Dreams of Arcadia, by Brian Porter, is the story of one man’s journey to begin anew following the divorce that wrecked his confidence and broke his spirit. Nate is offered a position assisting in a veterinary clinic far from his home in the city. In need of a change of scenery and looking for a fresh start, he accepts but finds his confidence is shaky at best. As he navigates a world that should not be all that different from the one to which he is accustomed, Nate also faces his past and lingering questions about his father. The townspeople’s awkward silence at the mere mention of his father’s name speaks volumes. Starting over after his divorce is going to be more difficult than Nate could have imagined when he left the city.

Nate Holub is Porter’s main character, and he carries the book effortlessly. His angst is at the forefront of the story and remains a driving force throughout the plot. Porter has mastered the art of delivering for readers a likable, relatable character–a single father coping with the biggest change of his life. Readers will be drawn to Nate’s open and honest dialogues, both with others and with himself.

Nate’s mother dotes on him, wanting only the best. Many readers will shake their heads in agreement as they share in his pain. He wants nothing more than to be left alone to process his grief and start over, and his mother’s insistence that he get back out there is something readers will find highly relatable. Porter hits all the marks with Nate’s character.

I was especially taken with the delicate way in which Porter introduces the mystery surrounding Nate’s father. He has created the ideal lead into Nate’s father and his history. Again, Porter nails the family dynamic and the secrets found tucked within. Nate’s curiosity about his family’s past and his personal struggle to fit in at the veterinary clinic create the perfect storm and a fantastic main character.

Dreams of Arcadia is an engaging work of contemporary fiction with a gripping mystery that keeps readers hooked through the entire novel. Porter’s down-to-earth characters, immersive dialogue, and masterful storytelling make this a must-read. I recommend Porter’s work to anyone looking for a strong male lead who simultaneously exhibits a vulnerable side. Readers will find themselves lost in Nate Holub’s world, looking alongside him for answers and a new lease on life.

Pages: 229 | ASIN : B0C6MTJD6H