rotellareads's review against another edition
3.0
I almost gave up on this book at 25%. It was a major struggle to get into and feel invested. I didn’t care for either main characters but the uniqueness of the story kept me in its grasp. I knew there had to be more if I could just keep on reading. So I skimmed a bit, focusing mostly on dialogue until I felt somewhat intrigued and more invested which came around 75% through the story. I had a hard time considering this novel to be a “M/M Romance”, as it read much more like a generic fiction book up until the last quarter.
Grant and Oliver were both stubborn and manipulative. They had their own secrets and reservations that made any kind of healthy relationship pretty much impossible. They were grown men who behaved emotionally as children.
I absolutely loathed Freddie. His character brought nothing but drama to the story and he stuck around far longer than necessary. I will say I quite enjoyed his departure from the story and loved how Oliver handled it.
By the end of the read, I’d somewhat warmed to both men, knowing their pasts and tragic tales. I felt for Oliver and his well kept secrets. I understood Grant’s laziness and lack of interest in growing up. I even understood the extremely strange relationship both men had with the area youth on the island.
I didn’t understand the onion aspect at all! I would have never picked up this book based on the title alone, which does the book a great disservice.
Overall I rated this read a very generous 3 stars. The writing was great, although at times went deep into the weeds. I enjoyed the sarcasm and wittiness that came out of multiple characters in the story. The author has a wonderful sense of humor. I think there was just way too much going on in this solitary book. Too many arcing storylines of past drama and pain that took away from the big picture. It seemed like every single supporting character brought their own chaos into the story. It was just a lot to keep straight and I felt overwhelmed at times as a reader, trying to keep track of everything. The ending was also a bit open ended, but I was actually okay with it.
I received an ARC of this book from A Novel Take PR in exchange for an honest review.
Grant and Oliver were both stubborn and manipulative. They had their own secrets and reservations that made any kind of healthy relationship pretty much impossible. They were grown men who behaved emotionally as children.
I absolutely loathed Freddie. His character brought nothing but drama to the story and he stuck around far longer than necessary. I will say I quite enjoyed his departure from the story and loved how Oliver handled it.
By the end of the read, I’d somewhat warmed to both men, knowing their pasts and tragic tales. I felt for Oliver and his well kept secrets. I understood Grant’s laziness and lack of interest in growing up. I even understood the extremely strange relationship both men had with the area youth on the island.
I didn’t understand the onion aspect at all! I would have never picked up this book based on the title alone, which does the book a great disservice.
Overall I rated this read a very generous 3 stars. The writing was great, although at times went deep into the weeds. I enjoyed the sarcasm and wittiness that came out of multiple characters in the story. The author has a wonderful sense of humor. I think there was just way too much going on in this solitary book. Too many arcing storylines of past drama and pain that took away from the big picture. It seemed like every single supporting character brought their own chaos into the story. It was just a lot to keep straight and I felt overwhelmed at times as a reader, trying to keep track of everything. The ending was also a bit open ended, but I was actually okay with it.
I received an ARC of this book from A Novel Take PR in exchange for an honest review.
suannelaqueur's review against another edition
4.0
I once wrote of one of my characters, "He writes so seamlessly, you forget you're reading." Alice Archer is that writer. She's a masterful storyteller, even when she doesn't write the most likable characters or situations. I didn't like Oliver. I mean I didn't GET where he was coming from at all. But Grant stuck around for him and so did I. If you like stories where the locale becomes a character unto itself, you'll love the role of Vashon in this complicated, creative, confusing, concentric romance.
the_novel_approach's review
5.0
My love for Alice Archer’s Everyday History was a deep, visceral thing. In a sea of contemporary romance novels, Archer’s characters and their problematic entanglements stood out as something just that little bit different, and her lush and lyrical writing style clicked with me in a way that left me at a complete loss for words to describe it. It appears lightning has struck twice now, with The Infinite Onion. This gorgeous romance is chock absolutely full of all the charm and wisdom and metaphor that drew me into Everyday History, and I was equally drawn into the lives of its two emotionally chaotic men.
