In this book, Isabella Maria follows the story being lived by her friend named Dave. She can describe him as wanton because she knows everything there is to know about him. He shared everything in his soul with her. That, and she could read his life in the Tarot cards she spread on his behalf. But she wasn’t his lover or wife or partner in life. She was more than that. Her relationship with Dave exceeded a mere title; it was an existence that can’t be defined, it can only be experienced.
This story brings to light the existence of a romance that truly cannot be contained. Although simple, its complexities draw the reader in with the questions that normally surround a budding relationship. Shouldn’t these two characters, who rely so much on each other, be together? Why can’t David see the obvious answer to his relentless pursuit of true love in the very person with whom he shares breakfast every Monday? Yet, the reader discovers that to embrace the obvious would be the end of something extraordinary. In this way, Wood cleverly introduces a completely new form of romance; one that was never realized in a traditional sense, but one that defines what the hopeless romantic in each of us desires. To be understood, to be loved, and to be enough for the person we want so much to satisfy.
David’s antics are frustrating. And his behavior is ironically predictable for a character who prides himself on sidestepping all things mundane. Of course, that’s the intent. The minor downside of this story is the strength of Izzy gets lost in the shadows of David’s life. Her reluctance to move forward is never fully explored. And the fact that she does remain so still while David is all over the place creates a lopsided story. Yes, the story is about David, but as David evolves into another form of himself, the reader misses out on the growth of Izzy. She is almost too captive of an audience for her friend. Knowing more about her could have shed light on the staying power of this extraordinary relationship she shared with her male focus.
THE WANTON LIFE OF MY FRIEND DAVE offers a strangely satisfying experience for the romance fan. It successfully illustrates this phenomenon that sometimes those that seem the most connected aren’t always meant to be together.
Reviewed by J’Nel Wright for IndieReader.