Counterpoint

Apr 11, 2011 Dee Wy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, m-m-historical, favorites, tears-and-tissues

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...more

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Jun 07, 2011 Kernos rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-fiction, favorite-books-re-read, historical-fiction, fiction-literary

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

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Ruth Sims I have not yet figured out if this is the official 2-month discussion (when the book was voted for a couple of months ago) or just comments. I admit t...more
06 juin 22:34

Kernos Hi Ruth,

I just want to thank you for writing this wonderful book. I suspect it was a labor of love.

The book is being discussed currently here: http:...more
09 juin 11:33

Ruth Sims Thank you for the invitation. In a message to Nancy I tmentioned that I'm having vision trouble (so please excuse the typos), but as much as I can I w...more
09 juin 16:49

Apr 27, 2011 Lil' Grogan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-5, sob, romance, historical, gay

A deceptively unassuming touch that brought passion and vulnerability alive on page. I'm not sure why I've avoided this for so long, if I had known the time frame (starting in 1888) and that Paris would be involved! The music student in me squeed at the mere mention of Fauré and Berlioz. I enjoyed the descriptions of music, and remembered fondly the fervency and arrogance of belief in oneself, as well as the potentially crippling side of that passion.

Following Dylan from 18 as he aches for his...more

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Aug 06, 2010 Kassa rated it 5 of 5 stars

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...more 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.

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Oct 07, 2011 Jenre rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historicals, m-m, romance

As many of you know I'm a fan of m/m historical romance so this book by Ruth Sims was very appealing. It's not your typical romance, although it contains two romantic story lines, because it breaks some romantic conventions - something I think some readers may not like. Instead it's a Victorian set drama about the creative life and frustrations of Dylan.

We first meet Dylan as a pupil at St Bede's where his inattentiveness in lessons and his compulsion to do nothing but compose music does not end...more As many of you know I'm a fan of m/m historical romance so this book by Ruth Sims was very appealing. It's not your typical romance, although it contains two romantic story lines, because it breaks some romantic conventions - something I think some readers may not like. Instead it's a Victorian set drama about the creative life and frustrations of Dylan.

We first meet Dylan as a pupil at St Bede's where his inattentiveness in lessons and his compulsion to do nothing but compose music does not endear him to his tutors, especially when his compositions do not fit into musical canon. After an incident with a stolen key, Dylan is sent home in disgrace only to be brought back when the music teacher has an accident. One condition of Dylan being brought back to St Bede's is that he has extra lessons to make up for his poor results overall. His tutor is Lawrence, who sees that Dylan is ahead of his time with his music and offers him quiet support along with the tuition. When Lawrence realises that Dylan has fallen in love with him, and that he has feelings for Dylan too, Lawrence decides to leave St Bede's and move to Paris, only to meet Dylan there when the young man is taking his 'Grand Tour'.

There's was much to like about this story and hands down my favourite part was the way that the frustrations and difficulties of Dylan and his music was portrayed. I'm not a huge fan of classical music but this is Dylan's passion and that shines through the plot of the story. He's musically ahead of his time and as a result encounters nothing but indifference, criticism and downright contempt for what he is trying to do. The story is set in the late 1800's and maybe if Dylan had been composing 30-40 years on, then he would have had significant acclaim for his work. I liked that there is some comparison with what Dylan is doing and the Impressionist painters who were also reviled for the new techniques they were using in art. Dylan begins the story as a hot headed and arrogant young man, certain that he is going to set the musical world on fire, and part of his development as a character is coming to terms with the fact that no-one understands what he is trying to do. By the end he is still hot-headed and sure of his talent, but more resigned and mature. He spends a great deal of the book seething with frustration at the actions of others, and the way he is constantly blocked or prevented from doing what he feels is musically the best thing. The innate snobbery of the musical world also comes across strongly, and again leads to Dylan bashing heads with those who could possibly further his career.

