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What Binds Us

by Larry Benjamin (Goodreads Author)

4.29 of 5 stars 4.29 · rating details · 99 ratings · 39 reviews

Family secrets, old money, 2 boys in love, a fairy tale wedding.

When 17 year old Thomas-Edward falls in love with the mega wealthy Dondi Whyte and finds his love returned, he thinks they will be together forever. When their relationship fails, he learns that sometimes it is in an ending that we find our beginning.

“…captures the heart and imagination…” Kirkus Reviews

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Kindle Edition, 204 pages

Published March 19th 2012 by Carina Press

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Best M/M Romance Published in 2012

155th out of 581 books — 1,203 voters

The Curtis Reincarnation by Zathyn Priest

M/M Books Written By Men

151st out of 563 books — 344 voters

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May 19, 2012 Zaa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: with-kid-or-family, fav-couple-duo, friends-to-lovers, interracial, mm-contemporary, teens-or-young-adult

a beautiful and moving book. DOES IT HAVE SPECIAL MEANING FOR YOU? Absolutely. I don't think I can articulate how wonderful this book is without sounding corny. I cried. From happiness and melancholy and a deep, yet satisfying sadness. This is an amazing story. Beyond amazing. No review is going to do this book justice so just read it.

The story has three parts : Sunrise, Eclipse and Sunset. And each part ha story for 3 main characters.

Iam goin to leave you with my favorite line from the book:...more

4 likes · like · see review

Aug 19, 2012 Aurora rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary

Seventeen year old Thomas-Edward heads off to college, ready to begin his new life away from his oppressive parents and gets more than he bargained for in the shape of Donovan Dion Whyte, aka Dondi, who is his new roommate.

Dondi is handsome, charming, effervescent and filthy rich, everything Thomas isn’t. Thomas is attracted to his new friend like a moth to a flame but he soon discovers Dondi isn’t looking for happy ever after when their brief relationship fizzles out.

During summer break, Dondi...more

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Jul 06, 2012 Top 2 Bottom Reviews Interviews and More rated it 5 of 5 stars

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Apr 23, 2012 ~♥I_Luv_2_Read♥~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-favorites

I don't often review books. They have to be fabulous or moving in some way. I usually let the stars I give them speak for themselves. I have to say something about this book, and yet have no words to give What Binds Us justice.

This book was an afterthought purchase. I bought it on a whim while buying a book I couldn't wait to read. When I opened my Kindle and saw What Binds Us, I opened it just to see the first chapter. I didn't get to the book I couldn't wait to read. Instead, I was drawn into...more

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 21, 2012 Molli B. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, novel, read-in-2012

Carina Press describes this as a "Contemporary Romance," but I actually view it as Literary Fiction that has a love story element. Whatever it is, I do know this is one of the best written novels I've read in a long time. The author has a definite, deft hand with the English language and treats us to such things as "My anger, like the Hindenberg, fell to the ground and burst into flame" and sharp dialogue like, "He always looks so clean" / "It's not that he's clean. I don't think dirt sticks to...more Carina Press describes this as a "Contemporary Romance," but I actually view it as Literary Fiction that has a love story element. Whatever it is, I do know this is one of the best written novels I've read in a long time. The author has a definite, deft hand with the English language and treats us to such things as "My anger, like the Hindenberg, fell to the ground and burst into flame" and sharp dialogue like, "He always looks so clean" / "It's not that he's clean. I don't think dirt sticks to him."

I'm actually not all that great with typical literary fiction--sometime it's too slow moving for me, which is probably why I tend to prefer mysteries: there's always a driving force keeping the story going. I don't mind a good character study, but sometimes they feel as if they're just meandering and that's when they lose me. I guess I just don't have the temperament to enjoy that sort of writing for pleasure.

Just past the 50% mark of this novel, I was afraid that was going to happen. I found myself wondering what the hell was going on and why I should keep going, even though I liked the characters. It seemed a little unfocused--that's when I had the literary fiction epiphany. Even in a typical romance, all of the angst and will-they-won't-they drama drives the story, but this was very different. In the book, the narrator says, "Often that summer, I would feel as if I'd stumbled into an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel," which is very amusing and self-aware because the whole book reminded me of The Great Gatsby. There was the obvious similarity (which the narrator was referring to) that much of the book took place on a very well-to-do part of Long Island that was incredibly similar to the East and West Eggs of Gatsby. Also, two of the three protagonists were filthy rich and not afraid to spend their money. There were lavish, ridiculous parties and everyone had a personal driver. In addition to that (and it's been a long time since I read Gatsby), the tone felt very Fitzgeraldian to me. I was thinking that even before Thomas made the Fitzgerald comment.

