Broken Rooms is a sweeping, cinematic novel that spans continents and decades. It follows Sebastian Cole, a mathematics teacher in Sheffield whose life takes an unexpected turn when he leaves the classroom for the exquisite, erratic world of interior design. What begins as a career shift soon becomes a global journey, as Sebastian creates homes for the powerful, eccentric, and elite.
Yet behind every elegant room lies fracture. From Paris salons to New York penthouses, from Marrakesh courtyards to English country estates, Sebastian’s designs reflect not only beauty but also the emptiness and longing that shape his own life.
At its center lies a restrained love story between two men—Sebastian and Duncan—that simmers in silence, distance, and restraint before finally blossoming into the promise of permanence.
Blending the sensual detail of a design memoir with the emotional pull of a love story, Broken Rooms is for readers of André Aciman’s Call Me by Your Name, Rebecca Makkai’s The Great Believers, Nicholas Sparks’s The Notebook, and Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue. It is a novel of reinvention, restraint, and the universal search for belonging, intimacy, and wholeness.
Broken Rooms – A Novel Inspired by True Events
Broken Rooms is a sweeping novel that spans continents and decades, following Sebastian Cole, a mathematics teacher in Sheffield whose life takes an unexpected turn when he enters the exquisite, erratic world of interior design.
What begins as a career shift soon becomes a global journey, as Sebastian creates homes for the powerful and eccentric, even as his elegant rooms mirror the fractures and longings within his own life.
At its heart lies a restrained love story between two men—Sebastian and Duncan—simmering in silence and distance before blossoming into the promise of permanence.
Goodreads reviewer –
A simply stunning piece of work by Stef-Albert, Broken Rooms is all about the writing. There isn’t particularly a definitive storyline, as such, but rather more a life to be told – and a wonderful one it is, too, one of creative achievement, financial and cultural success, and a refinement which only comes from incredible self-made wealth matched with natural class and style. Stef’s writing is exquisite at times, it has to be said, with rousing, sometimes breathtaking qualities: descriptive, vivid and passionate, with a colour palette of infinite spectrum. Stef doesn’t just write, he indulges, both himself and the reader. Food, scenery and love itself are spared no eidetic expense. It is, at times, simply beautiful. And, in a partly anecdotal format, focusing on one slice of life – one thematic episode – at a time, it is literary (semi) fiction, I would say, in its purest form.
I don’t generally bring attention to the LGBT genre when reviewing books, unless relevant, but in this case I think it wouldn’t be doing justice to the author not to mention it, for this is an incredibly romantic book, and I’ve no doubt will appeal to the more starry-eyed of readers who favour the genre. The love story is fundamental to this narrative, and again, as is characteristic of Stef, imparted with a sublime beauty and eloquence. This is therefore, in my opinion, a highly recommended read for the LGBT romance genre fandom.
I do have one small issue with the book, and I am loath to say that, in truth: I felt the way in which Sebastian is discovered as a designer was somewhat fanciful and fantastical – akin to being fortuitously discovered singing or by a modelling scout; it just felt to me a touch incredible. However, I acknowledge that evidently a good deal of this book is autobiographical, so who’s to say that isn’t exactly how Stef’s career happened? Stranger things are known to. It just felt, for the sake of semi-fiction, a rather implausible way to segue Sebastian’s life from the gritty streets of Sheffield to one of opulence. Still, this is a small issue, for the book is rather more about what comes after, and his fascinating globetrotting professional engagements, from politicians to cartel gangsters.
I’m glad I read this masterclass in writing prose; it’s one of those books that all writers can learn from, and with Stef’s professional credentials, that’s hardly surprising. A wonderful offering, and well recommended.
