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The Infinite Onion
The truth is harder to hide when someone sharp starts poking around.
Grant Eastbrook hit the ground crawling after his wife kicked him out. Six months later, in Seattle without a job or a place to live, he escapes to the woods of nearby Vashon Island to consider his options. When he’s found sleeping outdoors by a cheerful man who seems bent on irritating him to death, Grant’s plans to resuscitate his life take a peculiar turn.
Oliver Rossi knows how to keep his fears at bay. He’s had years of practice. As a local eccentric and artist, he works from his funky home in the deep woods, where he thinks he has everything he needs. Then he rescues an angry man from a rainy ditch and discovers a present worth fighting the past for.
Amid the buzz of high summer, unwelcome attraction blooms on a playing field of barbs, defenses, and secrets.
Standalone romance. HEA.
Grant Eastbrook hit the ground crawling after his wife kicked him out. Six months later, in Seattle without a job or a place to live, he escapes to the woods of nearby Vashon Island to consider his options. When he’s found sleeping outdoors by a cheerful man who seems bent on irritating him to death, Grant’s plans to resuscitate his life take a peculiar turn.
Oliver Rossi knows how to keep his fears at bay. He’s had years of practice. As a local eccentric and artist, he works from his funky home in the deep woods, where he thinks he has everything he needs. Then he rescues an angry man from a rainy ditch and discovers a present worth fighting the past for.
Amid the buzz of high summer, unwelcome attraction blooms on a playing field of barbs, defenses, and secrets.
Standalone romance. HEA.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2020
8 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Alice Archer
9 books78 followersAlice Archer has lots of questions. Scheming to put fictional characters through the muck so they can get to a better place helps her find answers.
She shares her stories with the hope that others might find some healing too. Alice has messed about with words professionally for many years as an editor and writing coach.
She also travels a bunch. Her home base is Eugene, Oregon.
She shares her stories with the hope that others might find some healing too. Alice has messed about with words professionally for many years as an editor and writing coach.
She also travels a bunch. Her home base is Eugene, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 30, 2020
*update: I downgraded to one star. I sat on my feelings and I hated it even more the longer I thought about it.*
I truthfully don't know how to rate this book, and so I'm settling on two-stars for now, though, to be honest, I pretty much hated this story. I have a feeling I'm going to be in the extreme minority with this one so take my review with a grain of salt.
*possible minor spoilers ahead*
I can see that most of my friends loved The Infinite Onion and thought it was a beautiful story. I didn't. This book was my first time reading Alice Archer, and I don't know if I'll read her again. And if you are Alice Archer and are sensitive to reviews, please don't read on.
I thought that Oliver was a piece of shit. I couldn't stand him. I hated his pseudo-psychology and fake counselling, which, I found, could have been really damaging since he had no actual professional training. But I literally wanted to punch him when I saw how he horribly he treated Grant. Oliver was so smug, so sure that he knew exactly what Grant needed, when actually Grant was homeless and nearly starving. He was like I'll teach him a lesson about life and healing! when Grant just needed some basic food and compassion. The way he gave him access to basic necessities like water, a laundry machine, and a place to heat food over time by making him do his stupid tasks like draw a self-portrait and journal over the course of WEEKS made me want to throw my Kindle. It was inhumane and akin to mild torture. It was a total power play and I despised it.
Now that I have that off my chest, I'm also mad about a few other things. As a mother, I found it extremely weird that a whole bunch of these parents essentially let their kids roam free all summer, philosophizing and bonding with a strange man who lived in the woods without any parental supervision. No way in hell am I letting my kids scamper off with a stranger all day. Where were these parents?? These were youngish kids, mind you, not older teens, which would still be strange for me but maybe less so. No, I don't want my kid having an emotional "breakthrough" with you, random man in the woods. I'm sorry.
Also, the romance was weak at best. Oliver was weighing his options like a f-ing douche still way over the halfway point book, spying and creeping on Grant while seriously toying with the idea of being with his long-time friend-with-benefits. I'm not buying this romance.
At the halfway point, I still hated it. I fully wanted to DNF. I speed-read through the rest of the book, but I still didn't like it. I'm giving it two stars because a small part of me thinks that maybe I'm not being esoteric or introspective enough to appreciate what this book is trying to do... but that part of me is very small.
I don't know. I guess others are getting something out of this book that I'm not.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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I truthfully don't know how to rate this book, and so I'm settling on two-stars for now, though, to be honest, I pretty much hated this story. I have a feeling I'm going to be in the extreme minority with this one so take my review with a grain of salt.
*possible minor spoilers ahead*
I can see that most of my friends loved The Infinite Onion and thought it was a beautiful story. I didn't. This book was my first time reading Alice Archer, and I don't know if I'll read her again. And if you are Alice Archer and are sensitive to reviews, please don't read on.
I thought that Oliver was a piece of shit. I couldn't stand him. I hated his pseudo-psychology and fake counselling, which, I found, could have been really damaging since he had no actual professional training. But I literally wanted to punch him when I saw how he horribly he treated Grant. Oliver was so smug, so sure that he knew exactly what Grant needed, when actually Grant was homeless and nearly starving. He was like I'll teach him a lesson about life and healing! when Grant just needed some basic food and compassion. The way he gave him access to basic necessities like water, a laundry machine, and a place to heat food over time by making him do his stupid tasks like draw a self-portrait and journal over the course of WEEKS made me want to throw my Kindle. It was inhumane and akin to mild torture. It was a total power play and I despised it.
Now that I have that off my chest, I'm also mad about a few other things. As a mother, I found it extremely weird that a whole bunch of these parents essentially let their kids roam free all summer, philosophizing and bonding with a strange man who lived in the woods without any parental supervision. No way in hell am I letting my kids scamper off with a stranger all day. Where were these parents?? These were youngish kids, mind you, not older teens, which would still be strange for me but maybe less so. No, I don't want my kid having an emotional "breakthrough" with you, random man in the woods. I'm sorry.
Also, the romance was weak at best. Oliver was weighing his options like a f-ing douche still way over the halfway point book, spying and creeping on Grant while seriously toying with the idea of being with his long-time friend-with-benefits. I'm not buying this romance.
At the halfway point, I still hated it. I fully wanted to DNF. I speed-read through the rest of the book, but I still didn't like it. I'm giving it two stars because a small part of me thinks that maybe I'm not being esoteric or introspective enough to appreciate what this book is trying to do... but that part of me is very small.
I don't know. I guess others are getting something out of this book that I'm not.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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July 1, 2020
3 Difficult Hearts
Having been profoundly moved by Everyday History with its unique concepts, I obviously wanted a repeat performance. This was another book about self discovery but sadly, it was more an exercise in frustration for me.
Grant is not an easy man to like, believe you me. Definitely down on his luck, definitely at the end of his rope, he’s bitter and resigned with very little hope to make his desperate situation better. When he retreats to his ex brother in law’s vacation property to squat in their shed, survivor’s instinct makes Grant ask for bare basics help from an eccentric stranger so that he can regroup and formulate a plan.
Oliver sorta kinda loves a challenge. An artist and an unqualified quasi therapist, his free spirit and need to help others allows him to offer aid. With conditions. The surly dirty man needs a shift in his axis to discover why he’s the way he is, and Oliver knows he can help Grant, if only Grant would just let go and try his 5 week no fail plan.
It’s no surprise their personalities clash, each aggravated and fascinated, each pushing each other’s buttons to the max. Neither will back down, and as Grant gradually “grows”, he realizes he’s not the only one with issues. It’s soon apparent that Oliver has buried something deep inside, causing his own personal stasis in life, all of which has been holding him back for many many years.
I get it. This was almost like a self help book featuring an enemies to lovers theme and both these men had some major baggage (duh) and both these men had to confront some very harsh truths. Credit for a slow burn. Grant and Oliver get under each other’s skin like an awful annoying rash, bringing out their worst making this painful soul dissection just not all that much fun.
