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A Book of Revelations
Alternate Cover Edition ISBN - 978-0997432701
We all keep secrets. Even from ourselves. A Book of Revelations explores the tipping point—when the truth offers liberation and continued self-deception perpetuates the status quo.
-Private Quarters: A coming of age story. With cocktails.
-Curtain Call: A spurned "mistress" crashes a memorial for her ex-lover's wife.
-Götterdämmerung: The complex relationship between a maestro and his protégé.
-Convergence: An aging artist and would-be socialite hosts a disastrous dinner party.
-The Honoree: A local saint’s past unexpectedly threatens her future.
-Last Chance: A gay detective investigates a murder case where nothing is at it seems.
-The Midnight Suitor: A nephew unearths an old family secret--with a modern-day twist.
-Even In Death: Mourners who are strangers “bond” at a charlatan’s wake.
Illustrated by Madeline Sorel.
We all keep secrets. Even from ourselves. A Book of Revelations explores the tipping point—when the truth offers liberation and continued self-deception perpetuates the status quo.
-Private Quarters: A coming of age story. With cocktails.
-Curtain Call: A spurned "mistress" crashes a memorial for her ex-lover's wife.
-Götterdämmerung: The complex relationship between a maestro and his protégé.
-Convergence: An aging artist and would-be socialite hosts a disastrous dinner party.
-The Honoree: A local saint’s past unexpectedly threatens her future.
-Last Chance: A gay detective investigates a murder case where nothing is at it seems.
-The Midnight Suitor: A nephew unearths an old family secret--with a modern-day twist.
-Even In Death: Mourners who are strangers “bond” at a charlatan’s wake.
Illustrated by Madeline Sorel.
299 pages, Paperback
First published June 13, 2016
5 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Burch
4 books102 followersA. C. Burch's debut novel was The HomePort Journals, whose sequel is The Distance Between Us, (May 2023.) He has also published a book of short stories entitled A Book of Revelations.
A. C. splits his time between Provincetown and South Beach, two oceanside communities, the former built on sand, the latter on limestone.
A. C. splits his time between Provincetown and South Beach, two oceanside communities, the former built on sand, the latter on limestone.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 12, 2017
“We all lie when we’re cornered…. The irony isn’t lost on me. While I’ve made a career out of uncovering the truth in others, I’ve never faced my own” (222). About to write off the one he thought was the love of his life, the narrator in this longest tale of the collection (a novella also published separately) comes to terms with his own duality - and his capacity to give and receive love. In the first story, which reminds of The Lady in the Van, one neighbor’s drawn out secret allows the narrator’s abrupt coming out. In the second story, a musician’s admitted lack of ability with words gives way for a stunning moment: “the sacred, quiescent instant when each person in the audience reconciles the experience in his soul” (76). Two friends in the final tale get to the heart of one scoundrel’s suicide plot, as well as to the heart of their indelible friendship. The conceit of these stories is superb: A Book of Revelations isn’t so much about disclosure as the conflict surrounding it.
A.C. Burch is a quintessential observer, but without the distance that might leave the writing cold. Instead, Burch takes on voices - that of old women, young men, sex-crazed and sex-craven. We are touched by these players at the margins, artfully rendered by chapter illustrations that suit in their whimsy and wry lines. This unforgettable cast invites us to meet them “my life on my terms” (203). Think of it as less a threat than one of the several dinner invitations extended throughout the book. Black-tie, or black gown - or both! - 8pm; be there or be square!
A.C. Burch is a quintessential observer, but without the distance that might leave the writing cold. Instead, Burch takes on voices - that of old women, young men, sex-crazed and sex-craven. We are touched by these players at the margins, artfully rendered by chapter illustrations that suit in their whimsy and wry lines. This unforgettable cast invites us to meet them “my life on my terms” (203). Think of it as less a threat than one of the several dinner invitations extended throughout the book. Black-tie, or black gown - or both! - 8pm; be there or be square!
April 13, 2017
I was sucked in from the start, and wholly because of the literary voice. The first story reminded me of Truman Capote. But each story had a slightly unique style, which was refreshing. I did not realize at first that this was a book of short stories. I read the first few stories extremely carefully, waiting for a thread to bring them together. When I realized there was no thread, except for theme, I myself had a lovely revelation. Well done. Not all the characters were likeable, but it was definitely the characters that drove the book. I never found myself thinking things were off, or unbelievable. I was brought wholly into the narrators’ world.
