A Note in the Margin (A Note in the Margin, #1)

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A Note in the Margin (A Note in the Margin #1)

by Isabelle Rowan (Goodreads Author)

4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 · rating details · 1,244 ratings · 171 reviews

John McCann, a man who judges life by the tally of an accounts ledger, has a supreme goal in life: To achieve, live, and enjoy the rarified executive lifestyle. But he's encountered one problem: The migraines are going to continue to get worse unless you make some major changes in your lifestyle. What you need is a 'sea change'… Perhaps buy a nice little business in the co...more

Paperback, 276 pages

Published March 16th 2009 by Dreamspinner Press (first published March 1st 2009)

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The Curtis Reincarnation by Zathyn Priest

Best Gay Tear Jerker with a Happy Ending

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Jan 02, 2013 Mark rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gay-fiction, life-romance, absolutely-fabulous

Left absolutely breathless!! A divine and tender story that really tears at the heart strings. My tissue consumption has increased rapidly whilst reading this book.
I couldn't believe a book that basically revolves around three main characters could grip my attention so much and not let go. I loved the character Jamie with his optimistic, upbeat look on life who provided the stable centre pivot for a rather seesaw relationship between John and David. David turns John's life totally on its head in...more

7 likes · like · see review

Nov 22, 2009 Lily rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, m-m, loved-it, what-i-read-in-2009

This is the first book I've read by this author and I hope to read many more.

The story focuses on businessman John McCann, who is taking a year away from his high powered job for health reasons, and David Robinson, a man dealing with mental illness and living on the streets.

This was a beautiful and moving story that dealt with issues not normally seen in "romance" books. While there was plenty of sex between John and David, it was sweet, gentle and very loving.

The secondary characters in the bo...more

13 likes · like · see review

Mar 28, 2009 JenMcJ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, mm-mmm-a-few-mmf-too

John McCann is an A type workaholic trying to overcompensate for a deprived childhood. He recognizes, after suffering migraines and a recommendation from his doctor, that he has to make a change if he wants to continue to live a long healthy life.

John expects his effort to slow down to last a year. As we all know, expectations are what we have, not what we always get. John leases a book store that comes with the original owners son, Jaime who is a real charmer and a resident transient, Dave that...more John McCann is an A type workaholic trying to overcompensate for a deprived childhood. He recognizes, after suffering migraines and a recommendation from his doctor, that he has to make a change if he wants to continue to live a long healthy life.

John expects his effort to slow down to last a year. As we all know, expectations are what we have, not what we always get. John leases a book store that comes with the original owners son, Jaime who is a real charmer and a resident transient, Dave that uses the 2nd hand book corner to escape into books everday.

It doesn't take long but does take effort for Jaime to awaken the compassionate soul in John. To force John to see past the dirt and circumstances to the suffering human in his store. Each day, John cares more and each day Dave reaches out a bit farther. Some days its enough and some days it isn't.

Loving is always a challenge. Loving a man with emotional stability issues is far from easy. John spends the book doing the best he can (and not always the right thing, thank goodness) to actually reach out and make it possible for Dave to heal and in doing so, for Dave to heal John as well.

The love scenes in this book are varied, from simple touches to wide grins to breakthroughs that are as simple, yet complex as unpacking a bag. Not over done and still erotic, the men make love in satisfying ways to both them and the reader and the story moves from one moment to the next with unexpected bouts of insight, joy and bittersweet for the characters and the reader.

Although it doesn't bother me,this book shifts from one character POV to another quite often. I think I counted at least 5 different POV's in this book. I marked it down a star because the switch was not always as clear and seamless as it should be. I felt that it gave me more ability to understand character motivation and growth, but that style isn't everyone's cuppa.

