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The Opera House
The Ultimate Loss
Raphael doesn’t believe in a higher power, or in anything, for that matter. After the death of his son, his life shattered, Raphael regrets that he didn’t lie about some perfect paradise, and he pushes away everything that once mattered to him—his lover, his job, his reputation as a top architect. Then he meets Brian, a homeless, maybe hopeless kid.
A Second Chance
Brian’s a street kid. When he disappears, Raphael realizes that he cannot fail another person, and he launches a full-out search. What he finds both breaks his heart and begins to heal it.
A Little Magic
The price of saving Brian is high, maybe too high. But Raphael is no stranger to sacrifice, and he’ll risk everything to save Brian and reunite with the man Raphael now loves. The question is—How? Like the architecture of the opera house Raphael designs, the steps to regaining his life will depend not just on careful planning, but faith, hope, and maybe just the magic of love.
“The Opera House, is a moving and emotional story about about gay men and their children, all struggling with big issues — from leukemia to abandonment, devastating loss to unbridled joy — in a way that’s remarkably touching, sometimes funny, and often unexpected. Remarkable, must-read novel from an emerging master storyteller.”
Diane Anderson-Minshall, editor at large, Advocate magazine
Raphael doesn’t believe in a higher power, or in anything, for that matter. After the death of his son, his life shattered, Raphael regrets that he didn’t lie about some perfect paradise, and he pushes away everything that once mattered to him—his lover, his job, his reputation as a top architect. Then he meets Brian, a homeless, maybe hopeless kid.
A Second Chance
Brian’s a street kid. When he disappears, Raphael realizes that he cannot fail another person, and he launches a full-out search. What he finds both breaks his heart and begins to heal it.
A Little Magic
The price of saving Brian is high, maybe too high. But Raphael is no stranger to sacrifice, and he’ll risk everything to save Brian and reunite with the man Raphael now loves. The question is—How? Like the architecture of the opera house Raphael designs, the steps to regaining his life will depend not just on careful planning, but faith, hope, and maybe just the magic of love.
“The Opera House, is a moving and emotional story about about gay men and their children, all struggling with big issues — from leukemia to abandonment, devastating loss to unbridled joy — in a way that’s remarkably touching, sometimes funny, and often unexpected. Remarkable, must-read novel from an emerging master storyteller.”
Diane Anderson-Minshall, editor at large, Advocate magazine
268 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2013
19 people are currently reading
795 people want to read
About the author
Hans M. Hirschi
35 books135 followersBorn and raised in Switzerland, Hans graduated from High School in Arizona, worked for several years in the Swiss financial industry before pursuing his university studies in Zurich and Gothenburg.
His majors include literature, linguistics & social sciences.
Hans self-published his first book with poetry and a short story in 1991.
Nine years later, he followed up with a professional book on e-learning pedagogy and in 2010 his book "Common Sense" was published.
He's published several novels and books. Detailed info can easily be found here, below.
His majors include literature, linguistics & social sciences.
Hans self-published his first book with poetry and a short story in 1991.
Nine years later, he followed up with a professional book on e-learning pedagogy and in 2010 his book "Common Sense" was published.
He's published several novels and books. Detailed info can easily be found here, below.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 5, 2016
I'm giving this book 2 stars even though I didn't like it, mostly because I'd feel like an asshole for giving less...
Look, I'm trying to spread my wings here and try new-to-me authors but it isn't working out very well. With this book, I want to say "bless its heart" because it tried really hard, but it just didn't work at all for me.
I'm a huge softy and I have kids, so you'd think a heart-breaking story about a father's grief after the death of a child would resonate with me, or at least elicit some emotion. I wish. I think the intention was in the right place, but the writing style and flow of the story was off.
One big issue was the head hopping. We went from one character's POV to another, sometimes within the same paragraph, for no rhyme or reason. The head hopping irritated me to no end, and it gave the story a sour note.
Another issue was the stiff-sounding dialogue and awkward, formal phrasing.
The second he took Michael's hand, Raphael felt as if a jolt of electricity emanated from Michael, not hurting him. Quite the contrary, the sensation was pleasant, but it left Raphael speechless, leaving Michael, who seemed oblivious to the electric jolt, to continue.
