Keys to an Empty House

by David Finkle

“The face is familiar. Elihu knows he can easily place it. He doesn’t complete the thought because the young man speaks… ‘My name is Ethan Haas. My mother is Emily Haas. You’re my father.’”

In his twenties Elihu Goulding was a famous, award-winning author of two novels. His work brought fame and fortune and yet he stopped writing. Instead, he traveled, renting various places in which to live. Each time he appreciated the solitude of his newest surroundings.

Now Eli is entering his senior years and adapting to his latest rental, a New York City brownstone. One day, while taking a shower, Eli hears the front door buzzer ring, followed by assertive thumps from the door knocker. Once he is dressed and has decided the disturbance must be addressed, Eli opens the door to find a carbon copy of his younger self. Whether Eli likes it or not, an unknown chapter in his life is about to begin.

518 pages, ebook

Published March 1, 2021

Reviews

[Martie Nees Record · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Literary Fiction/Tragicomedy
Publisher: Plum Bay Publishing
Pub. Date: April 5, 2022
Martie’s rating: 3 ½ Stars

I have never heard of this author, nor have I heard of the publisher. Google informed me that Plum Bay is an independent publisher. This is not a mainstream type of novel. “Keys to an Empty House” reads like literary fiction. It is a deep, character-driven tale. In the first quarter of the novel, Elihu Goulding, the protagonist/narrator, speaks only to himself through internal dialogue. There are no quotation marks at all, which can make the novel’s beginning a bit of a reading challenge. I am glad that I stuck with it because I became interested in the story and wanted to know more about the peculiar and severely depressed protagonist.

Elihu was a young man in his twenties when he decided to stop writing, although he won awards, after completing two novels. I think his decision has something to do with past loves that didn’t end well. The author could have been more specific, but I didn't catch it. He had an affair with a woman who later died of cancer. He had another relationship with a man, which he ended since Elihu did not care for living as gay or even bisexual, though he says the sex was good. Finkle presents Elihu as a wishy-washy kind of guy. He lives in Manhattan. He prefers to live alone, not uncommon for a sad person. But, he “needs” to move frequently. He can’t even sleep in the same bedroom twice in a row. This is because as soon as he feels comfortable he changes rooms. Alternatively, heaven forbid someone recognizes him, and then he needs to move to a new apartment. Elihu maintains a nomadic lifestyle despite residing only in New York City. I get that an anxiety disorder could cause the fear of being recognized. To know why he does not like to become too comfortable you will need to ask the author. I’m guessing that it is the loved and lost bit again.

One day, Elihu hears the doorbell ring repeatedly. It stops, then starts up again. He continues to ignore it. It drives his anxiety through the roof. Like so many other moments in the novel, it would be hilarious if it weren’t so sad. He finally breaks down and opens the door to find a young man who is the mirror image of his younger self. Turns out Elihu has a son who he never met. The boy’s mother, not him, made this decision. Now in his senior years, the man who simply wants to be left alone with his strange rituals has his 21-year-old kid, Ethan, living with him. He is concerned about how to explain his plethora of issues, so he doesn’t. It is fun to read his son’s confusion.

This is not a sentimental story about a father-son reunion. Do not expect to read “A Man Called Ove,” where love fixes all of Ove’s problems. That isn't this author's style at all, at least not in this book. "Keys" is a comedy-drama. I admired how Finkle wrote with compassion for his protagonist’s depression and panic disorder. The story’s sluggish pace was maddening at times. Nevertheless, at other times, I was so into the story that I didn’t mind it, reminiscent of Anne Tyler's work. If you can ignore the pace, then I recommend this bittersweet novel
I received this Advance Review Copy (ARC) novel from the publisher at no cost in exchange for an honest review.