But I kept going past that little lull, and really, in the last third of the book, I didn't at all question whether or not I would finish. The writing is just so good, the characters compelling, and I wanted to see where they'd go. An additional dramatic element is introduced in the final third that really drives the rest of the book, and that helped, I think. I am amazed this is the author's first novel-length work. I'm going to see if I can dig up some of his shorter works. I wonder if they're all as beautifully written.

This is probably a five-star novel, but because literary fic just isn't my thing, I think I have to give it the four. Maybe even a 4.25. If we had a 10-star system, I'd give it a 9. I'll definitely read whatever Larry Benjamin writes next.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 18, 2012 Jenna Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

I Will Read Everything This Author Writes

Five Stars

What Binds Us is a truly amazing love story. From beginning to end, this book beautifully describes every form love can take - friendship, longing, family, envy, hatred, and letting go. I cared for all the characters from the moment they were introduced and didn’t want the story to end. The author offered layer upon layer of relationships that kept me reading - in fact, I almost completed the book in one sitting. Not because it was a short nove...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 03, 2012 mw138 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, coming-of-age, m-m-romance, interracial-romance

Wow! That's really the only word that can truly express my feelings towards this book.

It's 1977 and Thomas-Edward is starting his freshman year at Penn State. His roommate, Donovan "Dondi" Whyte, immediately captivates him. Dondi is charming, witty, and extremely magnetizing, and Thomas-Edward easily falls under his spell. As their friendship grows, they become lovers. Thomas-Edward is in love, but Dondi tells him he can never be what he wants. That free-spirited nature breaks Thomas-Edward's h...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 26, 2012 Lenore rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, net-galley, pub-carina, 2012, broke-my-heart, freebies, friends-to-lovers, where-is-the-kleenex, reviewed-by-yours-truly, historical-or-period-piece

What Binds Us is more a gay historical drama than an m/m romance. There is a certain degree of romance but it isn't what drives the narrative. At least it didn't feel like that to me. So, to that extend, the blurb isn't very indicative of the plot.

This is essentially Dondi's story as told by his ex-lover and best friend Thomas-Edward. I dare say it's the story as Thomas experienced it. The first person POV adds to that effect.

The book is divided into three parts: Sunrise, Eclipse, and Sunset and...more

9 likes · like · see review

Apr 01, 2012 Nikki rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, freebies-on-sale-great-deal, on-my-kindle-fire-ipad-samsung, a-dark-read, too-wordy-too-much-talking

2.5 Stars

This piece of fiction (not really romance) started of really superficial as we delved into the day to day, week to week, year to year, events of these friends and lovers (no on screen loving). The details could be easily overlooked, such as T willingness to not "see" certain aspect of D and his really irresponsible ways, D's family, his attitude changes, and Matthews' easy acceptance, due to us readers wanting to get to the good parts. I really don't know why L kept popping up after he...more

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Apr 14, 2012 Jayhjay rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay

Thomas-Edward and Dondi first meet as roommates when they begin college in 1977. Thomas is encountering the world for the first time outside the loving but somewhat smothering embrace of his family. And he meets Dondi who is in many ways larger than life - gorgeous, sophisticated, dramatic, and wonderful. Dondi is wealthy beyond imagining and lives in a totally different world. Yet the two men become close friends, and over the course o...more This review was originally published on my blog Joyfully Jay

Thomas-Edward and Dondi first meet as roommates when they begin college in 1977. Thomas is encountering the world for the first time outside the loving but somewhat smothering embrace of his family. And he meets Dondi who is in many ways larger than life - gorgeous, sophisticated, dramatic, and wonderful. Dondi is wealthy beyond imagining and lives in a totally different world. Yet the two men become close friends, and over the course of the year, lovers as well.

