Title: Woke Up in a Strange Place
Author: Eric Arvin
Publisher: Dreamspinner
Buy Link: Buy Link Woke Up in a Strange Place
Genre: M/M Paranormal
Length: Novel (240 pages)
Rating: 5+ stars out of 5, DIK
A Guest Review by Cole
Review Summary: An odyssey of the epic sort through the relationships and experiences of Joe’s life and his rediscovery of those memories, both joyful and painful. Life-affirming, poignant, insightful, and at times hilarious, this story took me in from the very first page and wouldn’t let go until the last secret was revealed.
BLURB
Joe wakes up in a barley field with no clothes, no memories, and no idea how he got there. Before he knows it, he’s off on the last great journey of his life. With his soul guide Baker and a charge to have courage from a mysterious, alluring, and somehow familiar Stranger, Joe sets off through a fantastical changing landscape to confront his past.
The quest is not without challenges. Joe’s past is not always an easy thing to relive, but if he wants to find peace—and reunite with the Stranger he is so strongly drawn to—he must continue on until the end, no matter how tempted he is to stop along the way.
REVIEW
I was drawn to this book immediately the moment I saw its cover on the Dreamspinner website. The gorgeous cover, painted by artist and cover artist Paul Richmond, is strangely serene and peaceful, and I remember at the time hoping that the beautiful art on the cover accurately represented the pages within. I bought the book the day it came out, and immeditely upon reading, I was captivated. This story is based on a single idea — one that has been explored countless times in literature and film, yet which when paired with Eric Arvin’s beautiful prose and the genre of m/m romance itself, becomes truly unique — a trip into the afterlife for answers about life, death, and the love found along the way. Here, Eric Arvin takes our young Odysseus through an epic adventure in the afterlife, each encounter with a strange being or situation demonstrating a major moment of his life that Joe is due to remember, for only in acceptance and remembrance of his successes and failures in life will Joe learn from them and be able to move on. From childhood friends to teenage heartbreak, from struggling to come out to finding love and failure as an adult, Joe’s memories get succeedingly difficult to face, until becoming too difficult all together. If he does not face his past and find a way to understand it, he will never move on, stuck in the limbo of his Journey. Even more upsetting, if he doesn’t finish his Journey, he might never learn who the alluring Stranger is who periodically shows up to give him courage. As a result, Joe might never unravel the greatest mystery of all — his death.
He doesn’t even remember his name when he wakes up naked in the field of barley. He doesn’t know who he his, where he is, or who the strange and beautiful man is who shows up with an eager dog and tells him that if he has the courage, they will meet again and the end of the Journey the man insists Joe must take. When the man disappears and he has nothing more to do, he sets off to explore. It seems as if each little thing, the feel of the grass on his toes, or the image of the night sky brings upon a memory. Slowly at first, he starts to remember things: his name, the face of his mother, his first memories. So far he has let his feet wander where they may until he comes across the largest tree that he’s ever seen, with the largest treehouse he’s ever seen, spiraling level after level into the boughs. Feeling a compulsion to enter, David follows the sound of music into the treehouse and comes across a man playing a guitar. He says his name is Baker and that he is to be Joe’s guide through the afterlife, and on his Journey. They set off, getting to know one another and bonding like old friends as they confront and deal with the situations and people from Joe’s life that he is destined to face.
I loved this book so much for the breadth of scope it encompasses. It is insightful into the nature of celebrating life and honoring it in a way that includes honoring death as well, not as an ending, but as a transistion from one form to another. The story was also hilarious at times, as Eric Arvin took real advantage of certain situations to show the difference between different periods of Joe’s life and how they manifest themselves after death — Joe’s childhood friend 3P, who teaches Joe how to regain his childhood; Joe’s grandfather, who in life was keeping some secrets of his own, but who, in the afterlife, has wings like an angel and loves to swoop through the pink candy clouds and roll and dive through the air, joyous in a way he rarely was in life; and also Guy, Joe’s vain best friend from college, who is more of himself in death than he even was in life, having made his body into a monstrous display of masculinity (a giant with a giant penis) and the leader of a fraternity of men who spend the afterlife playing naked wrestling, having constant sex, and reveling in their brotherhood in a glaring tribute to Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue scenes of frolicking half-naked men. These were only a drop in the bucket of the amazingly varied characters Joe meets in the afterlife, each a bit more magnanimous than they were in life. I particularly loved Phil and Buck, the gay talking horses 🙂
The world itself is beautifully built, a place that is an extension of the mind. It isn’t unusual to see the world quite literally shifting around a character to reflect their mood. It is a place a bit like Oz, yet also similar to the depth of the dreamscape in the movie Inception. The place is like a blank canvas, it only limitation being the boundaries of the mind. This lends to each day being an act of creation, and we see this as we and Joe together learn who he really is. The slow reveal of each piece of Joe’s life builds the suspense of what is coming. We, the reader, nor Joe understand exactly what that is, but we know that there are things coming that he will have to face that are difficult, such as: how did he die, and what role in his death did the Stranger have?
