Martin Powers wanted an ironing board for Christmas. Instead, he got . . . Matthew Kieler, a non-returnable gift, but a gift that kept on giving. A powerful tale of survival, compassion and unapologetic love in the time of AIDS.
Martin Powers wanted an ironing board for Christmas. Instead, he got . . . Matthew Kieler, a non-returnable gift, but a gift that kept on giving. Chance encounters are sometimes the ones that most change our lives. He sold Matt a tie, but got more in the bargain - more than most people would want and more than anyone deserved. Although these lovers may not have had the pink American dream, they had it better than most, even as they faced a crisis that would change us all.
Look Away Silence is a romance set in the time of AIDS, when ignorance could spell trouble and often did. It encompasses the author’s experiences in volunteer community service and personal friendships during a tragic period in American history. The novel is dedicated to the Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, the NAMES Project and to the author’s own fallen angels. "Mothers, do not shun your children, because you never know how long you have to revel in them."
Professional Reviews from Rainbow Reviews
This is an intensely emotional story about a young couple that falls in love, only to face the AIDS crisis instead of matching pink rockers on the porch. At a time when the government was refusing to acknowledge the crisis and the immortality of youth cast a protective pall over young gay men, this couple must cope with a horrible disease and the ramifications within their family and larger community. A very intensely moving story that packs an incredible punch, the last half left me crying all the way through it and beyond for some time. This is not a light-hearted tale but combines several important themes and a deeply romantic and fulfilling, yet heart breaking relationship that will resonate and stay with the reader for some time.
Martin Powers meets Matt, a shy blue-eyed cowboy on Christmas eve and although Martin expects the relationship to barely last to New Year’s, it turns into a permanent partnership. Their happiness in each other create a small bubble around their love and world that is all too soon popped when the horrible specter of Matt’s dead lover and the crisis of AIDS invades their world. All of a sudden Martin is confronted with issues and problems he has never imagined and struggles with the intense emotions that come along.
The book is divided into four parts. The first depicts how Martin and Matt meet and the first year and a half of their relationship followed by the second part dealing with the AIDS crisis and how it becomes personal and affects their happy world. The third part covers Martin and Matt as they cope with illness and the intense emotions that impact both men and their friends and family. The final fourth part is an epilogue. Each of these is moving and intense as the story is told in first person narrative from Martin’s point of view. The writing is instantly engaging and engrossing as Martin’s character is likable and relatable. The pacing is well done and the book is incredibly easy to read, even for all the intense emotion elicited.
There are numerous technical errors in the writing unfortunately. The names Martin and Matt are confused several times and punctuation is sometimes misplaced or dropped. There are also a few misspelled words and misused words. These are noticeable and sometimes distracting but don’t take away from the emotional connection and impact of the story, which for me is the best part. The choice of first person narrator makes the story intimate and engrossing, as the reader is able to connect with Martin through his humor, whimsy, fears, and later strength. Although this leaves the other characters with less of a well defined characterization, most notably in Matt, Martin is a strong and sympathetic voice.
Martin is a wonderful character as he is first introduced through his love of laundry and cleaning attachments through his surprising affection and love for a small, blue eyed cowboy that loves snow. Martin’s maturity, humor and intelligence are at odds with his young age, only twenty years old. Martin is not perfect and struggles through the story with his jealousy, fears, manipulation, and selfishness. His dysfunctional childhood has changed the way he views relationships and although he can look back on his faults, he makes numerous mistakes. However, for all his faults he truly and deeply loves Matt and that love is returned, creating the first solid and meaningful relationship young Martin has ever had. As Martin matures and finds strength and courage where he fears none exist, it’s easy to forget that he is only twenty three by the end of the story, and Matt was only twenty five. These are incredibly young men who should have been able to grow old together but instead live a full, loving life as best they can.
Woven into the romance between the men are multiple themes about the gay community and the impact AIDS has upon the country and various individuals. Several couples from past works by the author make brief cameos in this story, although the focus never waivers from Martin and Matt. Martin slowly becomes aware and involved in activism and a support group for AIDS caregivers and patients. There are several brief but moving stories told from strangers as they deal with the impact this devastating epidemic had at that time. The supporting characters from both families, their friends, and the perfect stranger all give context and help both men understand the far reaching impact beyond their tragedy. Along side are the realistic concerns about money, insurance, hospital bills, drug costs, jobs, and the reality that life almost stops to care for someone debilitated with AIDS. Although this is fiction, it easily is a depiction of so many couples.
This is certainly not an easy book but undeniable emotionally masterful. The depth of the characters and their story is an important tale that transcends gender and race, highlighting a time that had and continues to have devastating effects. The title is so appropriate and fitting to the characters and the topics, even if I hate the cover. Be sure to have some tissues handy as Martin’s story is sure to move you to tears numerous times while also giving laughter, love, joy, and happiness beside the sorrow. This is one story that will resonate for a very long after the incredibly beautiful final page.
from Ellen George
Look Away Silence reminded me of the movie 'Philadelphia'. I remember the scene between Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks as they shake hands and then Hanks says he has AIDS and needs help. Denzel's reaction? He looked at his hand, like am I contaminated?? What do I now?
Most folks don't know how to react to someone who has a disease, much less something like AIDS.
Look Away Silence is a love story - Martin Powers hasn't had much luck with relationships. It seems he's gotten into a "Christmas crisis cycle" - finds someone around Christmas and by New Year's the relationship is gone - Until...he sees Matt Kiefer walking around Martin's department in a major department store.
Matt and Martin meet for coffee, and it seems that the friendship could be solid, and had possibilities. Martin's mother is a spit-fire - a tell it like it is lady, who deeply loves her son; Matt's parents and family are openly supportive of his son being gay and seem to be delighted he has found a good partner.
