Never Hollowed By The Stare

Speechless: The Gig – Kim Fielding

An accident in Drew Clifton’s past left the former novelist with aphasia, unable to communicate through either speech or writing. Through sheer strength of will, he built a quiet but lonely life for himself. But now he’s fallen in love with Travis Miller.

Travis has his own issues—a permanent eye injury and unemployment. But he’s determined to help Drew find ways to engage and succeed again in the wider world, and a guitar-playing gig at a local coffeehouse seems like a good start.

Dylan Warner and Chris Nock happen to be in the audience that evening, and they have a few niggling problems of their own. Perhaps a chance meeting will provide solutions that might benefit all of them.

Another glimpse of Drew and Travis, this time with a shout out to The Clash. It’s great catching up with them as they go about Drew’s big night. Travis has scored Drew a gig at a cafe and Drew finally get to perform in public for the first time. He was understandably quite nervous and Travis ever so supportive, was there to cheer him on.

This is so warm and fuzzy!

Their story is an inspiration to anyone whose partner has a disability.

It perfectly captured how the couple are so attuned to each other. Each glance or quirk of an eyebrow convey so much emotions. It tackled Travis’ unemployment insecurities which I think was solved a little too neatly but hey, I’m just happy for him. It also highlighted Drew’s amazing guitar playing skills and what music means to him.

The thing about Drew’s playing was that after a while you stopped noticing that he wasn’t singing because the notes he played became his words. Travis didn’t know the lyrics to all the songs Drew played. He wasn’t even sure all of them had lyrics. But he had no problem at all understanding what thoughts and emotions Drew was conveying as he strummed each tune.

It was such a heartwarming moment when Drew finally came out of his shell and this whole new world of possibilities opened up for him and Travis. I think the ending left some openings for more. I hope Kim Fielding expands the Speechless world. I don’t mind the crossover with the Bones couple.

It was nice meeting Dylan and Chris. Now I am intrigued by their story as was Travis. I was chuckling at how nosy Travis was when he saw Dylan and Chris. He was really making an effort to eavesdrop. Little did he know Dylan has a very good hearing. Well, tables turned, but in a good way.

P.S.

I want Drew’s record collection!.

Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits

Soundtrack: Love Song
Artist: The Damned
Album: Machine Gun Etiquette

(source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17877356-the-gig)