In many ways I admired the tenacity of Dylan and his unwillingness to conform to what society and the musical world expected of him. However, he's also very flawed as a character because in some ways he's just as blinkered as those who can't or won't understand his music. At times his arrogance and self-centred attitude were not not most endearing qualities and his obliviousness to the opinions and feelings of others made him difficult to like on occasion. This is where the character of Lawrence was so successful. He balanced and soothed Dylan's brashness. Lawrence is a loyal supporter of Dylan and loves him despite his flaws but he also isn't afraid to gently steer Dylan in the right direction when needed. I liked Lawrence a great deal and he came across as caring and loving without being a pushover.

The story is divided into two parts, with part one ending with a shocking event which brought me to tears. It's a different Dylan who emerges from this event. He's less self centred and most of his frustrations are based on trying to get the musical world to accept a talented violinist, Geoffrey, who was born a Romany gypsy and therefore looked down on with disgust by society. The character of Geoffrey gets a lot of page space towards the end of the book and I found him to be an interesting character. He's a much more generous person than Dylan, more caring and affectionate but he's also more fatalistic and at times very naive. Despite this, I liked Geoffrey and was glad at the way things worked out for him.

One thing to say about this book is that it certainly puts you through the emotional wringer. There were times when I wasn't sure I could continue as time and time again things went badly for the characters. It's to the author's credit that the story never tipped into melodrama, mainly because the story is so firmly grounded in the time period and therefore felt realistic. It all works out for Dylan at the end and I was left feeling happy for him and optimistic that things would continue to improve.

Overall this historical has a strong sense of setting - Paris in particular was depicted with loving care; flawed but realistic characters; an unusual musical theme and a story which takes you on a number of highs and lows. I greatly enjoyed it and was so engrossed I could hardly bear to put it down. I'm highly recommend Counterpoint: Dylan's Story to all fans of historical romance.(less)

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Sep 29, 2010 Jeff Erno rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay-historical

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 b...more 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.
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Dec 10, 2011 Lea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: tear-jerker, m-m

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.

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Feb 09, 2012 GymGuy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance

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...more

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Jan 20, 2013 Molly Ringle added it · review of another edition

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...more

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Mar 17, 2012 Andune rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: best-gay-fiction

Dylan’s Counterpoint is a magnificent story of love, loss, struggle and music. The trials and tribulations that Dylan and Geoffrey survive, each going through their own devastating pain and growth, are heart wrenching. As a composer I definitely felt a connection to Dylan’s character and the troubles he faced.

It is not so often that I’m moved to tears by a novel and this one was certainly special. Life is not easy in this story, but the characters portrayed by the author have a realness and vul...more

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Apr 12, 2013 ARe Cafe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: vals-picks

Counterpoint Dylan’s Story is a gorgeously written, deeply emotional historical romance that centers on some irresistibly classic themes. First, there is the theme of the misunderstood artist, way ahead of his time, who must follow his own creative genius regardless of conventional society’s pressure to conform. Then there is the poignancy of first love, unrequited love, and forbidden love all bound up in the first major relationship in the novel. Finally, the novel weaves in a storyline involvi...more

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Apr 25, 2012 Lou Sylvre rated it 5 of 5 stars

There is nothing about Ruth Sims' Counterpoint that doesn't get five stars from this reader. It's a single story that involves a pair of romances in sequence for main character Dylan Rutledge, a struggling composer of art music at the turn of the 20th century. The author has created a rich historical tapestry, a very believable, sensory experience of the London and Paris and country places of the time. In these venues Dylan's life, or decades out of it, play out, full of music and artists and di...more There is nothing about Ruth Sims' Counterpoint that doesn't get five stars from this reader. It's a single story that involves a pair of romances in sequence for main character Dylan Rutledge, a struggling composer of art music at the turn of the 20th century. The author has created a rich historical tapestry, a very believable, sensory experience of the London and Paris and country places of the time. In these venues Dylan's life, or decades out of it, play out, full of music and artists and discontent. Avoiding spoilers, a brief intro to the story itself: The reader meets Dylan, the son of a newly rich architect, as an upperclassmen at an English parochial school. Dylan has some annoying qualities--for instance he thinks he will be the next truly great composer--and when others don't see things his way he repeatedly ignores them, even though he is without independent means. Well, he might be forgiven, because apparently his music is phenomenal, even if not lucrative. His quest for discovery takes him to Paris, where Dylan's first love flowers, one that is sweeter and deeper and more right--and ultimately more heartbreaking--than most I've seen created in the pages of romance. Dylan grows from boy to man, the story moves from England to Europe and back again, and all the while his struggle for recognition continues. In a nutshell, I found the meaning in the story to be Dylan's journey to his own heart, his ultimate recognition of the supremacy of love over all other gifts. The story comes full circle, in the end returning to him the love of the father who disowned him because of who he chose to live with in love.

