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The Sins of Jack Branson: A Novel (Modern Myth Trilogy) Kindle Edition

by David Schulze (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 473 ratings

"Schulze's depiction of the Victorian era is atmospheric and intense in conveying the persecution gay people faced." - Kirkus Review

England, 1881. Being gay is both a sin and a crime. Parents disowning their children is considered honourable. Consensual sex risks life in prison. Sodomy scandals ruin careers and reputations. Homosexuals have to choose between safety and happiness.

After an unspeakable incident gets him exiled from his idyllic Irish hometown, twenty-four-year-old Jack Branson rebuilds his life in fog-and-mould London as a house call prostitute for closeted members of the British aristocracy. His dangerous, lucrative profession makes him dependent on the very people who deprive him of a normal life, but he is grateful for the opportunity to finally be his true self.

Jack's rave reviews impress the mysterious Oliver Hawkett, a street rat turned entrepreneur/activist with gorgeous green eyes and a plan to change his oppressive society with the opening of a homosexual brothel. Despite a growing attraction to Oliver, Jack believes he is safer in the hands of his privileged clients, learning the hard way just how wrong he is to trust them.

Inspired by true events, THE SINS OF JACK BRANSON blossoms into a complex, ensemble-driven odyssey through the unforgiving world of Victorian homosexuals, defying genre expectations with a unique blend of plot twists, romance, dry humour, tragedy, philosophy, and modern relevance.

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  1. Part of series
    Modern Myth Trilogy
  2. Print length
    364 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 30, 2021
  5. File size
    1.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Between its anecdotes of affairs, its slow revelations of more enduring longings, and its vivid courtroom scene, it is magnificantly character-driven from beginning to end." - Tucker Lieberman, Independent Book Review

"Tense, emotional, incredibly entertaining, with an atmosphere that feels authentic to the time period. I loved every character, even the ones I wanted to hate." - Tory Hunter, Tory Hunter Books

"The author has opted for a topic that deserves appreciation and has from the beginning cut to the chase... Recommended to anyone who is willing to explore literature that explores the hypocritical attitude of society." - Ruby is Reading, Goodreads

From the Back Cover

England, 1881. Being gay is both a sin and a crime. Parents disowning their children is considered honourable. Consensual sex risks life in prison. Sodomy scandals ruin careers and reputations. Homosexuals have to choose between safety and happiness.

After an unspeakable incident gets him exiled from his idyllic Irish hometown, twenty-four-year-old Jack Branson rebuilds his life in fog-and-mould London as a house call prostitute for closeted members of the British aristocracy. His dangerous, lucrative profession makes him dependent on the very people who deprive him of a normal life, but he is grateful for the opportunity to finally be his true self. Jack's rave reviews impress the mysterious Oliver Hawkett, a street rat turned entrepreneur/activist with gorgeous green eyes and a plan to change his oppressive society with the opening of a homosexual brothel. Despite a growing attraction to Oliver, Jack believes he is safer in the hands of his privileged clients, learning the hard way just how wrong he is to trust them.

Inspired by true events, THE SINS OF JACK BRANSON blossoms into a complex, ensemble-driven odyssey through the unforgiving world of Victorian homosexuals, defying genre expectations with a unique blend of plot twists, romance, dry humour, tragedy, philosophy, and modern relevance.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0921L9ZQ7
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ David Schulze Books (April 30, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 30, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 364 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 473 ratings

About the author

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David Schulze

David Schulze

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David Schulze was born and raised in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. A lifelong admirer of movies, mythology, and classic literature, David loves stories across all mediums.

In 2017, David graduated from Emerson College with a BA in Writing for Film and Television and a Minor in Literature. He has written nine feature screenplays and four shorts, many of them placing in screenwriting contests. His bestselling debut novel "The Sins of Jack Branson," adapted from the screenplay of the same name, was published in 2021. His critically acclaimed second novel "Andrezj of Hollywood" won the 2024 Bronze IPPY for West Pacific Fiction, and his novella “unplugged” was named one of the Best Books of 2024 by Kirkus Reviews.

