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What begins as a debut novella, in which eighteen-year-old Nick transitions from high school life to music school in Europe, eventually morphs into a full life story that feels much too large for the compact genre. Readers who prefer a minimalist literary form will enjoy the austere lack of dialogue, balanced by intimate narration. Nick's voice is strong, and he's unusually sensitive and self-reflective for a young American male. The prose is easy and effortless, as, like with all good writing, the narrative flows from scene to scene, even though much of the story is narrated rather than shown. Exelmans has a talent for bringing Nick's philosophically poignant thoughts to life, even though the interactions between characters are sparse. Exelmans' fictive dream in this tale is more emotion- and idea-centered than action-focused, though the rising tension and angst in Nick's social interactions are palpable nonetheless.
Nick begins to navigate a new relationship with Dara, and his poignant loneliness blossoms into a youthful romance that feels complete despite its insularity. The relationship progresses for four years, then suddenly falls away as impermanence becomes a striking thematic feature. Nick reacts to the people and circumstances of his life in a perpetual oceanic flow, as the tides of his emotions rise and ebb. Nick is often lonely, moves on to university studies in Paris, later earns a degree in a practical economic field, finds a mate, and has children. Exelmans excels at comparing and contrasting Nick's career and his deeper musical aspirations, bringing not only longing but also the juggling of a dual identity into play. Young men will definitely see themselves in the biographical elements of this tale and will want more from this perceptive author.