I had a difficult time deciding how to rate this book. This is a romance, but it is an unusual one. The on-screen interaction between Joe and his lover is only towards the end, but most of the romance takes place with Joe and a shadow of the Stranger. He knows that he loved deeply in his life, but he simply isn’t ready to remember. Instead, the romance is formed around what we don’t know about his lover and how that affects the story. Also, some readers might get bored with what they perceive is a lack-of-conflict. Much of the novel is Joe’s discovery of himself, and since we don’t know anymore than he does about his life (which isn’t much), quite a bit of the story is his delight at seeing his old friends again. I quite enjoyed this part of the book myself, as Joe was finally finding happiness, and doing it on his own. These are the types of lessons he has to learn before he be reunited with his lover, or else they risk the love they already have. In the end, I decided to rate this story DIK, because not only did these things not bother me personally, but I’ve found myself thinking about this book quite a lot since I finished reading it. It has stayed with me and carved a place on my self reserved for my very favorite books, just as Eric Arvin has carved a place as one of my favorite authors. Others may not agree, and I assure you that this story won’t be to some readers’ liking. It is certainly for the more adventurous reader, and could not in any way be classified as a typical romance story. For me, that was the fun of it. Highly Recommended.
Thanks, Cole, for the great review! I am a big Eric Arvin fan, and this almost seems a bit existential, if you will…which excites me to no end. My favorite book, which I have read at least once a year for well over 15 years deals with a similar situation…and it still keeps me thinking. That is a sign of a good book! I would love to find another book like that…romantic, thought provoking, and good enough to call an old friend. Thanks!
Hi Brian 🙂
This book sounds perfect for you then. It is existential, more than it is romantic, I’d say. That doesn’t bother me, but it might some. To me, the way he explores the ‘other’, whether it be our minds or the unseen world around us, heightened the intimacy that Joe felt toward all things and all people, not just his lover.
Thanks for asking me to review this one. I had intended to read it anyway, but I was very happy to have written the review for it. I wanted to ask you, which are your favorite books of Eric’s? This is the first one of his I’ve read, although I’m starting Another Enchanted April soon. Do you recommend any others in particular?
I’d love to hear what you think of this one when you read it, Brian. Please let me know 🙂
Hi Cole,
I think this will be my vacation book. You did a great job reviewing this one; I’ve had trigger finger since reading your review! I’m glad I “no pressured” you to reviewing it. LOL 😉
I fell in love with Eric Arvin’s “The Rest is Illusion” and “Simple Men” but “Kid Christmas is good too! They are all very different. I love the way he describes the “world” around his story, and moreso the way he develops secondary characters that are as interesting and layered as the primary characters. “Simple Men” is touching, and funny at the same time. If you read it, you’ll see. One character, especially, had me rooting every time he/she (I won’t spoil it) came around. Which reminds me, I should read that one again!
I will definitely let you know what I think of this, and the other book you reviewed…like I said, if it’s anything existential I’m sure it will take a nice cozy spot next to my other book that is my best friend.
Thank you Brian 🙂
I’ve had Simple Men on my TBR list for quite a lot time, so I think I’ll go ahead and buy it. I started to read Kid Christmas last year, but I never really got into it. The villain with the snow balls? I don’t think I really got the humor at the time, so I put it down, but I’m going to read it again. I think I might understand it this time 🙂
I can’t thank you enough! You’ve made my day and more! I’m in the clouds that you liked it so much.
Pink, candy clouds? 🙂
First off, I want to apologize for the few glaring mistakes in my review, I don’t know where my head was at (probably up in the pretty pink clouds), and I’ve remedied them.
This is the first book of yours that I’ve read, and I must tell you how impressed I am at your ability to tackle a daunting subject to try and explore through the lens of this genre and make it more than romance, and alternately more than literary fiction. You’ve made a fan of me, that’s for sure 🙂
Thanks for writing such a wonderful book, Eric. I’ll be looking forward to your next book, whenever it comes!
I’m so happy it’s getting such a response! Everyone here is bein wonderful! It was a very personal book to write and I feel a bit validated. It’s definitely one of my “favorite children.”
Thanks again, Cole!
Eric,
Well, you can definitely feel the love and care that you put into this story. I could see how it is a personal story to write. I imagine that it is probably a personal story for most people to read, as well. Just like every book, it carries a different meaning for different people, but somehow, I can see how this book is more affecting.
Thanks again, Eric 🙂
Eric is truly one of the boundary-stretchers in the genre. Based on that fact alone, I’m drawn to his work…and applaud him.
