What do you think?
Rate this book
TWO
Ella, the free-spirited art school dropout, and Howl, the studious yet blunt college student, are one and the same. Both are college-aged, aimless in life, and haunted by their pasts. They would have never met on any other day, but that changed after a surreal encounter at the park involving an Italian opera Ella could recite but could not understand. As the two investigate the mystery of the unknown opera, they travel through their home city of Charlotte, North Carolina, discovering themselves and forming a strong bond within 24 hours. When Ella unexplainably leaves Howl's life the next day, will their old habits test this newfound friendship?
Told in Howl and Ella's alternating perspectives, this quirky yet poignant coming-of-age novel about friendship offers refreshing subversions to the "boy meets girl" trope.
Told in Howl and Ella's alternating perspectives, this quirky yet poignant coming-of-age novel about friendship offers refreshing subversions to the "boy meets girl" trope.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2024
5 people are currently reading
857 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Nicolau
23 books52 followersWhile most kids wanted to be astronauts or firefighters when they grew up, Nathan wanted to be a writer. Ever since a young age, he has been captivated by stories and how they shape us. He mainly writes fiction, poetry, essays, and non-fiction. His work can be found in multiple publications. He lives in Charlotte, NC.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 31, 2024
This is a book about connections. About art. About loneliness. About find someone that is truely there to listen and be your friend. It is the story of two strangers, Elle and Howl, and how the day they spent together change their lives.
Remind me a little one of my favorite movies, Before Sunrise, if Jesse and Céline stay friends and not romantically involved. We need more books about true friendships bettewen girls and boys, and I thought that this short novel did perfectly well.
Remind me a little one of my favorite movies, Before Sunrise, if Jesse and Céline stay friends and not romantically involved. We need more books about true friendships bettewen girls and boys, and I thought that this short novel did perfectly well.
March 28, 2024
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Two is a very sweet yet sad story about two strangers meeting by chance, and in a way, were perfect for each other. Each one being exactly what the other needs. It takes place throughout their day together, and what transpires afterwards. It is such a touching and heartfelt story.
Two is a very sweet yet sad story about two strangers meeting by chance, and in a way, were perfect for each other. Each one being exactly what the other needs. It takes place throughout their day together, and what transpires afterwards. It is such a touching and heartfelt story.
July 8, 2024
Two strangers cross paths in a park, igniting a journey of self-discovery in Nicolau’s intriguing novel. Howl and Ella, two lost souls in the bustling city of Charlotte, North Carolina, collide in a serendipitous encounter at the park. Despite their stark differences - he a studious college student and she a free-spirited art school dropout - they are inexplicably drawn to each other. As they unravel the mystery of an unknown Italian opera, they embark on a transformative journey through the streets of Charlotte, confronting their pasts and forging a deep connection. However, when Ella suddenly disappears from Howl's life the next day, their newfound bond is put to the ultimate test.
Nicolau's writing is expert: his language is descriptive, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience and bringing scenes to life. He skillfully crafts relatable and complex characters, portraying Ella's coping mechanisms through distant art and operas amidst mental health challenges and a turbulent home life, while Howl seeks reinvention, even changing his name.
Through the dynamic connection between the pair, the novel intricately delves into how one's physical and emotional surroundings shape character and destiny, exploring the search for meaning and purpose in unexpected places. The evolution of their relationship—which evolves from intrigue to mutual understanding and empathy—is a journey marked by curiosity, vulnerability, and emotional union. Their bond deepens through shared experiences, exhaustion, and vulnerability, transcending surface interactions to showcase the complexities of human connection.
The vibrant city of Charlotte becomes a character itself, reflecting the complexities of its inhabitants' lives through diverse landscapes. Vivid descriptions of landmarks like Romare Bearden Park and the UNCC light rail stop immerse readers in this dynamic setting. Emotions run deep throughout the novel, portrayed with rawness and authenticity that allows readers to empathize with the pair’s experiences. From exhaustion to concern, curiosity to vulnerability, these emotions are depicted in a realistic and nuanced manner that adds both weight and substance to the story.
