Book Reviews

Book Blurb

We all dream about getting that phone call or e-mail from someone we used to love, apologizing for their bad behavior. A soured affair with his college boyfriend, Elgin, set Theo on the path to promiscuity, and he’s only recently yearned to settle down – with Jack, his boyfriend of two years. But Jack recently asked for a break, and while Theo is worrying about what this means, he gets a three-page correspondence from Elgin. How will Theo respond to Elgin's approach, and what will it mean for his relationship with Jack?

 

Book Review

The title alone evoked a number of scenarios in my mind. I mean, it could be anything, right? From an abject apology to an angry rant, the possibilities are endless—as are the possible reactions from the recipient of the e-mail and the consequences. What Richard Natale has done with the idea in this short story is very clever. He had made the e-mail the catalyst for change in an already volatile situation between two lovers. Written in a very humorous style, and told by a thoughtful yet funny narrator, this is a story I thoroughly enjoyed for its mature and insightful approach to life.

Theo, the narrator, is at a crossroads in his life. Around forty years old, he has gone from deeply in love (with said ex) twenty years ago, to a promiscuous phase, to serial monogamy with one other guy and now Jack. There is only one problem. Jack has asked for a “time out” and Theo fears the worst.

The story takes us through what is probably about a day of Theo’s life as he struggles with work, his thoughts about what he really wants from a lover and in life, and finally his realizations about himself and an honest admission as to where he stands. Receiving and dealing with the e-mail from the ex is as much a part of that as Theo’s honesty about what that guy’s rejection did to him and how he needs to finally move forward.

If you enjoy cleverly written stories with lots of funny insights, if you like reading about men who finally realize what they want out of life, and if you’re looking for a read that is as thoughtful as it is heartwarming, in a very enjoyable way, then you will probably like this short story.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Torquere Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook
Length	Short Story, 22 pages/6100 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	19-June-2013
Price
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