Love in Lowercase by Francesc Miralles + a Giveaway

It's New Year's Eve and Samuel is ringing it in alone. Again. His outlook for the coming year isn't great - more of the same in fact, counting down the years, months, days, hours, and minutes until the end of what he expects will be a shorter than average life. 

But the arrival of an unexpected - and uninvited - furry guest changes all of that. 

Mishima, as Samuel decides to call the cat, is just the first in a series of interesting and possibly wondrous changes in Samuel's life. Changes that cause Samuel to begin looking at the things and people around him differently. Changes that could even lead to love. 

Chance encounters, new friends, and old love are just a few of the things the cat prompts in Francesc Miralles's Love In Lowercase.

Samuel's story is a sweet one. A single man, alone with his books and his movies. He teaches literature and keeps to himself, basically going about his daily routine over and over and over. Mishima's arrival, though, seems to be exactly what the man needs to push him beyond that circuitous routine. Especially when, sick with the flu and on an errand for a neighbor, Samuel sees Gabriela. It's a random and chance encounter, one he attributes completely to Mishima. And he's desperate to see her again.

Why?

Because Samuel remembers Gabriela from when they were children. A game, a moment, a kiss of sorts that has never left his memory. You see, Samuel loves her. And while searching for her becomes the main focus of Samuel's days, he also finds himself more open to the experiences around him.

This really is a charming book! I loved all of the literary references, the strange philosophical musings, the tour of Barcelona, and (of course) the cat wisdom :) This is the kind of read that warms your heart and is perfect for any reader who craves something romantic but not saccharine or sappy. It's also Francesc Miralles's first title to be released here in the States.

Rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher, I do get to give away a copy! To enter simply fill out the Rafflecopter below before Monday, February 8. Open US only and no PO boxes please.

a Rafflecopter giveaway