I was really touched by this book in a way that makes me think people as a whole stand a chance. (melodramatic I know, but I feel a little strung out after finishing this book and really do wish that all people had this much compassion for their fellow man)(less)

14 likes · like · see review

Oct 29, 2011 Vio rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Vio by: Simsala*is getting slow*

Shelves: awesome, heartbreaking, romantic, favourites

A Note in the Margin brought tears to my eyes, lots and lots of tears, its so beautifully written the emotional anguish with just trying to cope with everyday life bit by bit, such a struggle for David who suffers from a debilitating illness, the one thing that gives him some sort of stability is the bookshop where he spends his time closeted away, in the second hand section of the store virtually invisible to everyone. John the current owner at first sees David as a dirty homeless man but that...more

9 likes · like · see review

Nov 29, 2010 Bookwatcher ~Mary MooCow~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, glbt-gay, disability

Is certainly hard to say only few words about this book, but I'll restrain myself... telling very quickly why I gave it 5 stars

About the story
John, close to a nervous breakdown, get medical advisement to slow down and take an year of ("mental") rest. As anyone who work like a crazy (that I understand very well about John) he don't go in vacation doing absolutely nothing, but buy a little bookshop. You will get right away that he is doing that just be have an occupation, not for the money.
The li...more

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Oct 29, 2011 Deeze rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Deeze by: Simsala*is getting slow*

Shelves: favorites, tissues-needed

WOW I finally got around to reading this and am mad at myself for waiting so long. This was a wonderful if heartbreaking story of how easily life can change, for good and bad.

David is a extremely emotional character that you just want to constantly hug.

John was a typical suit that finally stopped long enough to see his suroundings.

Jamie was a boy any mother would be proud of and I would love to read his own story.

And Adam just broke my heart, he was trying so hard to be understanding while bein...more

7 likes · like · see review

Jun 22, 2009 Brenda (b) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, 1-ebooks, 2-2009-read

I found this story deeply touching. I had a constant fear that David would leave yet again, but I kept avidly reading because I truly wanted to know how everything worked out for these people. John's problems may not have been as obvious as David's were, but they were just as real. The change in the way he looked at David and himself was heartwarming. Jamie was the perfect supporting character – always there when they needed him most, offering advice and companionship to both John and David.

6 likes · like · see review

Oct 08, 2011 Ami rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm-contemporary, gay-fiction, 5-stars_rating

This book makes me cry and feeling melancholic, I think I need to find some murder mystery to deal with it *sigh*. Considered one of the "classics", meaning that it is often recommended to people who want to start reading LGBT fiction, I think that perception is well-deserved.

It is heartbreaking, tender, and moving at the same time. And on the core of it, it's about love -- and not judging a person from the first look. John McCann, an executive who takes a year of 'sea change' by taking over a b...more

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Jan 01, 2011 Camilla ~ ♥Qhuay At Last♥ ~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle

Ok, so the reason I picked up this book earlier today, was actually only because of one thing: I wanted a book to make me forget and make me cry.. Plain and simple.. Why? Well, I'll tell you, but let me also say that this book, while it did exactly what I had hoped (read it in one go, and cried my eyes out) it also made me feel quite a bit better afterwards.. But let me get back to that.

First.. Ok, so the reason I went straight to the "Best gay tear jerker list" and picked this out, is because t...more Ok, so the reason I picked up this book earlier today, was actually only because of one thing: I wanted a book to make me forget and make me cry.. Plain and simple.. Why? Well, I'll tell you, but let me also say that this book, while it did exactly what I had hoped (read it in one go, and cried my eyes out) it also made me feel quite a bit better afterwards.. But let me get back to that.

First.. Ok, so the reason I went straight to the "Best gay tear jerker list" and picked this out, is because today is my birthday and I have the plessure of also having pheunomia, so I'm stuck home alone, with nothing to do. And yeah, canceling my Birthday and considering tomorrow is New Years (which will also be a night alone.. Arghh - I hate you pheunomia!!) I was feeling really sorry for myself, and very depressed.. So I thought.. Off to 'Best gay tear jerker list' so I can cry and feel even more sorry for myself.. And in comes "A Note in the Margin"

Wow! just.. Wow!

Let me start off by saying that I really loved this book, and that it definitely helped me overcome my self-pity, thats for sure..

This is such a hard book to review for me though..

The book is about John, who buys a small bookshop, and with this bookshop, comes a young 'assistant' Jamie, and also a homeless man called David, who the last owners let in to read books in the back..

