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mathildeg95's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
zaza_bdp's review
5.0
'Point of contact' est de ces romans qui vous éparpille en mille morceaux, vous font souffrir mille morts, mais sont en même temps tellement beaux ...
Ainsi que le mentionne le résumé, le sujet central de ce roman de Melanie Hansen est le deuil, qui plus est le deuil le plus terrible qui soit, puisque l'un des personnages perd son fils au combat, en Afghanistan.
La construction de ce roman est déconcertante, la première partie est à la fois dépaysante, drôle, pleine de camaraderie, mais aussi terrible et tragique à la fois. Elle nous broie le cœur à petit feu et quelque part, on pourrait reprocher à l'auteur de faire preuve de cruauté, mais en même temps, ces passages-là sont très importants. Toutes ces aller-retour entre passé et présent, entre le Colorado et la vallée de Korengal apportent une vraie densité au récit, et nous montre que ce roman n'a rien d'une romance classique. Du coup, j'ai lu toute cette première partie d'une traite, quasiment en apnée. J'ai apprécié que l'auteur dépeigne une situation dépourvue de manichéisme, qu'elle montre les choses dans toute sa complexité, leur crudité aussi. On est très loin d'un patriotisme exacerbé, même si dans le fond, ce livre est pour moi un très bel hommage à tous ces hommes et ces femmes engagés dans l'armée, ainsi que toutes ces familles à tout instant susceptibles de perdre un être cher. Et cet engagement à toute épreuve m'a questionnée ...
La seconde partie est bouleversante, la douleur de Trevor est terrible à lire, mais l'auteur ne verse pas dans le misérabilisme. Melanie Hansen décrit avec justesse, délicatesse et pudeur le combat quotidien de cet homme pour s'en sortir, les questions qui l'agitent, les regrets qui l'animent ... L'arrivée de Jesse dans sa vie va lui donner un point d'ancrage, et il va s'accrocher à lui de toutes ses forces. Ce dernier est un véritable pilier dans ce roman, et pas seulement pour Trevor. Leur relation est belle à lire, le glissement entre amis et amants s'opère très progressivement, et ils franchissent nombre d'étapes avant d'en arriver là.
Jesse est un personnage solaire, d'une force à toute épreuve, pourtant, il reste vulnérable, car lui aussi a vécu l'enfer. Il porte la culpabilité du survivant et souffre de stress post-traumatique, même si celui-ci semble mineur. Trevor s'est toujours donné à fond pour son garçon, voilà 20 ans qu'il se définit comme un père, et lorsqu'il perd Riley, son identité est brouillée ...:
Sans voyeurisme, voir Trevor passer par les différentes étapes du deuil, y compris avoir des détails très techniques, cliniques même, à certains égards, est à la fois poignant et fascinant.
La romance est tout en finesse et en délicatesse, Trevor et Jesse forment un beau couple, lumineux et complice, après tout ce qu'ils ont traversé, et partagé. Ce roman ne vous laissera assurément pas indemne, votre petit cœur sera malmené, mais c'est là que réside toute la beauté de la lecture non ? 26 petites lettres, et autant de combinaisons possibles pour vous faire vivre les plus folles émotions ...
Ainsi que le mentionne le résumé, le sujet central de ce roman de Melanie Hansen est le deuil, qui plus est le deuil le plus terrible qui soit, puisque l'un des personnages perd son fils au combat, en Afghanistan.
La construction de ce roman est déconcertante, la première partie est à la fois dépaysante, drôle, pleine de camaraderie, mais aussi terrible et tragique à la fois. Elle nous broie le cœur à petit feu et quelque part, on pourrait reprocher à l'auteur de faire preuve de cruauté, mais en même temps, ces passages-là sont très importants. Toutes ces aller-retour entre passé et présent, entre le Colorado et la vallée de Korengal apportent une vraie densité au récit, et nous montre que ce roman n'a rien d'une romance classique. Du coup, j'ai lu toute cette première partie d'une traite, quasiment en apnée. J'ai apprécié que l'auteur dépeigne une situation dépourvue de manichéisme, qu'elle montre les choses dans toute sa complexité, leur crudité aussi. On est très loin d'un patriotisme exacerbé, même si dans le fond, ce livre est pour moi un très bel hommage à tous ces hommes et ces femmes engagés dans l'armée, ainsi que toutes ces familles à tout instant susceptibles de perdre un être cher. Et cet engagement à toute épreuve m'a questionnée ...
