Title: The Color of Pain
Author: Melisa E. Arnold
Publisher: Olympus Story House
ISBN: 9781963851311
Pages: 320
Genre: Fiction / Human Tales
Reviewer: Subhrajit Saha
Hollywood Book Reviews
If you’re looking for a remarkable novel with a mind-bending narrative that intertwines love, hatred, betrayal, friendship, romance, and social commentary, all encapsulating the journey of life, then Melisa Arnold’s The Color of Pain is a must-read. This book offers a gripping human story which will captivate you from beginning to end. When you start the book, you’ll find it has the power to bring happiness even on your darkest days,
helping to fade away the color of pain from your life. As a reader, you’ll begin to empathize with the characters, laughing when they are happy, crying when they are in tears, and experiencing their emotional turmoil. The writer succeeds in creating an engaging plot, telling it intriguingly, and fleshing out the inner dilemmas of the lead characters, making you feel deeply for them as the story unfolds.
The storyline follows the journey of three members of the Putnam family: Cathlean, John, and Alexander, also known as Alex. Cathlean has endured a lot, leading her to become a party animal and, later, a high-profile prostitute. Her goal is to make a well-established Englishman fall for her, ensuring she can live a happily-ever-after life in England, far from her homeland of British Honduras. John, a British army personnel, falls for Cathlean’s charming, bold, and smart persona, and they settle in England with her son, Alex. If you think that’s the whole story, let me tell you, it’s just the prologue to a much larger epic. Despite Cathlean’s desire to settle down, her restless nature leaves the Putnam family’s life almost colorless. The storyline spans across both countries multiple times, following two generations as they experience deep friendships, love, betrayal, and much more.
Melisa Arnold’s book can entertain a diverse audience by offering a fun-loving, lightweight, and colorful journey of coming-of-age experiences, along with intimate human relationships told with great compassion and maturity. The review will begin by exploring several noteworthy bonds in The Color of Pain, including the complex relationship between John and Alex, a captivating teenage love story between Alexander and Sherrette, also known as Sherr, and the nuanced marriage between Cathlean and John. The father-son duo’s unwavering support for each other will resonate emotionally with those who share a strong bond with their fathers. Memorable moments include John helping Alex navigate puberty and teenage issues, while Alex, in turn, helps John cope with his breakup and supports him through difficult times.
Sherr and Alex’s fairytale middle-class romance is beautifully narrated, capturing every cherished moment, from Alexander’s awe upon first seeing Sherr to their awkward first conversation, the excitement of asking for a date, and the magical first kiss. This delightful and refreshing love story stands in stark contrast to the dark and disturbing relationship unfolding on the other side of the narrative. As you laugh, love, and cherish the old-school romance between Sherr and Alex, the contrasting relationship between Cathlean and John – and later with Alex – feels deeply unsettling. This contrast underscores how the title of the book aptly reflects the intensity of the romantic narrative, making the story feel even more vivid and impactful.
It’s challenging to cover everything in a single discussion, but readers should know that, beyond its compelling human stories, the book excels in character development, particularly with John and Cathlean. As the novel progresses, the evolving complexity of these characters will increasingly impact the reader’s psyche. Additionally, the book offers insightful commentaries on various issues, including discrimination in both progressive and regressive societies, child abuse, gossip culture, etc. I highly recommend The Color of Pain for your next read.