The story quickly lets you know that John gets feelings for David, and tries to help him off the streets. The story isnt really about that though. Its about David struggling to be the man he used to be. Before he ended up on the streets. Back when he was a father to a little boy. A boy who is now older and wants to have his father back. And this story is about David struggling to be that man again, along with being the man John needs him to be, and its about John, learning that what he wants isnt always what he needs, and that David even with his flaws, is perfect for John..

I have not done this book any justice here, because its an amazing book, but its just really hard explaining why.. Its about love, acceptance, depression, and love!

So.. This book definitely took away some of my self-pity, and made me cry my eyes out, and if that doesnt deserve 5 stars, I dont know what will?! ;D)(less)

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Apr 11, 2011 LenaLena rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm

Don't pay attention to the star rating. This just wasn't the right book at the right time. It's sweet and tender and then my brain started hopping up and down screaming 'Sappy!!!'. I got really tired of all the walking on eggshells around David. I did not get how the MCs fell in lurve without barely having had any conversation (and it's supposed to be love, not lust). I did not believe how quickly John turned from the Australian equivalent of the Wall Street Exec to the aforementioned walking on...more

8 likes · like · see review

Mar 21, 2009 FloJ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-fiction

"John McCann, a man who judges life by the tally of an accounts ledger, has a supreme goal in life: To achieve, live, and enjoy the rarified executive lifestyle. But he's encountered one problem:

The migraines are going to continue to get worse unless you make some major changes in your lifestyle. What you need is a 'sea change'… Perhaps buy a nice little business in the country, settle down, something easier to occupy your time…

While John knows the doctor is right, he just can't resign from the...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 17, 2013 Angela rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, e-books-on-nook

2.5

Okay, where to begin with this one....hmmm.....

Well, the premise was very promising...two men, both 'lost' in their own ways, finding and ultimately saving each other; experiencing the love and eventual trust that neither had ever allowed themselves to brave before.

However, the sophomoric writing coupled with the numerous and abrupt, sometimes mid-paragraph, POV changes, were exasperateing and confusing. Haveing to backtrack, to try to figure out who exactly was 'speaking', was very distracti...more

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 21, 2012 Julesmarie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, favorites

Warning: melodrama ahead.

Every so often the stars align, or the planets or whatever it is that promotes magical moments of serendipity. It's happened two or three times in my life that I am in just the right emotional/mental frame of mind and then just the right words come and they have an impact that changes my perspective on... well, everything.

That happened to me this weekend with this book. Beautifully written, exceptionally well characterized, heartfelt, and thoughtful and REAL, this book i...more

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Sep 13, 2012 Shirley Frances rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm-bingo-2012, mm-read, mm-series, 2012

4.5 Stars

This was a great read. It really drew me in from the beginning and it didn't let up until it ended.

David, David, David. You just got to love him! He was so vulnerable and insecure and adorable and lost and I could just take him home with him and keep him safe. (Hey, I know it's fiction, but what can I say?). He really touched me in a way that very few characters do. Now John, well him, I had to work on. No, he was not horrible or mean, just a bit hard for me to connect with. Thankfully,...more

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Jan 22, 2012 Susan65 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What an amazing story. I think David will remain forever in my mind and heart as an example of what can happen to any of us when life becomes just too much. Artistic, quietly funny, a husband and father, a man living a normal life that just gets away from him and leaves him lost...and then homeless and alone.

John, a successful executive, takes a break from his high profile, stressful career and leases a bookstore. On his first day he notices a dirty, smelly and obviously homeless man sitting in...more

8 likes · like · see review

Mar 01, 2011 Lauraadriana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cried-like-a-baby, m-m, loved-it, angsty, love-conquers-all, troubled-past

This was a good book...really good actually. It's different kind of romance since it deals with mental illness. I liked how the author approaches the whole thing, especially how hard it is for those who love a person struggling with mental illness, and how every day can be a milestone or a setback.

John is some high executive guy in Melbourne who is advised to take time off since the stress of his job is affecting his health, he takes a sabbatical and leases a small bookstore for a year to get ba...more

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May 29, 2009 Elisa Ramblings added it

Every book that makes you cry even once is a book worthy to be read, and A Note in the Margin made me cry from more or less page 50 till the end of all the more than 250 pages of it. And not that mild moving which warms you and predisposes your body to cuddle under a blanket on the couch, but that strong lump in the throat and big fat tears that you can't help falling from your eyes.

