Rainbow Reviews

BOOK BLURB:
"It's the most horrible time of the year." Isn't that the way the song goes? Dan has let years of pain, indecision and upset get to his head, and now he's managing to drive off his lover, Aaron. But one dream helps Dan find the right road to happiness.

BOOK REVIEW:
Anyone who is not so keen on Christmas will be able to sympathize with Dan’s decidedly un-merry outlook on the holiday season in this wonderfully romantic short story. Dan is suffering from Depression and is not always an easy man to be around. On top of his dysfunctional upbringing and social anxiety, he was involved in an accident a year ago that left him recovering for months afterward. Suffice it to say, Dan has a lot of reasons not to like the holidays but his best friend Aaron has helped him through the past year better than he expected. Aaron has become more than just a friend, but a lover and constant companion as well. However life with Dan is never easy and he struggles to make more of a commitment to Aaron. Aaron hopes his plan to get away for Christmas this year will help Dan get through the holidays easier.

The story is told in first person, present tense from Dan’s perspective and is both sympathetic and honest about his depression. His social fears, tendency to run from problems and hide from the world, his battles to overcome his urges, and his wonder at Aaron’s strength are all vivid and clear. He is a sympathetic character even for his fears; though living within his self contained bubble of problems sometimes prevents him from facing some hard truths. Aaron is a wonderfully supportive friend and lover, never pushing, always there, helpful and willing to wait until Dan feels comfortable for each progressive step.

The writing is lovely and emotional without being too sweet or condescending. It has a sympathetic quality to the prose which allows the reader to connect with Dan and follow on his journey, while not being blind to his faults. The relationship between Dan and Aaron is cautious while honest. Aaron explains it best when he replies to Dan’s question of what he wants and what are Dan’s problems keeping him from:

He looked up at me, those clear blue eyes glinting in the half light. “Nothing.” He shrugged gently, and the sheets rustled around his legs. “I just want to be with you; however you are, however you behave. I don’t think in terms of you getting better, or being normal again. You’re Dan ~ you always have been ~ and that’s who I want.”

The story reads very engaging and graceful with a gentle buildup to the final scene, culminating their relationship after over a year of courtship. While Aaron certainly is too good to be true as a man who rarely gets frustrated or upset with his lover’s drawbacks, the two make a lovely couple and a satisfying romance. It may not be entirely real but it is still a nice romantic dream to read as it unfolds while taking into account problems that are rarely, if ever, brought into romance fantasies. Be sure to get this short story, it’s truly a great read.

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