Donald Altman Reviews Contemporary Romance

• Soulmate: by D. Lowell
• Genre: Novel, contemporary romance
• Paperback: 234 pages
• Publisher: Eminent Films; first edition (July 24, 2013)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0989392805
• ISBN-13: 978-0989392808
• Availability: Amazon.com; BN.com
• Reviewed by: Donald Altman

Reviewed by Donald Altman
 

Soulmate is a page turner, a brilliant, witty, sardonic novel that worked on so many intriguing levels. First, it entices you with a whole new look at Hollywood and its inner workings... one that will have you looking at films like you never did before. Then, of course, there's the love story--as untraditional and unexpected as you will find.. but truly believable and fascinating as it takes you into the underbelly (sorry for the pun) of LA's lap-dancing strip clubs. This is the compelling story of two souls whose love is forged in this strange, dimly lit world. It follows their inner struggles and fears as they attempt to bring their love into the light and lives of their daytime existence. The characters are extremely well conceived, and you cannot help but get drawn into the emotional roller coaster of their journey.

Soulmate is also, for me, a double entendre for how Hollywood itself becomes an irresistible soulmate and mistress of the actors, writers, distributors, filmmakers, and others who get obsessed with it. The portrayal of LA and the culture of narcissism is especially sharp and laugh out loud funny. The shower scene with the "nuclear hair bomb" (I don't want to spoil it so no more need be said) was hilarious. What really surprised me was how the book resonated with me after reading it. It had an uncanny way of bringing in surprising--and sometimes mind-blowing--historical background about our culture. It may also get you thinking in new ways about relationships, beauty, aging, and love. Thanks D.L. Lowell for your fresh voice and a wonderfully written and well-crafted novel. I'm looking forward to your next work.

More about the reviewer:

Donald Altman, M.A., LPC is former Vice-President, The Center for Mindful Eating - TCME.Org. See him on AM Northwest's morning show at http://www.TheJoyCompass.com

 

 

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