La seconde partie est bouleversante, la douleur de Trevor est terrible à lire, mais l'auteur ne verse pas dans le misérabilisme. Melanie Hansen décrit avec justesse, délicatesse et pudeur le combat quotidien de cet homme pour s'en sortir, les questions qui l'agitent, les regrets qui l'animent ... L'arrivée de Jesse dans sa vie va lui donner un point d'ancrage, et il va s'accrocher à lui de toutes ses forces. Ce dernier est un véritable pilier dans ce roman, et pas seulement pour Trevor. Leur relation est belle à lire, le glissement entre amis et amants s'opère très progressivement, et ils franchissent nombre d'étapes avant d'en arriver là.
Jesse est un personnage solaire, d'une force à toute épreuve, pourtant, il reste vulnérable, car lui aussi a vécu l'enfer. Il porte la culpabilité du survivant et souffre de stress post-traumatique, même si celui-ci semble mineur. Trevor s'est toujours donné à fond pour son garçon, voilà 20 ans qu'il se définit comme un père, et lorsqu'il perd Riley, son identité est brouillée ...:
"I don't know know who am I am if I'm not Riley's dad anymore."
Sans voyeurisme, voir Trevor passer par les différentes étapes du deuil, y compris avoir des détails très techniques, cliniques même, à certains égards, est à la fois poignant et fascinant.
La romance est tout en finesse et en délicatesse, Trevor et Jesse forment un beau couple, lumineux et complice, après tout ce qu'ils ont traversé, et partagé. Ce roman ne vous laissera assurément pas indemne, votre petit cœur sera malmené, mais c'est là que réside toute la beauté de la lecture non ? 26 petites lettres, et autant de combinaisons possibles pour vous faire vivre les plus folles émotions ...
a_reader_obsessed's review
4.0
4 Stars
Ok, so no one is going to be surprised that this is an intense look at grief, not only from a parent’s perspective but that of a best friend. Hansen seems to specialize and thrive on these sorts of tough topics, and I’ve always appreciated her well thought out, sensitive handling of such.
Upon hearing of his son’s death, Trevor is absolutely undone by the what if's and the what could never be’s. Trevor had plans and hopes for the future with newly adult Riley on his return from the front lines in Afghanistan. When that is taken away from him, Trevor’s paralyzed with anguish, thinking he never truly knew the man that Riley had become in the short nine months of being a soldier.
Jesse in turn, is not only coping with the loss of his best friend but his own issues of coming home to civilian life. Through fraught, deadly situations, he had formed a unique bond with Riley, each relying on the other for support, each becoming an integral and necessary part for survival. It’s that shared past that Jesse brings to Trevor that allows both these men to slowly heal.
Again, Hansen deftly puts the reader through their paces. She handles every situation, every setback, and every small minute win with thoughtfulness and grace. It’s only inevitable that as these two grieving men comfort one another, that they would naturally fall in love, eventually embracing life again to honor Riley’s memory.
An affecting very difficult read, but well worth the effort.
Ok, so no one is going to be surprised that this is an intense look at grief, not only from a parent’s perspective but that of a best friend. Hansen seems to specialize and thrive on these sorts of tough topics, and I’ve always appreciated her well thought out, sensitive handling of such.
Upon hearing of his son’s death, Trevor is absolutely undone by the what if's and the what could never be’s. Trevor had plans and hopes for the future with newly adult Riley on his return from the front lines in Afghanistan. When that is taken away from him, Trevor’s paralyzed with anguish, thinking he never truly knew the man that Riley had become in the short nine months of being a soldier.
Jesse in turn, is not only coping with the loss of his best friend but his own issues of coming home to civilian life. Through fraught, deadly situations, he had formed a unique bond with Riley, each relying on the other for support, each becoming an integral and necessary part for survival. It’s that shared past that Jesse brings to Trevor that allows both these men to slowly heal.
Again, Hansen deftly puts the reader through their paces. She handles every situation, every setback, and every small minute win with thoughtfulness and grace. It’s only inevitable that as these two grieving men comfort one another, that they would naturally fall in love, eventually embracing life again to honor Riley’s memory.