So as a warning, these characters many times throughout weren’t very likeable. However, Archer succeeds at the vivid imagery mostly in the setting of Washington's Vashon Island, making me want to visit there to revel in its picturesque natural beauty. The descriptiveness of Oliver’s daydreams were interesting additions showcasing his artist’s creative mind, and how the author put Grant's own revelatory creations to page also came to insightful life. However, the few times this story truly moved me weren’t due to the romance, but Grant’s interactions with his tween nephew and his gaggle of friends he takes on as his own.
Overall, this was too difficult of a win for me but again, if you like that sort of conflicted realism and you like Archer, then this should be fulfilling as it has been for many other readers who’ve rated this book already.
The hard fought happy ending was just not enough, though I appreciated the reveal as to why these men were who they were. Unfortunately, it just isn’t possible for me to not compare an author’s works amongst themselves, because how can I not? While one evoked so many swoony feels, the other calls for my own 5 week recovery program to be able to move on and let go.
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Having been profoundly moved by Everyday History with its unique concepts, I obviously wanted a repeat performance. This was another book about self discovery but sadly, it was more an exercise in frustration for me.
Grant is not an easy man to like, believe you me. Definitely down on his luck, definitely at the end of his rope, he’s bitter and resigned with very little hope to make his desperate situation better. When he retreats to his ex brother in law’s vacation property to squat in their shed, survivor’s instinct makes Grant ask for bare basics help from an eccentric stranger so that he can regroup and formulate a plan.
Oliver sorta kinda loves a challenge. An artist and an unqualified quasi therapist, his free spirit and need to help others allows him to offer aid. With conditions. The surly dirty man needs a shift in his axis to discover why he’s the way he is, and Oliver knows he can help Grant, if only Grant would just let go and try his 5 week no fail plan.
It’s no surprise their personalities clash, each aggravated and fascinated, each pushing each other’s buttons to the max. Neither will back down, and as Grant gradually “grows”, he realizes he’s not the only one with issues. It’s soon apparent that Oliver has buried something deep inside, causing his own personal stasis in life, all of which has been holding him back for many many years.
I get it. This was almost like a self help book featuring an enemies to lovers theme and both these men had some major baggage (duh) and both these men had to confront some very harsh truths. Credit for a slow burn. Grant and Oliver get under each other’s skin like an awful annoying rash, bringing out their worst making this painful soul dissection just not all that much fun.
So as a warning, these characters many times throughout weren’t very likeable. However, Archer succeeds at the vivid imagery mostly in the setting of Washington's Vashon Island, making me want to visit there to revel in its picturesque natural beauty. The descriptiveness of Oliver’s daydreams were interesting additions showcasing his artist’s creative mind, and how the author put Grant's own revelatory creations to page also came to insightful life. However, the few times this story truly moved me weren’t due to the romance, but Grant’s interactions with his tween nephew and his gaggle of friends he takes on as his own.
Overall, this was too difficult of a win for me but again, if you like that sort of conflicted realism and you like Archer, then this should be fulfilling as it has been for many other readers who’ve rated this book already.
The hard fought happy ending was just not enough, though I appreciated the reveal as to why these men were who they were. Unfortunately, it just isn’t possible for me to not compare an author’s works amongst themselves, because how can I not? While one evoked so many swoony feels, the other calls for my own 5 week recovery program to be able to move on and let go.
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
April 13, 2020
I think, not unlike the title implies, this is a story you have to unravel. Much like the characters themselves undergo a shedding of layers, of revealing themselves and their secrets, there's a journey and a process to understanding and learning.. about everything. But not unlike Grant, one of our leads, you might feel the urge to quit if you don't like what's happening. I was definitely tempted to -- on multiple occasions.
Initially (well, maybe, always..) I didn't like the story or the characters. I slogged through the first 40%, putting this down every few pages, frustrated or lost, and feeling no anchor or connection to anything. I wasn't without feeling for these characters and their struggles, both very different though they were, but they were also both such massive oblivious assholes, each in their own way, that I was uncomfortable and unable to connect for a long time. Or, rather, ever.
Having pushed through despite my reservations, or maybe because of them and wanting to see the other side, find meaning in it all, I can't say I came to the end liking these characters. Or even the story itself. I might have hated it all a little less but the journey to get there was such a battle that I'm not sure less hate is much of an achievement. There were definite moments that felt sweet, or had the potential to tug on my heartstrings in a different context, but overwhelmingly I just feel pretty ambivalent. I did eventually "get" it, I think -- the story, the reason for everything that had brought these characters to where they ended up -- but I didn't feel it. Still don't. And maybe I didn't really get it at all, and that's why I don't love it, or feel it, or even like it.
This was a strange experience for me. The writing, the motions the characters went through, at times almost edged towards fabulism. There is an edge of dreamy nebulousness to the story and the events, this kind of Peter Pan and Neverland vibe, and it was hard to grasp and hold onto, hard to process, forever uncomfortable, and.. well, I think that's all I have to say, really.
I think this is a book you'll either love and feel in your bones, your soul, or you just won't.
1.5 stars
** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
Initially (well, maybe, always..) I didn't like the story or the characters. I slogged through the first 40%, putting this down every few pages, frustrated or lost, and feeling no anchor or connection to anything. I wasn't without feeling for these characters and their struggles, both very different though they were, but they were also both such massive oblivious assholes, each in their own way, that I was uncomfortable and unable to connect for a long time. Or, rather, ever.
Having pushed through despite my reservations, or maybe because of them and wanting to see the other side, find meaning in it all, I can't say I came to the end liking these characters. Or even the story itself. I might have hated it all a little less but the journey to get there was such a battle that I'm not sure less hate is much of an achievement. There were definite moments that felt sweet, or had the potential to tug on my heartstrings in a different context, but overwhelmingly I just feel pretty ambivalent. I did eventually "get" it, I think -- the story, the reason for everything that had brought these characters to where they ended up -- but I didn't feel it. Still don't. And maybe I didn't really get it at all, and that's why I don't love it, or feel it, or even like it.
This was a strange experience for me. The writing, the motions the characters went through, at times almost edged towards fabulism. There is an edge of dreamy nebulousness to the story and the events, this kind of Peter Pan and Neverland vibe, and it was hard to grasp and hold onto, hard to process, forever uncomfortable, and.. well, I think that's all I have to say, really.
I think this is a book you'll either love and feel in your bones, your soul, or you just won't.
1.5 stars
** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
January 30, 2021
I'm thrown by this book.
I didn't like either of the MCs for the longest time. They meet each other at the respective lowest points in their lives. And neither is self-aware.
The writing is phenomenal, and it kept me going. I figured there had to be a big payoff. Archer wouldn't let me down.
And she didn't. I went from "the writing is great, but am I gonna grow to like either of these men any time soon?" to "Holy hell, that was SUCH a satisfying climax and ending."
Whiplash.
I didn't like either of the MCs for the longest time. They meet each other at the respective lowest points in their lives. And neither is self-aware.
The writing is phenomenal, and it kept me going. I figured there had to be a big payoff. Archer wouldn't let me down.
And she didn't. I went from "the writing is great, but am I gonna grow to like either of these men any time soon?" to "Holy hell, that was SUCH a satisfying climax and ending."
Whiplash.
March 25, 2020
“Oliver goddamn Rossi. A guy like an onion unwilling to give up its outer layer, the reluctant skin coming away in thin strips. A poke into the juicier layers would only provoke a sharp sting.”
There are writers whose prose is so vivid and so emotionally resonant, that you might briefly forget you’re reading a work of fiction, and while Alice Archer has already proven that her hand is as elegant as it is masterful, her newest novel continues to show real insight into the human soul. An eye-opening exploration of the profoundly visceral relationship between a person’s past and present, this is the tale of two men whose chance encounter ends up being the lifeline they both so desperately needed to make a change. Archer builds their story slowly, with beautiful language and setting, lovingly weaving her sentences into a powerful tapestry of emotion that holds the reader captive through and through. She’s a poet at heart, a born storyteller, and I can’t shout this book’s praises loud enough.
