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Do Svidaniya, Good-bye
In the summer of 1890, Nathaniel, ninth in line for the British throne, meets Konstantin, his Russian counterpart. The two boys become playmates, then friends, then lovers, though circumstance and duty often separate them.
When the First World War devastates Europe, chaos and misinformation lead each man to believe the other lost forever. Nathaniel retires in despair, expecting to live out his days alone, never dreaming he might have a second chance….
When the First World War devastates Europe, chaos and misinformation lead each man to believe the other lost forever. Nathaniel retires in despair, expecting to live out his days alone, never dreaming he might have a second chance….
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 8, 2013
Opening Line: “Nathaniel, this is Constantine.” Lady Rathbone nodded to him and then to the small blond boy standing next to a pair of adults whom Nathaniel assumed were his parents.”
This was only 50 pages long but they were a really, really good 50 pages. Well written suspenseful, heartbreaking, surprising, uplifting and just beautiful, I’ll definitely be searching out more from this author. Also complete in terms of story and character development, I became fully emerged in this novella which transported me back to another time when social standing, duty to country and family obligations were of the upmost importance. Being gay or even not marrying wasn’t an option.
We meet two young boys and watch as over a period of years they become best friends, then lovers, always separated by their preordained futures and country of birth. A surprising suspense factor came into play for me because I was always aware that WW1 was looming ahead, so as beautiful as it was watching Nathaniel and Konstantin fall in love it was also bittersweet because there couldn’t possibly be any future (even a clandestine one) between an heir to the British throne and his Russian counterpart.
Six year old Nathaniel and Konstantin meet each other for the first time in 1890’s England. I got the feeling that both boys were lonely, growing up in such wealth and standing and with so much expected of them when all they really wanted was to be children. Subsequently their connection is immediate, based on finding a kindred spirit.
Through Nathaniel’s eyes and over yearly summer visits and letters we see their friendship blossom into more, so that by the time they attend college together each is aware that those early kisses, fumblings and releases has developed into a serious love affair (although neither has a name for what they’re feeling or doing they just know that they long to be together) Eventually their carefree college days end, with family obligation and duty separating the men once more. They are now expected to marry and for me these were some of the most heartbreaking scenes. The anguish they each go through standing at the other’s wedding, imagining that the vows are for one another instead of their intended brides is heartbreaking.
“When it got to the part where Konstantin was saying his vows, Nathaniel concentrated on every word. It might sound foolish but he wanted to remember exactly what the words sounded like in Konstantin’s voice.”
With the progression of the 1st world war communication between our lovers cease, leaving Nathaniel trapped in England and assuming the worst. When he learns that the Russian royal family has been overthrown he’s devastated withdrawing from society and life in general, expecting to live out his days in seclusion. The ending is kind of abrupt but I have to say it was also perfect, leaving me with a big silly smile on my face. Cheers.
"Do svidanyia Nate.”
“Do svidanyia Kosya. Until we meet again.” Konstantin bit his lip and then turned away and walked onto the ship without looking back.”
Originally reviewed for my friend D over on PANTS OFF REVIEWS
http://pantsoffreviews.blogspot.ca/20...
This was only 50 pages long but they were a really, really good 50 pages. Well written suspenseful, heartbreaking, surprising, uplifting and just beautiful, I’ll definitely be searching out more from this author. Also complete in terms of story and character development, I became fully emerged in this novella which transported me back to another time when social standing, duty to country and family obligations were of the upmost importance. Being gay or even not marrying wasn’t an option.
We meet two young boys and watch as over a period of years they become best friends, then lovers, always separated by their preordained futures and country of birth. A surprising suspense factor came into play for me because I was always aware that WW1 was looming ahead, so as beautiful as it was watching Nathaniel and Konstantin fall in love it was also bittersweet because there couldn’t possibly be any future (even a clandestine one) between an heir to the British throne and his Russian counterpart.
Six year old Nathaniel and Konstantin meet each other for the first time in 1890’s England. I got the feeling that both boys were lonely, growing up in such wealth and standing and with so much expected of them when all they really wanted was to be children. Subsequently their connection is immediate, based on finding a kindred spirit.
