Official Review: The Clouds Still Hang

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420waystoreachthesun
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Official Review: The Clouds Still Hang

Post by 420waystoreachthesun »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Clouds Still Hang" by Patrick C Notchtree.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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The Clouds Still Hang by Patrick C Notchtree is a confessional biography or biographical memoir that explores the life and trials of the author, who has been given the name of Simon. The author makes a very important note about this not being an autobiography, perhaps because the author might have added some fictionalised elements in the story, but primarily because the names of the characters have been changed. This story is not for children, a fact that the author has consistently made clear as the story contains sexually explicit material from the very beginning. This story is perfect for adults who love reading books that expose the emotional exhibitionism of writers. While it is clearly not an autobiography, it reminds me of books like Prozac Nation and The Bell Jar, stories that explore the self with unabashed candour.

The story essentially covers a myriad of themes, exploring relationships, love, betrayal and much more. Simon suffers through a traumatic childhood simply because he is “different” from others. Some kids call him “Simple Simon”, while less euphemistic names are given to him. This is in part because his parents are not married. His father has served the country in the World War, and it is clear from his behaviour at home that the war affected him deeply. Another thing that influenced the protagonist was the fact that his mother was a broken woman who would begin crying very often. Watching his mother cry shattered little Simon, and he would often weep with her.

The story also delineates Simon’s complex relationship with an older boy and makes it clear that Simon had a conflict with his sexuality at a very young age. It deals with the trauma and quest for self-acceptance that has marred the protagonist of the story, and it contains not just sexually explicit material, but also a narrative of sexual violence.

In my opinion, left-leaning people who are conscious of their political orientation and are pro-LGBT would fall in love with this story, because it is heartbreakingly beautiful and personal, and explores the difficulties of being in the LGBT community as well as the inevitable hindrances that inhibit the prosperity of this community. The most beautiful thing about this story is how it deals with a social issue in a personal manner. The author has given his everything to this story and is completely vulnerable in the face of moral judgement by the reader. However, even conservative people who understand and respect the concept of human rights would love this story and would find themselves understanding the nuances of what it is to be in the LGBT community.

The writing style of the author is stunning, and the eloquence with which the narrative has been woven is quite commendable. For these reasons (and many more), I happily rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I wish there was a higher rating because this book certainly deserves it.

******
The Clouds Still Hang
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kandscreeley
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Post by kandscreeley »

This is too explicit for me and not really my theme. Glad that you enjoyed it, though. Thanks.
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NL Hartje
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Post by NL Hartje »

Surprisingly, the explicit scenes and LGBT community rawness would interest me rather than turn me away. I can always learn more in the way of empathy. The scenes with the broken mother though are what would get me. :cry2:
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420waystoreachthesun
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Post by 420waystoreachthesun »

I hope you love the book too. It is definitely worth the read.
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Post by Poppy Drear »

Stories like this are really important to document, I think. Many people who have similar crises with their sexuality feel very alone, and narratives like these could help alleviate those feelings. It certainly helps if the book in question is well-written, as this one seems to be!
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[Valerie Allen]
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Post by [Valerie Allen] »

Not my kind of read. But, thanks for the review. The spoiler alerts certainly helped my decision.
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Post by Seashel12 »

I am intriqued
420waystoreachthesun
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Post by 420waystoreachthesun »

To be honest, I love explicit. I respect your choice though.
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Post by Ginnamassa19 »

This book sounds like a raw, breathtaking memoir-of-sorts, and it's clear from your review it's made its impact on you--it's lovely when readers really connect with a book! It's books like these that are creating more safe spaces in our community today for the LGBT community, and I think many readers will be grateful for that :)

Thank you for your review, it was very detailed about the themes in the book and I really appreciate it! :)
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Post by gali »

A biographical memoir exploring the trials of the author sounds inspiring. A book that explores the difficulties of being in the LGBT community is an important one. However, books like The Bell Jar are difficult for me to read, so I don't think this one is for me either. I don't think that just left-leaning people will care for the tale, though. Thank you for the review!
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Ruba Abu Ali
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Post by Ruba Abu Ali »

Sounds like a gripping read! I could definitely tolerate the graphic details as long as they serve the context. Thanks for the candid and thorough review.
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Georgia Lyonhyde
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Post by Georgia Lyonhyde »

When I read this was non-fiction, my heart sunk a little because it's not generally the genre I go for. As I continued reading I became very interested by your comments that liken it to The Bell Jar in the sense that it could be a fictionalized story.

I am somewhat interested in this book although I wonder of I might find it too explicit in terms of both trauma and sexualized content. We shall see.
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Post by asaltares »

I am not really into memoirs. This confessional memoir touches conflict with sexuality and with the trauma for self-acceptance that has marred the protagonist of the story and is sexually explicit. LGBT and pro LGBT community will find this book interesting. Will share for my friends that should be interested.
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Post by Sympathyodeh »

The story is well build for adult specification not for children, it contain sexual materials which can currpt the mind of children. In the other hand is good in developing emotion and maimtain relationship in adult.
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Post by Strangerthanfiction »

Great review. This biographical memoir definitely sounds like a raw hard look into the author’s life from a child on up. It also sounds like a read that will have a profound impact on the reader. I would say that people who don’t do explicit material or may have trigger issues with violence especially of the sexual variety pass on this one. Congrats to the author on a terrific review.
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