Review: A refined and entertaining story with a powerful theme
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 3, 2014
I absolutely marveled at this story. Josh Lanyon has taken the subject of false allegations - a travesty that has been visited upon too many individuals in our society - and wrapped it in a profound study of interpersonal communication, and lack thereof. The result is a refined and entertaining story with a powerful theme.Con is a young kindergarten teacher and grad student, who in the blink of an eye, finds himself facing ruination of his career, reputation and his very life. All of this based on the aftermath of a single incident, the decision he made when there was nobody else available to make one, and the reactions and fears of those affected by the incident. Words uttered by an individual in the heat of the moment, words the man – the wealthy Wes Callahan - had not intended to be interpreted as they were, none the less hurt Con deeply on a personal and professional level.The obvious issue at play - that Con has been accused of improper conduct with a student – is the surface of the story. The complex and fascinating aspect of the story comes with recognizing how the author deftly explores the reactions of Wes, the crushing weight of his misinterpreted words, and the power of societal position – even when not wield with intent.I was fascinated by getting to witness Con’s behavior in several relationships through the course of the story. Con was very open with Pip, his female best friend and co-worker. He was frustrated, and I believe angered, by his mom’s Alzheimer’s and inability to converse with ‘Con’ vs whoever she perceived him to be on a given day. Con was very doting and affectionate with Lizzy Callahan, the guileless and non-judgmental five year old student.  Con found himself utterly blindsided by the administrators at the school where he taught when they made decisions based on what was deemed least messy and most convenient for their interests, rather than Con’s. He would have sworn they would have his back in any situation based on his three years on staff, and being a favorite of so many of the pupils and their parents.  Con’s relationship with Eric, his ex-lover, was couched in mixed messages and conclusions that were not as hashed out or as well communicated as Con had thought them to be.Then we have Con and Wes. These two had a long build- up of acquaintance and attraction. Neither man was aware the other felt this attraction, because neither ever acted upon it. Wes was mortified when he realized the implications his reactions to Lizzy’s incident had on Con’s life. I respected how determined he was to apologize and atone. However, once Con and Wes did begin a budding romance, even when they connected physically and felt a deeper attraction growing, basic communication was lacking. This didn’t get all tied up nicely in a bow, nor did it get overblown with angst. Both men faced up to how they had mishandled communicating.Con eventually realized his culpability in how each of his relationships had progressed. Had thrived, stalled or failed.Frank communication is so vital. One would think that as humans, who possess such large vocabularies and seemingly high intelligence, it would be a given. It’s not! We tend to project our individual impressions and conclusions on the impressions and conclusions of others. The ability to buck up and come right out and ask someone what is going on, what they are thinking or feeling, is not easy. Nor on the other hand, is apologizing, asking for another chance, accepting what is offered - even if lacking - and moving on. This story is a budding romance, but it is so much, much more. Words and actions should be examined. They carry serious weight. Josh Lanyon’s words certainly do with this fine story.