Synopsis of A Harem Boy's Saga: a memoir by Young.
This is a provocative story about an adolescent boy who was initiatied into a clandestine sexual society. He was spirited to the Middle East, from his exclusive UK boarding school. He attended a more exclusive Bahriji (Oasis) school in the United Arab Emirates in preparation for serving in Harems for the wealhy and elite.
It is also a romantic love story between the young man and his 'Valet' who served as his chaperone and mentor during the boy's Harem services.
For 4 years, unbeknown to my family, I was happily and willingly part of a Harem.
My story has been kept under wraps for 45 years. The correct moment has arrived for me to make known my unique and positive education.
Excerpt
Notte Sadomasochistico
"Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear."
Mark Twain
When Andy returned from his errands he sat me down in our luxurious sitting room and began speaking. "Young, there is something we are going to do this evening that is different and could be shocking to someone like you."
I was curious, "I'm all ears; tell me more."
Mu'allmi Ramiz's Story
Andy said, "Before I begin I have to fill you in a little about Ramiz. You probably already know he is a very religious man and has a number of issues surrounding his sexuality, which he has trouble confiding to anyone.
When he was young, his father found him playing with himself, and also with another boy in his Islamic religious school. His father was very angry and used a leather whip to beat him, thinking that by doing so he would stop what Islam considered sinful.
"Ramiz could not control himself and kept falling back into his sinful sexual habits. Being whipped actually encouraged his sexual thoughts involving another man. After masturbating or a sexual liaison with a male, he would secretly whip himself. He began to crave pain associated with the sex act, self-inflicted or other-inflicted.
I was shocked to hear what my Valet was telling me, but I was also intrigued, and listened attentively.
Andy continued, "When Ramiz was at Oxford University, he stumbled across a homosexual leather bar in London and was amazed to learn that there were others, like him, who liked to roleplay as dominants and submissives."
I asked, seeking clarity, "You mean like what Professor Henderson taught us about sadomasochistic behavior?"
Andy replied, "Yes, something along those lines but in Ramiz case, it is associated with repentances from his sins. Now he has become addicted to being whipped and abused. After punishment he feels cleansed from his bad behavior until his sexual urges return and the cycle begins all over, again."
I questioned, "Is that why he couldn't sleep last night and got up early to pray? Does he ask Allah for forgiveness because of his sinful, homosexual thoughts?"
"I suppose," replied my Valet. "He became a regular at the London S & M underground dungeons, playing the role of slave. Back home it was next to impossible for him to meet people who behaved in a similar fashion. Then, he met us. We, being educated in varied forms of sexual expressions, are open to experimental ways of thinking and doing things. He asked me to play the role of Master, to handcuff him to the bed and to lash him with a leather whip."
Fascinated by this incredible tale, I enquired, "What am I supposed to do? Where do I come in?"
Smiling, my guardian replied, "You, my darling boy, are to play the part of the savior, to console his pain and anguish during the whipping. You'll soothe him and tell him that he can bear the pain and that the ordeal will soon be over. Gently tell him to be a good man and let his Master have his way with him until his sins are completely cleansed."
I couldn't help but burst out laughing! In my mind it seemed so absurd. My Valet reprimanded me for laughing at such a serious matter and said, "Young, you cannot laugh when we are role playing. You have to be dead serious; otherwise your professor will never forgive you for embarrassing him. Our standing at the Hadrah;s Household could be jeopardized."
I continued asking, "Does Hakim know about Ramiz?"
"I don't know. Maybe you can ask your mu'allmi after we are done. For now, we must get ready for our evening at Ristorante La Fonticine," Andy commanded.
At Ristorante La Fonticine
As we sat, waiting for our food in the lavish open air ristorante, I could not help but think of Ramiz's story. I was looking at my teacher, wondering how in the world this gentle man got himself into a sadomasochistic addiction. Was it years of repression that caused this? Or was he born with such an unusual inclination, the way I was born an effeminate boy? All these thoughts ran through my mind like wildfire, as I wondered what our after dinner-rendezvous would bring.
On one hand, I was curious to find out what happens during sadomasochist play-acting, and I secretly anticipated the meeting. On the other hand, I was worried someone might get hurt, since I had not a clue as to what might happen in such a dangerous game. Although Professor Henderson had given us lectures on such behaviors, class studies are vastly different from reality. All I could do was wait to witness, firsthand, what would transpire in the Conventino Presidential Suite, mu'allmi Ramiz's chambers. For now, I concluded, I might as well enjoy a fabulous meal, push my fears aside, and let the evening unfold itself.
Within The Conventino Presidential Suite
Andy and I wore thobes without any undergarments when we proceeded to my teacher;s suite at eleven. When we knocked on the chamber door there was no reply. Andy knocked again but there was no response. As we stood, we could hear some groaning noises faintly, through the doors. My Valet decided that we should creep into the room, unheard.
The sitting room was nearly pitch black. The only light was a dim blue nightlight shining from within the bedroom. We tiptoed towards the bedroom door without making any commotion. The door was partially ajar. The television was playing and I could hear moaning and groaning noises, as if someone was in pain.