Thomas loves Dondi fiercely, but when the men return to school after summer vacation, Dondi ends their relationship. Although he loves Thomas, Dondi knows he can never give Thomas the commitment that he deserves. Yet the two remain the best of friends and when summer comes again, Thomas joins Dondi at his family's magnificent summer home on Long Island.

It is there that Thomas meets Dondi's brother Matthew. They are drawn to each other instantly, becoming incredibly close and spending nearly all their time together, especially as Dondi continues his restless wandering and constant whoring. Matthew and Thomas become inseparable, each falling in love with the other but not realizing he is loved in return. When they finally find each other, their love is intense and wonderful. They are so sweet and lovely together, and it is clear that each has met the person for whom they are truly meant. At first Dondi is angry, threatened by their relationship, especially since his feelings for Thomas never really died. But he grows to not only accept, but to fully support the couple when he sees how right they are for one another.

The story follows the three men and their intertwining lives for over a decade. Thomas and Matthew's relationship blossoms and they are deeply and beautifully in love. They move towards domesticity while Dondi continues his life of activity and ever changing men. And yet Dondi is always an integral part of their lives, the three men so close and all loving one another. Their story continues through the happy times, and ultimately through the very sad ones, but the bonds of love between them remain strong, holding them together.

Oh, you guys, this story was so good. Beautiful, emotional, and so lovely. Benjamin writes so beautifully and the story is moving and engaging. I honestly could not put it down and read the entire book in a day. Although it is a nice length novel, the pacing of the story is so quick and lively, moving things along in a way that follows the men through the years without ever feeling slow. It is so lushly romantic and sweet as we see the world through Thomas' eyes. So much of the book revolves around the Whyte family and their world, and he gives us that outside perspective to see them from a distance, while also being such an integral part of their lives.

Benjamin does an amazing job of making the story feel so rooted in the time period. The book takes place in the 70s and 80s and the signs of that era are rooted in everything from the music they listen to, to the way they dress, to where they shop. The book also integrates social and political issues, and the transition from the more free 70s to the harsher realities of the 80s can be felt throughout the book. It is done really wonderfully and enhances the story so nicely.

One of the things I loved about the book is the way it plays with the themes of the sun, the moon, and the earth. Each interconnected, revolving around one another, never being able to exist fully separately. Dondi is the sun, burning brightly, gathering all the attention. He is the heat that others are so attracted to, yet all that energy becomes hard to sustain and if you get too close you are sure to burn. And Thomas sees Matthew as the moon, luminous and glowing and steady. To many the moon is a reflection of the sun, yet to Thomas, Matthew is the center of the world. And Thomas is the earth, more grounded and solid. Each of the three men is caught up in orbit together, each with their different roles and strengths. This idea is introduced in the very start of the book, and Benjamin does a great job of carrying this theme throughout.

Just to be clear (because I think the book blurb is a bit vague), this is not a menage story in any way. Thomas' sexual relationship with Dondi is over before he falls in love with Matthew. And once Matthew and Thomas meet, neither one will ever have eyes for anyone else. Although the three men are incredibly close and emotionally bonded, the true romantic relationship takes place between Thomas and Matthew alone.

So I really loved this story. It felt so sweeping and epic, lush and romantic, and I was totally caught up in the drama of it all. Despite the often poignant story, it never felt weighed down and heavy, and things move along with enough speed to keep it lively even through the more serious parts. This book was such a wonderful surprise and I am so glad I took a chance on it. I really loved this What Binds Us and would highly recommend it.
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Jan 16, 2013 axolotli rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: not-worth-finishing

** only got through 2/3 of book: 1.5 stars **

I started with the short free sample of this book, feeling like nothing had yet gotten started and I hoped that by buying it there would be a story eventually. But after dragging myself through the first two thirds of the book, I can't even bring myself to finish it. This entire compilation of words is nothing more than a skimming over of many years of a man's life. Which is not uneventful, but neither is there any real conflict or struggle. Shallow d...more

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May 14, 2012 Tami rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 25, 2012 Kate McMurray rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, historical, romance

Great book. It's not really a romance. There's certainly a romantic plot and the relationship between Thomas-Edward and Matthew is definitely a key element, but for me, this book is about Dondi. He's the character the whole book is structured around. That's not a problem for me at all; the book is great and the writing is really lovely. I thought about the characters for a while after I put the book down, which is the mark of an excellent read as far as I'm concerned. (Also, I seriously wept at...more

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May 30, 2012 Gabbi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: top2bottom-reviews, favorites, friends-to-lovers, gay-romance, angst, larry-benjamin

http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.co...

