Review: Not what expected...
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 10 31, 2013
Normally I don’t write reviews for anything that falls under 3 stars because I’ve always thought, what’s the point? Since I am evolving as a reader and someone who shares thoughts about books, I think it’s okay to express disappointment because a review is purely subjective and my intent is not to bash a book but merely point out why I couldn’t connect.First, let me start by stating that I’m a fan of both, Charles Sheehan-Miles and Andrea Randall. They are talented writers and in their previous books I’ve been captivated, moved and highly entertained but with that being said, this book was a huge miss. A beautiful cover and exceptional title will only get you so far if the content is lacking and that’s the bottom line, it was lacking in complexity, depth and some of the characters seemed to be lacking redeeming qualities.If you are going to write about the love affair between a teacher and student it needs to feel completely and utterly real within their fictional world. The dialogue felt forced many times and I mostly felt that coming from Gregory, every time he said anything…A.) I couldn’t believe in what he was saying and B.) The way he spoke seemed over-stylized for the situation at hand. There were moments when it felt like I was reading about a soap-opera versus a forbidden relationship that was blossoming and facing challenges.Karin was made out to be a villain for not being able to help the fact that she fell in love with Gregory. Granted, she made some poor choices but she’s portrayed in a way that makes her look evil because she desperately wants to hold onto her husband. A better angle would have been not to have any villains but have both, Karin and Savannah worthy of love. Again, this is the complexity piece that is missing and that I keep referring to.I will say, I did love Savannah and there’s was a lot about her that had me cheering because I wanted her to find happiness and peace. Growing up in the shadow of an absent parent should shape you into an insecure girl but not her; she’s resilient and capable of giving and receiving love.Gregory and Savannah were polar opposites but music was their connection and it was through the music that they communicated when words failed them. The only problem with these two, it wasn’t believable. I felt their attraction but many times I couldn’t believe in Gregory. They both fall in love with each other early on, but Gregory inadvertently states to a colleague he will “cut it off” with Savannah and the drama intensifies.They meet years later and Savannah finds out Gregory is married and at this point, I’m thinking things will get interesting and complicated. Nope, sure doesn’t. Instead he asks her simply to be his mistress. WHAT IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?? Then he strings his wife along because apparently she’s evil but he also wants the cake and to eat it too, even though that’s not his intention. Time and time again, Gregory seemed wimpy and not able to take control of his situation.“I am in love with you, but there’s nothing I can do about it, and I’m sorry for that.”What I liked about the book was Savannah and the music is described beautifully but unfortunately it wasn’t enough for me to feel invested and I felt disappointed. Again, I must stress that it’s difficult to write a tough review but a tough review can sometimes make another reader interested enough to want to take the gamble.