Continue reading this review...
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March 19, 2020
Sometimes a book just grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go.
Sometimes a book fills you with so much emotion you feel like you might explode.
I wonder if I was supposed to feel overwhelming sadness? Really, I felt overwhelming hope and joy.
This book killed me in the best of ways and I loved every single bit of it.
This book was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.
I started it and read until about 65% and then didn’t pick it up for a full day. I wanted to devour it when I started and then I wanted to savor it once I got too far. I wanted to know what would happen but I never wanted it to end.
Whenever I got there though, I knew without a doubt it would be perfect.
I know I’m not really telling you anything about the book. I really don’t know if I’m able to coherently tell you about the story. Really, I don’t think I should. I think you should read this and experience it in any which way it happens to you because I do think everyone will experience something different. Honestly though, nothing I really say will do this read justice. Nothing I say will even be close to describing this read and how it made me feel.
This book just touched me and I fell in love from the very start.
And when it ended? Perfect.
-------
I loved this. So very much. Full review soon. Amazing.
**ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take Promotions in exchange for an honest review.**
Sometimes a book fills you with so much emotion you feel like you might explode.
I wonder if I was supposed to feel overwhelming sadness? Really, I felt overwhelming hope and joy.
This book killed me in the best of ways and I loved every single bit of it.
This book was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.
I started it and read until about 65% and then didn’t pick it up for a full day. I wanted to devour it when I started and then I wanted to savor it once I got too far. I wanted to know what would happen but I never wanted it to end.
Whenever I got there though, I knew without a doubt it would be perfect.
I know I’m not really telling you anything about the book. I really don’t know if I’m able to coherently tell you about the story. Really, I don’t think I should. I think you should read this and experience it in any which way it happens to you because I do think everyone will experience something different. Honestly though, nothing I really say will do this read justice. Nothing I say will even be close to describing this read and how it made me feel.
This book just touched me and I fell in love from the very start.
And when it ended? Perfect.
-------
I loved this. So very much. Full review soon. Amazing.
**ARC provided by the author via A Novel Take Promotions in exchange for an honest review.**
March 15, 2020
4.5 unforgettable stars!
‘Not a soul on earth knows where I am. If no one knew where I was, no one could kick me out.’
The Infinite Onion by Alice Archer came as such a wonderful, passionately written surprise. As the title suggests this book was indeed a story built on layers of human emotions, human struggles, human behaviour as well as consequences. This is the first book we’ve read by this author and we were in awe of the depth of story and character development. Right from the beginning, a steady drum of momentum built –ever so slowly– yet intricately written with an emphasis on the characters. We were intrigued and compelled by Grant and Oliver, as individuals as well as the importance of their mutually healing relationship. Their story of what shaped their ‘now’. Where one showed an apparent strength the other was at a place in life where everything seemed overwhelmingly insurmountable. However, the face we show others may not always be the face of our truth.
‘I put my fist to my chest a third time, blinked hard, and tapped my heart with gently beats, a request to come back to life, an attempt to save my own life. I lost my childhood.’
Grant is confronted with the realisation that his life is not his own. He is trapped and rejected by the people in his life. Stifled and looked down upon, he becomes a wanderer with a sense of an unknown purpose which, whilst unbeknownst to him, leads him to the most important crossroads of his life. Angry, defeated and confused, he ends up in a place that still holds a thread of connection with the life he’s been living up until now. What Grant could never have foreseen was that forced homelessness and an infinity with kids, stemming from a lost childhood, would so greatly alter his future purpose. Nor could he know that this personal healing would be supported and reciprocated by the artistically reclusive, Oliver. Had anyone ever cared enough about Grant for him to feel secure, loved and appreciated? Grant stole our hearts. His journey had us feeling overwhelmingly sad, protective as well as joyful when he finally begins to discover the truth of who he is at heart and who he was always meant to be.
‘He’s in pain. He’s hiding from something big. He’s amazing. He’s an imperious jerk. He’s in love with the wrong person. He’ll be better when I’m gone.’
Oliver was a pillar of rational strength. An artist in the woods with a penchant for helping people overcome their troubles, their defeats and their tragedies. However, we just knew that there was multiple layers to this emotionally stoic man, and as the story unfolded, the way in which his hidden struggles were revealed, further broke our hearts. He too had to uncover his own truth and face it head on to overcome the pain of loneliness and embrace what he could finally have. A peaceful life where he is loved, and where those who love him, stay.
‘Deep inside, the lonely children we still were sewed the scar tissue closed, sewed again, sewed through trial and terror, groped for tools small enough to fit our small hands, tried and tried to rise above the bleeding. Shouts for help through layers and fears and years. Don’t forget about me.’
We truly loved this epic journey of a story which was purely character driven. It was meticulously written and embraces so many important aspects of life, family, love and acceptance. It highlighted the importance and relevance of our childhood upon our adulthood. How every emotional aspect of every experience can dictate our coping mechanisms as well as how we view not only ourselves but other people, as well as the world in which we live. The infinite Onion was a powerful and relevant story which touched our hearts immensely.
‘He smiles that smile and kisses me for the first time, as if his smile was always supposed to be a kiss.’
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March 20, 2020
At first, I was going to rant. Then, the next morning, I considered how uncharitable doing such a thing would be, especially with an ARC. Now, I'm doing it anyway. Though I might try to be... nicer? I don't know.
But before I start, I just wanna say that if you loved Everyday History , like loved it so much, and no part of it made you want to throw your e-reader at a wall, I would ignore this review entirely because you clearly have way more patience than I do. Be warned though, if Everyday History was frustrating, this one takes it to a new level.
I cannot explain to you how much this book pissed me off. Here's how my reading process went.
The first thing I realized was that the prose was trying way too hard to be poetic and Romantic, and coming off as pretentious. Then, about a quarter of the way through, I realized that I disliked both the main characters because they were both assholes. Revelation number three: turns out Grant was only kind of an asshole, while Oliver is a bigger asshole than I'd realized. By like 40%, I just wanted to get the whole thing over with.
Now here's the thing with Grant. He's recently divorced, in his late thirties, and after working monotonous, soul-sucking jobs since he was thirteen, he kinda snaps. He is now homeless, aimless and a bit desperate. Full-on midlife crisis going on there. He's living in a tent in the woods, and he just needs some time off. He needs to think about what he wants with his life. He asks Oliver, who lives close to his tent, for help. And Oliver, thinking that he knows best, decides to play mind games in exchange. Oliver, who barely has any fucking clue about what Grant's going through.
You know, I actually came to like Grant by the end of the book. He's the reason the book gets two stars instead of one. Him, and the way he befriended and helped tweens even as such a low point in his life. The highlight of the novel.
Oliver, you might be able to guess, I hated. His treatment of Grant, the way he always seemed to look down on Grant for the situation he was in, and the fucking unbearable amounts of denial. I mean, it's one thing for someone to take a while to realize they might like someone. But when that "while" drags on through over 300 pages, it's bound to piss anyone off. Not to mention, fucking Freddy.
Freddy is Oliver's fuck buddy since highschool. He's the character that you're supposed to get rid of by the first third, or first half, of the book. Unfortunately, we had to put up with him for 90% of it. Hands down, the worst part of the book. I mean, the guy was a dick and served no purpose other than being a way for Oliver to deny that he had feelings for Grant. The Freddy "sub-plot" was stretched to death.
There was also a severe lack of meaningful interactions between Grant and Oliver until close to the end. And really, the majority of the book was just spent waiting for some progress to happen with Oliver and Grant. Which the author kept putting off.
Finally, all I can say is that I was pissed off throughout the book, except for the last 10%, and I never want to read a book by Alice Archer every again. I think that covers everything. Even if it doesn't, I'm sick of writing about this damned novel, and I'd like to put it behind me. Also, if you hadn't guessed, I don't recommend reading it.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Sorry, the review isn't more pleasant.
