That Deplorable Boy by Jasper Barry

That Deplorable Boy

by Jasper Barry

The long-awaited follow-up to The Second Footman (ISBN: 9781780883656) 
A modern take on the nineteenth-century novel, set in 1880s’ France and full of period detail and atmosphere. 




Who is Max Fabien? Is he the loyal secretary and faithful lover of the marquis de Miremont? Or a handsome but unscrupulous trickster, who regards lying as an accomplishment and any sexual quarry as fair game? 




Miremont’s heart says one thing, his jealousy another. But his obsessive passion for the boy must remain a dark secret—no easy task when his estranged wife and their younger daughter arrive in Paris for a prolonged visit. 




Soon the strain begins to tell. The Hôtel de Miremont becomes a hive of gossip, mistrust, intrigue and deceit, and Miremont is faced with an impossible choice. 



Meanwhile the grim secrets of Max’s past continue to haunt him. Has the time come for him to claim his not-so-rightful destiny? 




That Deplorable Boy is the second book of the Miremont trilogy, charting the course of a gay love affair between an aristocrat and a former servant in late 19th-century France. Rich in period detail and set in the grand châteaux of Paris and Burgundy, the novels explore the suffocating social codes of the time and the conflicts and dangers they bring for those who must live outside them.

Reviewed by Lynn on

4 of 5 stars

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Trouble in paradise! This second instalment in the M/M Miramont Trilogy picks up where we left off at the end of the first book, The Second Footman with Max Fabien now working as Armand de Miremont's secretary during the day, his lover at night.

Armand and Max have established a routine so they can indulge in their physical relationship together without anyone knowing. However, their contentment is short lived as the arrangement is put into jeopardy because Armand's estranged wife and youngest daughter announce their impending arrival in Paris.

With accusations, deceit, jealousy and unrequited declarations of love, the drama is ever present. Armand's torn between pleasing his youngest daughter and her mother's whims, when he's distraught he can't spend time with the dear boy who he now doubts is unfaithful in their relationship. Meanwhile, Max is questioning his existence as his past continues to haunt him.

Now more familiar with Mr Barry's evocative writing style, I found it easier to settle into the narrative this time around. As some months have passed since I read The Second Footman, I was a little apprehensive about well I would pick up the plot without having to do a re-read (which I didn't have time for). Thankfully, my worries were for nothing as I dived straight in and quickly regained my memory as I became reacquainted with the protagonists.

Warning, the rich text is a guilty indulgence but, you need to set aside some time to wade through this wordy novel. With so much thought-provoking detail, it took time for me to keep astride of everything that's happening. So, this captivating piece set in the late nineteenth century is best savoured slowly to appreciate the decadence, but worth it.

With an inconclusive but satisfying ending and a curiosity for the protagonists I'm so invested in, I wonder what the future holds for Armand and Max and how long we'll have to wait to find out?

***Review copy received courtesy of the publisher Matador***

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 13 November, 2018: Finished reading
  • 13 November, 2018: Reviewed