A tender, deeply moving story with depth…
Koven’s latest novel is a touching, insightful YA coming-of-age story, filled with poignant emotion and character. All his life, sixteen-year-old Tristen has seen nothing but grief. His father died when he was a little boy, and his mother seems to be wallowing in her own heartache since then. With Ava, the girl he loves, moving away, Tristen has no idea how to deal with his personal turmoil. Will he find a way? Tristen’s emotional arc is intriguing—he wants to be happy, but the devastating circumstances of his life make it almost impossible for him to attain contentment. Koven beautifully portrays Tristen’s vulnerability, his longing for Ava, his burning need for acceptance and understanding, and his search for identity. Lyrical and whimsical, the prose is expert and the pacing smooth. A dash of magical realism adds to the intrigue. Koven skillfully takes readers on Tristen’s coming-of-age journey while touching on complex topics of love, longing, friendship, adolescent angst, alcoholism, mental illness, grief, redemption, human connection, and the power of love. A compelling, raw read.
Below Torrential Hill
Jonathan Koven
Pub date October 18, 2021
ISBN 979-8488308800
Price $16.00 (USD) Paperback, $4.90 Kindle edition
