Book Review: Troika By Adam Pelzman

TROIKA

By: Adam Pelzman

Published: April 7, 2015

Publisher: Berkley

Fiction/Romance



When I was first approached by the publicist to read this book, my first reaction was to say no. This is not my typical type of read. But, then I noticed some of the reviews: "brilliant, astonishing modern love story", "fascinating" and "unforgettable". I was instantly intrigued and decided to give it a try.

TROIKA removed all my preconceived perceptions about romance novels by telling this modern love story involving three people who come together so unexpectedly. Just because I was enthralled with the story doesn't mean I agree with the conventions of it, but instead, found it to share a love between the characters that many people will never experience.

Julian was once a Russian orphan and is now a self-made millionaire in New York City. His wife, Sophie, suffers from a tragic accident. She and Julian must create a new path for their future. The third character in this troika is Perla, a Cuban living in Miami and working as a stripper in Fort Lauderdale. Pelzman draws us in by sharing each of their stories and how they ended up in their current situation through alternating chapters. Once their lives converge, you will wonder how they ever lived without each other. Fans of the movie "Pretty Woman" will find some similar scenarios, but this story is a bit more unexpected.

Pelzman tells the story quickly and with precision. You breeze through the short chapters and keep reading to get to the next character's story. He challenges you with the passion for which the characters make decisions, giving them powerful scenarios to cope with. Unfortunately, some scenes were never finished and the reader was left to wonder how a situation righted itself. Some of the secondary characters were highly involved in one scene and then not mentioned in another which didn't seem realistic. This is especially true at the end of the novel when you are left wonder what Perla's best friend, co-workers, and mother think about her new life.

This is not your typical romance novel, but one with depth and passion. It will force you to rethink your idea of true love. Each of the three characters suffers from a painful past, but it is how they overcome those tragedies that will leave you full of hope and compassion for their choice in life. Their stories are not for innocent eyes as I would give this an "R" rating. But for those looking for a deeper, more intensely personal novel, this is one that will stay with you long after it's done.

Adam Pelzman - source

Adam Pelzman studied Russian literature at the University of Pennsylvania and received a law degree from UCLA. Born in Seattle and raised in northern New Jersey, he has spent most of his life in New York City, where he now lives with his son. For more information, visit his website at adampelzman.com. You can also find him on Facebook, HERE and Twitter, HERE.  

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