A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler

In his latest novel “A Forty Year Kiss,” acclaimed author Nickolas Butler (known for “Shotgun Lovesongs” and “Godspeed”) explores the delicate territory of rekindled love between two people who have spent four decades apart. The story follows Charlie and Vivian, whose brief marriage in their youth ended in divorce, only to find themselves drawn back together in their sixties. While the premise promises a heartwarming tale of second chances, the execution reveals both strengths and weaknesses in Butler’s storytelling approach.

Plot & Story Development

The narrative begins with Charlie, now in his sixties, waiting nervously at a bar to meet his ex-wife Vivian after forty years. Butler masterfully captures the anxiety and anticipation of this moment, making readers feel every flutter of Charlie’s heart. The story then unfolds through alternating perspectives, revealing how their past relationship crumbled under the weight of Charlie’s alcoholism and immaturity, and how their present-day reunion offers hope for redemption.

However, the plot occasionally suffers from pacing issues. While the first third of the book maintains steady momentum, the middle section sometimes meanders through repetitive scenarios. The revelation about Charlie’s unknown daughter Jessie comes rather late in the story, though it adds significant emotional depth once introduced.

Character Development

Strengths:

• The evolution of Charlie from a reckless young man to a more thoughtful, albeit still flawed, older adult is convincingly portrayed
• Vivian’s character carries compelling complexity, especially in her roles as mother, grandmother, and potential renewed love interest
• Secondary characters like Melissa and Jessie add rich layers to the narrative

Weaknesses:

• Some supporting characters, particularly Charlie’s friend Mona, feel underdeveloped despite their narrative importance
• The transformation of Charlie’s drinking problem sometimes seems too neat and simple

Writing Style & Literary Merit

Butler’s prose shines brightest in quiet moments of reflection and observation. His descriptions of Wisconsin’s small towns and changing seasons create a vivid sense of place. However, the dialogue occasionally feels stilted, particularly in emotional confrontations between characters.

“He closed his eyes and concentrated. He said something he did not expect to say and had never said to another soul. I think, he started, then paused. No, I know—well. I do have a drinking problem.”

Themes & Deeper Analysis

The novel explores several interconnected themes:

• The possibility of genuine change in human nature
• The weight of secrets and their impact on relationships
• The complexity of family bonds, both biological and chosen
• The role of forgiveness in healing old wounds

While these themes are thoughtfully handled, some, particularly those involving addiction and recovery, could have benefited from deeper exploration.

Cultural Context & Social Commentary

Butler’s portrayal of small-town Midwest life feels authentic, though sometimes verging on romanticized. The novel touches on class differences and economic struggles but doesn’t fully engage with these issues. The treatment of Jessie’s Down syndrome character shows sensitivity but occasionally falls into oversimplification.

Comparison with Similar Works

The novel bears thematic similarities to Kent Haruf’s “Our Souls at Night” and Nicholas Sparks’s “The Notebook,” though Butler’s approach is more grounded in everyday realism. Fans of Anne Tyler’s domestic dramas will find familiar territory here.

Technical Elements

The alternating viewpoint structure generally works well, though some transitions between perspectives feel abrupt. The timeline occasionally becomes confusing, particularly when dealing with flashbacks.

Impact & Emotional Resonance

At its best, “A Forty Year Kiss” achieves moments of genuine emotional power, particularly in scenes involving family reconciliation. The Chicago Cubs game sequence near the end stands out as especially well-crafted, bringing together multiple story threads in a satisfying way.

Critiques & Areas for Improvement

Several aspects of the novel could have been stronger:

• The resolution of Charlie’s drinking problem feels rushed
• Some plot coincidences strain credibility
• The ending, while touching, leans toward sentimentality
• Certain subplots, like Melissa’s relationship revelation, feel underdeveloped

Target Audience & Reader Experience

This novel will most appeal to:

• Readers who enjoy character-driven literary fiction
• Fans of second-chance romance stories
• Those interested in stories about family dynamics
• Readers who appreciate Midwestern settings and sensibilities

Final Verdict

While Butler demonstrates his talent for creating authentic characters and capturing the essence of Midwestern life, the novel sometimes struggles with pacing and depth. Nevertheless, it offers a touching exploration of love’s endurance and the possibility of redemption at any age.

Recommendation

Despite its flaws, “A Forty Year Kiss” is worth reading for its sincere portrayal of late-life love and family reconciliation. Butler’s compassionate treatment of his characters’ flaws and failures makes this an engaging, if imperfect, addition to the genre of literary romance.

The novel reminds us that it’s never too late for second chances, even if the path to redemption isn’t always smooth. While it may not be Butler’s strongest work, it contains enough heart and authentic emotion to make it a worthwhile reading experience for the right audience.