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Mardi Gras

by A.B. Gayle (Goodreads Author)

4.05 of 5 stars 4.05 · rating details · 39 ratings · 21 reviews

Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella

Fifty year old American novelist, journalist and blogger, Damien, has arrived in Sydney for the 2010 Mardi Gras Parade. Damien is traveling incognito because in a recent blog he criticized the relevance of the parade and bemoaned the fact it had drifted so far from its roots as a commemoration of the Stonewall Riots—the first time the fair...more

ebook, 65 pages

Published by Noble Romance Publishing (first published August 9th 2010)

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Sep 27, 2010 DarienMoya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-reads, my-m-m-lovin, three-dollar-bill-reviews

^^I NOW KNOW THINGS I DID NOT KNOW BEFORE!^^

Mardi Gras was a short story, yet a very gratifying one. The book offers a very strong political theme, yet it also manages to put a little self-exploration in there. The book brought up many questions; questions that I had to find the answers to and gain complete understanding of what the author was trying to say. While it might be a very short story, it is a fulfilling story and had me turning the pages lightning speed.

Damien is a journalist for a g...more ^^I NOW KNOW THINGS I DID NOT KNOW BEFORE!^^

Mardi Gras was a short story, yet a very gratifying one. The book offers a very strong political theme, yet it also manages to put a little self-exploration in there. The book brought up many questions; questions that I had to find the answers to and gain complete understanding of what the author was trying to say. While it might be a very short story, it is a fulfilling story and had me turning the pages lightning speed.

Damien is a journalist for a gay newspaper, and recently wrote an article about the importance of Sydney’s Mardi Gras. He expresses that the Mardi Gras does not uphold to what it was 25 years ago. In the 80’s it was seen as a movement a way for homosexuals to express themselves and show the world that they existed. While reflecting on the fact that the journey was not easy, and it was a time of true celebration. Damien no longer feels that way, he feels the Mardi Gras is not what it used to be, he condemns the idea of it, its no longer a celebration of good over bad, but a form of self gratification for those who partake in the Mardi Gras of now. It no longer celebrates traditions and honours the heroes that made it possible. A blogger disagrees with Damien’s ideas and lets him have it, said blogger inspires Damien to take a trip to Australia, and to see if his ideas stand true.

At the Sydney airport Damien is met by Simon, a young man hired to show him around. The meeting with Simon annoys Damien a little, with Simon pushing the word “mate” around a lot. Damien gets the feeling he is trying too hard, but he finds himself attracted to the young man. A day spent together leads to some hot motel room time, when things look like they are about to heat up Simon takes off. This little road block provides a wonderful twist to the story, because from the very beginning of the book you can tell that Simon is uncomfortable with something.

After a little stewing Damien makes his way to the parade and eventually runs into Simon again. With a little anger to get over, Simon reintroduces the Mardi Gras to Damien, and it becomes a wonderful time of discovery for Damien, because he was hiding behind cynicism and the trip becomes a eye opener for a man who thought he had seen and knew it all.

I really enjoyed this short read, it was packed with information but wasn’t a history book. I think of this book as a celebration and beauty of what it takes to go out and declare yourself a homosexual. It brings the joy of the strong individuals who get one day to celebrate and be themselves while realizing that there are so many who appreciate them for who they are. So many who join to celebrate with them, from the old, young, men, women and children. I highly recommend this short read.(less)

like 6 likes · see review

Sep 09, 2010 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to Lisa by: http://michelenjeff-reviews.blogspot.com/

Shelves: contemporary-romance, m-m-romance, short-story, historical-informative

Mardi Gras, by A.B. Gayle, is a blend of political history and personal exploration. It delivers a multilayered story with intriguing characters, a complex message, and an interesting background that kept me turning pages and had me surfing the internet for information.