Sounds like a wonderful love story.
But there is an elephant in the room - in the timeframe of this book's actions, AIDS is almost certainly a death sentence. Misunderstood by the public, even the medications that folks positive with AIDS are a horror to take.
Matt always insisted in safe sex with Martin. Matt tells Martin of his lover who died.
The relationship proceeds like any other relationship, straight or gay, dealing with family, work, friends etc.
Then Matt gets sick - He has AIDS.
Matt's former lover had AIDS.
Matt's former lover is dead.
Look Away Silence is a beautiful love story told in a horrid time where ignorance and misunderstanding was as hard as a time to try to fight the disease.
Doesn't matter the gender.
This is a love story that has been experienced many times over by 'everyman'. Beautifully written by amazing author Edward C. Patterson, based on his experiences volunteering in community service and personal friendships, this novel is dedicated to the 'Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, the NAMES Project and to the angels who fell during this time.
It is a powerful read. You don't care what sex the folks are - you go on their jourmey of love and tragedy and it hits you hard.
Much progress has been made on AIDS - many with the virus live normal lives due to the medical advances, but is the stigma of AIDS still there? How far have we progressed?
So sweetly written, so very sad - such a wonderful love story.
Another amazing read by Edward C. Patterson.
Bravo.
Ellen George, Yop 1000 Reviewer on Amazon.com
Look Away Silence - A Beautifully Written Novel
Review By Todd A. Fonseca Minneapolis, MN
Every Christmas, Martin Powers found love. Unfortunately, it rarely lasted beyond New Years day. That is, until he met Matthew Kieler - a southern transplant, complete with cowboy hat, drawl, and enchanting blue eyes. Theirs was a love that transcended the moment and as time marched on, their love grew deeper and deeper and Martin realized he'd found the love he'd always longed for. But just when everything seemed it couldn't be any better, their world was turned upside down as both come face to face with the specter of AIDS.
Look Away Silence by Edward C. Patterson is a beautifully written novel. Honestly, I'm not sure I can write a review that will do it justice. As in all of Patterson's novels, his characters are incredibly well developed. In Silence the reader is taken on a journey of Martin and Matthew's romance, from their "meet cute" first encounter in the department store, to the tragedy that befalls them during a family Thanksgiving dinner. Patterson lovingly describes the very real and conflicting emotions of commitment, hardship, anger, anguish, and love one must manage while watching the person they love slowly die in before their very eyes.
Holding out hope for a cure all the while intellectually knowing it unlikely torments the soul and anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, especially one stricken by a chronic disease or cancer that robs them slowly of their former self, experiences the very heartache that this book so eloquently conveys. I remember the 1980s when AIDS was very much a part of everyday discussions and life, but honestly this has not gotten nearly the press it once had and Patterson's book is a great reminder of a tragic disease that is still in need of a cure. However, Patterson does not play to politics or get preachy in any way. This is really a story of Martin and Matthew, of love, of tragedy, of commitment, and of hope. Few books can touch such a strong emotional chord and I would put Look Away Silence up there with books by Nicholas Sparks such as The Notebook.
WOW!!! I just finished reading 'Look Away Silence' and I am speechless. This is one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read. The love story of Martin (a sales clerk) and Matt (a cowboy from Texas) recounts their beginning and more... The story starts in the department store where Martin works at and where Matt is a customer. Martin pulls a little "pre-hook-up" joke on Matt that is very flirtatious and cute where he....................I'm not going to say anymore. You just have to read the book!
The story evolves around their relationship and how it grows. It touches on the differences in their families background's and how the families merge in the warmth of their love! 'Look Away Silence' covers their 'almost' move in together, getting through the day to day hassles of pleasing one another, going on vacation together and being their when one, or the other, becomes sick, loses a job and more.
I am purposely not discussing the events in the story because I do not want to ruin the story for you and I do not want to spoil the ending. You need to read this book.
I will most definitely say this....'Look Away Silence' is one of the best love stories I have ever read. It is funny and entertaining, but serious and contemplative! This is not my usual genre, but I am so glad I read it. This is a tear-jerker and an extremely well-written novel. I cannot recommend this book high enough. A real page-turner. I could not put it down. I would be reading and my cell phone would ring and I would become irritated by the intrusion! And, yes, I often ignored the phone call.
I love the writing style of Edward C. Patterson and I really look forward to reading additional works by him.
This book will call you to service and prepare you to fight against the status-quo. Kudo's to Mr. Patterson. Keep up the great work!!! Excellent read!
Synopsis
Zeke Milligan is stuck between a rock and a hard place. He is desperately in love with Lynn, but a dark secret from his past continues to rear its ugly head. Worse yet, he persistently punishes the love of his life for events that took p
The story evolves around their relationship and how it grows. It touches on the differences in their families background's and how the families merge in the warmth of their love! 'Look Away Silence' covers their 'almost' move in together, getting through the day to day hassles of pleasing one another, going on vacation together and being their when one, or the other, becomes sick, loses a job and more.
I am purposely not discussing the events in the story because I do not want to ruin the story for you and I do not want to spoil the ending. You need to read this book.
I will most definitely say this....'Look Away Silence' is one of the best love stories I have ever read. It is funny and entertaining, but serious and contemplative! This is not my usual genre, but I am so glad I read it. This is a tear-jerker and an extremely well-written novel. I cannot recommend this book high enough. A real page-turner. I could not put it down. I would be reading and my cell phone would ring and I would become irritated by the intrusion! And, yes, I often ignored the phone call.
I love the writing style of Edward C. Patterson and I really look forward to reading additional works by him.
This book will call you to service and prepare you to fight against the status-quo. Kudo's to Mr. Patterson. Keep up the great work!!! Excellent read!