Cenotaph by Rich Marcello, is an elegant tale following Benjamin Sanna as he navigates his late stages of life. The book starts when Ben meets Samantha Beckett and immediately they feel a long-lost connection with each other. Soon the plot unravels the loss and suffering both of them have gone through in life and how, somehow, the universe has brought them together.

Cenotaphs is an impassioned piece of psychological fiction with an air of melancholy that permeates the story. This book provides an intriguing exploration of life, loss and recovery. Benjamin’s tale is a stirring character study of a man that is not perfect but, even in his late age, is still discovering himself. Even in his late seventies he tries to live and do good. He accepts his flaws and teaches others the same. All of this is shown with a literary flair that reminds of classic literature that is beautiful yet poignant.

Sam is young, smart and successful in her career but has her fair share of lows that life has thrown at her, yet just a few days together and they know their bond is deep.

Admittedly, I had to pull up the dictionary to look up the meaning of the word, Cenotaph. It is an empty tomb. A tomb where both Ben and Sam celebrate their hardships, loss and love with each other; I think. The story is an emotional-rollercoaster that feels authentic throughout. Author Rich Marcello is able to beautifully describe a love that is romantic yet platonic in a way that feels wistful yet potent. This is not a romance story, this is a story of people leaning on one another and weathering the storm of life together. This is a story that will show you that there are many types of love.

Cenotaphs is an emotionally-resonant story and a unique by relatable reflection on life that I heartily enjoyed reading.

Pages: 196 | ASIN: B097Q3WR2X