Really thorough, enlightening review, Cole. It definitely helped “demystify” this intriguing book as well as explain its appeal.
Thank You, KZ 🙂 I must admit, this is the first book of Eric’s that I’ve read, but I’m already set to remedy that. I have Another Enchanted April lined up to read next and I can’t wait. He has a really beautiful way with words. Thanks for leaving a comment, I appreciate it 🙂
A great review! It really sounds interesting and worth reading. I like the idea – a journey after death, to find the answers of life. And it seems like this book has also some funny parts 😉
Oh, I also love the cover!
Hi Julie!
Thank you, I thought this was a wonderful book and I hope that those who read it will find the enjoyment from it that I did. I think it was a rather daunting topic and plot for him to try to cover, and I was pretty amazed at how well he did.
The cover is beautiful, isn’t it? Paul Richmond has drawn the covers for many of Dreamspinner’s books, but so far this is my favorite 🙂
I’m currently reading this one and, so far, I am enjoying it. I will let you know what my final impressions are. But, I like the concept and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Thanks, Cole!
I’m not sure (I have to check), but I don’t think the other horse’s name is Mitch.
I swear, I have never seen so many inaccuracies or typos in one of my reviews 🙂 Thanks for letting me know! I’ve been sick and I swear I proofread and everything, I must have been totally delusional, half of my sentences didn’t even make sense, lol. Anyway, thanks, I changed the name to Buck. Where the hell did I come up with Mitch?
I’d love to hear what you think when you’re finished with this one. I have a feeling that people will either love it or hate it, because its so very different from most of what is out there.
I’m sorry, Cole, but I can’t be more eloquent at the moment – wow, just wow. This is a lovely, lovely book. I was crying through the last 30-40 pages and I’m still sniffling. Now, I’ll catch my breath and read Buda-recommended Arvin’s book and then continue through his entire list. 🙂
You know, I would never be able to write a review for this book – I’m learning to appreciate you people more every day. ^^
Now you know why I have having a difficult time sounding eloquent 🙂 This is probably the most difficult book I’ve had to review, simply because there are so many things going on throughout, plus the fact that it is important for the reader to understand Joe’s life just as he is learning about himself, so not giving spoilers is really important. You said it, Wow.
I’m going to read Another Enchanted April next as well, whenever I have the time. I can’t wait 🙂
Cole, thanks for the detailed and enthusiastic review. This sounds like a definite must read for me. Thought provoking, imaginative writing that will stick with me is always a good thing 🙂
Hi Dianne 🙂 It is definitely all of those things. I hope that you really love it as much as I did.
Hookay, I’m buying this NOW. Great review Cole!
Thank you Aly! This is a great book — I hope you love it 🙂
Thanks for the review…I was wavering on this one, but you sold me on it!
Hi Alex, I’m glad I could help you make your decision 🙂
Wow, Cole. Beautiful review. The blurb kept me on the fence, but you’ve convinced me that I have to read this. It sounds like it might have a bit of a The Five People you Meet in Heaven-esque feel to it (maybe that’s where you got Mitch?) As soon as I have a moment to breathe (ie, catch up on the ton of books I was handed this weekend), I’m definitely checking it out. Thanks, buddy!
Hey, maybe I did. I kept thinking, no, I couldn’t have because I never read that, but that’s the author right? Mitch Albom, or something like that…
From what you said about the writing in AEA, I think that you will like this one, simply because the writing is so beautiful, no matter the sub-genre. Whenever you get around to it, I’d love to hear what you think 🙂
Cole, am getting it now, sounds awesome 🙂
Thank you for the review. I wanted to try this author for some time and this one sounds as good as any book to start.
Hey Sirius,
I really think you’ll enjoy this one. This is the only book of Eric Arvin’s I’ve read as well, though I hope to remedy that soon. 🙂
Fabulous review, Cole! This sounds like a wonderful book. I’ll definitely be reading this one. Thanks for bringing to my attention. 🙂
Thank you Lily 🙂 This really is a wonderful book and I hope it brings you the joy and happiness in reading it that it did for me. No matter how wonderful a book is to read, sometimes what matters most is just that you have fun while reading it, you know? That’s how this book was for me.
Wonderful, eloquent review, Cole. I’m inspired to get it based on your enthusiasm, even though it’s probably something I wouldn’t normally pick up. Thanks bunches.
Thank you Lynn 🙂 I think that people who don’t usually like paranormals will still like this book. In fact, I have a hard time calling this a paranormal, maybe a kind of contemporary fantasy? Even then, the fantasy elements are in the background, the story really is about the people and how one man sees the world. Its beautiful 🙂
You are very bad voor my book pile! Definitely convinced me!
The cover is really beautiful!
The cover is gorgeous, I love it 🙂
I hope you like it!