I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I started reading, What Binds Us by Larry Benjamin. Mr. Benjamin is a new author for me, and from what I read from the blurb, I had a feeling it was going to be a typical boy meets boy, but loses boy to another boy romance. Little did I know that I would quickly get wrapped up into the life of the main character, Thomas, and experience the excitement of him finding his first love, going through his first heartbrea...more http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.co...

I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I started reading, What Binds Us by Larry Benjamin. Mr. Benjamin is a new author for me, and from what I read from the blurb, I had a feeling it was going to be a typical boy meets boy, but loses boy to another boy romance. Little did I know that I would quickly get wrapped up into the life of the main character, Thomas, and experience the excitement of him finding his first love, going through his first heartbreak, finding true love and finally experiencing a love and friendships that is so beautifully written it literally brought both tears of happiness and sorrow to my eyes.

When the novel begins Thomas is almost eighteen and is excited to go to college and live outside of his parents’ watchful eyes and high expectations of him. Thomas is a little naive and is both in awe and almost overwhelmed from being thrown in a somewhat diverse college crowd. When he meets the beautiful and carefree, Donti, he is immediately captivated by the young man’s free spirited ways. Even though Donti does not believe in love, Donti does take Thomas under his wing and they form a deep friendship that neither man was expecting to have. But as they hang around together, Thomas can’t help but fall in love with the adventurous Donti, even though Donti has told him time and time again that even though they are best friends and more, that having a relationship together would bring nothing but heartache to Thomas.

Thomas watches Donti go through many lovers and suffers in silence. He’s willing to at least keep Donti as a friend even though it hurts him every time Donti is with other men. Thomas keeps up a brave face and decides if he can keep Donti in his life in some way, whether it just be in friendship only, any sadness on his part is worth it. When Donti asks Thomas to spend the summer at his parents’ huge estate, Thomas agrees, not knowing that he’ll soon meet Donti’s quiet and intriguing brother Matthew. Soon, Thomas becomes close friends with Matthew and he begins to feel a strong emotional pull to him that he’s never really experienced with Donti. As the days and weeks go by, Thomas and Matthew develop a love between them that either man expected to have. As Matthew and Thomas’s relationship evolves into something deeper, will Thomas’s friendship with Donti pull the young lovers apart or will they form an even stronger friendship that nothing will ever break them all apart?

I could go on and on about the storyline and about the different twists and turns the book took me through, but I won’t. I honestly don’t want to spoil this beautifully written book for anyone, so I’ll stop there. The novel spans over ten years, so all of the characters in this book change and evolve as time moves on for them. I also want to point out that the characters in this book are realistically written and humanly flawed people that were easy to relate too. They are not perfect, nor do they always make the right decisions, and just like real life, this causes them to have to live with the consequences of these sometimes reckless acts. In the end, I ended up loving all of the main characters in this novel and once I finished reading it, the book lived with me for several days afterwards.

I would say that even though this has some strong romantic elements to it, this amazing book is also about the deep bonds of friendship and what that can entail. Just like in real life, there is love and loss, good times and bad and happy times as well as sad times. I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions while I read this book, and when the book ended, I had a smile on my face and felt hope for the characters in it. After all, isn’t that what we all want in life? We all hope things will work out for us and we’ll end up stronger and have a happy/contented life. This was the hope I had for these characters as the story came its conclusion.
What Binds Us has earned a token spot on my keeper shelf and I will actively look for more books written by Mr. Benjamin in the future. If you are looking for a refreshingly, thought provoking and well-written romance, What Binds Us is definitely the book for you! Highly recommended!

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Oct 24, 2012 Letti rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a gripping and compelling story; it’s all about love and all the forms it entails, from friendship, to lovers/partners and the bonds of family. It’s about faith, hope, deliverance and forgiveness.. When I saw the era that this story took place I knew that I was going to need a box of Kleenex. The fall of 1977 at the University of Pennsylvania is when and where the real beginning of Thomas-Edward story begins and the story of his roommate Dondi Whyte

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Mar 13, 2012 Book Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

What Binds Us by Larry Benjamin is a compelling character study that is rife with strong emotions. It is a powerful story that demonstrates valuable life lessons about acceptance and the true meaning of family. Sometimes dramatic and heartbreaking, What Binds Us is always uplifting with a strong undercurrent of love. To read my review in its entirety, please visit http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy....