David lives in Marlton, New Jersey and Sarasota, Florida with his husband Howie.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
473 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story compelling and interesting. They describe the book as a fun, immersive read with well-developed characters and different accents. The content is enlightening and researched, providing an insider's perspective. However, opinions differ on the writing style - some find it clever and period-appropriate, while others consider it jarring or poorly written.

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Story qualityReadabilityCharacter developmentEnlightened contentWriting style
21 customers mention "Story quality"19 positive2 negative

Customers find the story compelling and engaging. They appreciate the clear writing that keeps the narrative moving forward. The events seem unbelievable if not based on a true story. Overall, readers describe the book as interesting and different. The story moves along at a good pace, although some parts feel wordy.

"...postscript at book’s end to understand the origins of this true events-inspired novel: there is a wealth of information about the global response to..." Read more

"...The story moves along at a pretty good pace but did feel wordy in parts. The characters are well-rendered and detailed...." Read more

"I gave five (5) stars because overall the book and the story shared had so many aspects to it that I could relate to...." Read more

"...And the copy I received was missing 11 pages. Weird. I enjoyed the story and it was well written otherwise." Read more

16 customers mention "Readability"16 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable to read. They describe it as a well-written historical novel that is worth reading.

"...This is a dazzling premiere novel, and hopefully the author will pursue the cinematic adaptation: The book entertains and also informs in a manner..." Read more

"...Overall though a fun read." Read more

"...times (London 1880s-1890s), I think you will find this book an entertaining read with enough authenticity to make it seem very realistic." Read more

"...the ultimate reward, should it ever be reached, will have been well worth the trouble." Read more

7 customers mention "Character development"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters with different accents.

"...The characters are well-rendered and detailed. Some of the vernacular seems inaccurate and more applicable to current times, however...." Read more

"...The book is very creativity written. The character are well developed with a lot of depth. in addition to all of the above, it is very sexy...." Read more

"...charged moments, there is a bit of romance, but these are carefully crafted characters caught up in unpredictable circumstances with both good and..." Read more

"...The narrator is able to play the parts with different accents for each character, so it feels as if there is more than one person speaking...." Read more

3 customers mention "Enlightened content"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content engaging and informative. They say it's well-researched and based on historical events.

"...pursue the cinematic adaptation: The book entertains and also informs in a manner that offers an ‘insider’s view’ of the world’s response to gay men..." Read more

"It is thoroughly researched and based on historically probable events...." Read more

"Entertained, Intrigued, Enlightened..." Read more

22 customers mention "Writing style"15 positive7 negative

Customers have different views on the writing style. Some find it clever and literary, with rich details and vivid descriptions of people and places. Others feel it's jarring to read, poorly written, and wordy in parts.

"...And David’s style of writing is superb, beginning his novel in the voice of Jack Branson explaining his persona as ‘I’m one of those homosexuals..." Read more

"...The characters are well-rendered and detailed. Some of the vernacular seems inaccurate and more applicable to current times, however...." Read more

"...The book is very creativity written. The character are well developed with a lot of depth. in addition to all of the above, it is very sexy...." Read more

"...is disappointing but reflective of the times--not this ending was poorly written, just that there is enough hope and determination that it is easy..." Read more

Unexpectedly fell in love.
5 out of 5 stars
Unexpectedly fell in love.
I am not a “verified purchase” I’m afraid, because this book was gifted to me by a friend. Now I am not a fan of historical novels so I was surprised when I unexpectedly fell in love with this book! It’s perhaps the most enjoyable novel I’ve read since Tales of the City, back in the 70’s. I was reminded of Tales with it’s shared theme of chosen family.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Grady Harp
    5.0 out of 5 stars ‘Men like me need all the help we can get’
    Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    New Jersey author David Schulze earned his degree in writing for film and television and in literature from Emerson College, and is an active screenwriter and now – novelist: THE SINS OF JACK BRANSON is his literary debut – David’s own adaptation of his winning screenplay.

