Green Taxi

Title: In This Way I Was Saved: A Novel

Author: Brian Deleeuw

Format: Hardcover

One of those books that makes you think, In This Way I Was Saved is Deleeuw’s first novel and a great one at that.  As a college friend of Brian, I find his book a gentle reminder of his interesting mind and City background.

Told from the standpoint of the main characters imaginary friend, we are encouraged to contemplate on our imagination.  The book dives into all sorts of twists relating to the mind, imagination, imaginary friends, and dual personalities.

The story starts in early childhood and follows a friendship between two personalities through college.  In the meantime, the two boys experience a whirlwind of adventure, primarily emotionally, between friends, family, and a familiar yet constantly changing environment.

Deleeuw touches on the power of drugs (both prescription and illegal), the hereditary traits of the brain, childhood versus high school versus college, divorce and step/half family, the environment of New York City, depression, possession and loss, and several more interesting sub-plots and how they effect the mind and our imagination.  These themes do a great job tying together a larger entertaining novel that I found very fun to read.

I did not find the story dark or twisted, but rather an intriguing take on the possibilities of the imagination.  The way the narrator dances between being an imaginary friend, a real person, and a dual personality is incredibly interesting.

Lastly, one of the best parts about this novel is that it is very well written.  It reads easily while rolling from one metaphor to the next simile with natural ease.  I look forward to reading Deleeuw’s next work of art.

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