Ramiz, lying in bed naked, was busy masturbating while watching a pornographic S & M movie. Completely absorbed, he seemed not to notice us standing in the room, watching him play with himself.
When he discovered we were there, he panicked and tried to cover himself, but my Valet was already pinning him down onto the bed. As the two men struggled, I saw Ramiz purposely allowing my guardian to force him into submission rather than trying to wiggle away from his muscular captor. I also noticed that Mu'allmi;s cock was extremely aroused during the wrestling.
Andy snatched a pair of handcuffs from the bedside table and cuffed my teacher;s wrists to the bedposts, face down. Although Ramiz continued to thrash about, his Master controlled him, binding each of his ankles to an end post of the bed. The victim was now under the control of his handsome, dominating Master. Andy blindfolded his conquest with a piece of black material so he could not see who inflicted the blows.
The Master took a black leather horsewhip from a bedside drawer and began whipping his victim;s hairy buttocks. With every wallop, the slave let out a whimpering moan, and his captor commanded him to shut up. He would inflict a tougher punishment if he continued squirming, disobeying his commands.
Andy said in an angry voice, "How many times do I have to tell you not to masturbate or watch those nasty movies?"
Ramiz whimpered, sputtering in a barely audible soft voice, "I'm sorry, Sir! I promise I will not do it again."
With each plea of apology the Master gave his slave lashes on his buttocks until the poor man was sobbing with remorse. Andy motioned for me to go over to my teacher and lay his tearful face on my lap, so I could console the victim with soothing words of love and understanding, telling him that his ordeal would soon be over if he did as his punisher commanded.
Mu'allmi cried for the whipping to stop. "Please, please Master! I;ll do whatever you command. Spare me this pain and release me."
"No, you ungrateful man! Allah will never forgive you for your sins." Andy scolded angrily while raining another blow down on the man's naked buttocks, yielding another whimpering yelp.
I continued stroking the slaves handsome face, consoling him with compassionate words, leaning down to kiss him on his lips and mouth as he endured another wallop on his backside. Ramiz looked so pathetic that my heart genuinely reached out to him.
The more I consoled my teacher, the further I took on the role of the protector, begging my guardian to stop beating him. Yet, Andy was relentless. Severe blows pelted the mans bottom until it was red and raw from the whipping and spanking. At times, Andy would reach his hand out, to stroke his slave;s engorged penis, jerking him nearly to the point of orgasm, then stopping to strike his buttocks again, unrelentingly.
I could tell Ramiz was enjoying all the attention showered upon him from Andy and me. My guardian savored the role of the punisher, and I was the perfect consoler, allowing Ramiz a mouthful of semen from my fountain of youth. I sensually kissed and caressed every inch of Ramiz body during his punishment.
The Final Ecstatic Torment
By the time we left the Presidential Suite it was almost 3:00 a.m. We were scheduled for an early start to Tuscany that morning. Ramiz seemed deeply satisfied after his punishment. Andy and I were emotionally and physically drained after doing our best to assist Ramiz, who was tangled in remorse, desire and guilt. At least we brought some solace to his tormented soul. We were, indeed, glad we were not in the mu'allmi's shoes. Despite the wealth, education and career success a man may have, he is unsatisfied without the blessing of true love.
When love and skill work together expect a masterpiece.
John Ruskin
Professional Reviews
Elegant and erotic tale
To say this was a “good” story simply doesn't do it justice. This is the true tale of a male Courtesan. Or, as the author puts it – A Harem boy. It begins with his life in Malaya as a small child. The honesty and self awareness he had is astounding. I laughed a bit when he called himself a “Sissy boy”. But then he reclaimed that title and I found that he was quite proud of who he was. The toss of the coin by the Gods created a delicate and beautiful soul who was wise beyond his years – at least regarding his own self. His mother captivated me from the beginning. She doted on her youngest son and allowed him to be who he was. I believe it was her unconditional love that helped shape this adventurous and self-aware boy into a man who obviously, and rightly, loves himself. His relationship with his father, although forced and quite what one would expect, wasn’t as bad as it could have been (Happy to read that. At times I feared the worst.). Starting by learning all about his privileged upbringing in a romantic time helped me understand who and what he came from – and in turn – helped me to see the rest of the story from his eyes. I wanted the same things he did and I felt his relief and desperation to leave for boarding school in the UK. From here, our delicate “Sissy Boy” is initiated into the clandestine society E.R.O.S.
I’ll let the reader get the full story on how that happened. I will say – he was brave, and perhaps a bit naïve. But his childlike trust was not misplaced and he was off on an erotic, and sensual adventure to the Middle East. This is where I truly fell in love with this tale. I felt as if I was reading Arabian Nights and seeing what really happened in the Kosk of a wealthy Middle Eastern man. The world he experienced was lush and opulent – as was the sex. The sexual stories are not graphic in the way one might think. You “see” what you must and, I think, the beloved author still has a few secrets from those times. However, from the fantastical tales he tells, his initiation was beyond the imagination of any young boy of the times. He’s whisked away to Italy, Tunisia, and Paris (among other places). At his young age, he experienced multiple lifetimes.