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[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll use a word the main character abhors and say 'wow!' with an exclamation point!
This was a poignant and introspective journey of one man who literally comes face to face with his past. Elihu Goulding is a sixty-three year old nomadic recluse who was once a revered author. After writing two successful books in his twenty's his third book didn't live up to his own standards and he gave up writing. Never staying in one place for long he now finds himself renting a house in New York City. He's very unsettled and spends his time contemplating life and past relationships. Then, when taking a shower he's annoyed by someone knocking and buzzing and after getting dressed opens the door to a younger version of himself. He knew of this young man's existence but he's unprepared for what his sudden presence will mean for Elihu going forward. Father? Son? Navigating this will not be easy.
Using third person narration for this story works perfectly. Although a little slow at times, this perspective let's you know exactly who Elihu is and I found him to be very relatable. I empathized with his lack of knowing what a father is supposed to know in relating to his son. I could also relate to the son needing to get to know his father.
I really enjoyed this bittersweet journey that gave me all the feels. The characters feel real as if this was an autobiographical, nonfiction retelling of Elihu's life and it's a journey I highly recommend.
.
Thank you to the author and Claire McKinney Public Relations for the gifted ARC to read, review and enjoy.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Sonya from CMPRCommunications for sending us a copy to read and review.
A title that invites the reader in and keeps them intrigued is a solid basis for a good book.
The cover colluding nicely with its title.
The desire to interpret what it all means aroused immediately.
Elihu, an author of two best selling books has the fame and fortune to live how he chooses around the world and enjoy the solitude that comes with being the new neighbour.
Renting where he wants to make a new start.
His most recent apartment is in New York, a place he is very familiar.
It’s green door beckoning.
He settles into the empty space, filling rooms with belongings and reacquainting with the eatery places of the neighbourhood.
A knock on the door will change his life and complete otherwise unknown voids.
A long lost son who has dropped out of Yale wants to meet his father.
Rekindling memories and heightening emotions he has to find a place in his heart and schedule for his son.
A short and punchy read is always welcome.
The plot really quite straight forward, intense and strong characters and a collision of past and present made this an enjoyable read.
A clever writing formula enhancing its complexity.

[Rahel Charikar · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Keys to an Empty House" by David Finkle presents an intriguing premise that holds promise but falls short in execution, earning it a three-star rating. The story follows Elihu Goulding, a once-famous author who, in his senior years, encounters a young man claiming to be his son. The initial setup creates an air of mystery and potential for exploration.

The introduction of Ethan Haas and the revelation of Elihu's potential fatherhood add layers to the narrative. However, as the story unfolds, the pacing feels uneven, and the exploration of Elihu's past and his relationship with Ethan lacks the depth needed to fully engage the reader. The character development, particularly for Elihu, feels somewhat incomplete, leaving the audience with a sense of detachment.

The premise of a successful author abandoning his writing career to embrace solitude and travel is intriguing. However, the novel could benefit from a more thorough exploration of Elihu's motivations and the emotional complexities behind his choices. The story's potential for a deep exploration of family dynamics and the impact of past decisions is not fully realized.

The writing style is solid, and Finkle demonstrates a command of language. The narrative is straightforward, but it occasionally lacks the emotional resonance needed to make the reader fully invest in the characters and their journeys. The interactions between Elihu and Ethan could have been more nuanced, adding depth to their relationship and the unfolding events.

While the book introduces an unknown chapter in Elihu's life, the resolution may leave some readers wanting more closure or a more profound impact on the characters. The lack of a strong emotional connection with the characters and a somewhat predictable plot progression contribute to the overall three-star rating.

"Keys to an Empty House" has a compelling premise that could resonate with readers, but the execution falls short of fully realizing its potential. The novel is a decent read, but it lacks the depth and emotional resonance needed to elevate it to a higher rating.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a marvelous and utterly immersive novel is David Finkle’s KEYS TO AN EMPTY HOUSE, set evocatively in the streets of New York’s Greenwich Village. Eli, the wry observer but not entirely participant of his own life, has spent the last twenty years putting his key in the doors of rented houses here and in Europe, where he fills the rooms with much re-read books, old furniture gathered here and there, and unwanted thoughts. Many years before he was a touted literary novelist of two books which have left him still famous, and a third book that did not come up to the previous cheers. Deeply disappointed in himself and not wanting to write anything else that could not reach his youthful promise, Eli withdraws from the world, occasionally remembering past love affairs. One was with a beautiful student in his brief years as a college professor. She became pregnant and chose to walk away with the baby and raise him herself. Eli sent checks through his lawyer and returned to rereading his classics.

Then one day there is persistent buzzing of his doorbell. He runs down to find a strange young man in his early twenties with army duffel bag and bloated backpack sitting on his steps, in need to a shower and a meal. It is his son. And slowly, page after page, he feeds and deals with this confused, silent young man and eventually begins to rediscover the self he had long tucked aside. As weeks go on and his son Ethan remains, their conversations are few and inexpressive, but we feel something like the floor moving beneath us.

And then a while later, the sound of the door buzzer once more reverberates through the many rooms of the house and standing on the doorstep is…but you will have to read it.

