The Means of Keeping  by Rich Marcello

The Means of Keeping is a profound exploration of grief, friendship, and the indelible impact of climate change on personal and global scales. Set in a near-future America, the novel follows Tereza Allard and David Luca, two lifelong friends in their forties shattered by a climate crisis-induced tragedy that claims the lives of their families. The evolving dynamics between these characters against the pressing issue of climate change provide a Rich narrative ground, exploring the intersections of personal loss, love, renewal, environmental activism, and the search for meaning in a world on the brink of unrepairable catastrophe.

With a narrative style that blends the introspective depth of Kazuo Ishiguro’s works with the environmental consciousness of Barbara Kingsolver, The Means of Keeping is aimed at readers who appreciate books that not only tell a compelling story but also reflect on the larger issues facing humanity today. With haunting prose and evocative imagery, the novel challenges us to imagine a future where love, resilience, community, and the fervent desire to protect our planet become the means to reclaim our shared humanity. May our children inherit not only a healthier planet but also an indomitable spirit to prevail against all odds.

Artisan Book Reviews:

In Rich Marcello’s wonderful book, The Means of Keeping, grief and climate take crucial roles in two perceptive individual’s lives. As David and Tereza begin to untangle their relationship and tangle it again, they discover it’s a slow, dramatic journey to solace.

Tereza and David’s lives have never been linear. Ever since David’s dad caused them to split in their teens, their paths have zig-zagged and curved, but they’ve never been too far apart. Decades later, a climate-caused microburst causes a plane to crash, taking the lives of both of their family members. They know they need each other, but they don’t know how they fit into each other’s lives just yet.

This is a strong, philosophical story that explores grief in a way I’ve never seen before. Author Rich Marcello is obviously deeply contemplative when it comes to his story writing, and it pays off well. His characters are extremely well thought-out. In the beginning, David and Tereza each turn to physical distractions to temper their grief, and it’s understandable. But what eventually happens to them becomes an even more unlikely story. The loss of their families eventually pushes them—particularly and most dramatically Tereza—toward a goal for change. So they head back to where they almost started—a place called the Ashami Institute. It raises individual awareness that leads its students to make an impactful positive impact on the world. Through the institute, Tereza learns that her life and her creativity aren’t a waste, after all.

This is a remarkably rare read that weaves deep elements of philosophy and the hot topic of climate change into a work of fiction. It’s provoking and strong, with a current of words that’ll sweep you off your feet. The Means of Keeping by Rich Marcello comes highly recommended by Artisan Book Reviews. Book reviewed by Emma Christey for ABR Reviews & Prootion.

Buy The Means of Keeping by Rich Marcello

The Means of Keeping by Rich Marcello
For Best Contemporary & Literary Fiction
ABR International Book Excellence Award Winner

 

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