It all sounded VERY forced. Even the break-up scenes and emotional moments sounded too contrived.
There was also a strange passage of time in the book. Days, then weeks, then months went by without much of a explanation. I never felt grounded in the story.
Though I think the right meaning was there, the execution made it hard for me to read this one, which is a bummer.
*Read as part of my GRL reading challenge, my quest to read new-to-me authors before the convention*
Look, I'm trying to spread my wings here and try new-to-me authors but it isn't working out very well. With this book, I want to say "bless its heart" because it tried really hard, but it just didn't work at all for me.
I'm a huge softy and I have kids, so you'd think a heart-breaking story about a father's grief after the death of a child would resonate with me, or at least elicit some emotion. I wish. I think the intention was in the right place, but the writing style and flow of the story was off.
One big issue was the head hopping. We went from one character's POV to another, sometimes within the same paragraph, for no rhyme or reason. The head hopping irritated me to no end, and it gave the story a sour note.
Another issue was the stiff-sounding dialogue and awkward, formal phrasing.
The second he took Michael's hand, Raphael felt as if a jolt of electricity emanated from Michael, not hurting him. Quite the contrary, the sensation was pleasant, but it left Raphael speechless, leaving Michael, who seemed oblivious to the electric jolt, to continue.
It all sounded VERY forced. Even the break-up scenes and emotional moments sounded too contrived.
There was also a strange passage of time in the book. Days, then weeks, then months went by without much of a explanation. I never felt grounded in the story.
Though I think the right meaning was there, the execution made it hard for me to read this one, which is a bummer.
*Read as part of my GRL reading challenge, my quest to read new-to-me authors before the convention*
March 12, 2014
A dramatic and moving story filled with heartbreak, romance and hope. My tears were falling before the end of the first chapter. As with all of this author’s work, I got an actual feel of the characters and their emotions and a sense of how it really is. Hans doesn’t sugarcoat his characters they are very realistic, a bit rough around the edges and slightly lacking.
Raphael's world shatters when he loses his only child, his thirteen year old son Jason, to Leukemia. While struggling to come to terms with Jason’s death and their last conversation, Raphael’s life takes him on a compelling journey from life and love lost, to life and love found. Raphael struggles with his emotional health unsure if he’ll find the man he once was or if his heart will ever heal. As the months pass his journey brings him new love and new reasons to live, but Raphael’s journey doesn’t run smooth with many pitfalls and sharp turns. I liked Raphael I felt his sadness, his anger and confusion when life hit him low, I rooted for him when he has a chance of happiness.
Warren is devastated with the loss of Jason. Warren had been a second dad to Jason, loving him like his own son, since meeting Raphael when Jason was a toddler. Warren and Raphael’s relationship deteriorated quickly following Jason’s death with Raphael blaming himself than blaming Warren. Raphael blames everything and everybody. I felt for Warren, he tried to help Raphael even through his own grief, he gave as much support and love to Raphael as he possibly could give, it was painful to read.
Brian is a homeless kid who has been disowned and left to face an uncertain and brutal life on the streets. With guts and determination Brian does his best to fend for himself, although earning money on the streets almost ends with his demise. Brian finds a friend in Raphael, and he trusts him, something Brian swore he would never do again, he’s been let down and hurt painfully.
Is this friendship their savior, can life be that simple sometimes? With a little bit of magic, Micki who is Brian’s social worker and their Knight in shining armour (Hot motorcycle guy), might just be able to add hope to their happy ever after.
Storm warning: A good supply of tissues needed for this one.
Reviewed by Teddy
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
Raphael's world shatters when he loses his only child, his thirteen year old son Jason, to Leukemia. While struggling to come to terms with Jason’s death and their last conversation, Raphael’s life takes him on a compelling journey from life and love lost, to life and love found. Raphael struggles with his emotional health unsure if he’ll find the man he once was or if his heart will ever heal. As the months pass his journey brings him new love and new reasons to live, but Raphael’s journey doesn’t run smooth with many pitfalls and sharp turns. I liked Raphael I felt his sadness, his anger and confusion when life hit him low, I rooted for him when he has a chance of happiness.