I devoured KEYS TO AN EMPTY HOUSE. Totally immersive writing, looking into the soul of a man who in his early sixties begins to slowly question some of his life decisions.

[Terri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free digital ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

"Keys To An Empty House" tells the story of Elihu Goulding, a 60 year old ex-author who believes that he peaked in his 20s with his two bestsellers. Living off the royalties of his success, Eli spends his years hopping between homes in the country and city, with nothing to do but read and wander. However, he soon receives a wake up call when the son he never met shows up at his doorstep wanting to learn more.

My opinion on this book flip-flopped with each chapter. First, I found the writing style off-putting and frustrating to get into. I was eventually able to find my flow, but the abrupt sentences and the strange 3rd person stream of consciousness narration distracted from the story.

The parts that I found most enjoyable were descriptions of the characters' routines, but in all honesty I found that there was too much unnecessary detail elsewhere. One example is the multi-page description of Eli's relationship with Bart, which is never made relevant throughout the story other than a brief "scare" when they almost run into each other. Several pages were spent on this, and in describing Eli's masturbatory and sexual habits when it was simply irrelevant to the plot.

There is little dialogue in this novel until the end, which honestly works in its favor. When the dialogue does begin, it's unnatural and unnerving. No one uses contractions, they speak as though they were working on a theater piece, and there's an abundance of 50-cent words (vicissitudes, bivouac, erstwhile, peripatetic - just to name a few).

All in all, this was intriguing enough for me to commit to reading it fully, but not something I would seek out or recommend.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Elihu Goulding, an author of two successful and one not-so-successful , works of fiction. When his third book was poorly received, Elihu decided to stop writing. He's spent the years living off of the money earned from his books, alone and wandering from place to place, moving when he gets tired of a place. Over twenty years ago, Elihu found himself living in Chicago, auditing classes at the university when he met Emily. After a short love affair, Emily announces that she is pregnant and expects nothing from Elihu. He is willing to go along with her wishes, except he does have his accountant send her a monthly check for the child. Now 60-something Elihu is living in Manhattan, enjoying the house he's rented, his books, and his music when a young man knocks on his door. The young man is Ethan, the son he's never met. Ethan asks to stay for a few days, which turns into many months, and Elihu has to reassess his decisions from twenty years ago and his more recent decisions as well. This is definitely a book of the mind, as there is very little dialogue between any of the characters and the focus is solely on Elihu's thoughts.

[Beth Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elihu Goulding is an author who had a couple successful books and a third which was received with a lukewarm reception which caused him to cease writing. Living off his money over the years, moving when he tires of a place, Elihu is a character that I really wanted to like but for some reason just didn't really click with his character.

A brief love affair with a girl named Emily in Chicago results in a pregnancy. Emily insists she wants nothing from him at all and he obliges but does send monthly checks for the support of the child.

Fast forward to when Elihu is 60 and a young man, his son, knocks on his door and a relationship between them begins.

This book was not as engaging for me as I had hoped and although I did finish it I did not love it in the way that I could not put it down once I started reading. There was little dialogue and maybe that is why I felt like I still did not know much about the characters by the end of the book.

I wavered between a 3 and 4 star review and would have given a 3 1/2 if possible. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a free ARC digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

[(Rebekah Franks) The Book Annelid · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book in the mail from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 STARS

If you liked "A Man Called Ove" or the Pixar movie "Up" you might like this book too! Elihu Goulding is a senior citizen who meets his 21 year old son for the first time in his life when he shows up and decides to move in for a while. Although do not expect it to be quite as bright and uplifting as the aforementioned titles- it is, instead, more realistic. It is a very quick read , however the Third Person present Tense verbiage did take me a while to adjust to reading. Thank you, @david finkle and @plum bay publishing, llc for this ARC!

[Jane Pettitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A enjoyable read . Eli has lived his life for himself a author, locating often and a relationship that didn’t go anywhere. Twenty years later residing in a quiet neighborhood a knock comes and the person on the other side is him twenty years ago. Trials and building blocks helps the two build a life for themselves a sea of emotions .

[Christina Britton Conroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beautifully detailed, simply written start of David Finkle's bittersweet novel reads like stage directions from a great play. I was immediately drawn into the complicated emotions of an affluent middle-aged man wishing to become invisible. We quickly learn that he cannot. Finkle has created multifaceted, complex characters, both sweet and curmudgeonly. I loved this book. Bravo!