An affecting very difficult read, but well worth the effort.
evethingiread's review
4.0
"Point of Contact" by Melanie Hansen is a unique book that blends romance and a profound exploration of grief. The narrative introduces Riley, the son of Trevor, who faces the challenges of war, ultimately leading to a poignant and emotional story. Jesse, Riley's best friend, not only supports Trevor through his grief but also finds himself falling in love with him.
The book is a rollercoaster of emotions, evoking tears and featuring many quotable moments. While the portrayal of grief is beautifully executed, there are occasional lulls in the story with less dialogue, which that I found a bit boring.
Despite occasional slower parts, the characters, including Jesse, Trevor, and even Carl (Trevor's ex), are well-developed, adding depth to the story. The epilogue stands out as particularly moving and beautifully concludes the narrative. Overall, "Point of Contact" is a captivating and memorable read that explores the complexities of love and loss.
The book is a rollercoaster of emotions, evoking tears and featuring many quotable moments. While the portrayal of grief is beautifully executed, there are occasional lulls in the story with less dialogue, which that I found a bit boring.
Despite occasional slower parts, the characters, including Jesse, Trevor, and even Carl (Trevor's ex), are well-developed, adding depth to the story. The epilogue stands out as particularly moving and beautifully concludes the narrative. Overall, "Point of Contact" is a captivating and memorable read that explores the complexities of love and loss.
magnafeana's review
5.0
Immabout to cry—it was just that good
So—this was my first introduction to Melanie Hansen and by god, she blew me out of the water with this one!
What I loved about this story is that it was story-showing and not story-telling, meaning we understood the weight of emotions through her showing us the importance behind the rationale.
“Grief is messy, chaotic,” Jesse says, and this story encapsulates it. It shows the grief of a father, a best friend, brother-in-arms, and secondhand grief of lovers and friends.
This cast is so emotionally divergent and so authentic and organic and real. The little things about Jesse’s parents both being deaf and him signing if he speaks about them; Watkins’ depressive spiral; how “thank you for your service” and “do you have any children?” are some of the most innocuous yet cruel words to say—I am so taken aback how so many subjects are taken into account in the most natural way.
Some people might be harsh on Carl, but he was a very real character. He’s not being the stereotyped selfish partner who wants their lover to get over their grief. Instead, he’s the helpless partner who’s good intentions come across badly. And that is a very real thing.
When someone we know grieves so heavily or is going through a traumatic time, many people are left helpless NOT because of apathy BUT because of sympathy. They don’t know what to do. They can’t feel empathy, putting themselves in the shoes of their grieving friend. But they feel sympathy and don’t know how to go about it.
Jesse’s character spoke to me a lot about him helping everyone except himself and rarely allowing people to see his grief. Some people may be a bit slighted we didn’t see Jesse’s breakdown, but think about people who have gone through that sort of experience.
Jesse and his mates all display very well how VAs grieve differently. Some get appropriate help and then keep busy. Others refuse help and go into a negative, harmful headspace. Others float between.
The range of emotional responses Hansen captured—phenomenal.
This story was a love story—familial love, platonic love, and romantic love. The arguments and miscommunication were real and will strike a nerve, especially for anyone who has or who had people they knew dearly in the military.
I’m so glad to have bought this book, I really am. I plan to reread this book when I’m not so emotionally charged.
Riley James Estes, although you are fictional, you represented so much through your presence in this novel. Thank you, Hansen, for this truly weaving love story. I am excited to explore your work.
5 ⭐️s all around. And I will make sure to recommend this book.
So—this was my first introduction to Melanie Hansen and by god, she blew me out of the water with this one!
What I loved about this story is that it was story-showing and not story-telling, meaning we understood the weight of emotions through her showing us the importance behind the rationale.
“Grief is messy, chaotic,” Jesse says, and this story encapsulates it. It shows the grief of a father, a best friend, brother-in-arms, and secondhand grief of lovers and friends.
This cast is so emotionally divergent and so authentic and organic and real. The little things about Jesse’s parents both being deaf and him signing if he speaks about them; Watkins’ depressive spiral; how “thank you for your service” and “do you have any children?” are some of the most innocuous yet cruel words to say—I am so taken aback how so many subjects are taken into account in the most natural way.