Warren is devastated with the loss of Jason. Warren had been a second dad to Jason, loving him like his own son, since meeting Raphael when Jason was a toddler. Warren and Raphael’s relationship deteriorated quickly following Jason’s death with Raphael blaming himself than blaming Warren. Raphael blames everything and everybody. I felt for Warren, he tried to help Raphael even through his own grief, he gave as much support and love to Raphael as he possibly could give, it was painful to read.
Brian is a homeless kid who has been disowned and left to face an uncertain and brutal life on the streets. With guts and determination Brian does his best to fend for himself, although earning money on the streets almost ends with his demise. Brian finds a friend in Raphael, and he trusts him, something Brian swore he would never do again, he’s been let down and hurt painfully.
Is this friendship their savior, can life be that simple sometimes? With a little bit of magic, Micki who is Brian’s social worker and their Knight in shining armour (Hot motorcycle guy), might just be able to add hope to their happy ever after.
Storm warning: A good supply of tissues needed for this one.
Reviewed by Teddy
To see more of this review and others like it please visit us at Gay List Book Reviews at www.gaylistbookreviews.wordpress.com
October 28, 2015
Wow, what a compelling, emotional saga this is! What follows is my cryptic attempt to explain that statement whilst not giving too much away.
Raphael is a successful and acclaimed architect who is working to design and secure the contract for a new opera house. It's a tremendously important project for his company; he is driven, ambitious, ready for the challenge...until his son dies and Raphael's world is obliterated.
This is the opening scene of Hans M. Hirschi's The Opera House and it is the equivalent of being punched really hard in the stomach. I didn't cry once reading this book (other reviewers will tell you they cried buckets). It touched such deep emotional nerves that my mind put up its own equivalent of the Thames flood barrier. So much tragedy, so devastating, and it keeps coming at you in waves.
That's a wonderful thing, incidentally. I'll use the analogy of the Sydney Opera House to explain. Those peaks of the roof? They're the story arcs of Hirschi's Opera House - down into the depths of hell, then soaring up, up, into the promise of a happy ending, but no! Down we go again. At the twenty percent point, I was thinking, "Well that's a novel in itself. Where is the author going to take this next?" And there's a kind of twist, because I knew there was a 'happily ever after' coming, and I was thinking I had some notion of what that would be, as well as some questions as to whether that was the right outcome for Raphael. Yes, well, life takes some interesting twists and turns. Ninety percent, into the home straight? Wrong again!
In conclusion, The Opera House does what the 'blurb' says. It's an emotional fist fight of a read that will knock you down each time you struggle to your feet, but you, like Raphael will end victorious. This is awesome writing from Hans M. Hirschi. I'm sold.
Raphael is a successful and acclaimed architect who is working to design and secure the contract for a new opera house. It's a tremendously important project for his company; he is driven, ambitious, ready for the challenge...until his son dies and Raphael's world is obliterated.
This is the opening scene of Hans M. Hirschi's The Opera House and it is the equivalent of being punched really hard in the stomach. I didn't cry once reading this book (other reviewers will tell you they cried buckets). It touched such deep emotional nerves that my mind put up its own equivalent of the Thames flood barrier. So much tragedy, so devastating, and it keeps coming at you in waves.
That's a wonderful thing, incidentally. I'll use the analogy of the Sydney Opera House to explain. Those peaks of the roof? They're the story arcs of Hirschi's Opera House - down into the depths of hell, then soaring up, up, into the promise of a happy ending, but no! Down we go again. At the twenty percent point, I was thinking, "Well that's a novel in itself. Where is the author going to take this next?" And there's a kind of twist, because I knew there was a 'happily ever after' coming, and I was thinking I had some notion of what that would be, as well as some questions as to whether that was the right outcome for Raphael. Yes, well, life takes some interesting twists and turns. Ninety percent, into the home straight? Wrong again!
In conclusion, The Opera House does what the 'blurb' says. It's an emotional fist fight of a read that will knock you down each time you struggle to your feet, but you, like Raphael will end victorious. This is awesome writing from Hans M. Hirschi. I'm sold.
