"The Means Of Keeping is contemporary literary at its very best"

• ASIN: ‎ B0D2LF1BYV
• Publisher: ‎ HarvardTown Press (July 12, 2024)
• Publication date: ‎ July 12, 2024
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 374 pages
• Genre: Contemporary Literary Climate Fiction

The BookViral Review:

“Our relationship transcends all places.”

A genuinely affecting read that approaches its key themes of grief and climate change with intelligence, maturity, and a rare sense of authenticity The Means Of Keeping is contemporary literary at its very best.

Tremendously sad in places it’s never the less the furthest thing from a miserablist wallow. Grief and moving on from loss may be the topic under examination, but incisive, observant and warm prose are the tools with which they’re dissected with Rich Marcello demonstrating a deft touch that increases the dramatic intensity in subtle layers, rather than slapping it on with a trowel.

With its conceptually intricate plot, The Means Of Keeping takes us to a dark near future where the effects of climate change are destroying our planet and where the effects of a ‘microburst’ have robbed Tereza and David of their respective spouses and children.

Pushing all the right buttons of the human psyche, Marcello exposes the core of the human experience, as their lives fall apart and they struggle with survivor’s guilt, walking a tightrope between their ethical beliefs and desire to remain apart from those around them, as he skilfully manipulates them in the intricacies of love and tackling the effects of climate change.

Pulling his readers into the Ashami Institute Marcello lulls us into an almost saccharine sense of security before shredding it and rewriting the rules as Tereza, David and Emma are asked to shoulder the challenge of repurposing it.

Together they build Keeping and here Marcello explores the realities of unchecked climate control and the image he paints is wholly disturbing. Reminding us of the depth to which fossil fuels are embedded into almost every aspect of human life and leaving readers in no doubt as to the magnitude of change required if our planet is to survive as Tereza and David are forced to consider their moral compasses and continue to reflect on the tragic circumstances which brought them back together.

From its tour de force opening chapters The Means Of Keeping is brilliantly constructed in both writing flair and narrative. It’s a rollercoaster of a read that will hit all the right buttons and is an unreservedly recommended Golden Quill read.