Through Nathaniel’s eyes and over yearly summer visits and letters we see their friendship blossom into more, so that by the time they attend college together each is aware that those early kisses, fumblings and releases has developed into a serious love affair (although neither has a name for what they’re feeling or doing they just know that they long to be together) Eventually their carefree college days end, with family obligation and duty separating the men once more. They are now expected to marry and for me these were some of the most heartbreaking scenes. The anguish they each go through standing at the other’s wedding, imagining that the vows are for one another instead of their intended brides is heartbreaking.
“When it got to the part where Konstantin was saying his vows, Nathaniel concentrated on every word. It might sound foolish but he wanted to remember exactly what the words sounded like in Konstantin’s voice.”
With the progression of the 1st world war communication between our lovers cease, leaving Nathaniel trapped in England and assuming the worst. When he learns that the Russian royal family has been overthrown he’s devastated withdrawing from society and life in general, expecting to live out his days in seclusion. The ending is kind of abrupt but I have to say it was also perfect, leaving me with a big silly smile on my face. Cheers.
"Do svidanyia Nate.”
“Do svidanyia Kosya. Until we meet again.” Konstantin bit his lip and then turned away and walked onto the ship without looking back.”
Originally reviewed for my friend D over on PANTS OFF REVIEWS
http://pantsoffreviews.blogspot.ca/20...
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January 23, 2015DNF at 30%
I have to admit that I'm in a hangover mode. I started more than 50 books and put them aside.
I don't know if I'll come back to the most of them.
But I'm damn sure that I'll never take this one in my hands.
What for a VACUUM telling. Historical? Where? It could be set everywhere in any time.
The characters are BORING.
The unappealing writing.
It's hardly worth to talk about.
January 6, 2013
A second chance, a surprising reunion, unexpected happiness – all of these labels would fit the story of two men who meet as boys, yet are separated by the circumstances of their birth. But this short book is about so much more. With a love that wasn't supposed to be between them, Nathaniel and Konstantin still devote their lives to duty. I guess in a historical context, that of the late 19th and early 20th centuries that makes sense, but it was still heartbreaking to read. Knowing what was coming, namely World War One, increased the suspense as to what would happen to these two men enormously. The one thing that kept me going was the hint at a second chance in the blurb.
Nathaniel isn’t conscious of his position in life at first, and he only gradually realizes its importance. The boy he meets when he is six years old fascinates him much more than any possible trappings of power, not that they're very close to his reality at first. The friendship that develops between him and Konstantin, then blossoms into more, helps him through an otherwise pretty lonely life. There is no hope for a relationship, as far as he knows, not in those days, and not with them being of different sides of a Europe separated by war.
Konstantin is a little more enigmatic, since the story is told from Nathaniel's point of view. But that actually worked really well for me. I found out about Konstantin the way Nathaniel did, and that drew me into the story even more closely. Konstantin faces the same family expectations and duty as Nathaniel, seeing no way out until the very end. His courage and determination are inspiring, and his quiet way of hanging on is inspiring. Not one for grand statements, he nevertheless loves Nathaniel deeply and will do anything to be reunited with him.
The story is beautifully written, with a clear focus on the characters and their feelings, and just enough description to clarify the time and setting. If you like historicals that make the characters come alive, if you enjoy reading about men who fall in love so gradually that it takes them a while to understand what happened, and if you're looking for an emotional read with an ending that is likely to make you cry with relief, you will probably like this book. It moved me deeply.
Nathaniel isn’t conscious of his position in life at first, and he only gradually realizes its importance. The boy he meets when he is six years old fascinates him much more than any possible trappings of power, not that they're very close to his reality at first. The friendship that develops between him and Konstantin, then blossoms into more, helps him through an otherwise pretty lonely life. There is no hope for a relationship, as far as he knows, not in those days, and not with them being of different sides of a Europe separated by war.
Konstantin is a little more enigmatic, since the story is told from Nathaniel's point of view. But that actually worked really well for me. I found out about Konstantin the way Nathaniel did, and that drew me into the story even more closely. Konstantin faces the same family expectations and duty as Nathaniel, seeing no way out until the very end. His courage and determination are inspiring, and his quiet way of hanging on is inspiring. Not one for grand statements, he nevertheless loves Nathaniel deeply and will do anything to be reunited with him.