April 3, 2014
3.5 stars (let's round it up!)
The author was kind enough to send a copy of his book to my side of the world after I won it in a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks again!
First of all, I must say I really like the cover art. The font... Not so much, but the art is great. I love it.
Overall, the story was quite engaging. As soon as the postman showed up with it at my door, I delved into this book and ended up finishing in a day. I liked it for its values of family and forgiveness. It also shows how devastating and all-encompassing grief can be. It wasn't always very realistic and I suppose that might have to do with the pacing , but I really looked forward to seeing how Raphael slowly picks up the pieces of his life again.
To be honest, there were some inconsistencies, which could do with a bit of polishing. It also felt like the author's religious views shone through his characters a bit - not that that is such a bad thing. It guess it also shows how the author 'lived' his characters as well. I'm super picky when it comes to medical details, but that's because I work in the field - some minor (and probably to other readers, insignificant) details didn't sit well with me. Several phrases were a somewhat repetitive ('electrical jolts' and 'buckling knees' come to mind), but otherwise the narrative voice was good.
I thought it a quite good read. I liked the romance and was glad for the uplifting ending.
The author was kind enough to send a copy of his book to my side of the world after I won it in a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks again!
First of all, I must say I really like the cover art. The font... Not so much, but the art is great. I love it.
Overall, the story was quite engaging. As soon as the postman showed up with it at my door, I delved into this book and ended up finishing in a day. I liked it for its values of family and forgiveness. It also shows how devastating and all-encompassing grief can be. It wasn't always very realistic and I suppose that might have to do with the pacing , but I really looked forward to seeing how Raphael slowly picks up the pieces of his life again.
To be honest, there were some inconsistencies, which could do with a bit of polishing. It also felt like the author's religious views shone through his characters a bit - not that that is such a bad thing. It guess it also shows how the author 'lived' his characters as well. I'm super picky when it comes to medical details, but that's because I work in the field - some minor (and probably to other readers, insignificant) details didn't sit well with me. Several phrases were a somewhat repetitive ('electrical jolts' and 'buckling knees' come to mind), but otherwise the narrative voice was good.
I thought it a quite good read. I liked the romance and was glad for the uplifting ending.
September 9, 2015
Complete tear jerker.
September 14, 2015
I really wasn’t a fan of this one, which is sad because the beginning of the book was incredibly heart wrenching.
Once I got past that part, it was a real struggle at times to follow along. The dialog just didn’t flow in a natural conversational rhythm and there were word choices and phrases used that seemed really off. I’d guess that English is not the author’s first language and, based on the author blurb in the back and the fact that this author’s homeland is Sweden, those issues are potentially the difference between cultures and countries.
The struggle to follow or get over term or phrase hiccups made it difficult to really connect emotionally with the characters. Some of the situations seemed extremely far fetched, even ridiculous at points. The deeper into the book I got, the less in tune I was with what was going on. In a few places, the plot timeline seemed out of order and there were several things that were flat out, word for word repeated at different points in the story, which became annoying.
I liked the basis of the story, but just not the follow through and how it was fleshed out.
Once I got past that part, it was a real struggle at times to follow along. The dialog just didn’t flow in a natural conversational rhythm and there were word choices and phrases used that seemed really off. I’d guess that English is not the author’s first language and, based on the author blurb in the back and the fact that this author’s homeland is Sweden, those issues are potentially the difference between cultures and countries.
The struggle to follow or get over term or phrase hiccups made it difficult to really connect emotionally with the characters. Some of the situations seemed extremely far fetched, even ridiculous at points. The deeper into the book I got, the less in tune I was with what was going on. In a few places, the plot timeline seemed out of order and there were several things that were flat out, word for word repeated at different points in the story, which became annoying.
I liked the basis of the story, but just not the follow through and how it was fleshed out.
August 25, 2015
got this for free at Smashwords and what a delightful read!
October 23, 2015
4.5 Stars
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This story was in some turns heartbreaking and in others uplifting. First be prepared, have plenty of tissue handy because if you don’t cry then you have no empathy. The author was able to take this story and weave it into something amazing. I can’t imagine losing a child. The author was able to be bring across every emotion across the pages of this book. I would highly recommend this to everyone. Absolutely great!!