Someone could think that John is a self-centered man; a man wealthy enough not only to go to a doctor that prescr...more Every book that makes you cry even once is a book worthy to be read, and A Note in the Margin made me cry from more or less page 50 till the end of all the more than 250 pages of it. And not that mild moving which warms you and predisposes your body to cuddle under a blanket on the couch, but that strong lump in the throat and big fat tears that you can't help falling from your eyes.

Someone could think that John is a self-centered man; a man wealthy enough not only to go to a doctor that prescribes him to move near the sea, a sea change, to cure his migraines (and let me say, even if I suffer from migraines, this is an ill that most of the people endure without doing nothing), but to be able to take an year off from his executive job and buy a bookstore with upstair apartment included. John actually doesn't move on with his live for a new adventure, since he is wealthy enough to maintain his work (sabbatical year) and his upper-class condo, he only allows himself an year to see if that strange medical prescription will work.

With the bookstore and the apartment, arrives also Jamie, the son of the previous owner that decides to continue to work for John. Jamie is young and gay, and makes pretty clear that he is interested in John for a friends with benefits relationship. No strings attached, only fun. And John in a way, confirm the first impression that he could leave to a reader, since, even if he has an on and off relationship with a woman, he jumps to the opportunity of a bit of fun with Jamie. It's obvious that John is not interested nor in his girlfriend or in Jamie, but he is not a man without heart, he is only not used to listen to it. There is something in John's past that let the reader glimpses something different and nice in this man, a past that maybe pushed John too much towards the pursue of success and let him forget what is really important in life.

From this first pages, the reader could have had the idea that the main story was between John and Jamie, and instead, like the author said, pay attention since the real story maybe is written in the margins. And the margins are represented by David, an homeless who has taken residence in one of the leather chair in the second hand section of the bookstore; so there are more meanings to that "margins", David lives at the margin of society, David is always present to Jamie and John first approaches, but he is at the margins of them, and David is not exactly a full-figured romance hero, he is more a marginal character that finally takes the full stage. It was not in David's persona to "impose" himself on someone, he instead tries to be as much invisible as he can, but Jamie's mother, the previous owner of the bookstore, saw something in him and forced the man to enter the bookstore and spend his days there. As John, David has a past that influenced his present life and that pushes him to try to disappear. David is not a crazy man who lives in his mind, he is more than aware of who he is become and he is embarrassed by it; but there is something in his past that made him like that.

Both John and David realize that what they are starting to feel for the other man is not a simple interest for someone in need, John cares for David in a way he has never felt for anyone else (for how much relationship he had, John was never in love), and David, with his skittish behavior and his proud, the only thing he has left, cares for John, even if he knows that John deserves someone better, even if that someone is Jamie.

I like as the author presented all the characters, giving to all of them the chance to be the main hero of the story, even Jamie. But the reader knows, from John's behavior, that is final choice will be David. For Jamie, John feels friendship and he is amused by the joyous behavior of the man, but for David it will be real love. Truth, John's first reaction to David was embarrassment, but he soon was able to see beyond the outside look, even before the man cleaned up enough to let him glimpse the man that he was before. The initial embarrassment of John was right and real, I would want to see you if you find a vagrant in your new shop, even if that man is innocuous and shy. But John is able to move on to that initial feeling, and even when he should have more nice thoughts in mind, his worries for David never leave him.

A Note in the Margin is a romance, but it's above all a wonderful novel, and I'm even more glad to see for it a really nice cover that attracts people more than drive them away. And so friends, go and buy this novel and read it in the metro, on the plane, during your lunch break! I for sure love it (even if I'm still in tears...).

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1935192671/?...(less)

4 likes · like · see review

Oct 29, 2012 Icedave rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Icedave by: Simsala*is getting slow*

Shelves: class-comfort-read, to-re-read, genre-contemporary, genre-romance, profession-homeless, publisher-dreamspinner-press, class-sweet, theme-friends-to-lovers, year-orig-published-2009, class-tear-jerker, theme-hurt-comfort

Rating:
4.75 stars

Genre:
Sweet romance, hurt/comfort story

Reading:
Loved it, comfort read

Pet peeves:
Sometimes I've had to reread a paragraph due to the ever-changing POV. But overall I adapted to the POV style, and it did give some extra insights to other characters.