May 8, 2022
These stories are so fun. While they have emotional depth and strong writing, they also have glitter and glam and the kind of soap opera-y plot twists--mistaken identities, tawdry secrets--we go to a show like Bridgerton for (side note on Bridgerton--we ARE going to get some secret gay relationships and trans characters at some point, right?), as well as writers like Oscar Wilde, Wilkie Collins, and Dorothy Parker.
October 6, 2016
A Book of Revelations delivers the voyeuristic aspects of social media sans FOMO (fear of missing out) thanks to Burch’s stellar ability to place a reader inside the characters he’s created. His short stories have an epic feel because of his exquisite use of language and penchant for deftly wielding details. (Prepare to be compelled to reread details like “her right blinking flashing as she turned left” multiple times.)
Read the rest of this review and others on www.UndergroundBookReviews.org
Read the rest of this review and others on www.UndergroundBookReviews.org
October 19, 2016
You can read my review of “A Book of Revelations” at my web site.
October 31, 2017
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
‘A Book of Revelations’ by A.C. Burch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on October 27, 2017
GIVEN A FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
$2.99 on Kindle | $12.99 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
We all keep secrets. Even from ourselves. A Book of Revelations explores the tipping point--when the truth offers liberation and continued self-deception perpetuates the status quo.
MY REVIEW:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a collection of short stories about marginalized characters, and how they find their voices. It’s an eclectic collection, and I really enjoyed it. While the stories are, at their core, all about the simple truths of humanity, they are told with dark humor, borderline absurdity at points, and real originality. Burch’s style is delightful. It’s almost like having a good friend sit down and tell you a story. You quickly forget you’re reading and get sucked right into the stories. The narrative is dang-near flawless in its delivery.
This collection includes the stories:
Private Quarters
— This story about a young man who moves into an apartment with some eccentric neighbors, namely one Sandy Singer. At first, he finds her overbearing, but soon they form a strange friendship. Over time, he learns her tragic story, and it all comes crumbling down around her — and their friendship.
I liked this story. Burch conveys the heartbreak of loneliness, heartbreak, and possible mental illness extremely well in this story. It’s impossible not to hurt for Sandy by the end of this story.
Curtain Call
— In “Curtain Call”, we meet Toni Greystone, a well-put-together beauty attending a fancy party to spite her lover. But things don’t go to plan for her and end in the most tragic way.
This story did not culminate in the way I expected, and it broke my heart. The ending is all too real, unfortunately. It shook me, and I had to put the collection down for a little while and return to it later.
Götterdämmerung
— This tale is about a violinist who gets the opportunity to work with his idol, a master conductor and that conductor’s final performance.
This is a sweet and touching tale. Heartbreaking. The writing in this is almost musical which is fitting for such a story.
Convergence
— Clarisse, an 80-year-old former beauty hosts a dinner party with a hodge-podge group of guests.
This wasn’t my favorite story of the bunch, but I still enjoyed it. The characters were interesting enough to keep me reading even if the dinner party plot line wasn’t really something that piqued my interest.
The Honoree
— Wanda Atkinson, the dean of Briarwood School, is being honored today, but little does she know, everything she’s worked for is about to fall through her fingers in an instant.
I liked this story a lot. The little twist at the end is positively, devilishly delightful.
Last Chance
— Lieutenant Beston is certain Amanda Mulher killed her lover, Vaughn. Just certain. But could he be wrong?
This is my favorite story of the lot. It’s got everything one could want in a tale — mystery, intrigue, love, debauchery, lies, and a damn good ending. This story clenched for me that Burch can really write a character.
The Midnight Suitor
— This is a story of unrequited love and family secrets kept long hidden.
This is a sweet story. It really pulls at the heartstrings, and the ending is unlike anything I expected from the start.
Even in Death
— “Even in Death” is the story of two friends/neighbors who get word of a former, not well-liked, neighbor’s passing due to suicide. They decide to attend his funeral to find out what happened. In doing so, they uncover a shocking and twisted truth.
