REVIEW: A Song Only We Can Hear by Elliot Wake

 

OUR REVIEW:

Has it really been a decade since we've had a new Elliot Wake novel? Yes. Yes it has. What a great surprise to have him return and give us a thoughtful take on falling in love while battling cancer. 

The story of Cam and Brynne begins with a fender bender, continues as chemo partners, and ends in love. Not a simple premise and not one that just anyone could take on and do well, but Wake does. He blends the harsh reality of what it's like to experience cancer treatment with the soft edges of the love story of these two. Add to that some drama with their exes, and you have the making of an unconventional, dark, romcom. Their story is a blur of the effects of the toxic poison that's flooding their veins --days turn into weeks of discomfort and exhaustion-- and then before you know it, they've reached the end of chemo. Interspersed with that, they have nights with these moments that feel straight out of an 80s John Hughes movie--romantic and filled with good music and big feelings. And of course, it wouldn't be romance...or a John Hughes movie...without evil exes. 

I think I'm rambling because I'm trying not to spoil things? So let me end with this: this novel won't be for everyone, I know. Not because it isn't well done (it is), but because there are so many of us who are living with or living through or coping with or struggling with the impact that cancer can have, so for some this may hit a little too close to home. I know that when I read it, I had to take breaks because there were many instances when it mirrored some of my experiences with cancer and chemo. I'm glad I took the breaks I needed, and I'm glad that I stop reading; the ending felt so hopeful and promising and cinematic. 

One more thing: Ro and her family? *chef's kiss* I enjoyed them so much. 

If you've been missing the lush prose of Elliot Wake and are looking for a romance unlike most you'll read,  A Song Only We Can Hear should be your next read.

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SYNOPSIS:CAN A LOVE STORY THAT STARTS IN CHEMO REALLY HAVE A HAPPY ENDING?

GETTING DUMPED the same day he’s diagnosed with cancer is pretty on-brand for Cam LeClerc. He was the darling of the Chicago indie music scene until his ex aired their dirty laundry online. Now he’s the fallen star everyone loves to hate, shivering in a hospital gown, coming to grips with losing his girlfriend, his reputation, and the family jewels.

Of course, things won’t be that easy.

On the way to chemo, Cam collides (literally) with a fellow cancer patient: Brynne Bogdan, a popular podcaster who’s exactly the sort of music nerd he writes songs for… and who’s just rear-ended his car. But what starts as the worst day of both of their lives becomes one of the best. They’re kind of messily perfect together. Because of Brynne, Cam actually looks forward to chemo. He’s falling fast. He’s making music again. He’s finding the will not just to survive, but live.

Which is probably too good to be true.

When ugly realities resurface, Cam begins to question his bond with Brynne. And the past isn’t the only their futures aren’t guaranteed, either. They’re both fighting the battle of their lives.

Can a love story that starts in chemo really have a happy ending?

VIBES:

dark romcom
witty banter
cancer humor
music nerds
beautiful, lyrical prose
emotional rollercoaster
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind meets High Fidelity