Touch is a relatively new novel out in paperback by Olaf Olafsson. Much like a Japanese haiku (referenced in the novel) Olafsson achieves a lot of emotion in this beautifully spare, character driven novel about an Icelander who falls in love with a Japanese woman in London. Miko has been told she is 'hibakusha' meaning tainted by the effects of Hiroshima’s tragic nuclear after effects and consequently shamed by her well meaning father into thinking she is damaged goods. This information thwarts her attempts at a long term relationship. Years later, and separate marriages in between, Kristopher goes in search of Miko, unaware of why she disappeared years ago. Touch is romantic in a subtle, Scandinavian kind of way.

Touch has been made into a movie by Icelandic Director Baltasar Komakur and is opening July 12th at Burns Court Theater. Roxanne will be moderating a community talk back at Burns Court Theater on July 12 after the 6:30 pm showing. Reading the book beforehand is not mandatory, however, there are copies of Touch available at Bookstore1 Sarasota at 117 S. Pineapple Avenue in Sarasota or at their online store www.sarasotabooks.com.

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