This was my second favorite story. It, like “Last Chance” is one of the longer tales in the collection, and as a result, it’s got a lot more *meat* to it. The characters are extremely well-fleshed out, and I was so absorbed, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
The thing I appreciated the most about this collection was Burch’s ability to craft a character. All of them are vibrant and personal and oh-so-individual. They are very different but so not afraid to be in most cases, and that felt very real.
This is a lovely and touching collection that will hit you on a multitude of levels, should you choose to pick it up. I hope you will.
‘A Book of Revelations’ by A.C. Burch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on October 27, 2017
GIVEN A FREE COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
$2.99 on Kindle | $12.99 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
We all keep secrets. Even from ourselves. A Book of Revelations explores the tipping point--when the truth offers liberation and continued self-deception perpetuates the status quo.
MY REVIEW:
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a collection of short stories about marginalized characters, and how they find their voices. It’s an eclectic collection, and I really enjoyed it. While the stories are, at their core, all about the simple truths of humanity, they are told with dark humor, borderline absurdity at points, and real originality. Burch’s style is delightful. It’s almost like having a good friend sit down and tell you a story. You quickly forget you’re reading and get sucked right into the stories. The narrative is dang-near flawless in its delivery.
This collection includes the stories:
Private Quarters
— This story about a young man who moves into an apartment with some eccentric neighbors, namely one Sandy Singer. At first, he finds her overbearing, but soon they form a strange friendship. Over time, he learns her tragic story, and it all comes crumbling down around her — and their friendship.
I liked this story. Burch conveys the heartbreak of loneliness, heartbreak, and possible mental illness extremely well in this story. It’s impossible not to hurt for Sandy by the end of this story.
Curtain Call
— In “Curtain Call”, we meet Toni Greystone, a well-put-together beauty attending a fancy party to spite her lover. But things don’t go to plan for her and end in the most tragic way.
This story did not culminate in the way I expected, and it broke my heart. The ending is all too real, unfortunately. It shook me, and I had to put the collection down for a little while and return to it later.
Götterdämmerung
— This tale is about a violinist who gets the opportunity to work with his idol, a master conductor and that conductor’s final performance.
This is a sweet and touching tale. Heartbreaking. The writing in this is almost musical which is fitting for such a story.
Convergence
— Clarisse, an 80-year-old former beauty hosts a dinner party with a hodge-podge group of guests.
This wasn’t my favorite story of the bunch, but I still enjoyed it. The characters were interesting enough to keep me reading even if the dinner party plot line wasn’t really something that piqued my interest.
The Honoree
— Wanda Atkinson, the dean of Briarwood School, is being honored today, but little does she know, everything she’s worked for is about to fall through her fingers in an instant.
I liked this story a lot. The little twist at the end is positively, devilishly delightful.
Last Chance
— Lieutenant Beston is certain Amanda Mulher killed her lover, Vaughn. Just certain. But could he be wrong?
This is my favorite story of the lot. It’s got everything one could want in a tale — mystery, intrigue, love, debauchery, lies, and a damn good ending. This story clenched for me that Burch can really write a character.
The Midnight Suitor
— This is a story of unrequited love and family secrets kept long hidden.
This is a sweet story. It really pulls at the heartstrings, and the ending is unlike anything I expected from the start.
Even in Death
— “Even in Death” is the story of two friends/neighbors who get word of a former, not well-liked, neighbor’s passing due to suicide. They decide to attend his funeral to find out what happened. In doing so, they uncover a shocking and twisted truth.
This was my second favorite story. It, like “Last Chance” is one of the longer tales in the collection, and as a result, it’s got a lot more *meat* to it. The characters are extremely well-fleshed out, and I was so absorbed, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
The thing I appreciated the most about this collection was Burch’s ability to craft a character. All of them are vibrant and personal and oh-so-individual. They are very different but so not afraid to be in most cases, and that felt very real.
This is a lovely and touching collection that will hit you on a multitude of levels, should you choose to pick it up. I hope you will.
February 23, 2023
This is a book of tiny jewel-like stories that reflect the world.