Damien is a journalist for an online gay newspaper. He has recently written a blog regarding the pertinence of Sydney’s Mardi Gras, an event that began in 1978, but didn't truly emerge until the early ‘80s as a commemoration of th...more Mardi Gras, by A.B. Gayle, is a blend of political history and personal exploration. It delivers a multilayered story with intriguing characters, a complex message, and an interesting background that kept me turning pages and had me surfing the internet for information.

Damien is a journalist for an online gay newspaper. He has recently written a blog regarding the pertinence of Sydney’s Mardi Gras, an event that began in 1978, but didn't truly emerge until the early ‘80s as a commemoration of the Stonewall Riots that began on June 28, 1969, in Greenwich Village, NY. As any movement needs a catalyst, the gay rights movement emanated from the raid of the Stonewall Inn, a mafia owned establishment that was home to the most marginalized and disenfranchised of the homosexual community: The drag queens, the transgendered, the rent boys, the effeminate, and the homeless youth. At the time of the Stonewall Riots, homosexuality was considered a criminal offense and our government supported more anti-homosexual laws than most Eastern European countries. During the ‘50s and ‘60s, it was common for undercover law enforcement to frequent bars, baiting homosexuals into “committing crimes”. As the homosexual community united and rose up against the injustice of a system that regularly victimized the innocent, a ripple effect was felt, not only across the US, but around the world. Just as the African American community had united to fight the injustice of racial discrimination, so did the homosexual community band together to begin to free themselves from the dark alleys, rundown hotels, and seedy bars to which they’d been relegated.

Damien’s position regarding the Mardi Gras emerges as a condemnation, citing it as an irrelevant tradition that has been reduced to a triviality which celebrates hedonism and self indulgence, as opposed to commemorating Stonewall and honoring the sacrifices of those who’d inspired the event. This opinion strikes a nerve in a poster to the blog who vehemently disagrees with Damien’s opinion and ultimately motivates Damien to make a trip to Australia to get a first hand view of the celebration to determine if his position holds merit.

At the Sydney airport, Damien is met by Simon, a young man who’s hired to show Damien around the city and to accompany him to the Mardi Gras to give him an insider’s perspective to the parade. In a nice twist to the story, which I refuse to give away, Damien soon discovers that Simon may be more of an enigma than his youth should permit.

Damien, in spite of being twice Simon’s age, finds himself drawn to the young man and they eventually come to find themselves in Damien’s hotel room, where the mystery of Simon soon intensifies. As Simon inexplicably runs away, he leaves Damien stunned and confused, and I was left perched on the edge of my chair wondering what deeper secrets young Simon was keeping.

Eventually, the two reunite to experience the parade, where the author treats the reader to a virtual, visual, and intriguing view of the event. As difficult as it is to draw imagery with words, I was placed directly into the event, and I experienced it along with Damien and Simon. I was drawn into the crowds, the energy, and the excitement right along with the characters.

As the story progresses, these two men learn a few truths about themselves and one another. I couldn’t help but detect the cynicism that often comes with age contrasted by the optimism of youth. At times these characters seemed to assume one another’s roles, and each learned something from the other. By the end, their age difference was an entirely insignificant factor, as Simon masterfully assumes a more dominant role in their burgeoning relationship.

In the end, the reader sees that while the basis for this celebration’s significance should never be forgotten, to live in the past often keeps one from moving forward. When we cease to mourn, it doesn’t mean we forget, rather it means we heal and, hopefully, use our experiences to grow. Mardi Gras leaves the reader with the notion that diversity may someday move from being merely accepted, to being celebrated and celebrated more than once a year. A.B. Gayle has penned a story that was both entertaining and informative, and I enjoyed it immensely.

The end of the story left me curious enough about the relationship between these two characters that it has me hoping for a sequel.
(less)

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Apr 06, 2013 Kazza rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review at On Top Down Under Book Reviews - http://bookreviewsandtherapy.blogspot...

like 4 likes · see review

Jul 22, 2010 Top 2 Bottom Reviews Interviews and More added it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Mardi Gras, by A.B. Gayle, is a blend of political history and personal exploration. It delivers a multilayered story with intriguing characters, a complex message, and an interesting background that kept me turning pages and had me surfing the internet for information.

