Thank you NetGalley for providing me this ARC.
This book was really well written and also very spicy. I ended up listening to it and nothing against the book I was not a fan of a narrator. I have a hard time listening to spicy book but love listening more to fantasy and horror. I do recommend this book for anyon who wants to explare James Walter Lee.

I really wanted to like this book, especially because the cover is absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, the writing style didn’t resonate with me, and the portrayal of the relationship, which was already inappropriate, made the story even more uncomfortable. I just couldn’t get over the voyeuristic tendencies of Lucius and the crude treatment of women by Kenneth. There was no real character development beyond Lucius’ love for photography and Eleanor. The inappropriate and consistent infidelity didn’t add anything constructive to the story other than highlighting how destructive a parental figure Kenneth was.

That said, if you're not triggered by infidelity, a basic male perspective on sex, taboo sexual desires, and enjoy happy endings, then this book might be for you. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me.

Based on the synopsis I read of this book, I realized I went in quite blind. It is a coming-of-age, taboo love, mixed with a little bit of sadomasochism. Pretty early on I predicted the connection between the MMC, Lucius, and Mr. Crane. For being set in the 1960s, I feel like the overall nonchalance of the quite problematic issues faced by the Cranes, was what I imagine it truly was in that era. What I mean by that is, as we know now, certain issues such as illegitimate children and taboo attraction were swept under the rug and ignored. To that regard, I sympathized with Lucius. He was an orphan who didn't exactly have a rich past, now being adopted by a family of means and trying to acclimate with his new environment, while also grappling with unanswered questions pertaining to his and his deceased parents' history.

I also sympathized with Eleanor Crane, the matriarch of the Crane household and the object of Lucius' obsession. Mrs. Crane was the quintessential housewife of the 60s. She ran a tight ship, delegating, disciplining, and of course kept her mouth shut about her husband's increasing absence in the home, which she suspected was due to philandering behavior. While Mrs. Crane was a frustrating character for me, I quickly realized that the points of frustration for me were due to Mrs. Crane being a woman scorned.

Overall, it felt like the plot got lost periodically. I would've liked to have read more about Beatrice and Lucius' connection and I found the fight scene a bit absurd, though I did find humor in it. The little twist at the end was almost too much, I had to put my kindle down for a second and hope for the best! lol

A House of Cranes by James Walter Lee is a beautifully written and evocative novel that left a lasting impression on me. From the very first page, Lee's lyrical prose and intricate storytelling drew me into a world that is both richly detailed and emotionally resonant.

The story follows protagonists whose journey through personal and familial struggles forms the heart of the narrative. Lee’s characters are multi-dimensional and deeply human, each with their own flaws, strengths, and secrets. The protagonist's growth and transformation are portrayed with a sensitivity and realism that make their journey both relatable and compelling.

One of the most striking aspects of A House of Cranes is Lee's ability to create an immersive sense of place. The settings are vividly described, bringing to life the natural beauty and cultural richness of the locations in which the story unfolds. This attention to detail not only enhances the atmosphere but also deepens the reader's connection to the characters and their experiences.

Lee's exploration of complex themes such as identity, family, and the search for belonging is handled with nuance and insight. The novel delves into the intricacies of relationships and the impact of the past on the present, weaving these elements into a narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.

The pacing of A House of Cranes is deliberate and measured, allowing the story to unfold in a way that feels organic and true to the characters' experiences. Lee's writing is both poetic and precise, capturing the beauty and pain of the human condition with equal grace.

Overall, A House of Cranes is a masterful work of fiction that showcases James Walter Lee's talent for storytelling. It's a novel that invites readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships, making it a deeply personal and rewarding read. If you enjoy character-driven stories that explore the complexities of life with honesty and compassion, this book is a must-read.

I really enjoyed this book. There were some taboo moments and some spicy scenes for sure, but the storytelling was fantastic. The skips in the timeline were the only thing that threw me off. I felt like it took away from the flow. Perhaps if it could have blended a little better, they wouldn’t be an issue. They just felt choppy. Other than that, seriously, phenomenal read.

Newly orphaned, Lucius Cook, is taken in by Kenneth and Eleanor Crane, despite the apparent apprehension of Eleanor. Kenneth however, has a soft spot for Lucius. Especially when Lucius shows interest and true talent in photography, and soon becomes Kenneth’s protege. Lucius on the other hand has a soft spot for the elusive and volatile Mrs. Eleanor Crane and continuously wants to act upon it.
Growing up in the dysfunctional Crane household Lucius deals with his passions and interests in the only way he is shown even if it is considered taboo. As the Crane's daughter Beatrice Crane grows up, she and Lucius eventually form a bond that is unbreakable or is it? Will Lucius ever act upon his deepest desires?
Overall rating 1/5
This book was just not for me. I just could not get over the voyeuristic tendencies of Lucius and the crude treatment of women by Kenneth. I felt there was no character development beyond Lucius’ love for photography and Eleanor. The inappropriate and consistent infidelity did not add anything constructive to the story other than set the stage of how destructive of a parental figure Kenneth was. I do feel that people who are not triggered by infidelity, a basic male perspective of sex, taboo sexual desires, and happy endings than this book might be just for you.

