A Town Called Solace

A Town Called Solace is told from the perspectives of three characters of differing ages and backgrounds whose lives are ultimately intertwined. The nonlinear narration and alternating perspectives build the mystery of connections and parallels between these characters.

In this sense, the book can be categorized as slice of life. Media is said to be slice of life if it involves a realistic depiction of everyday life. A large part of the book’s narrative is taken up by descriptions of the character’s activities during the day or conversations they have. The mystery and tension that exist in the novel stem largely from two specific incidents: Rose running away, and the fallout between the Orchards and the Kanes. However, both of these unfold organically, even slowly, over the course of the book. What often takes precedence over these plot points are descriptions of Clara’s anxiety stemming from a sudden loss of control over her world; Liam’s reflections on his failed marriage and his eventual integration into life at Solace; and how Mrs. Orchard passes her final days in the hospital.

Slice-of-life narrative style often doesn’t follow a traditional storytelling structure, with a climax and denouement. Instead, slice-of-life works often feature open endings: Within the scope of the book, Liam doesn’t learn about why his parents and the Orchards had a fallout, and there is no clear update on Rose’s recovery progress beyond a small glimmer of hope. The genre tends to favor exploring the inner lives and emotions of the characters over more overt dramatic tension. All three main characters in the book are portrayed as people who don’t quite fit in or who have had unusual experiences. Liam and Clara are both introverted in childhood and don’t have a lot of friends; Mrs. Orchard has suffered tragedy with the loss of multiple children; and all three characters must confront and overcome different challenges in their lives.