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.