As I began to read them, I kept wondering just where these ideas came from. As a musician, A C Burch has learned how important even the slightest change of notes or intention can make or break a performance. From my favorite "Gotterdamurung", followed by "Last Call", just the descriptions and then the slight nuanced presentations pull the reader in. Then, when the story is done, the reader goes back to the beginning to see what they might have missed. I confess doing just that.
This is my third A C Burch book and I am even more enamored with their writing then I was with the first book I read. From "A Book of Revelations", to "Homeport Journals" to the newest one that will be released this spring I have found a new go-to author. Highly Recommended.5/5 stars
[I recieved this book from the author. In no way has it affected my opinons]
As I began to read them, I kept wondering just where these ideas came from. As a musician, A C Burch has learned how important even the slightest change of notes or intention can make or break a performance. From my favorite "Gotterdamurung", followed by "Last Call", just the descriptions and then the slight nuanced presentations pull the reader in. Then, when the story is done, the reader goes back to the beginning to see what they might have missed. I confess doing just that.
This is my third A C Burch book and I am even more enamored with their writing then I was with the first book I read. From "A Book of Revelations", to "Homeport Journals" to the newest one that will be released this spring I have found a new go-to author. Highly Recommended.5/5 stars
[I recieved this book from the author. In no way has it affected my opinons]
August 29, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review visit http://wp.me/p220KL-brX
From that review: " A Book of Revelations by A.C. Burch is truly a mixed collection of stories about passion and love of all types. Of all the stories I read, only four are ones I absolutely enjoyed, one I even laughed out loud at. The others? I admired them for their writing, and their characters but bittersweet themes or storylines of outright tragedy have never been ones that I have particularly liked to read. And those I would put into either or both of those categories.
So let's take a closer look at the ones I adored..."
for all our reviews, author interviews and such visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review visit http://wp.me/p220KL-brX
From that review: " A Book of Revelations by A.C. Burch is truly a mixed collection of stories about passion and love of all types. Of all the stories I read, only four are ones I absolutely enjoyed, one I even laughed out loud at. The others? I admired them for their writing, and their characters but bittersweet themes or storylines of outright tragedy have never been ones that I have particularly liked to read. And those I would put into either or both of those categories.
So let's take a closer look at the ones I adored..."
for all our reviews, author interviews and such visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
August 13, 2016
An excellent book that I was pleased to have won in a recent Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I cannot say which was my favourite story as there were a few that I particularly enjoyed. I do like the variation. I shall be watching out for more books by this author. Recommended.
September 30, 2016
It was ok, not my type of book, but it was well written
April 11, 2017
TOP PICK!
A Book of Revelations delivers the voyeuristic aspects of social media sans FOMO (fear of missing out) thanks to Burch’s stellar ability to place a reader inside the characters he’s created. His short stories have an epic feel because of his exquisite use of language and penchant for deftly wielding details. Lately, there’s been no shortage of research on the benefits of reading floating around in the “soundbite-osphere,” everything from reduced stress levels and higher happiness quotients to better sleep and elevated empathy. As for the latter, being immersed in the worlds masterfully created by Burch may result in an almost immediate boost in understanding. The eavesdropping sensation they induce is mesmerizing, and the stream of unexpected revelations are, too.
...read the complete review at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)org
A Book of Revelations delivers the voyeuristic aspects of social media sans FOMO (fear of missing out) thanks to Burch’s stellar ability to place a reader inside the characters he’s created. His short stories have an epic feel because of his exquisite use of language and penchant for deftly wielding details. Lately, there’s been no shortage of research on the benefits of reading floating around in the “soundbite-osphere,” everything from reduced stress levels and higher happiness quotients to better sleep and elevated empathy. As for the latter, being immersed in the worlds masterfully created by Burch may result in an almost immediate boost in understanding. The eavesdropping sensation they induce is mesmerizing, and the stream of unexpected revelations are, too.
...read the complete review at UndergroundBookReviews(dot)org
April 16, 2017
This is a wondrous collection of short stories. A full range of emotions are explored in these depictions of characters who for one reason or another are at a point in their lives when choices have to be made. Burch's writing is lush and so descriptive that you can feel yourself in the environments he creates. You'll visit and revisit these stories and enjoy them each time; like looking at a painting, you see something new each time. Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews