Certainly! “Never Look Back” is a young adult fantasy romance novel that talks about Eury, haunted by the loss of everything during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, arrives in the Bronx. She fears that the tragedy that befell her family will catch up with her in New York. However, she meets Pheus, a golden-voiced bachata singer, who wants to put a smile on her face and fight off her demons. Their love faces powerful dangers, including an evil spirit that has haunted Eury since childhood.
Main Characters:
Eury: She arrives in the Bronx, haunted by the loss of everything during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. Eury fears that the tragedy that befell her family will catch up with her in New York.
Pheus: A golden-voiced bachata singer, Pheus wants to put a smile on Eury’s face and fight off her demons. Their love faces powerful dangers.
Plot:
The story alternates between Eury and Pheus as they journey from the Bronx to the Underworld. They question whether their love can overcome the challenges they face, including an evil spirit that has haunted Eury since childhood.
The novel is an #OwnVoices retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.
Themes:
Cultural Identity: The characters grapple with their cultural backgrounds and how they shape their experiences.
Overcoming Trauma: Eury’s past trauma and the impact of Hurricane Maria play a significant role in the narrative.
First Love: The power of first love and its ability to heal and transform is central to the story.
Settings:
The Bronx: The novel is primarily set in the Bronx, where Eury and Pheus meet and embark on their journey.
The Underworld: As they face challenges, their journey takes them to the mythical Underworld.
Conclusion:
Without giving away too much, I can say that the novel explores love, resilience, and the struggle against powerful forces. It does justice to the original myth while adding depth and modern context.