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Transgender

The Craft of Love

EE Ottoman
4.2 / 5.0
Published: 2018

Description

In the quiet, deliberate world of turn-of-the-century New York, life is defined by the work one does with their hands. For Arthur, a transgender man finding his footing in a society that rarely makes space for him, life is a delicate construction of wood, tools, and newfound autonomy. As a skilled craftsman, he builds a quiet existence away from the expectations of high society, finding solace in the rhythmic precision of his trade. Everything shifts when he meets Elias, a man whose presence is as warm and steady as the materials Arthur manipulates. What begins as a simple professional acquaintance blooms into a profound connection, rooted in mutual respect and the shared understanding of what it means to carve out a place for oneself in the world. Eschewing the grand, performative drama of traditional historical romance, EE Ottoman delivers a tender, low-heat story that centers on the intimacy of being truly seen. The Craft of Love is a poignant exploration of identity, community, and the beauty found in life’s small, authentic moments. It is a heartfelt reminder that, much like a well-crafted piece of furniture, a life built on integrity and kindness is the most enduring work of all.

Customer Reviews

Top 5 from Amazon
M
Melissa Mackey
November 11, 2020
Verified Purchase

Utterly sweet, gentle, and beautiful

What a perfect little gem! I'm so pleased to read an author who has the skill to create vividly realized characters in the compressed pages of a novella. Fine work, highly recommended. Queer rep, social justice, community, family.
K
Katherine
June 28, 2019
Verified Purchase

Too cute!

Stars: 3.5 Stars Format: Digital This was so adorable! I don’t normally read much on my phone (so many distractions, hence my ereader) but I wasn’t distracted (much) from this book. Quick Thoughts: - Loved that the heroine has strong opinions and convictions but isn’t written with blinders to everything but what she believes in - The hero is a trans man and there SERIOUSLY needs to be more romances starring trans people - Their loved ones are supportive and wonderful - Yay minimal angst! (Though I love angst in stories.) - I know this is a novella but I REALLY REALLY wanted more of their story. The characters and their budding relationship were adorable but it kinda felt like an incomplete story Even though I felt like there should’ve been more story, this novella was beautifully written and incredibly sweet.
S
Shrewsie Shrew
June 22, 2020
Verified Purchase

Like a warm hug

Soft, sweet romance between a trans man silversmith and a cis woman quilter. Historical romance with no dukes! Amazing! Short, but fits in about 50 scenes with tea, cider, and coffee which just goes to show how comfy it is. Low heat, but the cider is hot.
P
Pam I Am
November 8, 2018
Verified Purchase

An instant comfort read!

Oh, this was really lovely! ❤ Something about it just felt so warm and comforting to me. I think it was both the characters and their occupations, two quiet, gentle people, the making of a quilt and a silver teapot. I had a thought that reading this felt a bit like being wrapped up in that quilt, drinking tea served from that pot. The slow-blooming friendship and romance between Benjamin and Remembrance was deeply touching and full of sweetness. This story has the same beautiful simplicity as the quilt and teapot they create for each other. An instant comfort read 😊
R
Robin
February 21, 2021
Verified Purchase

So sweet, but too short!

Such a sweet, romantic novella. EE Ottoman’s writing feels like a warm hug, or like a crackling wood fire in the fireplace on a chilly autumn evening. I love all of the incidental details that describe what New York City look like in the 1800s and what life was like for folks who had enough money to be comfortable but still had to work hard for that comfort. We don’t often get historical romances that aren’t about ultra rich people or very poor people. I also loved all the details about quilting and silver smithing. In fact, I wanted more of all of it. There is so many things here that didn’t get nearly enough time on the page. Really, there is more than enough that could be fleshed out in a full length novel. I’m happy for what I could get though.