I just finished a book that was so painfully relatable and so well-written that it took me two months to read.
I had to take it one page at a time, stopping and pondering on what it had said as if it were a book of poetry.
Each paragraph was written in flowing prose, usually on a mundane topic, but the final sentence for each paragraph was a sharp statement that carried weight and truth, even if it was only a couple of words.
This book held my heart and my senses. It read almost like a diary or as if you had found old letters that were too personal to read. Like you were peaking into the life of a person that was both relatable to yourself while simultaneously heartbreaking to relate to.
The themes discussed in the book were the old versus the new, tradition versus modernity, age versus maturity, art and literature versus life, and most of all the complicated emotions and relationships we find ourselves in.
The book is ANDROMEDA by Therese Bohman.
This book is NOT for everyone.
It tells the story from the perspective of two characters. One is a young woman who interns at a publishing house, and the other is an older man who is the editor of the publishing house.
I know what you are thinking, but hold on….
This isn’t one of those power dynamic relationships that leads to trouble. This isn’t about the ways in which men are controlling or women are victims. In fact, this technically can’t be considered a romance at all. Nothing happens.
This book is about relationships, yes. But it is more about how we want to be seen, how we see others, and how the little things in life all add up to equal our experiences. How life happens in the in-between spaces.
As someone who has had similar situations to the one in the book, I found it beautiful and heartbreaking. The topic was personal, but more than that, the execution was flawless.
It was aesthetic and poetic, and perfect. I almost cried when it was over. It was simultaneously about everything and nothing, and I highly recommend you read it if it sounds at all interesting to you.
I love writing small-town romance. And millions of people love to read it. But why is a small-town romance so intriguing? What is so romantic about being stuck in the middle of nowhere?
Well, here are the top 5 reasons small towns would make romantic backdrops for your latest love story.
Slow-Paced Days – In the city life your characters have to deal with crowds, stressful commutes, and the hustle and bustle of a demanding work schedule. People are always around and breathing down their neck and there is very little alone time unless they are in their home. However, in a small-town setting, privacy is easy to find, which can add to the intimacy of even the simplest scenes. Your characters will be able to relax, and take it slow.
Beautiful Landscapes – From charming farmland in the deep south to wide open western landscapes, small towns are known for having a plethora of natural beauty. Sure, the fancy dining found in Manhattan can be romantic, but being kissed at a picnic in a field of wildflowers at sunset definitely has a special something to it, too!
Everyone is Family – In small towns most people are either related or very close friends. Everyone knows everyone, so being welcomed into a warm, close-knit community can feel really special for your characters. This allows your characters to experience a wide range of love: from romantic to platonic to familial.
Secrets to Uncover – Since not many people go down the dirt roads or through the fields in these settings, it can be easy to uncover secrets that might be hidden there. Discovering new things and having secrets with each other is a fun way to add depth to your plot and bring your characters even closer together.
Giving Up Their Life for Love – Oftentimes, your main character won’t be from this remote place. (And your reader probably isn’t, either.) They will usually have to leave their life behind if they choose to stay in this place with their new found love. Leaving it all behind and starting a new life is a very romantic idea for many readers. I mean, who hasn’t wished they could just drop everything and run away? So, having your romance blossom in this sort of small-town setting can play into this fantasy for your readers.
Elizabeth Penn 