The best novels are the ones you regret having to finish reading. I was happily surprised to have discovered one by an Abbeville author, within easy driving distance from where I live.
Written by Amy Alley, The Absence of Anyone Else is about Grace, a single mother of a toddler and an underpaid art teacher, who is struggling with regrets over major life decisions, and looking for a better way forward. In particular, she regrets not getting together romantically with Daniel, who has been her best friend for many years.
She is haunted by a distant memory of a kiss and a confession of love by Daniel, which afterward was never discussed. To complicate the situation further, shortly after the kiss, and some confusion, the younger Grace entered into a relationship with Duncan, a hip Asheville musician who was all about living in the moment, and embracing freedom. However, after the younger Grace became pregnant, Duncan became distant and betrayed her.
Left to raise the child alone and struggling to pay bills, she sees her sister Anna as having an ideal life, with a husband, twins, and a comfortable income. Representing an entirely different lifestyles is Johnna, her jaded, cigarette smoking cousin, who has soured on men and is fiercely independent.
There is a tug of war between the two lifestyles they represent, complicated by new emotional entanglements, and Grace navigates through her confusion as she tries to discover her own path.
At first the book seems like an ordinary romance novel, but as it progresses, the story runs much deeper.
It is about finding a balance, trying to juggle love and artistic aspirations and child-rearing; maintaining an identity, and finding a compromise when the world is forcing you to choose.
Aside from the deeper meanings of the novel, it is a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. Most of the tension simmers beneath the surface, threatening to erupt, so that when it finally does, the conflicts are unexpected and satisfying.
The novel is set in SC, and it describes down-town Asheville, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach. Having grown up around these places, I could appreciate these well drawn depictions. Adding to the authenticity, Alley has an excellent ear for dialogue and, being native to SC, captures local diction flawlessly.
The book is also inexpensive. The Kindle edition, which I bought, was only three dollars, and I have paid much more for less enjoyable books that have received more publicity.
I highly recommend this. If you are looking for a an interesting, emotionally satisfying book that will keep you turning pages, The Absence of Anyone Else is an excellent choice.