Simon's Mansion. Recent review on Amazon and Goodreads

Simon's Mansion review

James W
5.0 out of 5 stars The Way Back Home
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2020
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Simon’s Mansion, William Poe’s latest entry to his LGBT literary fiction series, continues the story of protagonist Simon Powell as he returns home to rural Arkansas and struggles to reckon his past with his present. Along the way we are treated to a gripping tale of love, loss, and the search for redemption.

From page one, Poe’s vivid, judiciously-paced prose works wonders as the author gracefully infuses a tried and true prodigal son/coming of age narrative with shades of intolerance, bigotry, and addiction. The novel begins by re-examining Simon’s various relationships (primarily that of his family as well as his lover, Thad) and the emotional baggage he can’t seem to shake, slowly laying the groundwork for a surprisingly thrilling third-act that provides an incredibly satisfying conclusion (avoid spoilers if you can...it’s very good).

Readers will undoubtedly benefit from having read the previous installments to this series (Simon Says, Simple Simon), but visiting/revisiting Poe’s earlier takes on Simon’s ongoing journey is by no means a prerequisite for reading and enjoying this novel. Simon’s Mansion is a fully realized story in and of itself, one where Poe’s gripping narrative transcends the experiences it so gracefully explores...and it just might be the author's best work yet.

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