One False Step (Review) - Heather Humann -

In Mark SaFranko's newly released novel "One False Step" (Soyos Books, 2023), he crafts an enthralling and emotionally charged narrative that delves deep into the complexities of marital problems. Through his vivid and descriptive storytelling, SaFranko spins a captivating and relatable tale about the complexities of relationships.

Since protagonist Clay Bowers' accident, he and his wife Alicia's marital problems which (as the reader learns as the narrative unfolds) already existed, amplify. Between the weight of marital discord, and Clay's own attempts to come to terms with an injury that left him in a wheel chair, readers are drawn into the intricate web of his struggles. SaFranko's descriptive prose skillfully paints a vivid picture of Clay's emotional journey, making it easy to empathize with his pain, even though Clay is not entirely a victim (given the fact that he committed adultery and is partially to blame for his marital problems).

In this respect, SaFranko takes care to flesh out both Clay and his wife Alicia with flaws and virtues alike, thereby mirroring the complexities of real people in real-life relationships. This realism breathes life into the story, allowing readers to connect with the characters' experiences and emotions. Indeed, a particular strength of SaFranko's prose (in the case of this newly published novel, as well as in the body of his work) is its ability to evoke a range of feelings. From heart-wrenching moments of vulnerability to precarious moments of hope, "One False Step" takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving a lasting impact long after the final page is turned.

Written by Heather Humann

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