But before I start, I just wanna say that if you loved Everyday History , like loved it so much, and no part of it made you want to throw your e-reader at a wall, I would ignore this review entirely because you clearly have way more patience than I do. Be warned though, if Everyday History was frustrating, this one takes it to a new level.
I cannot explain to you how much this book pissed me off. Here's how my reading process went.
The first thing I realized was that the prose was trying way too hard to be poetic and Romantic, and coming off as pretentious. Then, about a quarter of the way through, I realized that I disliked both the main characters because they were both assholes. Revelation number three: turns out Grant was only kind of an asshole, while Oliver is a bigger asshole than I'd realized. By like 40%, I just wanted to get the whole thing over with.
Now here's the thing with Grant. He's recently divorced, in his late thirties, and after working monotonous, soul-sucking jobs since he was thirteen, he kinda snaps. He is now homeless, aimless and a bit desperate. Full-on midlife crisis going on there. He's living in a tent in the woods, and he just needs some time off. He needs to think about what he wants with his life. He asks Oliver, who lives close to his tent, for help. And Oliver, thinking that he knows best, decides to play mind games in exchange. Oliver, who barely has any fucking clue about what Grant's going through.
You know, I actually came to like Grant by the end of the book. He's the reason the book gets two stars instead of one. Him, and the way he befriended and helped tweens even as such a low point in his life. The highlight of the novel.
Oliver, you might be able to guess, I hated. His treatment of Grant, the way he always seemed to look down on Grant for the situation he was in, and the fucking unbearable amounts of denial. I mean, it's one thing for someone to take a while to realize they might like someone. But when that "while" drags on through over 300 pages, it's bound to piss anyone off. Not to mention, fucking Freddy.
Freddy is Oliver's fuck buddy since highschool. He's the character that you're supposed to get rid of by the first third, or first half, of the book. Unfortunately, we had to put up with him for 90% of it. Hands down, the worst part of the book. I mean, the guy was a dick and served no purpose other than being a way for Oliver to deny that he had feelings for Grant. The Freddy "sub-plot" was stretched to death.
There was also a severe lack of meaningful interactions between Grant and Oliver until close to the end. And really, the majority of the book was just spent waiting for some progress to happen with Oliver and Grant. Which the author kept putting off.
Finally, all I can say is that I was pissed off throughout the book, except for the last 10%, and I never want to read a book by Alice Archer every again. I think that covers everything. Even if it doesn't, I'm sick of writing about this damned novel, and I'd like to put it behind me. Also, if you hadn't guessed, I don't recommend reading it.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Sorry, the review isn't more pleasant.
March 15, 2020
‘Not a soul on earth knows where I am. If no one knew where I was, no one could kick me out.’
The Infinite Onion by Alice Archer came as such a wonderful, passionately written surprise. As the title suggests this book was indeed a story built on layers of human emotions, human struggles, human behaviour as well as consequences. This is the first book we’ve read by this Author and we were in awe of the depth of story and character development. Right from the beginning, a steady drum of momentum built –ever so slowly– yet intricately written with an emphasis on the characters. We were intrigued and compelled by Grant and Oliver, as individuals as well as the importance of their mutually healing relationship. Their story of what shaped their ‘now’. Where one showed an apparent strength the other was at a place in life where everything seemed overwhelmingly insurmountable. However, the face we show others may not always be the face of our truth.
‘I put my fist to my chest a third time, blinked hard, and tapped my heart with gently beats, a request to come back to life, an attempt to save my own life. I lost my childhood.’
Grant is confronted with the realisation that his life is not his own. He is trapped and rejected by the people in his life. Stifled and looked down upon, he becomes a wanderer with a sense of an unknown purpose which, whilst unbeknownst to him, leads him to the most important crossroads of his life. Angry, defeated and confused, he ends up in a place that still holds a thread of connection with the life he’s been living up until now. What Grant could never have foreseen was that forced homelessness and an infinity with kids, stemming from a lost childhood, would so greatly alter his future purpose. Nor could he know that this personal healing would be supported and reciprocated by the artistically reclusive, Oliver. Had anyone ever cared enough about Grant for him to feel secure, loved and appreciated? Grant stole our hearts. His journey had us feeling overwhelmingly sad, protective as well as joyful when he finally begins to discover the truth of who he is at heart and who he was always meant to be.
‘He’s in pain. He’s hiding from something big. He’s amazing. He’s an imperious jerk. He’s in love with the wrong person. He’ll be better when I’m gone.’
Oliver was a pillar of rational strength. An artist in the woods with a penchant for helping people overcome their troubles, their defeats and their tragedies. However, we just knew that there was multiple layers to this emotionally stoic man, and as the story unfolded, the way in which his hidden struggles were revealed, further broke our hearts. He too had to uncover his own truth and face it head on to overcome the pain of loneliness and embrace what he could finally have. A peaceful life where he is loved, and where those who love him, stay.
‘Deep inside, the lonely children we still were sewed the scar tissue closed, sewed again, sewed through trial and terror, groped for tools small enough to fit our small hands, tried and tried to rise above the bleeding. Shouts for help through layers and fears and years. Don’t forget about me.’
We truly loved this epic journey of a story which was purely character driven. It was meticulously written and embraces so many important aspects of life, family, love and acceptance. It highlighted the importance and relevance of our childhood upon our adulthood. How every emotional aspect of every experience can dictate our coping mechanisms as well as how we view not only ourselves but other people, as well as the world in which we live. The infinite Onion was a powerful and relevant story which touched our hearts immensely.
‘He smiles that smile and kisses me for the first time, as if his smile was always supposed to be a kiss.’
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May 2, 2020
4,5 stars
I'm blown away by this author's talent and the way everything comes together in the end with every little detail clicking into place. I have associated Archer's name with very unique reads.
I'm blown away by this author's talent and the way everything comes together in the end with every little detail clicking into place. I have associated Archer's name with very unique reads.
July 12, 2020
Alice Archer is a new author for me. I was reading all the wonderful reviews about another story she wrote and decided that I wanted to see what her writing style was like.
"The Infinite Onion" is a little bizzarre as far as the characters go. We see many quirky personalities gathered together on a small island just off Seattle. Many of them are interested in art and are those creative types that draw on anything they can and have a unique way to see the world.
At first that was interesting and exciting, but as the story moved along and everyone started expressing through creating art, it became tiring. Even Grant, who was supposed to be the least creative guy ever, started drawing and making self portraits out of every material he could. And the frustrating thing is that everything he made was great, came out exctly as he imagined it and it was realistic. Is creating a self portait - that actually looks like you - out of holes from banging a nail on wood supposed to be so easy?
Up until about halfway I thought this was a slow burn story and I was very happy about it. As I kept turning the pages though and the MCs were still not getting anywhere I began wondering where this was going. There was no chemistry, no UST, nothing. And then all of a sudden they're in a relationship. It came out of nowhere and it wasn't believable.
Also, the story is fairly long, so it felt like even more time passed until the main couple actually became a couple.
Both MCs were playing with the boundaries of stalking, especially Grant. His behaviour was borderline unacceptable in a lot of occassions, and if I encountered him in real life I don't know that I would have been comfortable being around him with the way he was behaving. On the other hand, Oliver also did his share of observing from a distance so maybe they were meant for each other. Who knows....
It's pretty clear that Grant is at a very low point in his life but his choices were poor most of the time. It didn't make me like him any better. He was constantly breaking into places that didn't belong to him. Yes, he was low on cash, but he brought that on himself and he could have found some money if he opted to look for a job instead of going camping. Yeah, it's pretty clear that I didn't like Grant at all.
All in all, this book wasn't a great reading choice for me, but I'll still try Everyday History - the book that made me want to try this author's style.
