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Through the Dark Clouds
In 1940 Quebec, Christmas Eve is a dreary affair for John. His lover, Robert, a bomber pilot, is stationed in Europe, and John is afraid to read his last letter too often for fear that the memories will fade. But even the darkest of times must end, and sometimes, for Christmas, miracles can come shining through.
26 pages, ebook
First published December 1, 2011
About the author
Ada Maria Soto
21 books259 followersA psychologist once told Ada Maria Soto that she has a fantasy prone personality. Fortunately, Ada grew up to become an author, so a life lived deep in her imagination fits her perfectly. As a Mexican-American expat living in the South Pacific with her partner and kid, her life is chaotically divided between being a writer, a publisher, and a parent.
Dysgraphia, phonological dyslexia, and ADHD makes for some exciting editing, but Ada continues to push through with a writing career. She’s a veteran of the theatre and television business, as well as all the lousy jobs that come with two liberal arts degrees.
Ada’s ability to capture the complex inner life of her characters in moving, yet relatable, ways endears readers to her unforgettable characters. Whether writing hot, spicy erotica or “tame” romances about asexual characters, she creates stories that readers return to again and again.
When not buried under manuscripts, Ada is a sports fan dedicated to the Oakland A’s, Auckland Blues, USA Eagles, and New Zealand Black Caps.
Dysgraphia, phonological dyslexia, and ADHD makes for some exciting editing, but Ada continues to push through with a writing career. She’s a veteran of the theatre and television business, as well as all the lousy jobs that come with two liberal arts degrees.
Ada’s ability to capture the complex inner life of her characters in moving, yet relatable, ways endears readers to her unforgettable characters. Whether writing hot, spicy erotica or “tame” romances about asexual characters, she creates stories that readers return to again and again.
When not buried under manuscripts, Ada is a sports fan dedicated to the Oakland A’s, Auckland Blues, USA Eagles, and New Zealand Black Caps.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 12, 2023
Very short story set during WWII in Canada. It took me less than an hour to read it. I wanted to try something else by Soto after reading The Agency books, and this looked promising. I liked it a lot. For a short story, it set the tone, mood and setting perfectly, but I felt like I was just barely getting to know the characters when it ended.
December 4, 2012
A very sweet and poignant read.
I was a bit worried at first, but my fears were groundless.
Would love an after the war follow up.
I was a bit worried at first, but my fears were groundless.
Would love an after the war follow up.
December 24, 2011
Even if this story was really short, the author was able to make me feel for John and hope for Robert to be safe and sound. So far, my favorite of the DSP Adventcalendar stories.
December 24, 2011
Really short starts at 2% and ends at 76% only 20 big font big paced PDF pages
Skimming the blurb it says war and 40’s and I don’t like most military books or anything historical so I had low expectations for this one
I am however very pleased that I really enjoyed this story. I liked John’s voice as narrator and even in so few pages I was really able to connect with him. It was a sweet story and if I wish it was longer and more developed. The ending was a little abrupt but it was still very good.
One of the better stories so far from this Christmas calendar
Skimming the blurb it says war and 40’s and I don’t like most military books or anything historical so I had low expectations for this one
I am however very pleased that I really enjoyed this story. I liked John’s voice as narrator and even in so few pages I was really able to connect with him. It was a sweet story and if I wish it was longer and more developed. The ending was a little abrupt but it was still very good.
One of the better stories so far from this Christmas calendar
February 14, 2016
3.5 stars
Considering that the story is basically a snapshot of one Christmas, when John's lover, Robert, a bomber pilot finally comes home to spend Christmas with John ... it just feels more poignant to me rather than sweet. Yes, it was lovely, but I couldn't help to think that the war wasn't over yet for these two men. It will be better for my heart if I can read about them after the war, to know that Robert is safe and sound and be with John.
Having said that, the writing is good, the characters shine, and the emotion feels real. For a short story, this packs quite a punch!
Considering that the story is basically a snapshot of one Christmas, when John's lover, Robert, a bomber pilot finally comes home to spend Christmas with John ... it just feels more poignant to me rather than sweet. Yes, it was lovely, but I couldn't help to think that the war wasn't over yet for these two men. It will be better for my heart if I can read about them after the war, to know that Robert is safe and sound and be with John.