As I read the story, I realized this wasn’t simply a naughty tale of his escapades as a teenager. It was a love story. There were so many different kinds of love experienced! From his first “puppy love” experience to very real and deeply felt love that the reader watches blossom, we watch him learn what love is – to him. I also realized, halfway through, this was a love story about himself as well. The author has accepted all of his past and accepted himself in the process. He fell in love with himself and it was beautiful to see. A young, gay teenager who could have easily buckled under the pressure of society and his father to hate himself persevered and chose to walk in love in all that he did. That amazes me. His descriptions are lush and makes the reader yearn to be there, to feel the fabrics, to smell the smells, to taste the food and to see the expressions of love.
I will give a word of caution about this book – It was a mental hurdle from the beginning to overcome my assumptions and modern judgment of sex by/with/to a minor. After getting about 200 pages in, I set it aside to think about how I was feeling. I realized a few things – this wasn’t an American story. I had to remove my American glasses as I read this and understand it was a tale from a different land and a different time. I also began to understand the vast difference in social and economic classes. His life of privilege allowed many of his sexual proclivities to be accepted and, as in the school in the UK, pushed to new limits. This story has made me wonder about the wealthy classes of people and what other traditions we laypeople know nothing about. Fascinating. As equally fascinating as the inner working of the Muslim homes. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be transported to such a place. If you can separate your modern, American point of view, and read this story for what it is – you will love it. Much like readers of Anne Rice’s SLEEPING BEAUTY series, this has the same “feel” to it. If you enjoyed that, you will enjoy this as well. I’m a straight woman who doesn’t make a habit of reading homoerotic stories. To each his own, right? But this, this was so much more than just sex confessions. A unique coming of age tale that is beautiful, daring, and provocative. Bravo Young!
www.melmassey.com
A Harem Boy's Saga - II - Unbridled; a memoir by Young
"Andy with his hand in the foreground of the photo is moving beyond words. Your physique exquisite. The images beautiful. The story fascinating. The sensitivity profound. The artist, you, exceptional. Thanks for sharing, Bernard. I am excited for your success, here the butterfly is freed from its cocoon. Keep on creating! You can soar!"
By Katy Foxwell
" As to your amazement how much women liked the book ....I can certainly answer the question; probably only gay men would like the book ... the rest would be homophobic. But women ....ah women .... might be curious ...but above all I think they are more open, accepting and understand love is love no matter with whom or why or where. Women are the keepers of life and emotion, I think, by and large and they "get it"! Aloha! "
By Barb
" Bernard (Young) you are really special, you should be a National Treasure or Living Treasure, see you soon, LU,"
By Nancy
"I learned so much through this book about Malaysian culture, secret societies in Europe, and the habits and proclivities of Princes and Hadrahs in the United Arab Emirates! From the beginning, when Young's mother embarks on the Queen Mary, before his birth, to the boys' school on an island off of the west coast of England, I was drawn into worlds of culture, affluence, and traditions, and then I was invited to peek underneath it all. And I learned of yet another culture. A sub culture. Young's eye misses nothing. The details he unfurls so fabulously make this a classic." By Laura Sheen
"You are really and truly amazing Bernard. There is nothing you cannot accomplish. You are a testament to belief, manifesting, and never never quitting. Hmm. I want to have your DNA tested for exactly HOW intergalactic you are!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so happy to know you and love you and to have seen how you work. And how you make raised embroidery and keep flowers in your refrig!! I AM HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!! And always mightily impressed.
Wishing you great great great success.
Love, Christine Maynard
Riveting Story, June 23, 2014
What a compelling book! The fascinating account of a young Asian boy happily initiated into a sexual society and then Middle-Eastern harems from his private school in England. It is your own initiation to European, Middle Eastern, and Asian culture, combining Young's 'coming of age' with his innocence and eroticism. This book will shatter your preconceptions about gay sexuality.
Young’s material is fresh, unusual, and provocative. He manages to speak with the voice of the innocent child while chronicling his sexual initiation and service, creating a character with which the reader has great sympathy. He also describes his education, travels, and liasons in a way that has the reader riveted, anticipating each unfolding scene with excitement, and sometimes shock.
Be patient at first. The setting up of the story with background take a bit of time. At times, the material may seem wordy or lengthy, but definitely worth it.
Rosetta was born in 1909 as the youngest of ten children. The family had more laughter than money and neighbors would knock on their door to ask, "Can we come in and laugh, too?"
Sherlyn Powell opens up about her love and devotion to her family and the overwhelming repercussion when communication breaks down. Heartbroken and distraught she learns to release her prayer and realize with faith God would reunite her family.
She never felt safe at home as a young girl, and didn't understand why when she finally escaped she wasn't safe in the big wide world either ...effectively jumping out of the frying pan into the fire!
