'Breathe' by Julian Gallo: Breathe In, Breathe Out, and Relax

Review written by William T. Hoffman

Sometimes life happens so fast, you just got to stop and breathe. This is the epiphany of Marco Pazzolini, a folk/punk musician who made it big in the New York City music scene, only to abandon everything for a simpler life on a remote Mediterranean island. However, the story spreads out to include Marco’s wife Jennifer, his daughter Jenna, his old salt buddy Christos and his son. After the opening segment, the novel presents a triptych of backstories for Marco, Christos, and Jenna. When you read those parts, the characters and backstories merge into a touching, psychologically insightful epiphany about the true meaning of life… human connections.

In Gallo’s hands, what could be sentimental and fluffy becomes more philosophical, with a twist of dark humor. The book’s style is succinct, razor sharp, and fast moving. The writer’s style shifts here from the more abstract and metaphorical language of his previous work in the ‘Julio’ books (November Rust, etc). Everything in the book — the plot, the characters, the style, is thoroughly entertaining. Although the ‘Julio’ novels may be my favorite of Gallo’s work, I’m a big fan of Breathe.

If you’re new to Gallo’s novels, starting with Breathe is my recommendation.

Breathe is available here.

Reviewed by William T. Hoffman