Adult Readers Advisory: "The Bells of Times Square" by Amy Lane

The Bells of Times Square

By Amy Lane

Synopsis: Every New Year's Eve since 1946, Nate Meyer has ventured to Times Square to listen for church bells. As he sits in Times Square, an old man, with his grandson Blaine, Nate reflects on his most secret memories - the bittersweet memories of his short but passionate relationship with Walter.

Appeal Elements

Pacing: "The Bells of Times Square" is a short book and a quick read, but after Nate and Walter's meeting, the book has a more relaxed pace as the pair's relationship grows. The pace grows quicker again as danger invades the cozy life Nate and Walter have made for themselves.

Frame & Setting: This is primarily a historical fiction story taking place during World War II; however, the story is framed by Nate's grandson, Blaine, coming out to his grandfather in the modern era. This combination gives the story extra depth and emotional weight; as Nate reflects on a life lived in the closet, he hopes his grandson is able to be himself. An additional element of the story is the fact that Nate is Jewish, and throughout the book he struggles with his Jewish identity, both as it relates to his role in World War II and his sexuality.

Story Line: The core of the plot is the romance between Nate and Walter, but there are many other elements that add tension to their relationship and to the book. The pair are frequently in danger, and their future is far from certain; not only is it far from sure that they will survive the war, but they know that if they survive the war, their relationship would have to remain a secret. In addition, they are from two different world - Nate is an upper-middle class Jewish Army officer from the big city, and Walter is a lower class gentile private from a rural area. 

Characterization: Nate and Walter grow and learn from each other throughout the book, and they protect each other. Nate and Walter both struggle with their own issues, and Walter's frankness and Nate's more reserved nature sometimes clash. However, throughout the book they are able to help each other overcome some of their fears and become better people. 

Tone and Mood: "The Bells of Times Square" has a rather melancholy tone - after all, from the beginning of the book, it becomes apparent that Nate and Walter don't get the traditional "happily ever after" of a romance novel. However, there is a thread of hopefulness woven through the book because of Blaine's budding relationship, and the ending, while not traditionally happy, is certainly uplifting. 

Style & Language: "The Bells of Times Square" is descriptive, especially of emotions and Nate's inner thoughts. The characters have strong voices, and feel realistic. The prose is easy to read.

Read-Alikes

Readers interested in reading more historical romance with GLBTQ characters may enjoy: 

• "Unhinge the Universe" by Aleksandr Voinov and L.A. Witt
• "Skybound" by Aleksandr Voinov
• "Turnbull House" by Jess Faraday
• "Bound to be a Groom" by Megan Multry

Jenny's Take: It's hard to call this a romance novel, exactly, because it doesn't have the traditional "happily ever after," but as a historical love story, this was good book, and I really enjoyed reading it. I felt like the last quarter of the book went by a little bit fast, to get Nate from World War II to the present day for the last scene, but other than that, it was really a good book. The historical stuff was a little bit fuzzy and glossed over, too, which was a bit bothersome since I know a lot about World War II, but it was no different from the historical fuzziness of most Regency romances - I just don't know as much about the Regency era. This is a good book for a romance reader who doesn't mind a more melancholy tone and an uplifting-but-not-exactly-happy ending.