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Dec 07, 2012 Andrew Gordon rated it 5 of 5 stars

One of the best books I've read in a while.

I wish I could give this more than 5 stars and rate it more than once. There were times when I really Thomas-Edward, the narrator, was a real person, sitting next to me, and telling his story. The depth of the character and the bitter sweet undercurrent throughout the book left me feeling this could almost be an autobiography, the emotions were so vivid.

This is not my typical genre, but would and will highly recommend this story.

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Jun 09, 2012 Debbie McGowan rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is an incredibly touching book, with such in-depth characterisation that you will live with this story for a good while after you've finished reading it. The story follows the main character's move away to college, his relationship with his wealthy room-mate and brother and the extraordinary love they share. I can't say much more than this without spoiling the plot, but this is a beautifully told story of love, with all the highs and lows that go with it.

I absolutely loved What Binds Us. It...more

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Feb 27, 2012 Darci rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, lgbt, netgalley, really-really-sad

I loved this book. I don't think the summary really describes the book, since it's not really a love triangle-type story. It's more of a once loved, fell in love with another, but still love in a different kind of way story. I don't think there was any question of Thomas-Edward and Matthew being together once they met, and Dondi seemed to accept that as well. When Dondi gets sick, he depends on Thomas-Edward and Matthew to take care of him.

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Mar 13, 2012 Kathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

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Oct 16, 2012 David rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Very good read. I don't usually cry while reading books, but this one made me cry several times. Tears of happiness and tears of sadness.

The characters are engaging and the family situation explains the personalities of some of the characters.

If you like romance novels, not just M/M romance, this is a book for you.

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May 05, 2012 Wusswoo rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 06, 2012 Andrea Wenger rated it 5 of 5 stars

There are no words to express how beautiful this novel is, so I won't try. It's literary fiction at its finest—a compelling story told in language that subtly captures the deep emotion. Never maudlin, it's a delicate balance of love, joy, and heartbreak that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

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Sep 24, 2012 Lixiaolang78 rated it 4 of 5 stars

A beautiful yet tragic love story that covers most forms love can be expressed. Even if I'm usually a sucker for happy endings, and the end left me sad and heartbroken I don't regret taking the time to read this book.

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Mar 22, 2013 Riva added it

Wonderful. One of the best books I have ever read. I highly recommend the audio version. The narrator is amazing!! He makes this book and these characters come to life. This is the type of book that stays with you for quite awhile.

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Dec 28, 2012 Dayle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book had me laughing and crying. It was beautiful and consuming. Reading this book transcended beyond seeing words on a page. I became a voyeur to these characters lives, and it happened effortlessly.

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Dec 27, 2012 Denise rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

I have to go with 3 stars because it was just ok to me, the end was a lot better than the beginning but before it was over I was wondering when would it be over. It kept my attention but just an ok read for me.

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Mar 06, 2012 Emme rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: would-read-again

This was a very touching book about two brothers, and the man whom they both loved. I will write a full review, soon, after I get my emotions back in check.

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Apr 29, 2013 Blackheart rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

This story is dirty. it's tragic. it's revolting. it's surreal. but most of all it's SCARY. And it should be because that's how life is. that more often than not, even beneath the most posh facade there is nothing but filth. He was a coward, Dondi. He could have had it all but he chose to hide. he could have been everything to somebody but instead was nothing to himself. in the end, the only thing left was a blackout. He did terrible things, but he was not a terrible person. He just threw his li...more

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Mar 22, 2012 Louise rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow! What a beautiful story! Full of rich characters, and amazing, carefully-crafted, beautiful honest writing. Just wow. Made me laugh and cry

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About Larry Benjamin

Larry Benjamin is the author of What Binds Us, published by Carina Press in March 2012. What Binds Us was his first novel.

His second book,Damaged Angels, a collection of short stories, was released by Bold Strokes Books in October 2012.

He is currently at work on his third book, a romance tentatively titled, His Name was Jose.

Larry considers himself less a writer than a wordsmith—an artist whose...more

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