Matt McAvoy Book Review

A simply stunning piece of work by Stef-Albert, Broken Rooms is all about the writing.  There isn’t particularly a definitive storyline, as such, but rather more a life to be told – and a wonderful one it is, too, one of creative achievement, financial and cultural success, and a refinement which only comes from incredible self-made wealth matched with natural class and style.  Stef’s writing is exquisite at times, it has to be said, with rousing, sometimes breathtaking qualities: descriptive, vivid and passionate, with a colour palette of infinite spectrum.  Stef doesn’t just write, he indulges, both himself and the reader.  Food, scenery and love itself are spared no eidetic expense.  It is, at times, simply beautiful.  And, in a partly anecdotal format, focusing on one slice of life – one thematic episode – at a time, it is literary (semi) fiction, I would say, in its purest form.

I don’t generally bring attention to the LGBT genre when reviewing books, unless relevant, but in this case I think it wouldn’t be doing justice to the author not to mention it, for this is an incredibly romantic book, and I’ve no doubt will appeal to the more starry-eyed of readers who favour the genre.  The love story is fundamental to this narrative, and again, as is characteristic of Stef, imparted with a sublime beauty and eloquence.  This is therefore, in my opinion, a highly recommended read for the LGBT romance genre fandom. 

I do have one small issue with the book, and I am loath to say that, in truth: I felt the way in which Sebastian is discovered as a designer was somewhat fanciful and fantastical – akin to being fortuitously discovered singing or by a modelling scout; it just felt to me a touch incredible.  However, I acknowledge that evidently a good deal of this book is autobiographical, so who’s to say that isn’t exactly how Stef’s career happened?  Stranger things are known to.  It just felt, for the sake of semi-fiction, a rather implausible way to segue Sebastian’s life from the gritty streets of Sheffield to one of opulence.  Still, this is a small issue, for the book is rather more about what comes after, and his fascinating globetrotting professional engagements, from politicians to cartel gangsters.

I’m glad I read this masterclass in writing prose; it’s one of those books that all writers can learn from, and with Stef’s professional credentials, that’s hardly surprising.  A wonderful offering, and well recommended.