An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
"The Infinite Onion" is a little bizzarre as far as the characters go. We see many quirky personalities gathered together on a small island just off Seattle. Many of them are interested in art and are those creative types that draw on anything they can and have a unique way to see the world.
At first that was interesting and exciting, but as the story moved along and everyone started expressing through creating art, it became tiring. Even Grant, who was supposed to be the least creative guy ever, started drawing and making self portraits out of every material he could. And the frustrating thing is that everything he made was great, came out exctly as he imagined it and it was realistic. Is creating a self portait - that actually looks like you - out of holes from banging a nail on wood supposed to be so easy?
Up until about halfway I thought this was a slow burn story and I was very happy about it. As I kept turning the pages though and the MCs were still not getting anywhere I began wondering where this was going. There was no chemistry, no UST, nothing. And then all of a sudden they're in a relationship. It came out of nowhere and it wasn't believable.
Also, the story is fairly long, so it felt like even more time passed until the main couple actually became a couple.
Both MCs were playing with the boundaries of stalking, especially Grant. His behaviour was borderline unacceptable in a lot of occassions, and if I encountered him in real life I don't know that I would have been comfortable being around him with the way he was behaving. On the other hand, Oliver also did his share of observing from a distance so maybe they were meant for each other. Who knows....
It's pretty clear that Grant is at a very low point in his life but his choices were poor most of the time. It didn't make me like him any better. He was constantly breaking into places that didn't belong to him. Yes, he was low on cash, but he brought that on himself and he could have found some money if he opted to look for a job instead of going camping. Yeah, it's pretty clear that I didn't like Grant at all.
All in all, this book wasn't a great reading choice for me, but I'll still try Everyday History - the book that made me want to try this author's style.
An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2020
“Connection isn’t a cold poke to the center with a dagger, but a gentle peel with a warm hand over time.” This story unfolds as complicated and confusing layers are peeled back with poetic prose. I struggled with the main characters at times but continued to root for them to find their way - together - through a shared passion for art and nature. Also, if you haven’t read Alice Archer’s first novel Everyday History, you should.
April 7, 2020
I once wrote of one of my characters, "He writes so seamlessly, you forget you're reading." Alice Archer is that writer. She's a masterful storyteller, even when she doesn't write the most likable characters or situations. I didn't like Oliver. I mean I didn't GET where he was coming from at all. But Grant stuck around for him and so did I. If you like stories where the locale becomes a character unto itself, you'll love the role of Vashon in this complicated, creative, confusing, concentric romance.
April 1, 2020
My love for Alice Archer’s Everyday History was a deep, visceral thing. In a sea of contemporary romance novels, Archer’s characters and their problematic entanglements stood out as something just that little bit different, and her lush and lyrical writing style clicked with me in a way that left me at a complete loss for words to describe it. It appears lightning has struck twice now, with The Infinite Onion. This gorgeous romance is chock absolutely full of all the charm and wisdom and metaphor that drew me into Everyday History, and I was equally drawn into the lives of its two emotionally chaotic men.
As Robert Frost once said, “The best way out is always through,” which becomes a test of endurance for both Grant Eastbrook and Oliver Rossi. They both must go through an often painful series of awakenings and accepted truths in order to find their way out of the complications that have kept them from living their best lives for so many years. First, however, they use their own histories and hurts to bleed their pain and project it onto each other, and it’s those moments of unfettered friction and denial that paradoxically begin to strengthen their connection to each other. The metaphor of the onion is there for a reason, as it becomes their individual mission to poke and prod at each other and to begin to peel back the layers of their lives and their external selves to get to the person beneath the skin. A good bit of self-reflection and inward examination doesn’t go amiss in helping the process along either.
A sense of purpose maintains a direct correlation with feelings of self-worth, a concept that Grant begins to unravel, thanks to Oliver, but only grudgingly. Grant resents that he’s been left to turn to Oliver for help. He utterly loathes that Oliver’s help comes with strings and conditions attached. Namely, Grant being unemployed, homeless, and flat broke isn’t due to Grant being unemployable, and so Oliver assigns tasks to Grant that force him to look at some unvarnished truths about himself—that he’s been habitually underperforming and not living up to his fullest potential. It cost Grant his marriage, for one. It has cost him his job and his self-respect along with it, for another. Oliver pushing and picking at him is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black, however. These are two hurting people whose individual lives are in a bit of a shambles, who think they can fix each other, but they need to fix themselves first. The primary difference between them is that Oliver’s life is based on the illusion that he’s thriving.
The Infinite Onion is a story about two men whose lives are filled with hurt and distraction, in which comfort is discovered in the least expected of places. Grant and Oliver find simplicity and balance once they allow themselves to take a deep cleansing breath and face rather than hide behind what had been holding them back. It is a sweet and sentimental story, sharp and confrontational in its insights at times, and Archer’s voice remains captivating. This book wrung every spare bit of emotional investment out of me, which I gave up gladly.
As Robert Frost once said, “The best way out is always through,” which becomes a test of endurance for both Grant Eastbrook and Oliver Rossi. They both must go through an often painful series of awakenings and accepted truths in order to find their way out of the complications that have kept them from living their best lives for so many years. First, however, they use their own histories and hurts to bleed their pain and project it onto each other, and it’s those moments of unfettered friction and denial that paradoxically begin to strengthen their connection to each other. The metaphor of the onion is there for a reason, as it becomes their individual mission to poke and prod at each other and to begin to peel back the layers of their lives and their external selves to get to the person beneath the skin. A good bit of self-reflection and inward examination doesn’t go amiss in helping the process along either.
A sense of purpose maintains a direct correlation with feelings of self-worth, a concept that Grant begins to unravel, thanks to Oliver, but only grudgingly. Grant resents that he’s been left to turn to Oliver for help. He utterly loathes that Oliver’s help comes with strings and conditions attached. Namely, Grant being unemployed, homeless, and flat broke isn’t due to Grant being unemployable, and so Oliver assigns tasks to Grant that force him to look at some unvarnished truths about himself—that he’s been habitually underperforming and not living up to his fullest potential. It cost Grant his marriage, for one. It has cost him his job and his self-respect along with it, for another. Oliver pushing and picking at him is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black, however. These are two hurting people whose individual lives are in a bit of a shambles, who think they can fix each other, but they need to fix themselves first. The primary difference between them is that Oliver’s life is based on the illusion that he’s thriving.
The Infinite Onion is a story about two men whose lives are filled with hurt and distraction, in which comfort is discovered in the least expected of places. Grant and Oliver find simplicity and balance once they allow themselves to take a deep cleansing breath and face rather than hide behind what had been holding them back. It is a sweet and sentimental story, sharp and confrontational in its insights at times, and Archer’s voice remains captivating. This book wrung every spare bit of emotional investment out of me, which I gave up gladly.
April 9, 2020
Nope.
Not even sorry I’m DNFing this book at 20%. I can’t stand either MC, the POVs from them both had me wanting to claw my eyes out.
Grant bore me out with his rude manners, stalkish tendencies and overall envious attitude.
Oliver on the other hand is like a psycho, trying to “fix” people but he doesn’t have any kind of degree to be giving psychological sessions or advice to others. Not to mention he’s a nut case himself.
The narrative was very distracting to be honest, I couldn’t really get into it will all the jumps going on. I have never read this author before, so I don’t know if it’s her style or not.
Anyway, not the book for me.
Thanks to A Novel Take for the ARC.
Not even sorry I’m DNFing this book at 20%. I can’t stand either MC, the POVs from them both had me wanting to claw my eyes out.
Grant bore me out with his rude manners, stalkish tendencies and overall envious attitude.
Oliver on the other hand is like a psycho, trying to “fix” people but he doesn’t have any kind of degree to be giving psychological sessions or advice to others. Not to mention he’s a nut case himself.
The narrative was very distracting to be honest, I couldn’t really get into it will all the jumps going on. I have never read this author before, so I don’t know if it’s her style or not.
