Author Michelle Devon puts a new twist on the age-old
question, “If a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear, does it still
make a noise?” in her novella, “Celeste.” She does it with style and an intense
atmosphere that will bring classic Alfred Hitchcock to mind.
Protagonist Kyle McRoy has a lot going for him: nice job in
the accounting department of a big company, nice apartment, a beautiful
girlfriend. He also has a brother who tries to keep tabs on him and a psychiatrist
that he’s been seeing since a breakdown following his parents’ deaths.
McRoy faces a lot of questions from his brother and the
doctor. Mark wants to meet Kyle’s girlfriend, but Kyle resists. His
relationship with Celeste is something personal and treasured, not for public
consumption. Dr. Lower wonders why Kyle keeps coming back for sessions when he
seems to be doing so well. And Kyle just wants to enjoy the gift of his life
with Celeste.
So the new twist on the old question: “If a man falls in
love with a beautiful woman but doesn’t bring her home to meet the family, does
she exist?” Devon explores the nature of reality as she pursues the answer to
the question. She presents a likeable protagonist surrounded by not-always-so likeable
characters. Kyle’s gentle, logical approach to the rest of life doesn’t lessen the
passionate relationship he shares with Celeste. Which world is the reality?
Which
Kyle is the reality?
Devon presents Kyle’s situation from all sides. The balanced
story has some very sexy scenes, as Kyle and Celeste explore their
relationship. It delivers a look at the working environment and the world of
psychotherapy. Primarily, “Celeste” provides a thought-provoking examination of
the nature of reality and how human beings judge it.
Readers who enjoy
noir overtones will find plenty of them. Mystery
and intrigue lurk in the story, as well as romance. The novella is available for purchase as
an
eBook here.
“Celeste” by Michelle Devon
Disclosure: This review is based on a review copy provided
by the author with no constraints placed on its content. All opinions are my
own.