Goodreads reviewer –
What a lovely read this was. Bothma’s writing is like a painter’s brush. There is refinement and beauty on each page as the author puts us in the observer seat of a young man who escaped the restrictions of his youth and community to a world most of us only read about. Yet, the storytelling is authentic and one feels both compassion and pity at times for the circles the main character draws around his core desire of being loved and to love. While we are not all designers who rub elbows with interesting people from around the world, I think we can all relate to what lies underneath all the beauty and lush writing. The story is deeply moving and my eyes welled up in the end. It is a book that reads easily as Bothma has a way of writing like a poet. It keeps the reader curious and never bores, although some of the scenes may be more like a travel guide’s facts but still, it shows the author’s extraordinary ability in observation. Clearly he has traveled the world and taken it all in. I was particularly struck at the depth of his knowledge about places and history, food and the characters of people he describes so uniquely. At times my taste buds came alive, other times I felt as though I was in the room, on the boat, and smelling Africa. I recommend this book to anyone who is ready for a breath of fresh air, a journey into an unusual existence and colourful experience, and most of all, to witness a love story that is tender and authentic. A good read indeed and hats off to the author.
Goodreads reviewer –
As a math teacher, I had to read a book about a math teacher changing careers to an interior designer. I didn’t expect to be so blown away by the writing here. Amazing descriptions of travel, design and what it’s like to completely change your life and the amazing and heartbreaking things which follow. This one hit emotionally like some of the stories in Charlie David’s Shadowlands.
Goodreads reviewer –
This was a treasure and I’m so grateful I was able to read it.
It came across as a travelogue at times.
As an academic lecture at others.
An immersion into other cultures, exposures and views of the world.
A testament to being well read.
To have the ability to look deep inside yourself as well as far away from you and your own history.
The author is a gift to the world.
I loved this book and felt deep despair at the ending.
Not that I would want a loving relationship to end at the end of a long illness, but the abruptness of this death was especially hard to accept.
Partially, because I felt like I personally was a witness to their love as it grew, and because of all the years they could have experienced ‘more’ together, and they were ‘cheated.’
Thanks to GRR for this amazing book.
I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the world outside of their own corner.
Goodreads reviewer –
The book had my attention from the very first sentence. The author writes in a way that transports the reader into the world of Sebastian in a way that evokes curiosity and delight. I laughed out loud, smiled at times, cried in the end and put the book down when I needed to reflect. Sometimes I read a chapter twice because I found it so rich and also educational. The author has either done a lot of research or has had his own life filled with layers of beauty, detail, cuisine, history and observation. Somehow, based on the way he writes with passion and ease, I believe the latter is the case. This novel may not be for everyone, especially those who do not resonate with aesthetic beauty, food and exotic travel. But for those who are drawn to the pages of Architectural Digest, global travel and cooking journals, this read is highly inspiring and rewarding to read. One moment you settle into the reality of Miami and Los Angeles, next you are pulled back to London, Paris, Egypt, Venezuela, India, Africa, Sweden, Japan and Palm Springs. I particularly enjoyed the author’s way with words. But what I take away most from this novel is the depth of love between two people that he describes in a sensual, erotic way without any trace of vulgarity. Again, for those not prone to gay romance, the story and the telling thereof skips over any hint of judgement or discomfort. The author shows us a side of life that we all have in common: Connection, love, loss and the pain that shapes lives. I highly recommend this book.
Goodreads reviewer –
A sweet love story about going beyond safety zones and finding love.
Goodreads reviewer –
It was a interesting read. I enjoyed it.
Goodreads reviewer –
Broken Rooms is a fascinating blend of memoir and novel, telling the story of Sebastian Cole, a mathematician who stumbles into the glamorous world of design, luxury, and power after meeting Lady Judy Beardsley. What begins as weekend tutoring turns into a whirlwind of grand houses, decadent travels, intoxicating relationships, and the search for authenticity in a life full of temptation.
The writing is lush and cinematic, sometimes so indulgent in descriptions of interiors, food, or fabrics and I loved how objects, velvet curtains, marble foyers, felt like characters themselves.
Sebastian is both magnetic and exasperating. I connected with his longing and identity struggles, but also wanted to shake him every time he ran back to toxic people. That tension made the book compelling. It isn’t always easy, but it’s raw and real.
This isn’t a fast read, it lingers, it luxuriates, and at times it frustrates. But for those who love design, travel writing, memoir, and deeply personal storytelling, it’s a unique and moving book. If you’ve ever chased beauty while carrying your own brokenness, Broken Rooms will resonate.