As Robert Frost once said, “The best way out is always through,” which becomes a test of endurance for both Grant Eastbrook and Oliver Rossi. They both must go through an often painful series of awakenings and accepted truths in order to find their way out of the complications that have kept them from living their best lives for so many years. First, however, they use their own histories and hurts to bleed their pain and project it onto each other, and it’s those moments of unfettered friction and denial that paradoxically begin to strengthen their connection to each other. The metaphor of the onion is there for a reason, as it becomes their individual mission to poke and prod at each other and to begin to peel back the layers of their lives and their external selves to get to the person beneath the skin. A good bit of self-reflection and inward examination doesn’t go amiss in helping the process along either.
A sense of purpose maintains a direct correlation with feelings of self-worth, a concept that Grant begins to unravel, thanks to Oliver, but only grudgingly. Grant resents that he’s been left to turn to Oliver for help. He utterly loathes that Oliver’s help comes with strings and conditions attached. Namely, Grant being unemployed, homeless, and flat broke isn’t due to Grant being unemployable, and so Oliver assigns tasks to Grant that force him to look at some unvarnished truths about himself—that he’s been habitually underperforming and not living up to his fullest potential. It cost Grant his marriage, for one. It has cost him his job and his self-respect along with it, for another. Oliver pushing and picking at him is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black, however. These are two hurting people whose individual lives are in a bit of a shambles, who think they can fix each other, but they need to fix themselves first. The primary difference between them is that Oliver’s life is based on the illusion that he’s thriving.
The Infinite Onion is a story about two men whose lives are filled with hurt and distraction, in which comfort is discovered in the least expected of places. Grant and Oliver find simplicity and balance once they allow themselves to take a deep cleansing breath and face rather than hide behind what had been holding them back. It is a sweet and sentimental story, sharp and confrontational in its insights at times, and Archer’s voice remains captivating. This book wrung every spare bit of emotional investment out of me, which I gave up gladly.
As Robert Frost once said, “The best way out is always through,” which becomes a test of endurance for both Grant Eastbrook and Oliver Rossi. They both must go through an often painful series of awakenings and accepted truths in order to find their way out of the complications that have kept them from living their best lives for so many years. First, however, they use their own histories and hurts to bleed their pain and project it onto each other, and it’s those moments of unfettered friction and denial that paradoxically begin to strengthen their connection to each other. The metaphor of the onion is there for a reason, as it becomes their individual mission to poke and prod at each other and to begin to peel back the layers of their lives and their external selves to get to the person beneath the skin. A good bit of self-reflection and inward examination doesn’t go amiss in helping the process along either.
A sense of purpose maintains a direct correlation with feelings of self-worth, a concept that Grant begins to unravel, thanks to Oliver, but only grudgingly. Grant resents that he’s been left to turn to Oliver for help. He utterly loathes that Oliver’s help comes with strings and conditions attached. Namely, Grant being unemployed, homeless, and flat broke isn’t due to Grant being unemployable, and so Oliver assigns tasks to Grant that force him to look at some unvarnished truths about himself—that he’s been habitually underperforming and not living up to his fullest potential. It cost Grant his marriage, for one. It has cost him his job and his self-respect along with it, for another. Oliver pushing and picking at him is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black, however. These are two hurting people whose individual lives are in a bit of a shambles, who think they can fix each other, but they need to fix themselves first. The primary difference between them is that Oliver’s life is based on the illusion that he’s thriving.
The Infinite Onion is a story about two men whose lives are filled with hurt and distraction, in which comfort is discovered in the least expected of places. Grant and Oliver find simplicity and balance once they allow themselves to take a deep cleansing breath and face rather than hide behind what had been holding them back. It is a sweet and sentimental story, sharp and confrontational in its insights at times, and Archer’s voice remains captivating. This book wrung every spare bit of emotional investment out of me, which I gave up gladly.
charkinzie's review
5.0
This book is remarkable. I loved every sentence of this book and can't wait for a little time to pass so that I can read it again. The plot is intriguing and well thought out, the characters are absolutely a delight... so intricate and involved. This is one that I would highly recommend! Let me tell you. few things about why I think this is so great.
One of the best things about this novel are the characters. That may seem like an odd thing to say, but not every novel has great characters. The two main characters in The Infinite Onion are engaging and unique.
