In his debut novel Everyone We Never Met, James Kelly knows aptly to describe the consequences of again, loneliness, longing, and failing memories. Michael, an eighty-year-old is getting robbed of everything and everyone that (once) was dear. The social and emotional distance with Deirdre, who seems to be his significant other, is growing with each visit. The only faithful in Michael’s life is Bruce, his dog, the only places he’s relatively safe in his sleeping room and an unearthed ringfort.
Reading this novel fuels the being in the midst of a tragedy, that cannot be escaped from. If memories can’t be trusted, nightly intruders aren’t recognized, let alone properly reported to the police, and acts of love aren’t recognized, life’s at a dead end. Can love be restored, sins be forgiven before Michael passes away? A strong debut, worth your reading time.
I received a free review copy from the author in exchange for my personal, unbiased opinion upon reading.