I was given this book by Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
This story was in some turns heartbreaking and in others uplifting. First be prepared, have plenty of tissue handy because if you don’t cry then you have no empathy. The author was able to take this story and weave it into something amazing. I can’t imagine losing a child. The author was able to be bring across every emotion across the pages of this book. I would highly recommend this to everyone. Absolutely great!!
December 19, 2013
Besides the fact that you'll be crying buckets...really good book. From beginning to end. Raphael lost his son, his long time lover and his job. Met a homeless teen, Brian and befriended him. Not saying anymore cuz don't want to give anything away. It's very emotional and raises issues of spirituality. It's one of those books that u just have to read!
Thanks Hans for once again making us dig down deep and use a lot of tissues along the way!
Thanks Hans for once again making us dig down deep and use a lot of tissues along the way!
August 3, 2014
A dramatic piece of work full of emotions. Hans portraits the characters as realistically as possible with all the heartbreak, hope and love of a family. Hans brings to forefront social issues such as homelessness, child abuse, and homophobia without hesitation or sugar coating. A very deep moving story that leaves you crying and then warmth, relief, and contentment.
September 21, 2015
My biggest pet peeve is when the pov switches randomly from character to character with no clear indication. This detracts from the flow of the story and only serves to drive me nuts. This book constantly had that problem, so I ended up skimming a great deal because of it. I'm glad I got this book for free off Amazon, because I definitely would have wanted a refund otherwise.
November 9, 2015
The story is too long. The author tells the same plot points in multiple chapters and there is head hopping throughout.
That said the story itself is interesting. I don't know how much research went into street living but it was interesting to read.
That said the story itself is interesting. I don't know how much research went into street living but it was interesting to read.
February 15, 2014
You can find my full review of The Opera House on my web site.
Want to read
December 10, 2015FREE at ARe, Smashwords & Amazon US, 9-3-15
September 16, 2015
3.5 stars. Liked the story but text needed better proofreading and the narration seemed somewhat detached emotionally. Freebie Kindle novel via BookBub.
September 12, 2015
3.75 Wrought with emotion on an issue I know very well. Found myself skimming at times, but definitely worth a read.
November 27, 2020
Told in a rather 'clipped' style, with rather sudden segues/changes in POVs, I found it difficult at times to emotionally engage with the MCs (Raphael, Michael); young Brian being my favorite. The harrowing first chapter packed an emotional gut-punch but then ebbed away into a morass of despite and grief, punctuated by a romantic subplot 2.5 stars barely rounded up to 3.
June 19, 2017
Hirschi made me feel Raphaels loss in this story. I thought the relationship with Michael happened a little too quick, but it gave a good HEA. I did like Warrens character and how he handled everything.
September 4, 2015
Creating the Family You Deserve.
This novel deals with some serious and important themes we all come across at some point in our lives, some more directly than others: grief, homelessness, family relationships, love, spiritual and religious beliefs, prejudice (sexual, social…), paedophilia, young runaways…But it is not an issue novel where the characters are just mouthpieces for different points of view or an attempt at indoctrinating the reader. It is a novel where the reader gets inside the skin of a series of complex characters and experience with them strong emotions. We might share their points of view or not and the world they live in might be far from our daily existence but the author manages to get us completely enthralled by the events life keeps throwing at the protagonists and we can’t help but feel for them.
Raphael experiences the loss of his teenage son to a cruel illness, and full of guilt for not being able to reassure him about the afterlife, he lets his life sink, falling into depression and losing his partner, his job and his voice in the company he created, and his earthly possessions. He meets a boy slightly older than his son at the cemetery, Brian, who is homeless like him and whose life is a disaster waiting to happen. Through him, he meets Michael, a children’s social worker. There is hope and Raphael works hard to rebuild his life and create a new family but there are also many difficulties on the way, and the happy moments are interspersed with disappointments and drawbacks. The lives of all the characters in the story are touched by their interactions with each other, and in this drama, nobody is truly evil (with the exception of one of Brian’s johns) and most are trying to do their best. The third person narration that follows the different characters and allows the reader to see things from their point of view works well; it avoids becoming too intrusive whilst offering insight into the motivations and emotions of the main players.
