Monday, September 14, 2015

Fia Essen's "Ariel"

Title: Tempestuous Ruin, Prosperous Renewal
Ariel” by Fia Essen

Reviewed by A. Anthony
07/28/2015
7:47 p.m.

The right to a happy life—one with a dream job and house, loyal friends, and a significant other with which to share it all—is one to which everyone has a claim. Most, however, aren’t able to gain all of these things, though often they are able to gain some. It is the wish fulfillment that the romantic comedy provides which gives hope that it is all possible.

Ariel by Fia Essen doesn’t escape the common formula of the romantic comedy, which is probably inescapable. All the writer can do is to add unique variations, and this Essen accomplishes through the exotic setting of her novel.

Ariel Morton is an expatriate whose family traveled extensively before finally settling in Singapore. Readers are taken out of their comfort zone by the atypical setting, and this challenge makes Ariel stand out. The narrative is enriched by details of the country’s customs, landscape, and diverse populace as we come to know Ariel.

Ariel was dumped three years ago, and was fired from her job; she doesn’t want anyone to know it, so she lies about how she was the dumper, and she quit her job, etc. She is oppressed by her lie of a life, so it is fortunate that she is contacted by the mysterious Muse Agency, which has counseled countless people towards success. Agency head Celine Valois works her magic, becoming like a Prospero to the suffering life of Ariel, who knows she must reform or fall completely.

Essen develops a likeable, humorous cast of characters as the inspiring, enjoyable narrative progresses incident by incident into a better future for Ariel. The only major flaw is that Ariel’s love-interest, Colin, remains inhumanly perfect. Colin betrays his humanity slightly at one point, but we are left with the impression that he is some flawless being, as we never really come to know him.

I give “Ariel” 4 out of 5 stars     
  
Until Next Time,


A. Anthony    

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