‘This isn’t a love story. It involves love, and things related to love. But it’s not neat. It’s not easy. And it’s not straightforward. Life rarely is. Love never is – at least not how I’ve known it.’
Les Zig uniquely captures the fragility of the male psyche in the addictive non-love-story, August Falling.
August’s sensitivity translates from the page, hitting its reader like cupid’s arrow. One can’t help but feel themselves tugged along on his journey of self-discovery as he battles the anxiety induced by his parents’ death and his own broken marriage.
As an active people-watcher, August ritually sits with his notebook in hand, trying to immerse himself in his craft, only to lose momentum at every turn. It’s not until the seemingly carefree and confident Julie enters the café, and his world, that he finds himself inspired enough to give himself, and love, a second chance.
As intriguing as Julie seems with her butterfly however – no, rose… no, faerie… no, something else – tattoo, she too has skeletons in her past that are only suppressed by years of practice. It is only through the relationship between these broken characters that light filters through the cracks, igniting the scars still left to be mended.
With a humorous twist at every turn, this non-love-story reveals the otherwise unearthed treasure of a male protagonist who feels deeply and isn’t afraid to admit it – if only to the reader. As his confidante, we empathise with August, celebrating his triumphs, understanding his insecurities, and laughing at his awkwardness.
Zig creates a world in which light-heartedness and meaningfulness thrive in harmony. It’s a place where the deeper issues of life can be taken with a spoonful of sugar, leaving the sojourner with the bittersweet taste of life and love.
But this is not a love story…
Reviewed by Elizabeth Calder
Twitter: @calder_lizzie
Rating out of 10: 9
Distributed by: Pantera Press
Released: September 2018
RRP: $29.99
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