Having said that, the writing is good, the characters shine, and the emotion feels real. For a short story, this packs quite a punch!
December 24, 2011
This short story about a wartime romance and Christmas reunion is very touching. Set in the 1940s, the way John described his world and thought about his absent lover, Robert, whom he has known since they were both children, made me think I was right there with John. I felt the cold seeping in through the leaky windows in his boarding house room, I felt his lack of an appetite because he missed Robert so much. And the constant worry about Robert getting shot down with his bomber plane just made everything even worse.
The Christmas miracle was wonderful - and the tone of the story changed with it. Suddenly, the room was no longer as cold or gloomy, the landlady was happier and Robert's care for John made me feel warm and fuzzy.
If you like historicals, if you like reading about the little details that were different, and if a reunion makes you happy, you will probably like this very short glimpse into the past.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
The Christmas miracle was wonderful - and the tone of the story changed with it. Suddenly, the room was no longer as cold or gloomy, the landlady was happier and Robert's care for John made me feel warm and fuzzy.
If you like historicals, if you like reading about the little details that were different, and if a reunion makes you happy, you will probably like this very short glimpse into the past.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Queer Magazine Online
December 13, 2017
Such a lovely Christmas tale of love. You can just feel John's fear of hope and yet an equal fear of what could be his future if he stopped hoping. I won't say too much because Through the Dark Clouds is a short story but I will say it is so full of love that you can't help but smile. Whether you read this tale now during the holiday season or you read it in the middle of a heat wave in July won't matter because the emotions you can't help but feel are needed every day. The historical setting was just icing on the cake for me but if you don't read historicals, I still highly recommend giving this little gem a read because love and hope is timeless and sometimes we all need a reminder of such blessings and that miracles truly do happen.
May 5, 2021
In Through the Dark Clouds, we learn the wartime story of Canadian John. Not being eligible to join up, due to a leg deformity, John lives in a boarding house, ignoring his meals, failing to light a fire, and watching the world from his window. Although ’tis the season, his Christmas spirit is overseas, with his lover and former childhood chum, Robert.
At turns heartbreaking and soothing, I loved this short story. It’s beautifully written, the imagery is a delight and the characters are very well observed.
“A heavy knock rattled his thin door. John knew it would be Mrs. Bruce on the other side. She always knocked the same way; two knocks loud enough to raise the dead, or at least drunks late on their rent, then a third little knock like an apology to the innocent.”
14% in, Through the Dark Clouds by Ada Maria Soto
Stunning.
At turns heartbreaking and soothing, I loved this short story. It’s beautifully written, the imagery is a delight and the characters are very well observed.
“A heavy knock rattled his thin door. John knew it would be Mrs. Bruce on the other side. She always knocked the same way; two knocks loud enough to raise the dead, or at least drunks late on their rent, then a third little knock like an apology to the innocent.”
14% in, Through the Dark Clouds by Ada Maria Soto
Stunning.
January 26, 2021
Oh, this was lovely and just the bit of sweetness I needed! While it works perfectly as a short, I would really be up for reading more John and Robert.
January 28, 2021
This was like.. 22 pages but oh my god somehow I got very intrigued by John!
I DIDN'T EXPECT THIS TO BE WHOLESOME!
OMG THIS AUTHOR IS GOOD!
10/10 I trust her now like I trust rainbow rowell
I DIDN'T EXPECT THIS TO BE WHOLESOME!
OMG THIS AUTHOR IS GOOD!
10/10 I trust her now like I trust rainbow rowell
April 3, 2022
Very short, but a lovely dream-like wartime holiday tale.
Read
October 26, 2022Ada Maria Soto but post WWI.
November 29, 2022
This was atmospheric with palpable cold and fear for a loved one flying in WWII. The author considers it one of her best. I think Eden Springs is better. But then, I read both, so she wins. :)
December 25, 2011
Pretty and sad, too. But then war and waiting for a loved one to come home isn't happy business. So sure, it could have been longer, but plotted after the war. In general, it was to short but pulling enough. I liked it.
December 24, 2011
So this is a really good first chapter. I just felt like the ending was really forced - I was wanting to turn the page. Would love to read the full story of these two.
June 25, 2014
Re read 25-06-14
John waiting for his partner to come home safe from his trip being an pilot.
John waiting for his partner to come home safe from his trip being an pilot.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews