Review of Stolid

[Jasmine Campbell 1]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Stolid" by Aaron D Key.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Every person has a little voice inside their head. Some people call it their conscience. In Stolid, by Aaron D. Key, Stolid tends to listen to that little voice inside his head a lot more than he should. In this gripping story, Stolid meets a strange yet familiar man who picks him up on the side of the road and wants Stolid to tell him his story. Stolid tends to wonder how this strange man who came to pick him up knows so many details about his life. While he does not for sure know who this man is, he continues to speak of his past since this man is going to be his ride to London.

Outstanding is the only word that I can produce to describe this book. From, Stolid's point of view of his love life, to the big question, to whom is he talking? Although there were times when I thought I knew who the stranger might be, I was wrong each time. This story kept my interest to the very last page. It has drama and tension that will have you wanting to stay up late and continue reading.

There was not a single thing I did not enjoy about this story. Sometimes, I did think to myself “Ugh! Quit being dramatic,” but I quickly had to remember this story takes place in the 1980s when being a gay man was not acceptable, so Stolid’s weariness was not out of context. When reading this story, you can feel the emotions coming off the pages.

This story deserves no other rating than a 4 out of 4 stars. The author did an incredible job at writing this, there was just enough drama and tension from the characters, along with seeing if Stolid finds the love he is seeking. Also, the mystery of whom Stolid was talking to, kept me on my toes, and I was shocked when I realized whom Stolid was retelling his life. All those reasons combined, along with how exceptionally well edited this story was, are why I am giving this story a four out of four stars.

Any reader that loves a good ole love story, with a drama-filled, twisted ending, will dive into this book with wonder. I cannot rave about it enough; it was so excellent. The ending alone is worth the read. If someone were to pick up this story to read, I think they would truly feel what it was like to be a gay man in the 1980s, or even just a gay individual back from any decade before it became normalized. I know I felt his hurt, passion, love, and betrayal when reading this book.

******
Stolid
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon