New review of the novel “Touch” by Olaf Olafsson

Art and culture

Touch is a relatively new novel by Olaf Olafsson, out in paperback. Similar to a Japanese haiku (which is referenced in the novel), Olafsson creates plenty of emotion in this wonderfully spare, character-driven novel about an Icelandic man who falls in love with a Japanese woman in London. Miko has been told she is “hibakusha,” meaning corrupted by the tragic aftermath of the Hiroshima nuclear disaster, and her well-meaning father subsequently shames her, deeming her damaged goods. This information thwarts her attempts at a long-term relationship. Years later, and after several marriages in between, Kristopher sets out to find Miko, unaware of why she disappeared years ago. Touch is romantic in a subtle, Scandinavian way.

Touch was adapted for film by Icelandic director Baltasar Komakur and will premiere at the Burns Court Theater on July 12. Roxanne will moderate a panel discussion at the Burns Court Theater on July 12 following the performance at 6:30 p.m. It is not necessary to read the book beforehand, but copies of Touch are available at Bookstore1 Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Avenue in Sarasota, or at their online store at www.sarasotabooks.com.

Touch by Olaf Olafsson ISBN 9780063226982 Publication date August 16, 2022.

Bookstore1 Sarasota, 117 S. Pineapple Avenue in Sarasota, www.sarasotabooks.com.