Summer's Breath is an immersive experience that invites you to explore the labyrinth of the human psyche, where suspense intertwines with self-exploration, creating an enthralling, thought-provoking narrative.
Trigger warning: This novel explores substance abuse, infidelity and suicidal thoughts.
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Charlie, a tech worker in Toronto with a challenging past, struggles with self-isolation after his marriage to Mikaela is snuffed out by boredom and subsequent infidelity. The trauma of their divorce mirrors Charlie's parents' broken relationship and his mother's death. Charlie tries to cover these losses with alcohol and one-night stands while stumbling through his workplace social scene.
Charlie's only cornerstones are his childhood friend Ash and a new colleague, Summer. Though she could be the one, Summer is engaged to James. Charlie doesn't want to repeat the pattern of infidelity he sees around him, from his family to many colleagues and friends. And so he goes for walks with Summer and plays it safe. With each midday trek through a wooded trail near the office, Charlie shows up for Summer and himself.