Hi all!

Today I am sharing my spoiler-free review of Sorrow by author, rock & roll music executive and film-director, Tiffanie DeBartolo. I was sent an Advanced Reader Copy by the publishing company, Books Forward, in exchange for my honest opinions/thoughts. I’m extremely honoured Tiffanie and Books Forward contacted me. Order a copy here. I also interviewed the author (click here). Without further ado, let’s get into it!

THE PLOT 

Joe Harper has backpedaled throughout his life. A once-promising guitar prodigy, he’s been living without direction since abandoning his musical dreams. Now into his thirties, having retreated from every opportunity, he’s lost his family, best friend and his own self-respect. But Joe finds an unlikely path to redemption, when he starts working as a carpenter for bohemian conceptual artist, October Danko. The job returns him to his hometown – loaded with bittersweet reminders of his former life – in the shadows of his beloved redwood trees. As Joe’s relationship with October develops, he yearns to take a daring step toward a bold future.

THE CHARACTERS 

Despite the shorter length, this novel has the most outstanding character development I have ever witnessed. The Joe Harper we meet at the beginning, is not the same man we leave at the end. What I loved about Joe was how flawed and deeply insecure he was. His vulnerability made him such a relatable figure to follow. I was disappointed and proud of him at the same time; depending on his actions. We get a strong sense of Joe’s upbringing and how the important players in his life, shaped the path he took both professionally and romantically. Through flashbacks, we witness the chances Joe rejected out of fear. When he is thrust into a tragic love triangle, Joe is once again faced with the opportunity to follow his heart, or give into his familiar instincts – to run away.

October – who plays Joe’s love interest and boss – has a unique gift: Mirror Touch Synesthesia. She is able to experience sensations that emanate from others nearby; especially if she is touching them. Artistic, brilliant and empathetic, October knows what lies deep in Joe’s heart and is immediately drawn to him. Her creative projects were so fascinating to read about. I loved the concepts she came up with and how she used the world around her to influence other people’s lives. October’s energy ignites Joe, forcing him to finally take a stand for the things that matter most. Her patience and unwavering faith in those closest to her, made her a woman I truly admired.

The third strong character, that gave Sorrow an easy 5 stars, was childhood best friend, Cal (Chris) Callahan. Confident, charismatic and full of life, Cal encourages Joe (as teenagers) to pursue a career in music with him. He is inevitably let down when Joe refuses to make the leap. When the pair are reunited under complicated circumstances, Joe is determined to right his wrongs and finally put Cal first. Cal is the kind of friend you want in your corner. He loves with a full heart, accepting Joe unconditionally. There were a few times I honestly thought Cal and October were way too good for Joe! 

THE WRITING STYLE

I had never heard of Tiffanie DeBartolo, before being contacted by her publishing company. It felt serendipitous, because after only a few pages in, I was rewarded with a familiar setting. In 2014, I travelled from Melbourne to San Francisco, hiking through the lush Muir Woods; marvelling at the majestic redwoods. In Sorrow, the protagonist, Joe Harper, is enamoured by the forest surrounding his hometown, Mill Valley and the memories spent ambling around Muir Woods. I understood his love for the redwoods and various flora encountered during his life journey. The writing style was poetic, filled with life lessons, wrapped in the sweetest metaphors. I wept at the end, when Joe mentioned that the Portuguese word: ‘saudade’ was one of his favourites, as it’s also mine. I was blown away by Tiffanie’s ability to create an entire world, in a finite number of pages. She tied everything together so perfectly. I also appreciated the overlapping of different creative pursuits, via art, music and nature. There is more than one way to touch a soul and express sorrow. I was so captivated by the story and its many layers.

OVERALL STAR RATING 

I gave it 5/5 stars. It’s one of the best books I’ve read in 2020.

I hope you enjoyed this honest, spoiler-free review. Feel free to order from the link above. 

Thank you for reading

Peace & Love xoxo