April and Oliver are childhood friends reunited after a car accident took the life of April's younger brother, Buddy. Their lives have taken them into separate directions; Oliver pursuing an education in law in California as April messily lives out her life in New York.
It's a tale of dysfunction and romance, coupled with juxtaposing themes, such as finding solace in familiarity while trying to break away from the past. Oliver tries to act as a rational force in April's life, while combating his own demons that are negatively impacting his relationship with his fiance.
The characters are complex, and the themes of dysfunction and first love are relatable to those who've experienced it; demonstrated clearly through Callahan's writing. The novel isn't clouded by enigmatic or convoluted language, therefore could be defined as an easy read.
Although the novel is simplistic in language, the topics discussed are not meant for audiences below the age of 18. Dealing with issues like abuse, adultery, and rape, Callahan brings the reader to a side of life that many don't come across; and some choose to ignore.
April and Oliver is Tess Callahan's first novel. Raised in Long Island, New York, Callahan spent most of her time "studying the fluid, negative shapes of the sky through swaying branches," according to her website. Eventually graduating with an MFA in fiction from Bennington College, Callahan became a mother of twins. Her passion for writing didn't cease, and thus continued to do so "between diaper changes" eventually publishing April and Oliver this year (2009).
Callahan doesn't indicate on her website whether she plans on writing a sequel, or any subsequent novels, but many reviewers (including myself) express a thirst for more, and a hope that this isn't the last we see of her as a novelist.
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