I was very intrigued by the character of Angela, the nurse, who plays the part of the fairy godmother/guardian angel, always appearing at the most difficult moments, with vital information, support and advice. I’d be intrigued to know what other readers thought about her.
The title of the novel comes from Raphael’s job as an architect, and the impact his experience of homelessness has on his creativity and his design of the next big project for the city, the opera house, that serves as backdrop to the action. Although I don’t know how well the practicalities of the design of the opera house in the novel would work, I admit to loving the concept and the idea.
As a word of warning, there are some erotic scenes (not the most explicit I’ve read by far, and fairly brief, one with violence towards a minor) and emotions ride high. I’d advice readers to have tissues at hand.
If you like novels about relationships that explore serious issues, with complex characters you’ll get to care about, I recommend it. This is the third novel I’ve read by Hans Hirschi and it won’t be the last one.
This novel deals with some serious and important themes we all come across at some point in our lives, some more directly than others: grief, homelessness, family relationships, love, spiritual and religious beliefs, prejudice (sexual, social…), paedophilia, young runaways…But it is not an issue novel where the characters are just mouthpieces for different points of view or an attempt at indoctrinating the reader. It is a novel where the reader gets inside the skin of a series of complex characters and experience with them strong emotions. We might share their points of view or not and the world they live in might be far from our daily existence but the author manages to get us completely enthralled by the events life keeps throwing at the protagonists and we can’t help but feel for them.
Raphael experiences the loss of his teenage son to a cruel illness, and full of guilt for not being able to reassure him about the afterlife, he lets his life sink, falling into depression and losing his partner, his job and his voice in the company he created, and his earthly possessions. He meets a boy slightly older than his son at the cemetery, Brian, who is homeless like him and whose life is a disaster waiting to happen. Through him, he meets Michael, a children’s social worker. There is hope and Raphael works hard to rebuild his life and create a new family but there are also many difficulties on the way, and the happy moments are interspersed with disappointments and drawbacks. The lives of all the characters in the story are touched by their interactions with each other, and in this drama, nobody is truly evil (with the exception of one of Brian’s johns) and most are trying to do their best. The third person narration that follows the different characters and allows the reader to see things from their point of view works well; it avoids becoming too intrusive whilst offering insight into the motivations and emotions of the main players.
I was very intrigued by the character of Angela, the nurse, who plays the part of the fairy godmother/guardian angel, always appearing at the most difficult moments, with vital information, support and advice. I’d be intrigued to know what other readers thought about her.
The title of the novel comes from Raphael’s job as an architect, and the impact his experience of homelessness has on his creativity and his design of the next big project for the city, the opera house, that serves as backdrop to the action. Although I don’t know how well the practicalities of the design of the opera house in the novel would work, I admit to loving the concept and the idea.
As a word of warning, there are some erotic scenes (not the most explicit I’ve read by far, and fairly brief, one with violence towards a minor) and emotions ride high. I’d advice readers to have tissues at hand.
If you like novels about relationships that explore serious issues, with complex characters you’ll get to care about, I recommend it. This is the third novel I’ve read by Hans Hirschi and it won’t be the last one.
October 12, 2015
Disclaimer: While I aim to be unbiased, I received a copy of this for free to review.
The Opera House was an interesting one – I’ve already read and enjoyed two other Hirschi novels, and I never know what to expect because each of them seems to have a personality of their own. Here, we follow the story of a gay man who’s still in mourning after the death of his young son, as he attempts to rebuild his life. Much of this relies on his friendship with a sixteen-year-old street kid called Brian, who disappears – Raphael, the protagonist, begins to see Brian as a second chance at redemption, and he grows determined to save him from a life of prostitution.
I recently interviewed Hans, and one of the questions I asked was whether he thinks he writes in any particular genre. Hans says that he mixes genres together and I’d agree, although I also agree with him when he said that, if anything, his work is more like contemporary literary fiction than anything else. Here, as with his other work, the protagonist is gay – that said, it doesn’t feel forced, and this isn’t a book that you only enjoy if you’re a gay man. There really is something here for everyone, and I also think that this is the author’s easiest read, at least from the books that I’ve read. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it, so what are you waiting for?