Superbly human characters, beautifully flawed. A complex story, as the title Counterpoint suggests, it nevertheless has a strong throughline that carried me from beginning to end not wanting to stop. Tragedies occur in the novel as they do in life, all meaningful, two of them heartbreaking, one of them the most heartrending fictional event I have read in a long, long time. At that point, yes, I was ready to curse the author and send her my Kleenex bill. But having recovered, I'm offering cheers for Ruth Sims. She's written an exceptional book. I strongly recommend Counterpoint to those who like historical fiction, those with an interest in music, and those who love romance.

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May 17, 2011 Miz Love rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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...more

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Feb 07, 2011 Elisa Ramblings added it · review of another edition

Counterpoint 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 en...more Counterpoint 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/?...(less)

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Jan 16, 2011 Cris rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, m-m

Oh, wow. I've just finished this and my mind is swirling with it. I'm afraid my review will be a bit nonsensical, but I'm going to try.

This is... quite simply, beautifully written. The characters are wonderful and so is the language, especially the musical descriptions. While there are point of view changes that aren't warned about beforehand (which I've complained bitterly about before), for some reason it's not jarring here like I usually find it. Unfortunately, I can't even begin to tell you...more Oh, wow. I've just finished this and my mind is swirling with it. I'm afraid my review will be a bit nonsensical, but I'm going to try.

This is... quite simply, beautifully written. The characters are wonderful and so is the language, especially the musical descriptions. While there are point of view changes that aren't warned about beforehand (which I've complained bitterly about before), for some reason it's not jarring here like I usually find it. Unfortunately, I can't even begin to tell you what the difference is between this and all the others that have irritated me so much. The only thing I can think of is that it just flows- all of the narration changes make perfect sense, being exactly where they need to be, and the story travels naturally between the two main characters without disrupting anything or pushing the reader out of the story. That, my friends, takes talent.

Beyond point of view, this book repeatedly broke my heart and sewed it back together again, slowly, stitch by stitch. I can often judge a book by the time I spend away from it. If I'm at work and my thoughts drift to the book and the characters, if I can't wait to go home and bury myself into the words again, it's truly captured my attention in a positive way. By the same end, there are only two reasons I sneak a peek at the end of a book. The first is that the thing is so boring that I'm trying to figure out whether it gets any better and whether it's worth continuing. The second is the one that applies here- sometimes, during the heart-breaking process, I feel the need to know that things will turn out okay in the end, somehow. Reassurance. (I think some part of my brain is secretly an optimist.) This is done simply because I've come to care so much about the character(s) involved, that I'm not sure I can stand to have my heart left broken. Counterpoint, thankfully, didn't disappoint on that score.

If I have to make a criticism, it would be that I would've preferred a bit more background between Laurence and Dylan. Obviously they had known each other for some years- some glimpses into that, even as flashbacks, would've been nice. Though I do understand the choice to not begin earlier, in the interest of keeping the story moving and not going on TOO long with back story. I also prefer Geoffrey to Laurence. I like Laurence, but I felt like I definitely got to know Geoffrey better. This obviously isn't a criticism but a personal preference, though. We all have our favorites.

Overall, this is wonderful and beautiful and whatever other 'ful's' you'd like to dedicate to it. I'll certainly be looking for more from this author.(less)

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Nov 27, 2010 Gerry Burnie rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 t...more 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!
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Oct 12, 2010 Ebook Addict Reviews added it

As 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...more As 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.(less)

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Oct 11, 2010 Alan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Near the end of the nineteenth century, Dylan Rutledge has two obsessions: composing music and Laurence Northcliff, his history master at the Bede School for Young Gentlemen. When all others turn against Dylan for the wild and unorthodox music he composes, Northcliff is the only one who encourages his dream. The two fall deeply in love, but it is a forbidden love in England, punishable by long prison terms at hard labor.