Some people might be harsh on Carl, but he was a very real character. He’s not being the stereotyped selfish partner who wants their lover to get over their grief. Instead, he’s the helpless partner who’s good intentions come across badly. And that is a very real thing.
When someone we know grieves so heavily or is going through a traumatic time, many people are left helpless NOT because of apathy BUT because of sympathy. They don’t know what to do. They can’t feel empathy, putting themselves in the shoes of their grieving friend. But they feel sympathy and don’t know how to go about it.
Jesse’s character spoke to me a lot about him helping everyone except himself and rarely allowing people to see his grief. Some people may be a bit slighted we didn’t see Jesse’s breakdown, but think about people who have gone through that sort of experience.
Jesse and his mates all display very well how VAs grieve differently. Some get appropriate help and then keep busy. Others refuse help and go into a negative, harmful headspace. Others float between.
The range of emotional responses Hansen captured—phenomenal.
This story was a love story—familial love, platonic love, and romantic love. The arguments and miscommunication were real and will strike a nerve, especially for anyone who has or who had people they knew dearly in the military.
I’m so glad to have bought this book, I really am. I plan to reread this book when I’m not so emotionally charged.
Riley James Estes, although you are fictional, you represented so much through your presence in this novel. Thank you, Hansen, for this truly weaving love story. I am excited to explore your work.
5 ⭐️s all around. And I will make sure to recommend this book.
lillau's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jjkook13's review
1.0
2 out of 10.
Lol this not a slow-burn, like I was initially led to believe. It is oh so painfully slow, but there wasn't any burn at all.
Lol this not a slow-burn, like I was initially led to believe. It is oh so painfully slow, but there wasn't any burn at all.
layla87's review
3.0
Well... I'm certainly in the minority here, and I for one am completely baffled by my reaction to this book... which was the utter nonreaction I had to it.
I mean.. with the content matter and TWs of this book, I expected to be bawling my eyes out. My post on FB had everyone say that this book is epic and it stayed with them and that it was so beautiful. Am I broken? Because I felt none of these things.
I wasn't invested, I was very disconnected from the events. It was weird for me. I donno how to describe my reaction to this book. Maybe ut was the wrong book in the wrong time.
I mean.. with the content matter and TWs of this book, I expected to be bawling my eyes out. My post on FB had everyone say that this book is epic and it stayed with them and that it was so beautiful. Am I broken? Because I felt none of these things.
I wasn't invested, I was very disconnected from the events. It was weird for me. I donno how to describe my reaction to this book. Maybe ut was the wrong book in the wrong time.
jamie_w's review
5.0
There aren’t enough words to describe the beauty of this book. I wanted something that would crush me and this did it. It also claimed my soul! The loss of a child, no matter the age, is brutal. The process of grieving is different for everyone and this book highlights that. There was no waxing poetic or some time marker that healed all the wounds. Even through the epilogue, the loss was still felt.
The way each character was coping with loss, grief and PTSD was unique to them. It also touched on being gay in the military and life in a war zone. It touched on how families cope with returning soldiers. The overall sense of helplessness was heartbreaking. But there is also so much redemption in this book.
I love Trevor and Jesse. Trevor was an incredible, selfless father to Riley even after his death. Jesse was such a leader to his team and was a brother to Riley especially when he needed it the most. The burden and responsibility both of these men carried for all the people in their lives was heavy and yet they found room for each other. In fact, it was in finding and falling for each other that they were able to heal, even tho scars remained, and build a beautiful life and honor Riley.
The way each character was coping with loss, grief and PTSD was unique to them. It also touched on being gay in the military and life in a war zone. It touched on how families cope with returning soldiers. The overall sense of helplessness was heartbreaking. But there is also so much redemption in this book.
I love Trevor and Jesse. Trevor was an incredible, selfless father to Riley even after his death. Jesse was such a leader to his team and was a brother to Riley especially when he needed it the most. The burden and responsibility both of these men carried for all the people in their lives was heavy and yet they found room for each other. In fact, it was in finding and falling for each other that they were able to heal, even tho scars remained, and build a beautiful life and honor Riley.