BRUSH

The lives of two strangers interconnect in unexpected ways in Anderson’s debut novel.

Chris is a Milwaukee-based tech whiz who, along with his friends, is in the process of developing an app that helps arborists find work. At the opening of the novel he’s pale, addicted to “things that made them feel alive or dead, depending on the need.” Jo is a divorced woman who owns a flower store in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, cares deeply for her community, and is tentative about getting involved in a romantic relationship. Chris’ app is an instant success, making him a multimillionaire. However, his new wealth leads him to become more introverted, and he turns to painting as an outlet. After his mother presents him with a paintbrush that belonged to his deceased father, his creations perplex him, and he begins to find himself in situations that exactly match his imagined paintings. Meanwhile, Jo wrestles with her feelings for Grant, a friend and employee, but is shocked by his xenophobic response when she hires a woman named Paj. Restless, Jo takes an impromptu trip to Zurich, where she meets the enigmatic Micha, a garden designer. They have an unforgettable evening together and then part ways. The novel follows Chris’ and Jo’s seemingly independent lives over the course of a year. Readers will be kept guessing how, if ever, the two strangers’ lives will connect.

This is an intriguing work of subtle magical realism and unconventional romance. Anderson shows off a delightful descriptive style that’s beautifully simple yet effortlessly evocative: “Every year she noticed the same old man walk past daily and pause, noticing new buds pop wide as if from a magician’s hand.” The author creates psychologically believable characters that develop as the novel progresses. It’s particularly interesting to observe how Chris matures from the “video games, porn, and the occasional programming language” aficionado of his graduate years to a man fully immersed in the creative process. There are moments when Anderson shares wise advice through minor characters; after Chris’ mother suffers a stroke, for example, he’s advised by his mother’s nurse: “Try to give yourself as few of those regrets as you possibly can. You might think you can’t climb this mountain. But you can.” On other occasions, the author effectively wields humor; while describing a visit to a nudist club, he writes, “Jo didn’t know if naked was the right word, since the man was wearing a cowboy hat.” The novel has notably short chapters, moving back and forth between Chris and Jo. It’s a notably disjointed approach, but it often quickens the pace of an already compelling work. Anderson’s characters sometimes impulsively partake in unexpected activities, such as Jo’s overseas trip, but this adds a further element of surprise to a plot that has many diverting twists and turns. Overall, Anderson’s debut is an intelligent celebration of life, love, and creative endeavor and often proves a joy to read.

A life-affirming, if fragmented, page-turner written in a refreshingly offbeat style.