Damien is a journalist for an online gay newspaper. He has recently written a blog regarding the pertinence of Sydney’s Mardi Gras, an event that began in 1978, but didn’t truly emerge until the early ‘80s as a commemoration of th...more Mardi Gras, by A.B. Gayle, is a blend of political history and personal exploration. It delivers a multilayered story with intriguing characters, a complex message, and an interesting background that kept me turning pages and had me surfing the internet for information.

Damien is a journalist for an online gay newspaper. He has recently written a blog regarding the pertinence of Sydney’s Mardi Gras, an event that began in 1978, but didn’t truly emerge until the early ‘80s as a commemoration of the Stonewall Riots that began on June 28, 1969, in Greenwich Village, NY. As any movement needs a catalyst, the gay rights movement emanated from the raid of the Stonewall Inn, a mafia owned establishment that was home to the most marginalized and disenfranchised of the homosexual community: The drag queens, the transgendered, the rent boys, the effeminate, and the homeless youth. At the time of the Stonewall Riots, homosexuality was considered a criminal offense and our government supported more anti-homosexual laws than most Eastern European countries. During the ‘50s and ‘60s, it was common for undercover law enforcement to frequent bars, baiting homosexuals into “committing crimes”. As the homosexual community united and rose up against the injustice of a system that regularly victimized the innocent, a ripple effect was felt, not only across the US, but around the world. Just as the African American community had united to fight the injustice of racial discrimination, so did the homosexual community band together to begin to free themselves from the dark alleys, rundown hotels, and seedy bars to which they’d been relegated.

Damien’s position regarding the Mardi Gras emerges as a condemnation, citing it as an irrelevant tradition that has been reduced to a triviality which celebrates hedonism and self indulgence, as opposed to commemorating Stonewall and honoring the sacrifices of those who’d inspired the event. This opinion strikes a nerve in a poster to the blog who vehemently disagrees with Damien’s opinion and ultimately motivates Damien to make a trip to Australia to get a first hand view of the celebration to determine if his position holds merit.

At the Sydney airport, Damien is met by Simon, a young man who’s hired to show Damien around the city and to accompany him to the Mardi Gras to give him an insider’s perspective to the parade. In a nice twist to the story, which I refuse to give away, Damien soon discovers that Simon may be more of an enigma than his youth should permit.

Damien, in spite of being twice Simon’s age, finds himself drawn to the young man and they eventually come to find themselves in Damien’s hotel room, where the mystery of Simon soon intensifies. As Simon inexplicably runs away, he leaves Damien stunned and confused, and I was left perched on the edge of my chair wondering what deeper secrets young Simon was keeping.

Eventually, the two reunite to experience the parade, where the author treats the reader to a virtual, visual, and intriguing view of the event. As difficult as it is to draw imagery with words, I was placed directly into the event, and I experienced it along with Damien and Simon. I was drawn into the crowds, the energy, and the excitement right along with the characters.

As the story progresses, these two men learn a few truths about themselves and one another. I couldn’t help but detect the cynicism that often comes with age contrasted by the optimism of youth. At times these characters seemed to assume one another’s roles, and each learned something from the other. By the end, their age difference was an entirely insignificant factor, as Simon masterfully assumes a more dominant role in their burgeoning relationship.

In the end, the reader sees that while the basis for this celebration’s significance should never be forgotten, to live in the past often keeps one from moving forward. When we cease to mourn, it doesn’t mean we forget, rather it means we heal and, hopefully, use our experiences to grow. Mardi Gras leaves the reader with the notion that diversity may someday move from being merely accepted, to being celebrated and celebrated more than once a year. A.B. Gayle has penned a story that was both entertaining and informative, and I enjoyed it immensely.

The end of the story left me curious enough about the relationship between these two characters that it left me hoping for a sequel.

