Reviewed by Sadonna
TITLE: So Far Away
AUTHOR: Nell Iris
PUBLISHER: JMS Books
LENGTH: 55 pages
RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2021
BLURB:
Engaged couple Zakarias and Julian are convinced nothing can separate them … until a global pandemic hits. Zakarias catches the virus with mild symptoms and isolates in the couple’s guest house.
The few meters dividing them might as well be the moon as he watches Julian, an ICU nurse, work himself to the bone, unable to support him the way he needs. Frustration and worry build as the weeks pass.
Will Zakarias be declared healthy before Julian burns out?
REVIEW:
I don’t want to say too much about the plot of this story, but suffice to say that not unlike current times, a pandemic has taken over the world and our two heroes are separated from each other due to one of them, Zakarias, catching the virus. Since Julian, his fiance is a nurse in the ICU, they cannot take a chance on him getting sick so they are separated – Zak living in their guest house for the duration of his quarantine until he tests negative, and Julian in their house. The stress and the isolation are taking a toll on both of them – in completely different ways. They are doing the best they can with limited contact outside from a distance and over facetime. Zak’s sister is helping out as well, but things aren’t great. It really puts a lot into perspective for them and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
What a timely, heart wrenching and beautifully moving story. While the author explains that this isn’t about COVID-19 per se, there are definitely similarities as to how the world works under the strain of a pandemic that has isolated us from our loved ones. I cannot imagine that there won’t be a lot of empathy from every person who reads this story – who has missed out on hugs and birthdays and movies and concerts and physical contact with their families and friends. The poignant scenes between Zak and Julian while standing so many feet apart outside 🙁 UGH! How painful this has been for them to be parted – although at least neither of them has ended up hospitalized. Julian’s very real stress and burnout from working in an ICU where people are dying nearly every day – being their only human connection. I honestly cannot imagine the PTSD and other mental health challenges these heroic medical professionals will be facing in years to come. Nobody expects this outside of a sci-fi movie 🙁 Thankfully the resolution of this particular story is sweet and sexy and lovely and the recognition of what’s really important I think will also resonate with many readers. If nothing else, the last 16 months have brought into sharp contrast what is and isn’t necessary in life. Absolutely beautifully written. Nell Iris is the absolute master of the short story. Highly recommended.
RATING: 
BUY LINKS:
JMS Books
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