ROOM ON THE SEA

A short but addictive new novella in which two ordinary individuals meet and fall in love in the heat of the summer in New York City - a chance meeting, a moment of 'why not'?!

It’s a scorching hot day in Manhattan and a hundred people gather to be selected as jurors. Amongst this group, two adults in their sixties are waiting to find out if they will be picked. Catherine is reading a novel, Paul a newspaper to pass the screening time which is dull and laborious. And so begins a whirlwind of flirtation as they share cappuccinos, walks and art galleries reimagining themselves in another country - a room on the sea, snatching time to escape their commitments and responsibilities. As the week progresses we as readers are invested in their moments, their meeting of minds and whether they will act on their feelings.

This is a novella to easily feel lost in as well as enjoy being transported to a mini break of the imagination and sunshine where missed opportunities are snatched and just maybe given a chance.

"Have you ever had the sense that maybe all lives are nothing more than the chronicle of countless stinging might-have-beens that continue to haunt us?"

'Room on the Sea' covers the themes of love, ageing and regret and the Den delighted in Aciman’s light touch and tenderness of emotion. The novella worked wonderfully as an audiobook and also makes a perfect read for a flight whether long haul or a journey closer to home. A delightful summertime read for book clubs and a great introduction to André Aciman author of the bestselling novel ‘Call Me By Your Name’, a coming of age romantic drama which has also been adapted for the screen (2017).

And if you enjoyed Aciman's style of writing then maybe consider his own coming of age memoir, 'My Roman Year' set in 1960 in which the author shares his own home truths and the fragility of life for a family forever in exile, in Rome. Perhaps this is your next stop?!