Novel Review: Perchance to Dream by Debut Author Tamara Belko

In Perchance to Dream, debut YA author Tamara Belko seamlessly intertwines dual points of view, one in verse and one in prose, to tell a coming-of-age story about loss and second chances. The story begins with the near-drowning of 16-year-old protagonist Grace. Still grieving the recent loss of her mother from cancer, she had knowingly risked her life by swimming out too far. But when her savior, a man named Joseph Salvator, dies, Grace is wracked with survivor’s guilt and begins cutting herself. Her depressed and unemployed father turns to alcohol to numb his pain. Compounding Grace’s feelings of loneliness and despair, they move to a nearby town, and she is forced to attend a new high school.

On her first day at her new school, Grace catches the eye (and ears – she’s always humming) of Xander, who sits near her in English class. Xander (whose point of view is written in prose) is intrigued by this very pretty girl and immediately recognizes her sadness, although his issues do not run as deep. Before long, Xander asks Grace out on a date and together they work through the typical ups and downs of a relatable, “coming-of-age” teen couple. The two bond and ultimately heal over their mutual passion for music, which runs deep in both of their families. In fact, Grace’s father’s recovery begins the moment he returns to the piano bench after a long reprieve.

Belko says the inspiration to incorporate music as an integral piece of her novel came from her family’s love of music. In her own words, “Music has a way of bringing people together, connecting them. Music can also be a catalyst for healing, and I needed to provide my characters with means for catharsis.”

Grace’s first step on her own journey to healing begins when she receives the gift of forgiveness from Joseph’s sibling, who is revealed in a sweet little twist – sorry, you’ll have to read it yourself! The last step in Grace’s healing is tender, heartwarming, and truly memorable, too.

Yes, the topics in Perchance to Dream are heavy and poignant, but Belko treats her characters with dignity and TLC. The author purposely chose to tell Grace’s story in verse, as poetry evokes emotion. The quote below demonstrates how effectively she portrays the depth of Grace’s despair:

I read Perchance to Dream in one sitting, and it left me with much to ponder and remember. As a mother of teen girls, I appreciate the need for relevant and realistic stories like Perchance to Dream. I was devastated to learn that self-harm by cutting is on the rise amongst U.S. teens. For cutting statistics and treatment information, visit www.teenhelp.com.

Visit https://belkotamara.com to read more about the talented, lover-of-all-things poetry, Educator/Author Tamara Belko.

From her website: As a middle school English teacher and Power of the Pen writing coach, Tamara has spent her teaching career sharing her love of reading, writing and poetry with her students.  She has a B.A. from Hiram College and a M. Ed from Ashland University. Tamara resides in Northeast, Ohio. When she isn’t absorbed in reading young adult literature or writing, she can be found listening to music with her family, enjoying a walk or learning Tai Chi.  

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