan's potential. What he cannot see is that Dylan loves him. Dylan will lose everything in pursuit of his dream: his family, security, even true love. As he struggles to make his place in the world, he crosses paths with another musical genius who could be the salvation of both his heart, and his music. Geoffrey is a gifted violinist, apprenticed to a master musician. His life is torn apart when his master dies; and Dylan must find a way to save Geoffrey, and himself.
The historical setting is very well done, with lots of details to put a reader in the time, but it is the characters that make this book come alive. Dylan's passion for his music is so intense, a reader cannot help but be pulled in. I wanted Dylan to find success. But, this is not a simple romance with some angst and an HEA. Readers follow Dylan as his life unravels - through his first experiments with sex, his confrontations with his father, his consuming need to compose, his first true love, the pain of loss and finally redemption. Though Dylan is the focus, many secondary characters are also fully developed. Dylan eventually finds a patron, and she is pivotal in weaving some of the threads back together. And then there is Geoffrey, who is Rom (Romany, Gypsy). It is easy to see how these two could connect. Both feel like outsides; Geoffrey because of his heritage, Dylan because he refuses the traditional path of a young gentleman. But, they are also sustained by their music. Theirs is a beautiful romance, fiery at one moment, tender the next. They are so very real.
Overall, this is a fantastic read that I cannot recommend enough. I also have to say, the cover art is gorgeous!
January 20, 2013
This book was beautiful and addictive, and lurked in my thoughts the whole time I was reading it--which turned out to be less than a week, since I kept coming back to it to read more at every opportunity. Though it's highly romantic, it doesn't follow the usual romance formulas. It's more like a historical novel that happens to involve a couple of love affairs. That the characters in those love affairs are gay men adds a good deal to the tension and drama, since (in England, at least) that kind of thing was illegal at the time. The passion runs high, but the love scenes are tasteful, written with beauty and restraint. (I'm not at all opposed to erotica, but wouldn't likely admit to reading it on Goodreads.) ;)
At times the book even felt like a biography, given the real-life characters dropped in on the periphery of the action, such as Gaston Leroux and several Impressionist painters. Sims' historical research, and the smooth way she wove it into the story, impressed me thoroughly, and brought the plot to life with its vivid details, from the gorgeously luxurious down to the miserably squalid. But best of all, I loved the characters, and cheered and grieved for them--stubborn, impatient composer Dylan; gentle, bookish author Laurence; and talented, haunted violinist Geoffrey. Highly recommended for fans of music, history, star-crossed love, and general good writing!
At times the book even felt like a biography, given the real-life characters dropped in on the periphery of the action, such as Gaston Leroux and several Impressionist painters. Sims' historical research, and the smooth way she wove it into the story, impressed me thoroughly, and brought the plot to life with its vivid details, from the gorgeously luxurious down to the miserably squalid. But best of all, I loved the characters, and cheered and grieved for them--stubborn, impatient composer Dylan; gentle, bookish author Laurence; and talented, haunted violinist Geoffrey. Highly recommended for fans of music, history, star-crossed love, and general good writing!
October 14, 2013
Competently written melodrama.
The first section of the story was far better than the second. And the second section was better before the introduction of a character called B-211. When I am 3/4ths of the way through a decent, steady romance I don't expect or appreciate getting bombarded with imprisonment and torture. The book did not need to discordantly ratchet the angst up to eleven. Conversely, Counterpoint also suffers from a recurring problem where the main characters get rescued from smaller problems by a wealthy fairy godmother, but at least that bit was handled smoothly.
On a technical level, the writing is sound, except for the silly references to how attractive the main characters are (yawn).
The first section of the story was far better than the second. And the second section was better before the introduction of a character called B-211. When I am 3/4ths of the way through a decent, steady romance I don't expect or appreciate getting bombarded with imprisonment and torture. The book did not need to discordantly ratchet the angst up to eleven. Conversely, Counterpoint also suffers from a recurring problem where the main characters get rescued from smaller problems by a wealthy fairy godmother, but at least that bit was handled smoothly.
On a technical level, the writing is sound, except for the silly references to how attractive the main characters are (yawn).
March 30, 2014
I read this for the 2014 Pushing Boundaries Challenge - topic "Heartbreaking"... and it did. It was because the characters were so real, so alive that when tragedy struck it pulled those emotions out.
The struggles that Laurence and Dylan had for their craft, either the music or the muse and their support of each other made it easy to truly care for these men.
Then when Dylan had a second chance after loosing Laurence and almost lost Geoffrey through such devastating treachery I was almost ill with worry for them both.
Which made their triumph even sweeter!!! I could only wish to read the happily ever after reading the path that led to it.
Loved this, but keep the tissues handy!! Recommended.,
The struggles that Laurence and Dylan had for their craft, either the music or the muse and their support of each other made it easy to truly care for these men.
Then when Dylan had a second chance after loosing Laurence and almost lost Geoffrey through such devastating treachery I was almost ill with worry for them both.
Which made their triumph even sweeter!!! I could only wish to read the happily ever after reading the path that led to it.
Loved this, but keep the tissues handy!! Recommended.,
February 2, 2011
Excellent Book!
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Lovely story, lovely characters, beautiful writing; what more can I say. I loved Counterpoint: Dylan's Story. I happily give its justly deserved 5 stars.
December 10, 2011
I wish I could rate this book higher than five stars. This is a very beautiful and heartbreaking love story that I won't soon forget. One of the best books that I have ever read.
July 25, 2010
This was a wonderful book to read, it had everything you are looking for when it comes to two people falling in love. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone to read.
December 29, 2010
That is one of my favorite books of all times.
April 29, 2011
Beautiful, mesmerizing, heartbreaking.
July 31, 2012
It really deserves higher, but it broke my heart and I cried so much my head ached the whole evening, so here's my revenge.
September 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. The writing was very good. The editing/proofreading was above average and the storyline was interesting. Part way through the second half, however, my interest wained a little--there were just too many life disasters, too much ugliness. Fortunately that didn't last too long; I made it through, and the end--which could have actually been a little more drawn out--was well worth the wait.
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