The straightforward yet engaging writing style, coupled with high tension and frequent revelations, keeps readers engaged. The pacing is fluid and the plotting tight. The conclusion is both satisfying and surprising. The novel's exploration of human connections, emotions, and self-discovery, alongside themes of romance and friendship, makes it a must-read for readers seeking a deeply emotional and thought-provoking read. A triumph.
Nicolau's writing is expert: his language is descriptive, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience and bringing scenes to life. He skillfully crafts relatable and complex characters, portraying Ella's coping mechanisms through distant art and operas amidst mental health challenges and a turbulent home life, while Howl seeks reinvention, even changing his name.
Through the dynamic connection between the pair, the novel intricately delves into how one's physical and emotional surroundings shape character and destiny, exploring the search for meaning and purpose in unexpected places. The evolution of their relationship—which evolves from intrigue to mutual understanding and empathy—is a journey marked by curiosity, vulnerability, and emotional union. Their bond deepens through shared experiences, exhaustion, and vulnerability, transcending surface interactions to showcase the complexities of human connection.
The vibrant city of Charlotte becomes a character itself, reflecting the complexities of its inhabitants' lives through diverse landscapes. Vivid descriptions of landmarks like Romare Bearden Park and the UNCC light rail stop immerse readers in this dynamic setting. Emotions run deep throughout the novel, portrayed with rawness and authenticity that allows readers to empathize with the pair’s experiences. From exhaustion to concern, curiosity to vulnerability, these emotions are depicted in a realistic and nuanced manner that adds both weight and substance to the story.
The straightforward yet engaging writing style, coupled with high tension and frequent revelations, keeps readers engaged. The pacing is fluid and the plotting tight. The conclusion is both satisfying and surprising. The novel's exploration of human connections, emotions, and self-discovery, alongside themes of romance and friendship, makes it a must-read for readers seeking a deeply emotional and thought-provoking read. A triumph.
July 8, 2024
Nicolau masterfully weaves a tale of friendship, self-discovery, and chance, all set against the lively backdrop of Charlotte, North Carolina in his latest novel. Through the enigmatic lens of an Italian opera, Ella and Howl's brief 24-hour encounter takes them on a journey through the city's diverse landscape, both externally and internally. As they open up to each other, their layers of mystery unravel and reveal the delicate fragility of human connection.
This is a poignant exploration of the profound impact of fleeting encounters and the haunting beauty of human bonds. Told through alternating first-person perspectives of Ella and Howl, with occasional shared thoughts, the narrative structure gradually reveals their personalities, traumas, and struggles. When Ella suddenly disappears, leaving behind unanswered questions and unspoken emotions, Howl must confront his own vulnerabilities and the ephemeral nature of human connection.
While side characters like The Preacher on 7th Street, hospital staff, and figures like Richard Hunt make brief appearances, Ella and Howl remain central to propelling the plot forward. The dialogue feels authentic and captivating and the prose reflective. With vivid descriptions that transport readers to Charlotte's vibrant streets and serene parks, Nicolau conveys the city's unique atmosphere while exploring the complexities of identity and relationships. A unique coming-of-age story that defies conventional friendship norms; a stunner.
This is a poignant exploration of the profound impact of fleeting encounters and the haunting beauty of human bonds. Told through alternating first-person perspectives of Ella and Howl, with occasional shared thoughts, the narrative structure gradually reveals their personalities, traumas, and struggles. When Ella suddenly disappears, leaving behind unanswered questions and unspoken emotions, Howl must confront his own vulnerabilities and the ephemeral nature of human connection.
While side characters like The Preacher on 7th Street, hospital staff, and figures like Richard Hunt make brief appearances, Ella and Howl remain central to propelling the plot forward. The dialogue feels authentic and captivating and the prose reflective. With vivid descriptions that transport readers to Charlotte's vibrant streets and serene parks, Nicolau conveys the city's unique atmosphere while exploring the complexities of identity and relationships. A unique coming-of-age story that defies conventional friendship norms; a stunner.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews