Scan barcode
A review by magnafeana
Point of Contact by Melanie Hansen
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.