~~Stuff that didn't (quite) worked for me:~~

Stuff that worked for me:
Storyline, characters, writing style (helped with the POV-changes)

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 10, 2012 Purplegirl rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: homeless-character, favorites, not-lendable-fictionwise, fictionwise, owned

Such a good and touching book. I fell in love with all three characters of this book. The author did such a good job with David and making his life not have a quick fix. It made things more realistic because how could anyone come back from being a long term homeless person and get over the issues in a few days? I teared up quite a few times but really enjoyed every minute.

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Dec 10, 2012 MLE rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-archive, mm

An amazing story about some deeply flawed characters, with some serious issues. Nothing is trivialized, and nothing is cured by the power of the healing power of the magic penis. Characters actually have to talk to, and listen to each other. They even have to talk to people outside of their relationship, and be willing to heed their advice.

It sounds bleak, but somehow the author transforms it from what could have been a maudlin angst fest into a story about love, trust, friendship, and caring....more

5 likes · like · see review

Feb 07, 2013 Fiona rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This was a very touching and heartfelt story. David’s pain is a tangible thing. Watching him work through so much in order to build a life with John was at times both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. John’s transformation and growth from the beginning of the story when he first meets David and finds him disgusting due to his homeless appearance and status to the end of the book where he truly, deeply loves David is simply beautiful to watch. I absolutely loved Jamie! So sweet. So empathetic. A...more

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Oct 18, 2012 Charly rated it 4 of 5 stars

A wonderful story idea, but the constant POV switches gave me a headache

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- As several other reviewers have said, Rowan makes a strong statement about the treatment most homeless people endure. She does a good job of showing David’s personality and emphasizing that he’s not scary or pathetic or disgusting; he’s just a gentle soul down on his luck who’s doing his best to survive in a world that won’t give him a...more A wonderful story idea, but the constant POV switches gave me a headache

Warning: This review might contain what some people consider SPOILERS.

Rating: 7/10

PROS:
- As several other reviewers have said, Rowan makes a strong statement about the treatment most homeless people endure. She does a good job of showing David’s personality and emphasizing that he’s not scary or pathetic or disgusting; he’s just a gentle soul down on his luck who’s doing his best to survive in a world that won’t give him a break.
- I liked watching the gradual change in John. He starts out begrudging David’s presence in his store and hating everything David represents. But then John starts considering what David has to go through, and I could see John becoming a better person little by little.
- The character of Jamie is sweet in a way that borders on precious. His innocence is heartbreaking at times but always in a bittersweet way. Everything is so simple for him; it’s exhausting and uplifting at the same time.
- The sex scenes between John and David are tender and beautiful. They’re not terribly graphic; they focus on emotion rather than physicality.
- Although the book isn’t near as long as some I’ve read in this genre, it contains a surprising amount of depth. It explores the relationship in multiple phases: not just the adventure of meeting and falling in love, but also the difficulties of meeting, exploring a sexual relationship, dealing with David’s past and current circumstances, etc. Some of the scenes are very short and serve to give only a glimpse into a single moment shared between the two characters.

CONS:
- The POV switching in this book is perhaps the worst I have ever encountered. There are switches not just mid-scene but mid-paragraph and a couple of times, even mid-SENTENCE. Here’s an example: “he didn’t recognize the number [Jamie’s POV] but put it to his ear and said “Hello?” He paused for a while, obviously listening [someone else’s POV--otherwise the “obviously” wouldn’t be there]…” It’s very difficult at times to figure out which character’s head you’re in. It made me a little seasick.
- At times I found the story’s message so obvious that it was a little annoying. The text contains statements like this: “It was wrong that David was invisible to these people…” I don’t think such statements are necessary; it’s enough to show people ignoring David and then show John’s consternation at observing it.
- I wasn’t left with an entirely warm and fuzzy feeling at the end, although it certainly ends well. It felt to me as though the characters still had a long way to go, and although I trusted that they would make it through together, I could see their future being filled with uncertainty and near-constant pain on both men’s parts--David’s as he struggles to define himself and John’s as he worries about whether he’s an important enough part of David’s life.

