Customer Reviews

Carnal Sacraments, A Historical Novel of the Future

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Perry Brass has come out with some of the best and most unusual Gay Science Fiction books I've read. He definately has an interesting way of looking at the present and setting events in a future time line that really get you thinking. There is always a sexual intrigue element to Perry's work that I enjoy. Definately worth your time and money.

I found this book to be a balanced blend of spirituality, romance, eroticism, and economics; certain elements are eerily reminiscent of current social and political issues. The credible futuristic world of advertising depicted here is one in which an international economic system engulfs almost every aspect of people's lives, both consumers and marketing executives. It is also where workaholics live life as a double-edged sword: the system offers youth-extending benefits to those willing to risk the demands of endless work hours and the curses of a stressful lifestyle. This novel is a smooth, evenly paced read because it is neither hard science fiction nor sanitized future noir. In fact, Perry Brass offers the genre an unapologetic approach towards sexuality through complex characterizations, particularly by the viewpoint of protagonist Jeffrey Cooper. The author's evocative prose style has matured beautifully since his earlier work and serves this character-driven narrative quite well.

Perry Brass has written a book that hits on just about every facet of Gay life in the future and the past. The world he has created is magic to the senses- sexual or otherwise. He has combined years of writing novels and poetry into a perfct statement on issues facing us all- straight or gay.

Once you can past the author's muscular, rich writing style -- it takes a few pages for the awe of his pure talent to recede -- the plot envelopes you entirely and you're thrust into a utterly convincing, complete world that is futuristic, sexy, and ultimately spiritual.

Gay-themed art can too often be disappointing, as if gay artists resist their own stereotyping. Brass is a bold, intriguing exception. Enjoy this!

Absolutely loved this fourth book I've read of Perry Brass! The characters were all so well-developed and added to the story of Jeffrey Cooper,for whom the future seemed at once bleak, hopeful and unending. His oasis was his counsellor/psychiatrist/stress-relief guru, Tony, whom he had feelings for, but could never reveal. Another trade-off for his eternal youth, his firm body,his quality of living from 'the system'.NO relationships! Stress is his only enemy.
Jeffrey's gay friends, Chris and Len. Perry Brass juxtaposed this flamboyant couple so aptly with Jeffrey's gray, monotone life of work.
Using Germany as the country for this story was a stroke of genius. I feels it lends itself to need 'the system' imposes on those who trade their own life to serve only the corporation. To me Germany IS discipline, IS the hard line. It's history steeped in the tough training of individuals for the greater good,at any cost.
I loved the way Perry Brass introduced Jeffrey to John. A seemingly sweet man that captured Jeffrey's heart and Ashok, the man who wanted Jeffrey's job.Both of these things were very bad for Jeffrey.
Wonderful writing,capturing the bright colours,smells,textures of India after leaving the cold steel of Germany.
The ending was once again a Perry Brass page turner!Exciting, thrilling and left me breathless.