Shahed Ghanimati’s PARTIAL TRUTHS reads like part of a romance novel. Specifically, the most frustrating part: when the characters are mired in distress, and stubbornly resist doing the few simple things they can do to mend matters between them and guide everyone to a happy ending. Her main characters, especially Ben, almost seem to be trying to make their ultimate misery as certain as possible.
The writing here is evocative, utilizing short sentences full of emotional intensity that fill even the smallest and most innocent of moments with sexual tension: “He was waiting by the fountain when she arrived. The clouds looked heavy and ominous. She was grateful she had thrown a sweater over her short dress, which fluttered in the wind as she walked up to him. No hug. No need for physical contact after Saturday night.” The characters are well-drawn, and the supporting cast (especially Camila’s loving Mexican mother, Iranian paternal grandmother, and gay best friend Tyler) are charming and likeable.
Camila herself is delightful in her independence, fierce determination, and sensuality—but she and Ben ultimately annoy the reader as they refuse to admit the whole truth to themselves, each other, or the other people inadvertently involved in their relationship. Both characters bemoan the fate that brought them together at the wrong time; but, in so doing, they don’t take responsibility for the way their own refusal to make the difficult choices traps them in an emotional mire. The major decision Ben makes about halfway through the novel is especially irritating, as he seems to know that he’s doing the wrong thing and understands it will end with everyone involved being deeply hurt—but feels helpless to take the obvious step needed to stop doing it. After that, Ben and Camila keep making bad decisions until the reader wants to slap them both. If you are desperately trying to keep a relationship with someone platonic and fight back mutual desire, then—for heaven’s sake—do not choose Like Water For Chocolate as a movie to watch together. Also, if the “there’s only one hotel room with only one bed” trope crops up, run for the hills.
Make no mistake, though; this is a moving and emotionally powerful book, and the ending will appeal to readers who don’t like neat, easy solutions.
Shahed Ghanimati’s PARTIAL TRUTHS is a passionate, intensely emotional, sensual, and extremely frustrating novel, as two people barrel towards disaster without having the sense to take more than the mildest precautions against emotional destruction for themselves and others.
~Catherine Langrehr for IndieReader