The story is beautifully written, with a clear focus on the characters and their feelings, and just enough description to clarify the time and setting. If you like historicals that make the characters come alive, if you enjoy reading about men who fall in love so gradually that it takes them a while to understand what happened, and if you're looking for an emotional read with an ending that is likely to make you cry with relief, you will probably like this book. It moved me deeply.
January 29, 2014
Let me be clear... I always suck in history, so no, I didn't read it to get info about England or Russia in WWI. I read it for the romance, considering a historical-fantasy. So i I like it, and 'm giving 5 stars. It's a very cute romance, and I like it :)
But it certainly weird the end
At the end of the war on November 11, 1918, the French had called up 8,317,000 men, including 475,000 colonial troops. France suffered over 4.2 million casualties, with 1.3 million dead.
Ok, REALLY?
I don't think it was a happy place, or maybe, no where is a happy place to go... but again, hey, I don't care about precise historical facts (even if it's REALLY weird read it... I immediately doubt someone could think in go there to relax
-.-"
But it certainly weird the end
At the end of the war on November 11, 1918, the French had called up 8,317,000 men, including 475,000 colonial troops. France suffered over 4.2 million casualties, with 1.3 million dead.
Ok, REALLY?
I don't think it was a happy place, or maybe, no where is a happy place to go... but again, hey, I don't care about precise historical facts (even if it's REALLY weird read it... I immediately doubt someone could think in go there to relax
-.-"
December 29, 2012
For countless generations circumstances have trapped men in expectations - expectations that for gay men go completely contrary to their very natures. This is the story of two such men who first met in the summer of 1890 as six year old playmates. Nathaniel is ninth in line for the British throne. Konstantin is his Russian counterpart.
For years they live for their summers together, growing, playing, living, and all the time loving. They grow up and ran head first into two things: the cultural and societal expectations, which include the expectation that men of their standing be married; and then something far more devastating, World War I. Unable to communicate, unable to even find out how the other is fairing through the war, Nathaniel and Konstantin miss one another desperately. When Nathaniel, trapped in England, learns of the revolution in Russia and the overthrow of the royal family, he fears for his lifelong best friend. He withdraws from life and lives in despair, hoping to survive his remaining days.
The two main characters are very well developed. I was able to feel their appreciation for one another and then their desperate longing for one another. The devastation Nathaniel feels at his loss of his best friend is palpable. This was a very enjoyable read. I only had a couple of minor complaints: the book ended rather abruptly, and the character of Konstantin could have been a bit more fully developed. Overall, I give this one high marks and I hope there will be a sequel.
For years they live for their summers together, growing, playing, living, and all the time loving. They grow up and ran head first into two things: the cultural and societal expectations, which include the expectation that men of their standing be married; and then something far more devastating, World War I. Unable to communicate, unable to even find out how the other is fairing through the war, Nathaniel and Konstantin miss one another desperately. When Nathaniel, trapped in England, learns of the revolution in Russia and the overthrow of the royal family, he fears for his lifelong best friend. He withdraws from life and lives in despair, hoping to survive his remaining days.
The two main characters are very well developed. I was able to feel their appreciation for one another and then their desperate longing for one another. The devastation Nathaniel feels at his loss of his best friend is palpable. This was a very enjoyable read. I only had a couple of minor complaints: the book ended rather abruptly, and the character of Konstantin could have been a bit more fully developed. Overall, I give this one high marks and I hope there will be a sequel.
December 30, 2012
There is very little here to recommend. The two characters meet in childhood and grow to love each other as more than brothers. Details of either culture (English or Russian) are conspicuously absent. The blurb mentions the men's proximity to the Crown of their respective countries, but the text does not. The penultimate scene when the two are reunited is simply ridiculous without further detail. The final scene indicates an incredible lack of research regarding the relationship between Russia and France, particularly as relating to the Imperial and noble families after the two 1917 revolutions.
December 29, 2012
Do Svidaniya is a sweet and light short story; quite far, for me, from the stomach-churning angst stories depicting separated couples in the midst of war. The characters were very optimistic regarding their future, and it just made them more the lovely. They were ready and willing to give up the life they were accustomed to only to be together.
Somehow, though, there was that happy-for-now element and it's a bit too short for its own good. Even so, it is a nice short read for those wanting to take a break from their usual angst bookshelves and for those who prefer short sweets.