Review by Lisa (less)

like 2 likes · see review

Jun 29, 2010 Susan White rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who enjoys m/m romance.

Recommended to Susan by: Beth Wylde's yahoo group

You know that big sigh you take at the end of a really good book? After finishing "Mardi Gras" that is exactly what I took, the big happy "what a great book" sigh.

Often when reading a new or "new to me" author, I have no idea what to expect. Will I like the writing style or won't I? Will this author be able to keep my attention.. or not. This book definitely is one that I greatly enjoyed, and one that kept my attention until the very last word. I could not put the book down.

I'm a US born and br...more

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Jul 01, 2010 Tj rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received this book as a prize in a contest. I was a little leery of it as I read the background for the book from the author and became concerned I would get bored with the details of the story. Surprisingly for me, it was a wonderful read. Knowing the background actually enhanced my enjoyment of the book. The author really put in thought and detail into a current issue in the gay community. She also brings to light all of the bias and issues with diversity. "...it's the groups that can't acce...more

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Oct 24, 2010 Jade F Baiser rated it 5 of 5 stars

Usually, I do not really love the books where the story is told to the first person of the singular, I feel that I miss a lot of emotions from anyone but the narrator. But AB Gayle makes everything very lively, that you forget you only have one side of the story. You feel you’re a part of what Damien sees, feels and reacts to.
From the beginning, you know, or rather guess, something is wrong with the meeting of the two characters. But you don’t know what, and the tension grows almost in spite of...more

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Jul 20, 2010 Don Schecter rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: those interested in m/m romance

Recommended to Don by: the author

Shelves: gay-fiction

There are writers with the ability to create space and time they have no physical opportunity to experience. There are writers who can do the same with people. A.B. Gayle has the gift. In her first gay romance, she has entered the minds and hearts of 25 yo Patrick and 50 yo Damien, setting them on a collision course with romance. Gayle's powers of empathy are astounding. She knows how these men think and what makes them act. She full-well understands the differences in attitude and approach betw...more

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Jul 08, 2010 Elisa Ramblings added it

This is a nice May/December novella about an embittered 50 years old writer and blogger, Damien, who is sent to Sydney to do a reportage on the gay pride parade during the Mardi Gras, the same parade he accused how having no more a serious content in his blog.

It’s not that Damien has something in particular against Sydney or his gay parade, but maybe the fact that he spent there a wonderful summer, when he was 25 years old and gay and proud and out, makes his boring life now even more unbearabl...more

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Jan 15, 2011 Oco added it

Shelves: m-m

A very nice May/December story, thoughtful, sweet but not overly so. The writing is tight and compelling; I like the descriptions, the pacing, the characterization, all of this was wonderful. Both characters were so real. Neither was particularly 'heroic' nor 'villanous', which can sometimes make for a dull read (I do like larger-than-life characters); it did not here. They were both idiosyncratic enough to be fascinating.

EDIT: I'd listed a detraction earlier that turned out to be about formatti...more

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Sep 10, 2010 Katisha rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I knew nothing about Australia's Mardi Gras before reading it; the author has drawn a very vivid picture for us. So much so that I would now love to go! I found the love story touching, the characters believable and the outcome very satisfying. The author also handles the politics of Mardi Gras (and similar events worldwide)with a great deal of understanding, resulting in a thought-provoking story as well as a very enjoyable one.

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Apr 15, 2011 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Loved it! Nice romantic m/m short story. Her writing style is laid back as she draws you in to Damien's (hunk of cuteness) experience in Austrailia. I enjpyed her way of weaving historical gay facts & quotes into the story. It was a bit of mystery/eroticism/romance/travel woven together to create a lovely story.

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Feb 15, 2011 Cassie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Excellent read. The main character has a strong voice that he kept this reader glued to her chair and reading. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, no. Loved that about this book. A definite must read.