Grant is divorced from his wife at the beginning of the story and loses his job. With no place to live and little in terms of resources or will, he sneaks off to set up residence at his ex-wife's cabin. Soon enough though his ex-brother in law turns up because they have a security camera set up on the property. This leaves Grant with nowhere to go. He really is at rock bottom. The one light in his life is his nephew, Kai. Kai adores his Uncle and there's something going on with him that Grant can't put his finger on.
When Grant and Kai fall asleep in a ditch, they awaken to an over-bearing, sunshiny, hilarious man named Oliver. Oliver rescues them from the rain but boy... does he irritate Grant from the moment they get together.
Grant is hilarious... so full of energy and a bit complicated. When he's first introduced, he's rescuing Grant and Kai from the rain and introduces them to his crazy, eclectic house. It's full of the artwork that Grant creates. It's overfilled with all kinds of crazy things, not the least of which is its resident.
I loved the abrasive tension between Olliver and Grant. The fact that they click in a positively grating way is so enjoyable to read. Oliver is patient and firm at first... Grant is frustrated and not amused. Oliver thinks that he can help Grant get his life back on track. They enter into a contract... which is the most amazing thing I've ever read. In exchange for some self-portraits, some artwork, and daily journaling ... Oliver will help Grant out with some of the necessities of life.
There's a lot of loss in this book but what's remarkable is how the characters have continued to try and survive. Grant has lost almost everything and he's so very lost that he can't even manage to find his way back again. It's quite sad to read, but there is a sweetness in him and a hope that is very subtle. Oliver is still grieving from multiple losses.
Oliver has managed to immerse himself in a world of people who have learned how to work together as a cohesive unit. There's give and take - a small community that accepts the things that have happened in peoples' pasts. But, this comfortable world can hide the wounds that still haven't been healed. And that's the second theme really... .living with wounds, trauma until they become so used to it that's it's just a part of you and yet you find ways to avoid it.
Oliver and Grant are both dealing with very different things... but the way they push each other means that things are starting to rattle loose. All of their interactions in the novel are intense and meaningful.
I would absolutely recommend this book! It's one of the best I've read this year for certain and will be added to my list of favorites.
One of the best things about this novel are the characters. That may seem like an odd thing to say, but not every novel has great characters. The two main characters in The Infinite Onion are engaging and unique.
Grant is divorced from his wife at the beginning of the story and loses his job. With no place to live and little in terms of resources or will, he sneaks off to set up residence at his ex-wife's cabin. Soon enough though his ex-brother in law turns up because they have a security camera set up on the property. This leaves Grant with nowhere to go. He really is at rock bottom. The one light in his life is his nephew, Kai. Kai adores his Uncle and there's something going on with him that Grant can't put his finger on.
When Grant and Kai fall asleep in a ditch, they awaken to an over-bearing, sunshiny, hilarious man named Oliver. Oliver rescues them from the rain but boy... does he irritate Grant from the moment they get together.
Grant is hilarious... so full of energy and a bit complicated. When he's first introduced, he's rescuing Grant and Kai from the rain and introduces them to his crazy, eclectic house. It's full of the artwork that Grant creates. It's overfilled with all kinds of crazy things, not the least of which is its resident.
I loved the abrasive tension between Olliver and Grant. The fact that they click in a positively grating way is so enjoyable to read. Oliver is patient and firm at first... Grant is frustrated and not amused. Oliver thinks that he can help Grant get his life back on track. They enter into a contract... which is the most amazing thing I've ever read. In exchange for some self-portraits, some artwork, and daily journaling ... Oliver will help Grant out with some of the necessities of life.
There's a lot of loss in this book but what's remarkable is how the characters have continued to try and survive. Grant has lost almost everything and he's so very lost that he can't even manage to find his way back again. It's quite sad to read, but there is a sweetness in him and a hope that is very subtle. Oliver is still grieving from multiple losses.
Oliver has managed to immerse himself in a world of people who have learned how to work together as a cohesive unit. There's give and take - a small community that accepts the things that have happened in peoples' pasts. But, this comfortable world can hide the wounds that still haven't been healed. And that's the second theme really... .living with wounds, trauma until they become so used to it that's it's just a part of you and yet you find ways to avoid it.
Oliver and Grant are both dealing with very different things... but the way they push each other means that things are starting to rattle loose. All of their interactions in the novel are intense and meaningful.
I would absolutely recommend this book! It's one of the best I've read this year for certain and will be added to my list of favorites.
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