But Dylan’s passion will not be put down. He alienates himself from family,...more Near the end of the nineteenth century, Dylan Rutledge has two obsessions: composing music and Laurence Northcliff, his history master at the Bede School for Young Gentlemen. When all others turn against Dylan for the wild and unorthodox music he composes, Northcliff is the only one who encourages his dream. The two fall deeply in love, but it is a forbidden love in England, punishable by long prison terms at hard labor.

But Dylan’s passion will not be put down. He alienates himself from family, friends, and country when he moves to Paris to study music and live openly as Northcliff’s lover. Although he finds happiness in the arms of Northcliff, he pays a heavy price being out, even in Paris. At every turn, his career is fraught with disappointment, rejection, and eventually a devastating loss that shreds his soul. Can his music bring him back from the brink? Can the love of a man be the strength he needs to survive?

This book is a joy to read. The story is well structured, the characters are compelling, the prose carries the reader along in a dream. I knew before opening the cover page that Ruth Sims has a gift for storytelling. I found that out in her book, The Phoenix. But Counterpoint is far and away a superior, more thoughtful read. Sims has created something rare, an absorbing read that takes the reader through the entire range of emotions, and then back again.

Does it have flaws? There is the occasional head hopping. There are several opportunities where showing, rather than telling, would strengthened the read. There are other places where the dialog is too on-the-nose. But these minor issues go unnoticed as the reader wraps these characters around himself like a cloak on a cold night, and feels their passion and pain. Upon finishing the last page I wanted to stand, clap my hands and yell, “BRAVO.”

This story was several years coming to print, and well worth the wait. If you’re looking for the kind of hot erotic scenes that have become so cliché in mm fiction today, then keep looking. But for anyone who enjoys passionate characters struggling with basic human needs, alluring prose, and historical detail, then I highly recommend this read.
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Nov 21, 2011 Kinga rated it 4 of 5 stars

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Aug 08, 2011 Jaime rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, m-m, romance

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 c...more 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!(less)

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Sep 04, 2012 Plainbrownwrapper rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm

The opening lines made me smile:

"Most criminal acts could be carried out in silence. Playing a thirty-six rank, three-manual pipe organ on a quiet Sunday afternoon wasn’t one of them."

There are a lot of promising elements here -- the honorable, kind, but enamored teacher; the young, impetuous, talented, and arrogant student; the louche sidekick; the rich and beautiful philanthropist; the aging musical titan; the tragic young gypsy protege. All of them are interesting characters, in almost an old...more

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Sep 19, 2010 ~ames~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-book, 2010-read, historical, m-m

This is the first novel by Ruth Sims that I’ve read and I know it won’t be the last. She has crafted a very touching story that made had me so invested in the characters that I cried. I love books that make me cry, that reach me that much.

Counterpoint is a novel about Dylan Rutledge, a young man who wishes to compose music. His tale begins with his final year at the Veneral Bede School for Young Gentlemen. He has been expelled for stealing a Master’s key and using it to get into the church, to...more This is the first novel by Ruth Sims that I’ve read and I know it won’t be the last. She has crafted a very touching story that made had me so invested in the characters that I cried. I love books that make me cry, that reach me that much.

Counterpoint is a novel about Dylan Rutledge, a young man who wishes to compose music. His tale begins with his final year at the Veneral Bede School for Young Gentlemen. He has been expelled for stealing a Master’s key and using it to get into the church, to play one of his compositions on the huge church organ. But when said elderly Master falls and breaks his leg before a big visit from the Bishop, Laurence Northcliff, a young Master at Bede’s, urges the school to let Dylan come back to take over the musical preparation for the school’s performance for the Bishop. Dylan can come back, granted he doesn’t get into any more shenanigans and his grades improve. Master Northcliff will mentor Dylan himself – and so it begins.