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Apr 01, 2012 Sammy2006 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Perhaps the highest praise I can give to a short story like Mardi Gras is to say that I want more...I want to hear more about Patrick and Damien. I WANT TO HAVE ALL THE ENDLESS QUESTIONS THAT THIS LITTLE GEM PRODUCED ANSWERED AND QUICKLY!

SO...does Patrick continue selling himself or does he go back to the states with Damien--is that even a possibility after this next week they have together. After Damien writes his article about Australian Mardi Gras and has his fling with Patrick, will he come...more

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Jun 01, 2012 Jess Candela rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, favorites, read-in-2010, read-in-2011

This was the first book I've read by this author, but certainly won't be the last. In fact, I'm really, really hoping that one of those future books will be a sequel to this one!

I read it in one gulp, needing to know what happens next. Now that I know, I'll probably read it again, more slowly, so I can savor it. I don't re-read right away often, but I think this is a book that merits it. I was right there with Damien, seeing what he saw, feeling what he felt, and it's a helluva ride. But there a...more

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Jun 28, 2010 A.B. Gayle added it · (Review from the author)

Shelves: first-person-pov, books-i-wrote

Australia's "Pride" Parade is called the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. This is run by a "not for profit" organisation,the New Mardi Gras committee. My novella is not endorsed by them or linked to them in any way. For the record, they were not happy with me using the term Mardi Gras for the title of the book as they have copyrighted it in Australia. They eventually gave me permission to use it providing I made it clear that I wasn't connected to them in any way.
In recognition of the great wo...more

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Jul 14, 2010 Kei rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-romance

A. B. Gayle's work is an intriguing look at Australia, through its take on Mardi Gras, traditionally a celebration of social excesses collimating in a spate of debauchery the day before Lent begins. Australia's Mardi Gras doesn't make any pretenses to a quasi religious origin. It is a celebration of another stripe.

I found myself surprised to be reading a story that had nothing to do with what I had expected. I had assumed that Mardi Gras meant the same thing worldwide so this tale was a bit of a...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Lady*M marked it as to-read

To reread.

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Jun 09, 2012 Aleksandr Voinov added it

Shelves: edited-beta-ed-feedbacked

Good story. Had the pleasure of serving as a "beta", and enjoyed the experience. Not sure my feedback was any good, because this came out great in first draft. (Hence I'm not rating it)

What you'll like about the story is that it's told and written well, with A B's trademark humour and wisdom - not preachy, even though it's dealing with Important Questions (how far should the gay community go in flaunting/assimilating?). I'd recommend it for both gay and m/m readers.

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Jul 30, 2012 Snowtulip rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

What I've come to love about A.B. Gayle's books are that they are smart, relevant, and thoughtful. The author has trust in the readers intelligence to give a deeply layered story.

I really enjoyed this short story and like others, I would love to see a sequel. We get fully developed characters, a vibrant setting, and a meaty social story. Great read!

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Dec 18, 2010 Gianthogweed rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: age-gap, contemporary, m-m, contemporary-m-m, age-gap-m-m, novel-novella

The kid is in urgent need of a spanking, an anti-diva spanking.

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May 03, 2013 Vio marked it as to-read

Mar 31, 2013 Aunty rated it 5 of 5 stars

Mar 30, 2013 Roxxxxy rated it 1 of 5 stars

Mar 29, 2013 Lara added it

Mar 16, 2013 NicStar marked it as to-read

Shelves: mm

Mar 01, 2013 unchatnoir marked it as to-read

Shelves: m-m, romance

Feb 08, 2013 Christopher Hammel marked it as to-read

Feb 01, 2013 Shaz marked it as to-read

Shelves: mm

Jan 01, 2013 Helle marked it as to-read

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About A.B. Gayle

Unlike many authors, I haven't been writing stories all my life. I've been too busy living life.
My travels took me from the fjords of Norway to the southern tip of New Zealand. In between, I've worked in so many different towns I've lost count. I've shoveled cow shit, mustered sheep, been polite to customers, traded insults with politicians and need to be forgiven on occasions when I get confused...more

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