The Opera House was an interesting one – I’ve already read and enjoyed two other Hirschi novels, and I never know what to expect because each of them seems to have a personality of their own. Here, we follow the story of a gay man who’s still in mourning after the death of his young son, as he attempts to rebuild his life. Much of this relies on his friendship with a sixteen-year-old street kid called Brian, who disappears – Raphael, the protagonist, begins to see Brian as a second chance at redemption, and he grows determined to save him from a life of prostitution.
I recently interviewed Hans, and one of the questions I asked was whether he thinks he writes in any particular genre. Hans says that he mixes genres together and I’d agree, although I also agree with him when he said that, if anything, his work is more like contemporary literary fiction than anything else. Here, as with his other work, the protagonist is gay – that said, it doesn’t feel forced, and this isn’t a book that you only enjoy if you’re a gay man. There really is something here for everyone, and I also think that this is the author’s easiest read, at least from the books that I’ve read. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it, so what are you waiting for?
August 10, 2016
I'll admit this book won me over at the first chapter by referencing "The Brothers Lionheart" by Astrid Lindgren, a story that helped me cope with bereavement in my childhood. "The Opera House" is not a typical M/M romance. There's a love story, and a couple of sweet sexy scenes, but it's really about rebuilding your family and your worldview after a life-shattering event. Because it is a romance, you know it will work out in the end, otherwise the pain these characters go through would be hard to bear. I appreciate that Hirschi took on a topic rarely addressed in adoption novels, which is the unfair stigma against prospective foster/adoptive parents with post-traumatic stress and similar mental health conditions.
This is just a matter of taste, but I would have preferred to omit the magical-realist hints that one of the helpful characters might have been a guardian angel. Those plot tricks make a book less relatable for me. I'd rather have hope that normal human beings can overcome an unjust system through love and understanding.
I won this e-book in a giveaway from the author's newsletter, and I will be buying more of his work!
This is just a matter of taste, but I would have preferred to omit the magical-realist hints that one of the helpful characters might have been a guardian angel. Those plot tricks make a book less relatable for me. I'd rather have hope that normal human beings can overcome an unjust system through love and understanding.
I won this e-book in a giveaway from the author's newsletter, and I will be buying more of his work!
August 16, 2016
The Opera House was an awesome read. Raphael has to deal with loss after loss after loss. Raphael is a man who doesn't believe in God, he sees things as just being what they are. everything to him is black and white, what you see is what it is. This book will have you thinking a little different. I personally believe Raphael had faith in something that's bigger then himself and was conflicted about what that meant. Raphael will show you that what you see isn't always the whole picture. Raphael learned that even though he was as low as you can possibly get that you can rebuild, relearn and end up with something better then you ever had before. Brian is a kid who society gave up on, seen as a lost cause. A teenager who's seen and done things that most of us would consider a nightmare just to survive. and Michael (micky) is a man that wouldn't give up on either of them. who saw through the flaws of each of them and knew they could be better then before. family isn't always blood sometimes we build our families much like the buildings Raphael helps design.
I highly recommend this story
I highly recommend this story
September 10, 2015
76 of 75 for 2015. It is unfortunate that I read this book immediately after reading the last book by one of my favorite authors. A compelling story in its own right, The Opera House recounts the life of renowned architect Raphael as he loses his 13 year old son to leukemia, then loses everything else to his grief. The redemption in the story comes in the form of 15 year old street kid Brian who has been kicked out of his home for being gay. Brian needs Raphael and Raphael needs Brian, and through the agency of a nurse named Angela (could we have asked for a more telling name for this angel of mercy?) not only are the two brought together, but a new love interest for Raphael also appears just as his relationship with Warren, the man who helped raise the now deceased son, crumbles. At times, the narrative feels a bit heavy-handed, especially when it concerns Raphael's descent into a living hell, and the coincidences are a bit much, but even with all that, it's an enjoyable read with characters you find yourself rooting for.