Dylan grows more attached to Laurence the more time they spend together, and the same goes for Laurence. But Laurence is a teacher and their attraction is criminal on England’s shores. Laurence leaves the school to avoid the temptation of Dylan and goes to Paris to write. Dylan misses Laurence and figures the attraction was one sided. Laurence cannot stop thinking about Dylan but figures he’ll move on.

Dylan doesn’t move on but instead comes to Paris to further his musical education. The music he composes is so different from what’s currently en vogue that no one close to him (parents and teachers) believes he can have a successful career as a composer. But Laurence knows Dylan is talented and sets him up with another musician for mentoring.

I want to stop my summary there because I don’t want to give everything away. Just know that there are parts to Counterpoint that are very bittersweet. But from great sorrow comes great happiness and Dylan’s tale is not even close to being finished from where I left off that summary.

So there’s this wonderful story – Dylan is the central character and he’s inspired but with that amount there comes an ego. And Dylan goes through a lot to get his music acknowledged by his peers and the public. It’s definitely not an easy journey. The characters around him really balance Dylan out. They keep him going and their stories are interesting too. We’re really wrapped up in these characters, believe me. I’m still thinking about one in particular and I finished the book days ago.

Another great feat that Ms. Sims has accomplished is the description of the music. Counterpoint takes place towards the later half of the 19th century. Impressionism is an art movement that is gaining a name for itself but the music is still very much Romantic. Dylan’s music is definitely not Romantic and he feels constrained by the ideas of his teachers. This struggle over the music is very central to Dylan’s tale. And it really ties itself to another character, a violinist. One thing I loved was the description of the violin pieces. It’s hard to hear music when you read descriptions, but I feel that Ms. Sims did a wonderful job with Dylan’s music. I wish there was a soundtrack to go along with this book. This book wasn’t just about Dylan, but also about his music.

I really enjoyed Counterpoint and highly recommend it. I loved the references to Impressionist artists, as this is my favorite time period in art history. Also, I play the violin (not that well though) and thought all the musical aspects to this story were interesting.

Definitely read it!(less)

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Sep 29, 2011 Lynette rated it 5 of 5 stars

I finished COUNTERPOINT: DYLAN'S STORY over a week ago and I've been having a hard time writing a review for it. All I can think to say is OMG I loved COUNTERPOINT: DYLAN'S STORY, it was totally not what I expected, it was sooo much better than that. I wish that I could end my review there, but I think you'd be disappointed, so if the rest of this review is crazy for coco puff, don't blame me. You've been warned.

COUNTERPOINT: DYLAN'S STORY is more than the typical m/m romance. It's not teeming w...more

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Sep 02, 2010 Erastes rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gay-historical

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 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 re...more 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.(less)

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Jun 09, 2011 Erik Garrity rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! The storyline is intense, heartwarming, tender and yet painful in places, as we follow the life of Dylan Rutledge, a talented young musician who is an incorrigible rebel in almost every aspect of his life. This wonderful historical romance takes place in the 1800's in England, not long after the Oscar Wilde trials and we follow the loves, challenges, personal tragedies and heartbreaks of Dylan in a time where homosexual love must be hidden and kept quiet -- although...more

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Feb 02, 2011 Lee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Excellent Book!

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.

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Jul 21, 2010 Mickie Ashling rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 betw...more

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May 11, 2011 ManOhMan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Reviewed by Markie:
Discovering a new author is always a great thing. I was fortunate enough to be able to review this m/m romance by Ruth Sims, romance being the key word and the heart of this story.

Stories of young love have always intrigued me. Place this with wonderful writing and a great storyline, and it just works.

Ruth Sims also mixes in a good dose of angst, and for a brief moment you wonder if everything will turn out well in the end. Never one to spoil a story for readers, I won't revea...more

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Sep 22, 2012 Ayanna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, future-rereads, favorites, evocative-or-edifying, non-pulpy

OH. MY. GOD.

This book was amazing. The character dynamics and characterization just blew me away. (view spoiler)...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Sally rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: gay

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 r...more 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(less)

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