Rem Bruxvoort is forty-six and not getting any younger. The former guitarist of The Bubbling Samovars—an obscure nineties punk band—is still feeling fallout from the pandemic. It’s October of 2021 in southwest Florida and he’s stuck living under the same roof as his ex-fiancée, who hates his guts. As they sell off the bungalow they bought together before everything between them went up in smoke, Rem seeks a way forward to better days.
A chance encounter reunites Rem with his former bandmate Gene, who’s traded in playing the bass for a cushier life as a soon-to-be-married entrepreneur in the tech sector. As the two old friends catch up, the subject of the lost master tapes of The Bubbling Samovars’ unreleased album arises. Soon Rem’s quest to locate the master tapes, which might yield a reissue that will set everything straight, is put in motion.
Gene’s sister Julie is a thoughtful closet poet with musical ambitions of her own. When she grows tired of working overtime in a drab corner of the Upper Midwest, she puts her life there on hold and heads down to Florida. Rem and Julie soon rekindle their long-dormant friendship, growing closer and closer, while waxing philosophical about a host of subjects.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to everyone, an ominous figure in a white van has been stalking them in the periphery, seething with resentment. Known simply as “the man,” he has bad intentions and seeks revenge on Gene for reasons that are unclear. But “the man” has issues of his own and is plagued with an ineptitude that undermines his malevolent aspirations. Will he cause the carnage he wants so badly to enact?
Multiple plotlines are fleshed out as individual character arcs overlap and eventually convene. In his second novel, Dave J. Andrae employs his characteristic wry wit to explore an aging Gen Xer’s mindset against the backdrop of gritty crime and mystery elements. Rem’s Chance is a blended-genre effort that touches on romance, philosophy, intrigue, what it’s like to play in a band, and so much more. With ample humor and cultural references to keep things colorful, the book is a well-structured page turner.
There’s something a little bit different about this entertaining, light-hearted book, in that it is so talky and arty, almost to the point of bohemian, that it is perhaps most accurately described as literary fiction with a subplot – if there can be such a thing. For the most part, it is about an ageing former band-member who gets in touch with old acquaintances, and starts to think about forming a new band and launching old material, in what might be considered something of a midlife crisis. The long dialogues which accompany this journey, primarily about music and film, are so profoundly discoursed that Quentin Tarantino would sit up and pay attention, the characters particular aficionados in movies of even the most trashy of genres – at points you might expect them to start speaking French and light up a cigarette. Therein lies the literary element of the book.
But then the book’s genre is well and truly bent out of shape by the inclusion of a ruthless, brutal killer out on a mission of vengeance against our utterly unaware protagonist, running parallel to the main storyline. It is not an unwelcome divergence; indeed, why not mix up expectations? It was an intriguing plotline to watch developing, even if at times I did ask myself: what actual relevance has this subplot to the rest of the book? The killer is utterly unrelated in any way to events, as is his arc and overall quest. It feels rather that there are simply two different strands running alongside each other, which intersect momentarily when the time comes. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not complaining. Indeed, life is strange, and unexpected, unexplained events happen for no more than some deranged perceived adversity. It is interesting to read, ultimately, though actually tricky to discern on which hand this book is at its best, when following the artistic discourse or the psycho killer. That said, if you are looking for a book which falls firmly on either side of this genre divide, you’ll probably be disappointed; I think it’s fair to say that Andrae’s book is firmly aimed at the rest of us – those who are happy to mix in a little bit of both.
I did enjoy reading Rem’s Chance, even I wasn’t entirely certain why. It just felt cosy, with enough suspense dangling like a carrot to keep you moving along. It is not coy in any way, nor brash; it simply, confidently is, and that’s always inspirational to read. I know Andrae can write well, pleasant and engaging, having read his work previously, and this is more of the same: intelligent writing for a more discerning, intellectual reader.
Through his novel Rem's Chance Dave J. Andrae mixes together elements of crime fiction and character analysis and sprinkles them with a little touch of Gen X romance. This mixture will likely make the readers go, 'Wow!' for some, while others will frown at this bland taste.
Rem, of course, is the soul of the story. Instead of simply creating a protagonist that is just like us, Andrae writes a character that is both human and interestingly multifaceted. As for Rem, his constant low self-esteem and his challenges with Dita depict an experiential account and make the reader connect with him. We observe the flashes of a charming, witty person under the layers of misanthropy, constantly trying for change.