    For maximum entertainment and appreciation of this novel, read the postscript at book’s end to understand the origins of this true events-inspired novel: there is a wealth of information about the global response to homosexuality and other information that heightens the pleasure of reading the novel. And David’s style of writing is superb, beginning his novel in the voice of Jack Branson explaining his persona as ‘I’m one of those homosexuals they told you about. Yes, those perverts that make you sick. The ones you blame for all the ills of the world. Have you caught your breath yet? Good. I have another special secret. I’m also a prostitute. Yes, you can do both.’

    Continuing in that vein, David’s novel covers the following: ‘England, 1881. Being gay is both a sin and a crime. Parents disowning their children is considered honourable. Consensual sex risks life in prison. Sodomy scandals ruin careers and reputations. Homosexuals have to choose between safety and happiness. After an unspeakable incident gets him exiled from his idyllic Irish hometown, twenty-four-year-old Jack Branson rebuilds his life in fog-and-mould London as a house call prostitute for closeted members of the British aristocracy. His dangerous, lucrative profession makes him dependent on the very people who deprive him of a normal life, but he is grateful for the opportunity to finally be his true self. Jack's rave reviews impress the mysterious Oliver Hawkett, a street rat turned entrepreneur/activist with gorgeous green eyes and a plan to change his oppressive society with the opening of a homosexual brothel. Despite a growing attraction to Oliver, Jack believes he is safer in the hands of his privileged clients, learning the hard way just how wrong he is to trust them.’

    This is a dazzling premiere novel, and hopefully the author will pursue the cinematic adaptation: The book entertains and also informs in a manner that offers an ‘insider’s view’ of the world’s response to gay men through history - and into today! Very highly recommended. Grady Harp, August 22
    4 people found this helpful
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  • V.E.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The Sins of Jack Branson: A Novel by David Schulze offers a solid premise of the persecution of gays in the Victorian era. Jack Branson is a male gay prostitute for the high and mighty in British society. What evolves is a sordid tale filled with challenges and intrigue for Jack. The story moves along at a pretty good pace but did feel wordy in parts. The characters are well-rendered and detailed. Some of the vernacular seems inaccurate and more applicable to current times, however. Overall though a fun read.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • GENE O.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Period Piece of Writing With Modern Ideas
    Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I gave five (5) stars because overall the book and the story shared had so many aspects to it that I could relate to.

    Growing up in the 1950s-1970s in the Midwest, being gay was NOT openly accepted during those years (or years afterwards). So this background experience/upbringing helped me to connect with the characters in the book and their struggles for self-identification and acceptance.

    I did find that the notions expressed had more of a current time ring to them than perhaps may have been the case back in those days.

    I found the flow of the overall book to be interesting and different. I easily related to each of the characters and often found myself frustrated with some of the decisions and actions some of the characters made. In my opinion, that means the writer/author has made the character as life-like as one can.

    As acknowledged by the author, much of the book is based on earlier experiences of real individuals back in the day--altered by the author to fit his narrative.

    The ending is disappointing but reflective of the times--not this ending was poorly written, just that there is enough hope and determination that it is easy to be seduced with the notion that "right will win out". As the world all too clearly reminds those that are different, things go in the direction of those who are less interested in our differences.

    I would recommend this as book to read. The writing is clear, keeping the narrative going forward and draws in the reader easily.

