After I finished this book I couldn't sleep, I was so strung out on the story. You know you've read a good book when your emotional hangover leaves you wired. Despite starting the book thinking to myself this was not at all what I was expecting and not usually the type of book that attracts my attention,
I could not put it down. Cafesin sunk claws into me and did not let go, even past the end of the book. James the main character in
Reverb is hugely complex. His journey is not the endearing tale of boy meets girl but a man torn apart by his family and his past. It's tangible and raw while remaining slightly ethereal. I found myself connecting to this male who I had no understanding of as a person. I couldn't relate to his obsession with music, his fear and his suffering and yet I was heavily invested in his damaged psyche and possible recovery. I raged along with him against his father and found peace in moments with Elisabeth. My heart was wrenched out with all the emotion and I'm not entirely sure I liked it. While reading Reverb I felt tense, I was worried, anxious and curious all at once, similar to when I watch a scary movie. But this book is not a horror, it's an emotional roller coaster with a few horrifying events popping up. The journey James takes from addicted narcissist to loving partner and friend is
very well written. His revelations do not feel forced and his struggles are not downplayed nor exaggerated. There is a wonderful balance in the writing as Cafesin is able to walk the fine line of reality and fiction which is what makes it such a riveting read. The ending left me less content and satisfied than I wanted. I still find myself worried and anxious about the life of James Whren and I'm probably going to need either a day to get my head out of the story. I would categorize this story as fictional thriller? There is a hint of romance but if not enough for it to be categorized as such. I'm not usually so taken by a genre I do not generally enjoy so Reverb gets 4 obsessed, tense and mesmerizing stars. Just don't read it before going to bed unless you like staying up all night dwelling on books because Reverb
will linger.
4/5
xxx
George