Overall comments: The relationship depicted in this book is certainly heartwarming; but these are two men with a heck of a lot of struggle still ahead of them, even when the story closes. On one hand, I enjoyed reading it because I admired the characters’ strength and perseverance. On the other, I found it a little exhausting, because the two men almost never have time together when they’re completely unconcerned with external matters. I’m not sure I would have what it takes to make such a high-maintenance relationship work.(less)

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Jul 24, 2012 GymGuy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance

This book wasn't terrible, but it had lots of problems.

I thought it had a great premise. I thought that the characters were sweet. John was incredibly patient. David had his issues but struggled to overcome them.

On the other hand, I felt it was technically very clumsy. It had huge POV issues. Paragraphing made little sense. Often there were two POVs in the same paragraph and then there would be a sudden paragraph break and there would be no change in POV. Also, there were constant vacillations...more

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May 08, 2012 Gyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

In a nutshell: A touching story about a dissatisfied Wall Street type who falls in love with a homeless man who struggles socially, emotionally and physically.

I enjoyed the setting of this book. A small mom and pop bookstore, a cozy apartment full of old furniture. I liked the characters especially the extras. I liked where the author was going with this book and the story. But....wait for it....here comes the odd Gyn review. I knew how I was supposed to feel and could tell what emotions and th...more

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Apr 11, 2012 Fangtasia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: all serious lovers of M/M Romance

Shelves: favorites

This is a story that behaves like a kitty-cat to start with: it approaches you timidly, sniffs your fingers and, once certain there is no danger, it winds itself around your legs and rubs its cheek on your calf. It's nice and shy, seems pretty tame.

Keep reading and that approach changes subtly. As the pages (or locations, if on an ereader) go by, you realize that the story has you spell-bound. You close it down to go about your life, but John, David, and Jaime are never far from your thoughts. O...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Lou Sylvre rated it 5 of 5 stars

Isabelle Rowan’s novel, A Note in the Margin, gets 5 stars, no qualms. (I don't believe this review has spoilers. If you think differently, please let me know.)

A Note in the Margin was published by Dreamspinner Press in 2009, but I picked it up only recently because of a short sequel, Twelve Days, that came out as part of Dreamspinner’s 2011 Christmas offerings. From the very start, A Note in the Margin enticed me, with a cover design by Mara McKennon depicting the inviting, but somewhat ramshac...more Isabelle Rowan’s novel, A Note in the Margin, gets 5 stars, no qualms. (I don't believe this review has spoilers. If you think differently, please let me know.)

A Note in the Margin was published by Dreamspinner Press in 2009, but I picked it up only recently because of a short sequel, Twelve Days, that came out as part of Dreamspinner’s 2011 Christmas offerings. From the very start, A Note in the Margin enticed me, with a cover design by Mara McKennon depicting the inviting, but somewhat ramshackle doorway to Margins bookstore—golden light through the window showing shelves packed with volumes. A shadowy figure inside is an enigma, and the character that shadow represents remains an enigma through most of the book, with detail slowly being penciled in until the man is at last revealed—or at least partially rendered. He is David, the love interest of reluctant main character, John.

I see John a bit like a Scrooge, not because of riches, but because author Isabelle Rowan places him in this setting—a lowly independent bookstore in a not-so-posh part of Melbourne, Australia—and makes it his home base for involuntary lessons on what the world is like for those much less fortunate than him. But this is a romance, make no mistake. At the heart of the story is the tale of two men who meet, turn away from one another, but can’t fight the gravity-like force that pulls them toward each other. An odd couple, though, truly.

David is an artist, but he’s also homeless; his world encompasses everything from filth, cold, and hunger, to whoring and being the target of senseless brutality. John, on the other hand is almost playing at being a shopkeeper for a year. His “real life” is as a successful man of business, and his usual habitat leans toward luxury. A young man, Jamie, more or less goes with the store, and it’s with the help of a push from Jamie here, a question there, that John begins to squeeze past his first reactions to David’s condition—reactions of fear as much as revulsion—and in the process finds out a lot about who he is himself, as well as who David is.