Anyway, not the book for me.
Thanks to A Novel Take for the ARC.
April 13, 2020
4.5 stars for me, that I'm bumping up to 5 because Alice Archer's writing is inspiring and breathtaking. Her characters in this story are perfectly imperfect. Grant is broken, drifting, through life and unmotivated to find better for himself. Oliver, who appears to have it all together, imperiously doling out wisdom and life lessons, is possibly the more damaged of the two. After all, it's always easier to know how someone else should do things rather than examine your own life. These two clash hard. Snark and prickly interactions abound. There is underlying passion they both fight hard against. I loved both of these guys, and I loved them together. Each was the perfect person to help them grow and accept themselves. This was my first Alice Archer experience, and I can't wait to discover anything else she has put out into the world.
April 16, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
2.5 stars
I had a lot of issues with The Infinite Onion, and mostly I wanted to either put this book down unfinished or just get it over with. A key element in a book is liking at least one of the characters, and I didn’t much care for Grant or Oliver or the people they surrounded themselves with. While I liked the idea of Oliver and his eccentric home in the woods, there were too many issues with his behavior and then the outcome of his story.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
2.5 stars
I had a lot of issues with The Infinite Onion, and mostly I wanted to either put this book down unfinished or just get it over with. A key element in a book is liking at least one of the characters, and I didn’t much care for Grant or Oliver or the people they surrounded themselves with. While I liked the idea of Oliver and his eccentric home in the woods, there were too many issues with his behavior and then the outcome of his story.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
tbr-already-own
June 30, 2020Added this today based on "Natasha is a Book Junkie's" glowing review.
So far I am two for two on those books that she really loved. Hopefully this will be another one to add to the list of books that give me "all the feels"....just like "The Beast of Beswick" and "The Widow of Rose House".
It is on sale for 99c today on amazon, 06/30/2020...…. for anyone that is interested.
So far I am two for two on those books that she really loved. Hopefully this will be another one to add to the list of books that give me "all the feels"....just like "The Beast of Beswick" and "The Widow of Rose House".
It is on sale for 99c today on amazon, 06/30/2020...…. for anyone that is interested.
March 31, 2020
4.5 stars. After reading and loving Everyday History, I was eager to immerse myself into Alice Archer's writing again. This one stars two lovable and frustrating characters, Grant Eastbrook and Oliver Rossi. Grant has hit hard times, having recently divorced and losing his job at a copy center with no real plan or place to go. This is par for the course for Grant given that he lacks ambition or passion. He is simply cruising along in life with no particular destination or goal. Truthfully, I was not real impressed with him especially with his grumpy and demanding demeanor. However, what softened me towards him is his relationship with his nephew Kai because Grant is incredibly intuitive and tender in Kai's presence, where it oozes with an authenticity that Kai feels blanketed by.
Oliver is a brilliant artist living in an eclectic house in the woods, surrounded by the isolation and comfort of his property. He has a mailbox with a red or green flag indicative of when visitors may be able to stop in. At first, I found his eccentric personality to be endearing and entertaining. Oliver has a very warm personality, but he also possesses an awareness that is perceptive and expressive. When it comes to Grant, though, Oliver takes a much harder edged approach to him, which Grant actually needs.
Honestly, these two were like a dichotomy on their own individually. And then they were different towards each other. Like the title of the book implies, they were both onions with multiple layers to peel back so I didn't always know which version of Grant or Oliver would appear in the pages when they interacted with each other or with different characters. In each other's presence, Grant was very forthcoming and intrusive. Oliver was stern, contemplative and stubborn. It was interesting to behold what they chose to share and withhold. My favorite parts were watching Grant surrounded by tween children who were teaching him as much as he was teaching them. It would seem like Oliver is the one with more youthful type qualities, but Grant is very much an overgrown child, too.
The slow burn nature and the way it was written kept me intrigued because these two guys are so at odds with each other and the world around them. Yet they could see right through the other person and held a somewhat resentful fascination with each other, cutting straight to the core faster than anyone else had previously dared. There's a lot of depth to the story and characters that is presented on both surface layers and hidden meanings of their pasts and how it shaped them. Great character journey for both leading roles who have to really dig deep and confront their truest fears in order to move forward, including with each other.
Oliver is a brilliant artist living in an eclectic house in the woods, surrounded by the isolation and comfort of his property. He has a mailbox with a red or green flag indicative of when visitors may be able to stop in. At first, I found his eccentric personality to be endearing and entertaining. Oliver has a very warm personality, but he also possesses an awareness that is perceptive and expressive. When it comes to Grant, though, Oliver takes a much harder edged approach to him, which Grant actually needs.
Honestly, these two were like a dichotomy on their own individually. And then they were different towards each other. Like the title of the book implies, they were both onions with multiple layers to peel back so I didn't always know which version of Grant or Oliver would appear in the pages when they interacted with each other or with different characters. In each other's presence, Grant was very forthcoming and intrusive. Oliver was stern, contemplative and stubborn. It was interesting to behold what they chose to share and withhold. My favorite parts were watching Grant surrounded by tween children who were teaching him as much as he was teaching them. It would seem like Oliver is the one with more youthful type qualities, but Grant is very much an overgrown child, too.
The slow burn nature and the way it was written kept me intrigued because these two guys are so at odds with each other and the world around them. Yet they could see right through the other person and held a somewhat resentful fascination with each other, cutting straight to the core faster than anyone else had previously dared. There's a lot of depth to the story and characters that is presented on both surface layers and hidden meanings of their pasts and how it shaped them. Great character journey for both leading roles who have to really dig deep and confront their truest fears in order to move forward, including with each other.
March 31, 2020
“We intersected, Oliver and I. Poked each other with our sharpness. Pierced and stung each other. Invade and evade. Lie and spy. A flick of the pen and our two onions became a loop of infinity, a mess of swirls with mass and spin and hidden depths, an endless intrigue.”
Alice Archer’s prose, her elegant way with words and her imaginative storytelling brought The Infinite Onion to life. The story is set on Vashon Island and it becomes its own character, the beauty she was able to evoke in my mind set the stage for Oliver, Grant and the Tweens. I enjoyed peeling back the layers of these characters and at times it felt nearly fantastical. Oliver and Grant’s push and pull to restore wellness to the other was comical, witty, sharp and often frustrating; these two loved to hate each other. However, that was what brought them closer and charged their chemistry. In their constant push of the other, they realized what needing fixing within themselves.
“Our answers, the answers with the power to mend our breaks, lay deeper, way down in the hurt at the original wound, where neither of us wanted to go.”
Oliver and Grant’s hardships weren’t the heart of this story but the way they got to the heart of each other was. The cast of characters that helped bring these two back to life were some of my favorite parts of The Infinite Onion. We are not an island...we need others to heal. These characters reached into one another and pulled the hurt out in order to let the mending begin.
“Connection isn’t a cold poke to the center with a dagger, but a gentle peel with a warm hand over time.”
This is my first Alice Archer book but certainly won’t be my last. I’ve had Everyday History on my kindle for quite sometime, I’ll be bumping it up now.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Alice Archer’s prose, her elegant way with words and her imaginative storytelling brought The Infinite Onion to life. The story is set on Vashon Island and it becomes its own character, the beauty she was able to evoke in my mind set the stage for Oliver, Grant and the Tweens. I enjoyed peeling back the layers of these characters and at times it felt nearly fantastical. Oliver and Grant’s push and pull to restore wellness to the other was comical, witty, sharp and often frustrating; these two loved to hate each other. However, that was what brought them closer and charged their chemistry. In their constant push of the other, they realized what needing fixing within themselves.
“Our answers, the answers with the power to mend our breaks, lay deeper, way down in the hurt at the original wound, where neither of us wanted to go.”
Oliver and Grant’s hardships weren’t the heart of this story but the way they got to the heart of each other was. The cast of characters that helped bring these two back to life were some of my favorite parts of The Infinite Onion. We are not an island...we need others to heal. These characters reached into one another and pulled the hurt out in order to let the mending begin.
