by Hayley Charlesworth
A slightly different Between the Sheets this time, in that the book in focus does not actually contain much sex. That is because Opening Act, a charming novella by Suleikha Snyder, is only 85 pages long. But don’t let the short length put you off. Opening Act is a quick but engrossing read of unrequited love, misunderstandings, and music. It is also a multi-racial romance where, refreshingly, the race of the female protagonist is not the main focus.
A slightly different Between the Sheets this time, in that the book in focus does not actually contain much sex. That is because Opening Act, a charming novella by Suleikha Snyder, is only 85 pages long. But don’t let the short length put you off. Opening Act is a quick but engrossing read of unrequited love, misunderstandings, and music. It is also a multi-racial romance where, refreshingly, the race of the female protagonist is not the main focus.
Saroj Shah, a local journalist, has been in love with bassist and bartender Adam Harper for seven years, since they met on her first day of college. With pressure from her mother to marry a nice desi boy, and Adam’s cluelessness, Saroj is about ready to give up. Until a moment of weakness kiss with Adam’s best friend stirs up feelings of jealousy in Adam. Misunderstandings follow, as Saroj is tired of Adam playing hot and cold with her, and Adam is finally starting to see Saroj in a new light.
The benefits of Opening Act’s short length are that the focus remains entirely on Saroj, Adam, and the changes in their relationship, with no room to get lost in sub-plots. That said, there is still opportunity to explore some of Saroj’s past, from her first meeting with Adam, so her hook-ups and relationships in college, and the life that her mother expects of her. Still, the romance is the true story, and it is given an even balance by dedicating alternate chapters to both Saroj and Adam’s perspectives. We see Saroj’s lengthy infatuation in the same depth as Adam’s analysis of what his friendship with Saroj has really meant. Johnny Ray, the friend who Saroj kisses in the opening chapter, is a great foil for both characters, inspiring Saroj to pursue what she really wants, and encouraging Adam to open his eyes to what’s in front of him. All in amusingly arrogant form.
The one downside to Opening Act is also the short length. While it’s a perfectly wonderful story, the world that Saroj and Adam inhabit is intriguing enough to spend more time there, with so many potential unexplored threads: such as Saroj’s holding back in her journalism career for Adam, or Adam’s experiences as an unsigned musician. Perhaps there is more of Saroj and Adam’s story to be told in a follow up book, but even if there isn’t, the fact that these questions are raised just demonstrates how engaging these characters are.
The other drawback of the length is that there’s little time for sex. Saroj and Adam finally consummating their relationship is a relatively short scene in terms of the romance genre, and is the only incidence of such. However, the short length also prevents this scene from being lost in flowery language and overindulgence, instead reflecting the reality of sex in a positive light. Opening Act is a romance that does not need sex in order to sell its story, and while some audiences may miss the raunchy scenes, the characters are engrossing enough and have enough chemistry for this not to matter.
The benefits of Opening Act’s short length are that the focus remains entirely on Saroj, Adam, and the changes in their relationship, with no room to get lost in sub-plots. That said, there is still opportunity to explore some of Saroj’s past, from her first meeting with Adam, so her hook-ups and relationships in college, and the life that her mother expects of her. Still, the romance is the true story, and it is given an even balance by dedicating alternate chapters to both Saroj and Adam’s perspectives. We see Saroj’s lengthy infatuation in the same depth as Adam’s analysis of what his friendship with Saroj has really meant. Johnny Ray, the friend who Saroj kisses in the opening chapter, is a great foil for both characters, inspiring Saroj to pursue what she really wants, and encouraging Adam to open his eyes to what’s in front of him. All in amusingly arrogant form.
The one downside to Opening Act is also the short length. While it’s a perfectly wonderful story, the world that Saroj and Adam inhabit is intriguing enough to spend more time there, with so many potential unexplored threads: such as Saroj’s holding back in her journalism career for Adam, or Adam’s experiences as an unsigned musician. Perhaps there is more of Saroj and Adam’s story to be told in a follow up book, but even if there isn’t, the fact that these questions are raised just demonstrates how engaging these characters are.
The other drawback of the length is that there’s little time for sex. Saroj and Adam finally consummating their relationship is a relatively short scene in terms of the romance genre, and is the only incidence of such. However, the short length also prevents this scene from being lost in flowery language and overindulgence, instead reflecting the reality of sex in a positive light. Opening Act is a romance that does not need sex in order to sell its story, and while some audiences may miss the raunchy scenes, the characters are engrossing enough and have enough chemistry for this not to matter.
RSS Feed
