This is the clever premise of Tantalus by Jane Jazz.
Sylvia and Tom are tantalized by the sight of each other, but they cannot reach each other because they are fifty years apart: separated by time and a wall between their studios which disintegrates to reveal each to the other, but will not let them touch or visit each other's time.
This first occurs in 1975 when Sylvia, a painter, is 25, and Tom, a sculptor, is 28, but is living in 1924.
It's a beautiful story, rather like The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger or Ferney by James Long where two lovers are kept apart by time. However, in those two books, the lovers do meet through the years, but Sylvia and Tom are kept apart only to see each other through the wall. However, they discover that they can communicate by letters pushed through a hole, and their words are full of emotion.
Jane has written a Romantic story with a capital R, calling on poetry from Keats and paintings by Millais and Burne-Jones.
To find out what happens to this couple so deeply in love, you will have to read her novel, which at the moment is only available as an ebook. I can't wait for the paperback version because I'm being tantalized by this beautiful story and would love one to hold in my hands and treasure it for ever!
This sounds like one that is right up my street, Jean, especially with the literature and art history references (both of which I studied)! Thanks for featuring it.
ReplyDeleteMeant to say, it reminds me of The Lake House - the lovely film with Sandra Bulloch and Keanu Reaves, where they also are separated by time and use letters until they meet.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rosemary. I haven't seen that film, I'll have to look out for it!
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