April & Oliver: A Novel

Tess Callahan
Grand Central Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780446540605
Reviewed by Tiffany Schlarman for Reader Views (06/10)


An emotional tragedy, “April & Oliver” is a mysterious and intriguing novel.  From the start it draws you in, holds you captive and introduces you into the lives of two people, bound by their souls, intimate by their thoughts, and secluded by their secrets.  “April & Oliver” is a compelling novel of two people who lose a mutual love and in turn find each other again.  In the process they are forced to deal with the past, sort through the pain, both past and present, and move on into their future, each finding themselves as well as each other.  It is an emotionally tragic read with a perfect ending.  The book stays true to form, inviting the reader to come to their own conclusions and leaving April and Oliver to decide their fate for themselves.

The author introduces April, a sharp, beautiful girl with a tragic history.  April has dealt with loss, absent parents, sexual and physical abuse, and love that knows no bounds.  Oliver has been the stronghold, the protector, and a friend.  He has one love that he abandons, and will be drawn back to, no matter how hard he pulls away.  Each of the characters is separate yet tied together in binding ways.  The story starts with the loss of April’s brother Buddy and unfolds into a beautiful tragedy of the past, present and future.  It will have you entranced the entire way.  Your thoughts will change throughout as the secrets and events unfold.  It leaves you to yourself, letting the characters go just as they came.

“April & Oliver” was a sexually charged, delightful, spellbinding read.  The intensity between the two is a flame ignited that will never burn out.  The supporting characters are delightful and each important to the story and development of April and Oliver.  Those who enter the lives of these two never leave the same, just as the reader will.  It is a simplistic yet complicated look into life.  It is not a fairy tale and you wouldn’t want it to be.  Well worth the read, “April & Oliver” will entice you and inspire you.  I would fully recommend this debut authors first novel!

Make comment on weblog

FTC Disclosure