The novel adopts a typical crime fiction motif and mixes it with some new-era concepts. The "man," who remains unnamed and keeps hovering in the background, helps to create a classic noir mood, while the satirical tone prevents the plot from being too depressive. The merging of the light-hearted tonalities prevents the story from turning into a classic genre's boring retelling. Andrae paints a really bright picture of a bygone era, which is probably something that Gen X readers will pick up. Allusions to pop culture and historical circumstances of a particular age interject the realities of those bygone years and provide the reader with a comfortable nostalgia for past days when life was much simpler (or possibly just seemed to be simpler).
While the novel's ability to mix genres is its main benefit, it might also be its con. For those who look for one genre only or for those who prefer a romance story with plenty of detail, there will probably not be enough to satisfy their needs. Sometimes this change may irritate and mess up the storyline. Through the character of Rem, the inner world is favored to the extent that the outer world is almost forgotten. The scenery does not seem like the actual place but a mere backdrop for the proceedings. The deeper presentation of the society and economy of this region could have added shades and flavor to the game.
The editing was amazing. I did not find any errors at all. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, the highest rating. Rem's Chance is an enchanting piece for the audience, who will love the character-driven story with an addition of mystery and a big spoon of nostalgia.
In Rem’s Chance by Dave J. Andrae, Rem has a tough time with his lover, Dita, who becomes his ex-fiancee. He meets an old friend, Gene, when an unfortunate event brings them together after many years of not speaking to each other. It is the day that Gene discovers his father is dead. To escape the quarrelsome Dita, Rem finds refuge by sleeping in his car. He happens to be parked right outside the house of Gene’s deceased father. Later, Rem sees Gene’s sister and immediately, there is a romantic vibe between them. They soon become an item. In the background, another character has killed people he loathes and gets into trouble. Eventually, all the events draw these characters together.
Rem’s Chance by Dave J. Andrae is an enjoyable and leisurely read with the elements of murder, mystery, revenge, and a love story. It contains some adult romantic scenes suitable for mature readers only. Music lovers will enjoy this book as there is plenty of information and references to musical instruments such as rock music. Andrae reveals a prodigious amount of knowledge on movies that will be pleasurable to those who recognize them. The drama and action revolving around the antagonist will be satisfying as the antagonist portrays believable, real-life antisocial behavior. Rem has some long conversations with his new love interest and their dialogue helps to develop their relationship. Readers might enjoy the philosophical talks. The author has a good grasp of how to build suspense in this novel.
Amid a post-pandemic slump, forty-six-year-old Rem Bruxvoort finds himself stuck in Florida with his ex-fiancée and in a rocky relationship while trying to move forward. When a chance encounter reunites him with former bandmate Gene, they seek to revive the past, sparking a quest to locate their lost master tapes. Meanwhile, Julie, Gene's sister, escapes her mundane life to join them, reigniting old friendships and exploring new possibilities. Little do they know that a mysterious figure lurks in the shadows, harboring dark intentions. He is nameless, only referred to as “The Man.” As individual storylines intertwine, Dave J. Andrae's Rem's Chance delivers entertainment that combines humor, romance, and intrigue against the backdrop of Gen X angst and gritty crime.
With witty prose and colorful cultural references, this blended-genre novel promises a well-structured, page-turning journey filled with philosophical musings, band dynamics, and the pursuit of redemption. Readers are on edge as they wonder if the characters will uncover the truth about ''The Man'' or if he will enact his revenge with disastrous consequences. Rem's Chance by Dave J. Andrae intricately weaves a tale of characters whose lives intersect amidst tension and introspection. Through skillful storytelling, Andrae captures the essence of his characters, particularly Rem and the unnamed man, offering readers a glimpse into their multifaceted personalities and inner turmoil. Rem, the narrative's focal point, emerges as a character of depth; his tumultuous relationship with Dita is a canvas for exploring themes of love, insecurity, and self-discovery. Rem's reflective nature and emotional vulnerability resonate throughout the narrative as he struggles with past mistakes and uncertainties about the future. His interactions with Julie reveal a longing for intimacy and connection tempered by a sense of responsibility and moral ambiguity. In contrast, the unnamed man exudes an air of mystery and detachment, pursuing a solitary existence fraught with internal conflicts and external pressures. His strained relationships and troubled past hint at a soul facing personal demons. Despite his flaws, the unnamed man possesses a specific adaptability and resourcefulness that makes him face life with pragmatism and resourcefulness. The setting is finely drawn, and the characters are intriguing. There is no dull moment in this balanced and deftly executed tale.