September 29, 2015
An unusual story that follows the life of an architect who loses his sons and sinks into a depression that leads to the loss of his partner, firm and house. Living on the streets he befriends a young man forced to hustle to feed himself. Through him Rafael finds a reason to clean up and keep going. He also finds Michael, Brian's social worker.
How the three of them help each other and the bonds that they share are truly touching. It also paints an insight into the perils of foster care. It made me feel good to see that people who have been through so much pain can still heal and help others even if they are characters in a book.
The title comes from the architectural project that Rafael works on for the city. He won the prize before his depression, and the firm brings him back to finish it. He incorporates the homeless with a brand new style of architecture that helps him bring closure to that time in his life.
A great story to read if you like emotional issues and tear jerkers.
How the three of them help each other and the bonds that they share are truly touching. It also paints an insight into the perils of foster care. It made me feel good to see that people who have been through so much pain can still heal and help others even if they are characters in a book.
The title comes from the architectural project that Rafael works on for the city. He won the prize before his depression, and the firm brings him back to finish it. He incorporates the homeless with a brand new style of architecture that helps him bring closure to that time in his life.
A great story to read if you like emotional issues and tear jerkers.
December 30, 2015
This book started out really good. Interesting story and characters, but by the end it was a cliche. I figured out quite quickly Raphael and Michael (Micky) would get together, which wasn't that big of an issue for me. The biggest issue was Angela. Like really, a mysterious "nurse" showing up every where and helping them through the whole thing? Just call her a (guardian) Angel and be done with it. I felt there was no need for Angela.
As for the relationship with Brian and Raphael it very much was taken from Queer as Folk. Michael and Ben take in a teen runaway/hustler named Hunter and omg would you be surprised to find that Hunter's mom wanted him back at one point? Hmm, doesn't that sound a familiar. The only differences with Brian and Hunter are 1) Hunter had HIV and 2) Hunter was straight.
All in all I felt this book could've been a lot better than it was. It had promise, but fell flat.
As for the relationship with Brian and Raphael it very much was taken from Queer as Folk. Michael and Ben take in a teen runaway/hustler named Hunter and omg would you be surprised to find that Hunter's mom wanted him back at one point? Hmm, doesn't that sound a familiar. The only differences with Brian and Hunter are 1) Hunter had HIV and 2) Hunter was straight.
All in all I felt this book could've been a lot better than it was. It had promise, but fell flat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2015
This probably should have been a longer novel as it moves along so fast I felt that some parts were glossed over. Having said that I have to admit there is so much angst and heartbreak in this book but it is counterbalanced with lots of caring, love and hope. It left me with one question though - who was/is the enigmatic Angela? Are we to presume that she was Raphael's guardian angel? Whoever she is in the novel she is the catalyst for so much of the action it would have been interesting to find out more - or maybe she is the hook drawing the reader into the author's next offering.
I did really enjoy the read in fact but for the racing through of some parts I would have given it the full 5 stars but only can give it 4.5
I did really enjoy the read in fact but for the racing through of some parts I would have given it the full 5 stars but only can give it 4.5
February 7, 2016
I'm a bit confused by this book; after 'Jonathan's Hope', I was expecting another immersive experience with lots of tears, but somehow it felt like watching a film that was just interesting enough to want to know the ending, but not really all that compelling in between.
I think the main problem for me was that I didn't feel anything for Raphael; I couldn't get a clear picture of him, and thought he was a bit too self-obsessed to be likeable.
I think the main problem for me was that I didn't feel anything for Raphael; I couldn't get a clear picture of him, and thought he was a bit too self-obsessed to be likeable.
October 15, 2015
I met Hans yesterday and promised a review. Emotionally this book is a tough one. The mc's go through a lot of angst. However, you keep rooting for them to get that happily ever after. It is beautifully written and I'm soooo glad I read it. I'll definitely be looking into more by Hans. It was a pleasure to read and to meet the author.
October 23, 2015
Great book about a gay man's loss , adoption, and dealing with being out. Great story and this could apply to anyone being straight,gay or whatever you might want to be. Just that the writer choose a gay person as his main character makes us a bit more visible to the outside world. After all we are all the same and experiences as the world.
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