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2023: The consuming relationship between a young woman and a recovering addict
2023: The consuming relationship between a young woman and a recovering addict
When Leah Kempler meets Charlie Nelson in line at the grocery store, their attraction is immediate and intense. Charlie, with his big feelings and grand proclamations of love, captivates her completely. But there are peculiarities of his life–he’s older than her but lives with his parents; he meets up with a friend at odd hours of the night; he sleeps a lot and always seems to be coming down with something. He confesses that he’s a recovering heroin addict, but he promises Leah that he’s never going to use again.
Leah’s friends and family are concerned. As she finds herself getting deeper into an isolated relationship, one of manipulation and denial, the truth about Charlie feels as blurry as their time together. Even when Charlie’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, when he starts to make Leah feel unsafe, she can’t help but feel that what exists between them is destined. Charlie is wide open, boyish, and unbearably handsome. The bounds of Leah’s own pain–and love–are so deep that she can’t see him spiraling into self-destruction.
This is not a novel for locations although it is clearly set in Wisconsin at a university and around a city. The story is character-led and sadly, the story of addiction can and does happen anywhere and everywhere.
Destination: Wisconsin Author/guide: Hanna Halperin Departure Time: 2023
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