Somehow, though, there was that happy-for-now element and it's a bit too short for its own good. Even so, it is a nice short read for those wanting to take a break from their usual angst bookshelves and for those who prefer short sweets.
July 2, 2015
4.5 Stars
I find it hard to rate this short novella. On the one hand it was amazing, the best character development I've ever read in such a short one. It had a beautiful sweet and innocent feel in the beginning when first the two MC - Nathaniel and Konstantin meet, yet it became mature and sexy as they grow up yet I really didn't like the way it ended..
This novella start with Nate and Kostya meet for the first time at the age of 6 (!) when their parents (related by marriage) come from Russia to visit their family in England. They become fast friends and keep their friendship and develop it more each summer Kostya spends with Nate's family. While I'm not usually into reading of kids, there was something so sweet and innocent about those two, the way they acted toward one another. As they grow up their connection deepens and the sexual attraction starts to form. Again, it started so innocent, it was impossible not to love them both ant root for them.
The plot continue when they go to college together, then each getting married and yet the connection, the LOVE, that isn't expressed in words is always there. I have to say that though it's an Historical Romance novel it's could almost happen anytime and anywhere, well, almost.. they are a bit TOO innocent to our times. I really liked that. It gave their romance a special feel to it. An eternal one in a way.
The ending was really sweet but VERY open-ended which is why I'm not sure how to rate it. On the one hand it's amazing that a 50+ page story can tell you a real romance that took place for at least 20 years (!) and yet I felt like the ending was only a beginning which I didn't appreciate so much..
I enjoyed the writing and the total feel this one had. Nate's (sole) POV gave us enough to understand the special connection between them, the love - platonic at first slowly turning sexual and romantic.
I see all of Cecilia's novels are quite short, with what she can do in so few pages I'm really intrigued to read more by her (and hope the ending will suit me better ;)).
More Reviews HERE
I find it hard to rate this short novella. On the one hand it was amazing, the best character development I've ever read in such a short one. It had a beautiful sweet and innocent feel in the beginning when first the two MC - Nathaniel and Konstantin meet, yet it became mature and sexy as they grow up yet I really didn't like the way it ended..
This novella start with Nate and Kostya meet for the first time at the age of 6 (!) when their parents (related by marriage) come from Russia to visit their family in England. They become fast friends and keep their friendship and develop it more each summer Kostya spends with Nate's family. While I'm not usually into reading of kids, there was something so sweet and innocent about those two, the way they acted toward one another. As they grow up their connection deepens and the sexual attraction starts to form. Again, it started so innocent, it was impossible not to love them both ant root for them.
The plot continue when they go to college together, then each getting married and yet the connection, the LOVE, that isn't expressed in words is always there. I have to say that though it's an Historical Romance novel it's could almost happen anytime and anywhere, well, almost.. they are a bit TOO innocent to our times. I really liked that. It gave their romance a special feel to it. An eternal one in a way.
The ending was really sweet but VERY open-ended which is why I'm not sure how to rate it. On the one hand it's amazing that a 50+ page story can tell you a real romance that took place for at least 20 years (!) and yet I felt like the ending was only a beginning which I didn't appreciate so much..
I enjoyed the writing and the total feel this one had. Nate's (sole) POV gave us enough to understand the special connection between them, the love - platonic at first slowly turning sexual and romantic.
I see all of Cecilia's novels are quite short, with what she can do in so few pages I'm really intrigued to read more by her (and hope the ending will suit me better ;)).
More Reviews HERE
January 29, 2013
I really enjoyed this. Liked the characters and the historical setting, and even the royal links, which often make me think - cliche! Not this time, the nobility aspect was critical to the plot.
So why 'only' 3 stars?
The ending. It just stopped. I felt like the book had just cut off halfway, but no, it's quite short and to me it feels unfinshed. I'm not sure if Cecilia Ryan will write more of these characters. I hope so, but I wonder if I'll trust her not to leave me hanging next time.
So why 'only' 3 stars?
The ending. It just stopped. I felt like the book had just cut off halfway, but no, it's quite short and to me it feels unfinshed. I'm not sure if Cecilia Ryan will write more of these characters. I hope so, but I wonder if I'll trust her not to leave me hanging next time.
December 27, 2012
This would have been 5 stars if it had been longer, but it was a pretty good story for the length it was.
January 2, 2013
too short lol
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