Title: Helens: Not Necessarily About Sex
Author: Matthew Louis Kalash
Publisher: Brilliant Books Literary
ASIN: B0CBL6KJQV
Pages: 344
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Reviewed by: Christina Avina

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There is often a fine line between art and love, and for many, that line becomes blurred. It is through our various cultures, our history, writing, music, art, and even everyday events such as travel and playing chess that we discover one another’s love languages, and what can occur between two people in a relationship. The need to return to a time when art was more profound to love than the age of the Internet has never been more in demand, and moments throughout history are proof of this.

This is the theme the author hopes to see come to life in the book Helens: Not Necessarily About Sex by Matthew Louis Kalash. The collection of stories in this book brings art and love to the forefront, exploring a time at the turn of the 21st century when travel and exploration came hand in hand with love and relationships. Set several times throughout the Italian countryside, the stories hone in on everything from commitment and passion, to true love and our own identities within the confines of a relationship, making the stories much more profound to think about.

The author brilliantly gave readers relatable, emotionally-driven characters that are both vibrant and pop off of the page at any given time. The beautiful imagery in the author’s writing really brought the Italian countryside to life so effortlessly, showcasing the talent of the author’s unique writing style. The notes of honesty and hope that flow so eloquently throughout the narrative of each story made the book more compelling to get lost in, and the progression of each story allows these unique characters to take moments to question what the relationship is between art and romantic relationships overall.

From new love to love lost, the author crafted the perfect book for those who enjoy literature and fiction, especially those which utilize romance, mystery, and short story formats. The stories themselves felt profound when telling each tale, and the rich characters which could be found peppered throughout these stories made the heart and passion for which the author told each story feel more integrated and honest in its approach. The beautiful yet heartfelt atmosphere the narratives took on and the complex relationships these stories explored will speak to readers who have had trouble in their own relationships, and can recognize the beauty and artistry of our history mixed with romance overall. That is why everyone should grab their own copy of this fantastic collection today, and get lost in the truly unique storytelling style the author has adapted in this collection.