“Connection isn’t a cold poke to the center with a dagger, but a gentle peel with a warm hand over time.”
This is my first Alice Archer book but certainly won’t be my last. I’ve had Everyday History on my kindle for quite sometime, I’ll be bumping it up now.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2020
It started out less than auspiciously. I had to push through some deep discomfort in order not to DNF. By the end, it slowly turned "not entirely terrible", but alas, the bad already outweighed the good by then.
I'm happy to move on.
#QuarantireRead
*ARC provided by A Novel Take *
I'm happy to move on.
#QuarantireRead
*ARC provided by A Novel Take *
April 1, 2020
Had to drop it at 30%. I thought Oliver's fake interview shtick was just a hoax to get Grant into the house and give him food and access to amenities but NOPE. This privileged, delusional piece of trash thinks he knows exactly what Grant needs before even knowing anything about him. His weird obsession with fixing him and complete lack of respect of his human dignity were glaring as I valiantly awaited some kind of possible justification. Instead I find myself rage crying as Oliver watches Grant scratch his unwashed skin and decide to withhold the offer of a shower as some kind of motivation for him to complete his nonesense "assignments". The idea that anyone has to earn their basic human needs is so fucking repulsive but to see someone fully aware of it and righteously inflicting it on someone else is baffling. Anyways, if the idea of a homeless, hungry man being basically tortured for weeks in exchange for the most basic of amenities turns you off, then maybe this isn't the book for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2020
3-3.5 stars! Just finished this book and this is my initial rating. May change after I’ve had time to think on it for a bit longer.
March 31, 2020
5 Gigantic Stars
This book literally took me by surprise. I read Ms. Archer’s previous work “Everyday History”, so I knew the story-line and writing would be solid. I was simply mesmerized by the main characters, though. Both men were initially exceedingly unlikable but as the title references, an onion that has to have its multiple layers peeled away, the reader needs patience to see the real men that exist underneath the layers of misplaced love, unrealistic expectations and lies. This is not a light fluffy read but rather a complex story of very unique but troubling personalities.
Grant is a guy not just down on his luck, he has basically allowed himself to settle into mediocrity. He is tossed aside by his life-coach wife who came to the realization that Grant just wants to exist without the least amount of effort exerted and will never amount to anything. Losing what is basically the dullest and simplest of jobs, he is totally lost. No money or place to live forces Grant to figure out a solution. Fleeing to the countryside on the Island of Vashon, his intent is to stay awhile in his ex-brother-in-law’s unused cabin. He figures no one will know and once he has a plan of action for his life he will move on. Things really start to get complicated for Grant and I don’t want to give too much away. Let’s just say it doesn’t work out as he envisioned and he needs somewhere else to live.
Oliver appears to be the polar opposite of Grant. A temperamental, bright and creative artist that works are pure genius. Grant meets the gorgeous copper-colored hair artist and through some very unusual negotiations, a deal is struck in the form of a contract to jump-start his life. I was hard-pressed in the beginning of this novel to explain what makes Oliver tick, yet he was utterly fascinating. As the pages fly by, the reader will connect that these two lost souls have more in common than they realize. Grant tries to achieve as little as possible and Oliver never fully reaches his social and artistic potentials. Oliver’s friend with benefits of 17 years definitely takes advantage of their relationship. Freddie was such a self-consumed sleazeball he never bothers to notice that Oliver is struggling. Grant and Oliver feel an attraction but since denial is their strongest shared trait they snark and dance around each other until reality forces them to open their eyes.
This book was, by far, my favorite read this year. Lyrical descriptions of the island and Oliver’s artwork added to the beauty of the novel. The connection between these two outcasts was remarkable and I must have re-read the last 4 chapters a dozen times. An added bonus is a long list of wonderful secondary characters that give an additional dimension to the book. I needed an uplifting experience and distraction from the fear of our present world situation and this book became a blessing. Please consider reading this story and I hope that Grant and Oliver can make you smile and help ease your mind. Happy Reading!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
This book literally took me by surprise. I read Ms. Archer’s previous work “Everyday History”, so I knew the story-line and writing would be solid. I was simply mesmerized by the main characters, though. Both men were initially exceedingly unlikable but as the title references, an onion that has to have its multiple layers peeled away, the reader needs patience to see the real men that exist underneath the layers of misplaced love, unrealistic expectations and lies. This is not a light fluffy read but rather a complex story of very unique but troubling personalities.
Grant is a guy not just down on his luck, he has basically allowed himself to settle into mediocrity. He is tossed aside by his life-coach wife who came to the realization that Grant just wants to exist without the least amount of effort exerted and will never amount to anything. Losing what is basically the dullest and simplest of jobs, he is totally lost. No money or place to live forces Grant to figure out a solution. Fleeing to the countryside on the Island of Vashon, his intent is to stay awhile in his ex-brother-in-law’s unused cabin. He figures no one will know and once he has a plan of action for his life he will move on. Things really start to get complicated for Grant and I don’t want to give too much away. Let’s just say it doesn’t work out as he envisioned and he needs somewhere else to live.
Oliver appears to be the polar opposite of Grant. A temperamental, bright and creative artist that works are pure genius. Grant meets the gorgeous copper-colored hair artist and through some very unusual negotiations, a deal is struck in the form of a contract to jump-start his life. I was hard-pressed in the beginning of this novel to explain what makes Oliver tick, yet he was utterly fascinating. As the pages fly by, the reader will connect that these two lost souls have more in common than they realize. Grant tries to achieve as little as possible and Oliver never fully reaches his social and artistic potentials. Oliver’s friend with benefits of 17 years definitely takes advantage of their relationship. Freddie was such a self-consumed sleazeball he never bothers to notice that Oliver is struggling. Grant and Oliver feel an attraction but since denial is their strongest shared trait they snark and dance around each other until reality forces them to open their eyes.
This book was, by far, my favorite read this year. Lyrical descriptions of the island and Oliver’s artwork added to the beauty of the novel. The connection between these two outcasts was remarkable and I must have re-read the last 4 chapters a dozen times. An added bonus is a long list of wonderful secondary characters that give an additional dimension to the book. I needed an uplifting experience and distraction from the fear of our present world situation and this book became a blessing. Please consider reading this story and I hope that Grant and Oliver can make you smile and help ease your mind. Happy Reading!
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement.***
April 12, 2020
I don't really know how to review this amazing book other than to say I love it. I'm not the type of that needs to have a book follow a set formula: boy meets boy, boys start to like each other, conflict occurs, breaking boys apart, climax follows, and boys get together. I like the books that have the layers of nuance that we have to peel away to get a look at the deeper parts of the characters that have been hidden at first glance.
And this book has so much of that!
I loved both Grant and Oliver. However, I was extremely frustrated with both Grant and Oliver throughout the book. Both of them had those glorious, slowly revealed layers. Both of them had moments where their own hurts made them treat the other one badly, and those were the times that I wanted to hit both of them alongside their heads. But their souls, clued us into how deep their pain was that covered their true selves. And it clued the other one into looking deeper and try to help the other.
I loved Everyday History. It never leaves the home page on my NOOK, and I think the same will be true with this book, too. Alice Archer writes in a way that is a balm to my own soul, and during this hard time, this book was exactly what I needed.
And this book has so much of that!
I loved both Grant and Oliver. However, I was extremely frustrated with both Grant and Oliver throughout the book. Both of them had those glorious, slowly revealed layers. Both of them had moments where their own hurts made them treat the other one badly, and those were the times that I wanted to hit both of them alongside their heads. But their souls, clued us into how deep their pain was that covered their true selves. And it clued the other one into looking deeper and try to help the other.
I loved Everyday History. It never leaves the home page on my NOOK, and I think the same will be true with this book, too. Alice Archer writes in a way that is a balm to my own soul, and during this hard time, this book was exactly what I needed.
