Wednesday, May 29, 2024

5.29.2024 - The Act of Disappearing

The Act of Disappearing by Nathan Gower 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing MIRA Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this beautiful debut by Nathan Gower.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Julie White is having a hard time.  Her first book didn't sell well, she's working at a bar but not making ends meet while faced with her mother's medical bills.  Then there's Ryan - her ex-boyfriend who's ghosting her after a one-night stand.  Then an opportunity comes knocking - Johnathan Aster, famous photographer, wants to meet with her about a story.  He shows her a never-before-seen photo of a woman falling from a train bridge with a baby in her arms.  Julie is intrigued and heads to Kentucky to research.

This book is incredible.  Alternating between present day in Brooklyn and in Kentucky in the 1960s, we are privy to both what Julia is going through as well as the past events.  I don't want to give anything away, because this book unfolds in such a magical way.  The writing is beautiful, haunting, and will make you feel the characters' yearnings, desperations, fears.  It's a small town story, where growing up with everyone talking about your family is impossible to escape.  It's finding the people that make you feel safe and loved.  It's a story of motherhood, especially the bonds between mothers and daughters.  The fact that these emotions are perfectly portrayed by a man is an accomplishment in itself!  It will transport you to the past and feel hopeful for the future.  Have I gushed enough to make you go read this book?  Can't wait to see what's next from this author - bravo on a fabulous debut!

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