Review: Only Love Can Break Your Heart by Ed Tarkington

1977: Spencerhill, VA.  Eight-year-old Rocky adores his older brother, Paul. At sixteen,  Paul is a rebel, driving around in his Chevy Nova, cigarette dangling from his lips.  Paul, too, treasures his relationship with his younger brother. One day, however, everything changes. Paul picks Rocky up from school and abandons him in the woods, only to return hours later to reclaim him. Shortly thereafter, Paul disappears.

Years later, Rocky is now a teenager.  So many things have changed in Paul's absence. Rocky has forgiven him for his act of abandonment but won't soon recover from his absence.  Their father hasn't given up on Paul's return, but too is struggling with the after effects of his disappearance.  Desperate for some sort of emotional connection, Rocky begins an affair with their wealthy neighbor's daughter. Neither one realize that the relationship kicks of a series of events that will forever change both families.

This debut novel is the perfect combination of mystery meets Southern Gothic. Tarkington’s writing is breathtakingly beautiful; I found myself reading passages aloud over and over again. This writing style instantly captivates readers, commanding attention.  There is a lot going on in this novel, yet Tarkington is able to organizes it so that it’s not overwhelming or confusing, quite a feat!

Rocky’s voice is quite pronounced, it was a thrill to follow him on his path of self-discovery and maturity. What starts out as a young voice gradually matures, yet the naivety is ever-present.  A young boy, missing the role-model he once adored, forced to take the journey to adulthood alone, embracing mistakes and poor choices along the way.

The title comes from a Neil Young song, is quite fitting. Not only is/was it one of Paul’s favorite songs, but the title itself becomes quite apparent as Rocky, and many others, are forced to deal with the consequences of actions their loved ones embark upon.

Dubbed a mystery, this novel has so many layers to it that it’s certain to be enjoyed by readers of all sorts. The very last book I read in 2015, one that has a lasting space in my heart. Highly, highly recommended.