*Thank you to the author, Netgalley and James Walter Lee | Zennea Press. I am freely leaving my honest review.

for the right audience, maybe? this was not something I liked, i actually DNF. It is really unsettling and Im usually all for the unsettling things. i feel like the age definitely needs to be a lot higher...

I couldn't get through this one. Too twisted. I couldn't get past the incest. It may be someone's cup of tea, but not mine.

I really enjoyed this book. There were some taboo moments and some spicy scenes for sure, but the storytelling was fantastic. The skips in the timeline were the only thing that threw me off. I felt like it took away from the flow. Perhaps if it could have blended a little better, they wouldn’t be an issue. They just felt choppy. Other than that, seriously, phenomenal read.

James Walter Lee creates an amazing reality right from the start. It is a coming-of-age story as eleven-year-old Lucius, from a decidedly blue-collar family, loses his parents and is taken in by Kenneth Crane, an upper-class lawyer, and his family.

Reading it seemed more like observing the interactions of this family from the inside, over decades. It ran a range of emotions from love, hate, angst, confusion, and definitely a bit twisted. The detail in which Lee writes makes the characters come to life, human, flawed yet constantly evolving.

I had trouble putting this down, well written and a lot more than I expected. Thanks to Netgalley and Zeannea Press for the ARC .

Another reviewer described this as "beautiful, sad, erotic, and twisted," and I wholeheartedly agree. This was really well written, and not quite what I was expecting. There is one part towards the end where there is a big reveal that felt rushed to me, but other than that, I really enjoyed the pacing and the movement from present day to the past. The characters were all sort of tragic in their own ways, and I was constantly uncertain who I was rooting for (if anyone). This is a difficult read at times, but one I had a hard time putting down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

What to say about 'A House of Cranes'? It is like watching a genre-defying movie like 'The Virgin Suicides' or 'American Beauty.' It is not for everyone. Where I read it from it has an erotica label. I'm not sure that is a great label for it. For, while there is some graphic sexual scenes, it is not particularly titillating. So what genre? Indie-modern-coming-of-age-literary fiction perhaps?

The story revolves around a lower income boy coming to live with a wealthier family after his parents die then follows him through adulthood. He becomes fascinated by the adopted family's wife and photography. The two leading him through his adolescents and into adulthood coming to grips with his past and that of his adopted family's.

I enjoyed the story and felt the younger characters were given life within their complicated upbringing. The first portion of the book is from the perspective of the main character when he is around ten. Being in that head space as he views the world and awakens sexually is uncomfortable but lays the ground work for the rest of the story as he becomes an adult. I would have liked for the female characters to have a little more so you could understand their motivations, but as the story is Lucius's to tell he was a bit mystified by them so perhaps the could not quite articulate that either.

If you enjoy a slow burn, darkly plotted coming of age story that spans decades this one is for you. Again, not particularly arousing, but you should be aware there are some sexual scenes that definitely go outside of normative boundaries.

Thank you @Netgalley and Zennea Press for early access to this ARC in return for an unbiased and voluntary review.

This book had such an interesting premise following a young boy through his life & his passions for those in his life.

It sets up the relationships & impact they have in each other well. The book has some twists & revelations along the way as well.

A coming-of-age story filled with obsession, sexual tension, and a quest to find acceptance and love.

Wow. I had no idea what I was getting into when I read this book. It is beautiful, sad, erotic and twisted. After poor Lucius's parents pass in a tragic car accident, a lawyer, Mr. Crane, decides to allow him to stay on his large estate with his new wife and daughter. He introduces Lucius to his passion of photography. Lucius picks it up quickly and has a new passion and talent.
There is A LOT of sex in this book. Some disturbing, but the story itself is a good one and you will press on to see how this family navigates its oddness throughout.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.

Book 12 of Year 2024: A House of Cranes by James Walter Lee

This page-turner of a novel captivated me with its dark academia vibe, leaving me eager to know more. Despite its 57 chapters, it was an easy read. However, there’s something intriguingly illegal about everything in it. Moreover, even with its numerous chapters, many questions remain unanswered, and certain details are left dangling.

All in all this was an okay read for me. Out on April 1, 2024, thank you netgalley for the approved copy.

A House of Cranes, by James Walter Lee, was an unexpected read—neither the cover nor the description of what is contained within prepared me for the unfolding story. The characters are relatable, and some are hateable. The actions are of love and sometimes horribly unacceptable, but sadly, they are realistic in some lives. It was a difficult read at times, but a recommended one. Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

“A House of Cranes,” James Walter Lee

When Lucius, at eleven years old, becomes an orphan he goes to live with a lawyer Kenneth Crane and his family in a well to do neighborhood. The wife Eleanor entrances Lucius, and he cannot stop thinking about her.

This book was a big no for me. I didn’t like the writing style and the way the relationship, which was already inappropriate to begin with, was portrayed and talked about made it even weirder. I did want to give the book a fair chance because the cover is so beautiful, but I just couldn’t get with it. 1 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

I couldn’t put this book down. The characters are intriguing and interesting and written so well. I think the story is captivating. I wanted to know more about the characters and their personalities. The way they interact as a family made me cringe at times but at others my heart breaks for them. Well done. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.