Some of the things that worked very well for me in this novel: the balanced interactions between the characters; the central setting of the bookstore with all its history and “busyness;” the way the changes in season symbolize, catalyze, and underscore the changes that are happening in the lives of the characters. I also find Rowan’s prose very readable, flowing from page to page and never getting bogged in exposition or explanation. I found this to be a very good book. I did read Twelve Days and I will do a brief review on that book as well. I recommend both A Note in the Margin and Twelve Days for readers who like to spend time with complex characters as they work their way, in very human fashion, through difficult times.
(less)

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Dec 09, 2011 Lidia rated it 5 of 5 stars

A notes in the margins is the main story, but as the title does not neglect the notes in the margins. The story takes place in Bradford, a quiet town near Melbourne.Jonh and David are just two men who started from opposite sides found themselves at the same time by following different paths. Jonh has lost his mother, who grew up with his grandparents because his father he left. Tired of being poor, he moved to Australia where it reaches a solid financial position, has a nice house, friends and a...more
A notes in the margins is the main story, but as the title does not neglect the notes in the margins. The story takes place in Bradford, a quiet town near Melbourne.Jonh and David are just two men who started from opposite sides found themselves at the same time by following different paths. Jonh has lost his mother, who grew up with his grandparents because his father he left. Tired of being poor, he moved to Australia where it reaches a solid financial position, has a nice house, friends and a woman to go out to complete the picture of a "normal" life. David was rich, had a wife, a son and a house, but felt the weight of that existence and one day no longer did it, left everything and everyone and went to live on the street where he was beaten, raped, forced prostitution, Mandic, sometimes sleeping in the park other time in shelters for the poor. Having the ability to stay warm in your seat in the small library was a way to feel more "human". Jonh knows that will not be easy to live with David, his backpack is always ready and even a small thing can scare him. David is a man "broken" in it, but she loves her son and Jonh, the latter realizes that his life was all a fiction, related to appearances . I do not know who help those who, because they both need and other friends like Jamie and Barbara (a volunteer of the shelter). Behind a beautiful and evocative cover of a book is intense and painful. The experience of those who no longer has a home, a family, a job is described in a gentle but relentless in its realism that the author lays bare the feelings, thoughts, pain, fears of David but also of being Jonh abandoned. The small library is the backdrop to this great story where the protagonists are also books to read because it has a saving power and cathartic and as an anchor that prevents David from drowning in the brutality of a life without dignity and without solace. This story touched me deeply and moved me. As Barbara says Jonh "I know you to decide if he is worth all this" is a phrase that made me reflect, and that goes for everything in life and invites us to fight for the people we care

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May 30, 2009 Dumbledore11214 rated it 5 of 5 stars

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

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Jan 25, 2013 Sam rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: male-male

I feel a little bit guilty rating this story at 3 stars, because I did really enjoy the story, but when I look back at my previous 4 star ratings (a 5 to me is perfection, and I don't give many of them away) this just doesn't compare. It could have been stronger for many reasons, not the least of which was the poor editing, and the very frustrating POV changes.

Also, and this is my issue as an Australian; it really disappoints me to see an Australian story written in American English. Dreamspinn...more

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May 05, 2011 Allie rated it 3 of 5 stars

I liked Jamie and John and the way they cared for David. Actually, I liked Jamie and the way he was so open minded and accepting of others in a way John wasn't (at the beginning of the story). John's character's changes were an improvement and he developed into a caring human being. Originally he'd been a bit of an automaton where people were concerned.

I liked the story but David's character (and we never really find out what happened to make David mentally breakdown and leave to become homeles...more

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About Isabelle Rowan

A black cat for a witch may be a cliché, but add a whole bunch of tribal tattoos and an intolerance to garlic (seriously), and you have Isabelle Rowan.

Having moved to Australia from England as a small child, Isabelle now lives in a seaside suburb of Melbourne where she teaches film making and English. She is a movie addict who spends far too much money on traveling… but then again, life is to be l...more

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Quotes from A Note in the Margin

“...there is more to life than the main story. Check out the notes in the margins because maybe they're even more important.” — 6 people liked it

“We all want to be stronger and better. Sometimes just to prove that we're good enough to be respected…or loved".” — 2 people liked it

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