Review by taraiva -- Breaking Sandcastles by Kirk Burris

[taraiva]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Breaking Sandcastles" by Kirk Burris.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Breaking Sandcastles by Kirk Burris is a romance novel about chasing your heart’s desires, taking on insurmountable odds and fighting for what matters most to you. It is a story that goes beyond falling in love, the relationship firsts and the wedding. This is a story that goes into the “happily ever after” that most romance novels promise. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.

Marion met Jonathan Duquesne in the winter of 1961 when she took up a temporary teaching position at his Kansas City high school during his final year. As his art teacher, she noticed his immense talent and was captivated by his work, which eclipsed that of even the university students she had taught before. Her fascination with him went beyond the art, and she found herself falling for the man despite the fact that he was ten years his junior. He had his path set for him, and she had her own insecurities and reservations about pursuing a relationship with him. Nevertheless, even after they went their own ways, they met again in Paris four years later where he was a street artist. There they succumbed to their attraction and fought for their love

Half a century later, when the couple is settled into old age and are firmly set in retirement, tragedy strikes when Jonathan gets a heart attack and collapses right by his canvas and easel. The story unfolds in a non-linear manner, with the beginning of each chapter touching on the present time, detailing the hours after Jonathan’s cardiac arrest, and the rest is largely flashback to their earlier lives, their struggles and the journey to where they now are. We are taken through their trials in parenthood, their attitudes in bringing up their children and the values they impart on them, all the way to the children’s parenthood journeys.

I enjoyed reading this book immensely. It sticks to the main story, and is true to the art. It contains vivid descriptions of the architecture, food and the places that the characters visited. I felt like I was right there with them, tracing Jonathan’s hand on the paintbrush over his canvas, on the voyage in the south of France. I actually salivated while reading about the food! The history lessons are enjoyable too. A book both entertains and educates, it also made me long to visit those destinations myself. I believe this book has given me a greater appreciation for art in all forms, even I who was not a big fan of architecture or fine art.

I also enjoyed the author’s prose, as it made it an enjoyable book to read. The work on characterization is also commendable, as there was a discernible difference in the vocabularies of the American and French characters, even when they conversed in English. Moreover, the book contains some philosophical themes and situations that pose interesting questions: how long is it acceptable to hold a grudge? Is there such a thing as an ideal partner? I honestly cannot find fault with this book.

My recommendation for this book is to anyone who loves art, in any form, all foodies and romance junkies. It comes with a disclaimer though; do not start on it if you have any pressing matters to attend to soon, as you will be unable to put it down.

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Breaking Sandcastles
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