A review by tollylawrey
The Intoxicating Mr Lavelle by Neil Blackmore

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

One of the best books I’ve read in a while. I wanted to read more queer historical fiction, and this did not disappoint. Very well researched. The story is 100% a tragedy, I was expecting something a bit more lighthearted and boy was I wrong. This was fantastic though. Characters were excellent, they all are nuanced and well written. Benjamin and Lavelle’s relationship is written with such feeling and complexity. I disagree with the blurb describing it like Talented Mr Ripley because it’s really nothing like it. It’s a nuanced story about a young man realising he has been trapped by his parents into a future he does not want, and entering into a relationship with another man who shows him the truth of the world.