    So if you like reading about earlier times (London 1880s-1890s), I think you will find this book an entertaining read with enough authenticity to make it seem very realistic.
    5 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • skiallday
    3.0 out of 5 stars Heart in the right place and can be a fun read, but...
    Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Schultz legitimately tells the story of gay mens' plight, as relevant today as it was in the time period in which he sets the story. However, by using contemporary attitudes and language the narrative doesn't really fit the setting of place or historical time, which causes the whole story to ring false. For a comparison of a gay period piece on the same topic, try Christopher Bram's Hold Tight.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Catt Bustamante
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entertained, Intrigued, Enlightened
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The Sins of Jack Branson: A Novel is quite the page-turner. It reminds me that we, the queer, have not been deemed equal to cisgendered, ever in history, and that our struggle has ensued since the very beginning. Though we have so much work ahead of us, the ultimate reward, should it ever be reached, will have been well worth the trouble.
    Helpful
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  • Steve
    4.0 out of 5 stars Distracted by all of the typos
    Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have never read a book with so many typos. (And I have read thousands of books!) It was a bit distracting. And the copy I received was missing 11 pages. Weird. I enjoyed the story and it was well written otherwise.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • J Armstrong
    5.0 out of 5 stars Through the Ages
    Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    While love comes in many forms one that I haven't seen depicted very much especially in early Romance novels, is those who are homosexual. What this book does is it takes homosexuality of its main character and shows just how perilous such a life can be for somebody of that persuasion, who did not either have family, money, or titles to hide behind. I think that is what made this book so compelling the fact that this was a common man who had a lot of abuse from those in power and he had to be determined in order to survive. While I do not know just how historically accurate this book is, the World building was done very well, and the story was very compelling to read.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Maureen Crothall
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Story I've read In Ages!
    Reviewed in Canada on February 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Refreshing, that's the word that comes to mind as I start this review, refreshing. I read M/M romance 99.99% of my reading time, some plots are repeated, sex scenes the same old same old, men's attitudes similar, always enjoyable but always the same, until this one. I turn to my old favorite, historical m/m, now and then for a recharge, this one was a punch in the gut, a stunning piece of work. An amazing tale of one man's incredible journey through life and all the mind boggling adventures on the way. The sex, and especially the orgies, are well described but, somehow, not offensive as you can't help but like Jack, his gusto for sex is admirable. The first half is Jack's story, told in first person, but at around 63% it suddenly, in the middle of a chapter no less, switches to third person, quite a bold move and a little disconcerting, for a moment I felt I'd lost something but the story remained totally engrossing after I'd readjusted. What makes it all the more amazing is that in his postscript the author explains that this is all based on actual persons and events, although a little creative license has been used. But, he adds, all the most unbelievable parts of this story actually did happen.
    Oh, and Mary's verbal diarrhea at 78% (checking my kindle it says it's page 292) is absolutely hilarious, I was choking with laughter as I stumbled through it.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 27, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Very well written and captivating! Couldn’t put it down. Experienced a full range of emotions from laughter, fear, sadness and joy. Will be exploring other books by David Schulze
    Report
  • Bernard Crawlone
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good but a little bit too long
    Reviewed in France on January 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The story is full of interest, particularly with the description of homophobia in the Irish/English society at the end of the 19th-century. Many humoristic situations are present and characters are well described. However some chapters of this book drag on for too long.

    Cette histoire est pleine d'intérêt, en particulier avec la description de l'homophobie dans la société irlandaise/anglaise à la fin du 19 siècle. De nombreuses situations humoristiques sont présentes et les personnages sont bien décrits. Cependant certaines chapîtres du livre s'étirent en longueur.
    Report
  • Greg
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great insight to the times
    Reviewed in Australia on November 26, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyable read, was a tough time to be gay in.
    Report
  • Jaclynne G.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Based on a true story, Sort of
    Reviewed in Canada on April 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I was about 50 pages into this book before it clicked that this is "based on a true story" AKA based on a erotic novella written by an actual Irish prostitute in the 1880s. This completely realization changed the readability of the book for me. I was having trouble with the tone of the 'journal entries' not matching the nationality or time period of the main character HOWEVER, after reading the original story "The Sins of the Cities of the Plain" I better appreciate the liberties and voice that David brings to the story for the modern mass market audience.
    Report

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