May 14, 2024
5 profoundly touched ⭐️
“All I was doing was noticing myself. It felt so good.”
This is not an easy book.
Also it’s not fast.
It’s a character driven strangers to almost enemies to lovers slowburn. And yes, the burn is very slow.
Character building in this book is profound. The reader gets to see two very different stories, each tragic in it’s own right. A child who didn’t have a chance to experience childhood and even doesn’t notice it. Because that’s life, right? If parents say so, it’s normal, right? And painful consequences of that.
And then we get a very different child. Who closes himself into grief and focuses on helping others, not letting anyone to see pain and suffering. Doing his best to hide truth and memories even from himself.
Then those two meet by chance. And animosity sparks to life. Hiding, that it’s not the only thing between them.
This is a book about rediscovering yourself. About reluctance we sometimes experience when we know we have to face the pain to finally breathe. And live.
This is a complicated book that can be difficult to read. But the writing is outstanding. And the depth.. let’s say, it’s not often I find a book this deep.
I truly love the way this author writes.
Also. This book is VERY different than “Everyday history”. If you want to read it after reading that one. Please don’t go in hoping it’ll be similar. The only things these books have in common are depth and exceptional writing.’
“All I was doing was noticing myself. It felt so good.”
This is not an easy book.
Also it’s not fast.
It’s a character driven strangers to almost enemies to lovers slowburn. And yes, the burn is very slow.
Character building in this book is profound. The reader gets to see two very different stories, each tragic in it’s own right. A child who didn’t have a chance to experience childhood and even doesn’t notice it. Because that’s life, right? If parents say so, it’s normal, right? And painful consequences of that.
And then we get a very different child. Who closes himself into grief and focuses on helping others, not letting anyone to see pain and suffering. Doing his best to hide truth and memories even from himself.
Then those two meet by chance. And animosity sparks to life. Hiding, that it’s not the only thing between them.
This is a book about rediscovering yourself. About reluctance we sometimes experience when we know we have to face the pain to finally breathe. And live.
This is a complicated book that can be difficult to read. But the writing is outstanding. And the depth.. let’s say, it’s not often I find a book this deep.
I truly love the way this author writes.
Also. This book is VERY different than “Everyday history”. If you want to read it after reading that one. Please don’t go in hoping it’ll be similar. The only things these books have in common are depth and exceptional writing.’
March 21, 2021
I stumbled across this book. It would not have been on any of the lists I normally read.
I also do not normally write reviews anymore (there are reasons)
But. I saw too many one-star reviews, and just HAD to put in my 2cents.
Pretentious. Yes. This book reads like a NYT bestseller. A book club MUST read. One of THOSE books you cannot read quickly and forget. Why? because you can't forget it. The raw pain, the artistic mastery of prose, the poetry, the depression, and yes, eventual joy make this unforgettable. It reads like NO OTHER ROMANCE. (read that again -- which is why there are one-star ratings here, I'm assuming the breaking of all the standards of trope and form created that animosity.) This book isn't average. Never average. Mostly exquisite. Often pain-filled. Definitely enlightening and expanding.
Am I gushing? Yes. Five stars. Someone looking for a common romance will not find it in this book. Uncommon, absolutely.
I also do not normally write reviews anymore (there are reasons)
But. I saw too many one-star reviews, and just HAD to put in my 2cents.
Pretentious. Yes. This book reads like a NYT bestseller. A book club MUST read. One of THOSE books you cannot read quickly and forget. Why? because you can't forget it. The raw pain, the artistic mastery of prose, the poetry, the depression, and yes, eventual joy make this unforgettable. It reads like NO OTHER ROMANCE. (read that again -- which is why there are one-star ratings here, I'm assuming the breaking of all the standards of trope and form created that animosity.) This book isn't average. Never average. Mostly exquisite. Often pain-filled. Definitely enlightening and expanding.
Am I gushing? Yes. Five stars. Someone looking for a common romance will not find it in this book. Uncommon, absolutely.
July 3, 2020
It's been a while since I stayed up 'til 3a.m. reading, and this book made me cry and squirm with happiness and sent me through any human emotion possible. I did not expect this, as I picked it up on a whim during a nice sale in my never-ending will-they-won't-they dance with the romance genre.
This book is exactly what I hope for from that genre: stories with powerful (and foolish and flawed and hypocritical and wonderful growing!) characters, who make each other better, who have a nice buildup and sizzling moments and try their best and fail and come out better. The themes of family, grief, of (unhealthy) coping and healing throughout wrenched at my heart just the right way.
And heck, I even enjoyed the sizzling scenes a lot. Who woulda thought!
This book's a gem that I can't wait to get my grabby hands on in paperback, so I can hug it to my chest on my next read.
This book is exactly what I hope for from that genre: stories with powerful (and foolish and flawed and hypocritical and wonderful growing!) characters, who make each other better, who have a nice buildup and sizzling moments and try their best and fail and come out better. The themes of family, grief, of (unhealthy) coping and healing throughout wrenched at my heart just the right way.
And heck, I even enjoyed the sizzling scenes a lot. Who woulda thought!
This book's a gem that I can't wait to get my grabby hands on in paperback, so I can hug it to my chest on my next read.
March 14, 2020
Thanks to the author and publisher via A Novel Take for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
The onion layers metaphor always immediately makes me think of Shrek and ogres.. (onions have layers, ogres have layers), but there really aren't any ogres in this story. Well, Grant starts off a little grumpy and ogre-like, but he's going through a rough patch, so we'll forgive him.
This story is also reminiscent of On Walden Pond with the camping and all the nature. The island sounds really beautiful and plays a large part in both Grant and Oliver's growth as characters.
As always, the author does a great job in digging into the characters' emotions and gives each a depth to their characters that makes them feel like real people you'd want to talk to and get their take on things.
The onion layers metaphor always immediately makes me think of Shrek and ogres.. (onions have layers, ogres have layers), but there really aren't any ogres in this story. Well, Grant starts off a little grumpy and ogre-like, but he's going through a rough patch, so we'll forgive him.
This story is also reminiscent of On Walden Pond with the camping and all the nature. The island sounds really beautiful and plays a large part in both Grant and Oliver's growth as characters.
As always, the author does a great job in digging into the characters' emotions and gives each a depth to their characters that makes them feel like real people you'd want to talk to and get their take on things.
April 2, 2020
Alice Archer became one of my very favorite authors after her extraordinary first book 'Everyday History'. I completely adored that story! I am in the minority for 'The Infinite Onion' but nevertheless I did enjoy the lovely story of two damaged characters, Grant and Oliver. Their love story is sweet and verrrrra sexy but the journey there is definitely a slow-burn one.
I enjoyed the beautiful Pacific Northwest setting of Vashon Island but several things kept this from being a more enjoyable read for me. I was confused by the number of young people hanging out with the main protagonists (we are constantly reminded that they are "tweens") as well as Grant's sexuality. He was previously in a hetero marriage - was he bisexual? I needed more discussion of his attraction to Oliver.
Alice Archer is a wonderful writer, and this is certainly an enjoyable, slow-burn adult romance. The onion metaphor is perfect for the relationship between Grant and Oliver, and since reading is subjective, you should definitely give this one a try!
With thanks to A Novel Take PR for an advanced review copy of the book.
I enjoyed the beautiful Pacific Northwest setting of Vashon Island but several things kept this from being a more enjoyable read for me. I was confused by the number of young people hanging out with the main protagonists (we are constantly reminded that they are "tweens") as well as Grant's sexuality. He was previously in a hetero marriage - was he bisexual? I needed more discussion of his attraction to Oliver.
Alice Archer is a wonderful writer, and this is certainly an enjoyable, slow-burn adult romance. The onion metaphor is perfect for the relationship between Grant and Oliver, and since reading is subjective, you should definitely give this one a try!
With thanks to A Novel Take PR for an advanced review copy of the book.
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