Edinburgh

by Alexander Chee
Edinburgh cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 11153
  • Added: 2026-02-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9781526609144
  • Published: 2018-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Twelve-year-old Fee, a shy Korean American boy, becomes a section leader in his local boys' choir. At their summer camp, he grapples with his feelings for his best friend, Peter, and the abusive actions of their choir director. Ashamed and silent, Fee's inaction has lasting consequences, leading him to a life of teaching and a chance encounter that forces him to confront his past. The novel explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the enduring impact of childhood experiences. /n/n Written with exquisite empathy, Edinburgh is a psychologically harrowing story that delves into the complexities of human behavior and the struggle for redemption. The novel's beautiful prose and deep emotional resonance make it a standout in contemporary fiction.

Reviews
Please Read It To Me · 2022-06-11
engaging 3.50

Well-written and engaging, but the last act felt somewhat unsatisfying.

The reviewer expected high-brow gay fiction with tear-inducing scenarios and redemption, and while the novel is well-written and engaging, the last act did not meet those expectations. The story is compelling and the prose is elegant, but the ending left the reviewer wanting more. Overall, it's a strong novel with some minor shortcomings in the final act.

Quick quotes

    Expectation: High-brow gay fiction with tear-inducing scenarios and redemption.

    Reality: Well-written and engaging, but the last act will leave you wanting more.

    The story is compelling and the prose is elegant.

Shelf By Shelf · 2019-01-02
beautiful 4.50

The book handles difficult themes with elegance and beauty, making it a must-read for everyone.

This novel tackles heavy subjects with a remarkable grace and elegance. It's a beautiful and epic story that feels both intimate and profound. The reviewer highly recommends it to anyone looking for a deeply moving and well-crafted narrative. The prose is elegant and the story is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.

Quick quotes

    Beautiful. Epic and Intimate, this book deals with difficult subject matter in an elegant way.

    I recommend to everyone.

    The Short Review: Beautiful.

Financial Times · 2018-11-30
beautiful 4.50

Despite its harrowing content, the novel is achingly beautiful and skillfully explores the complexities of trauma.

The reviewer notes that while the subject matter is difficult, the novel's beauty and depth make it a standout. The prose is achingly beautiful, even when describing the machinations of trauma. The reviewer highlights Chee's ability to weave a compelling narrative that is both harrowing and deeply moving. The story's exploration of trauma and resilience is handled with great skill and sensitivity.

Quick quotes

    Despite its harrowing subject matter, Edinburgh is an achingly beautiful novel.

    Even when he's describing the machinations of trauma, Chee's prose is achingly beautiful.

    The novel's exploration of trauma and resilience is handled with great skill and sensitivity.

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