Mind the Gap
by Thomas Maurstad

Genre: Literary Fiction / Political

ISBN: 978-1639885381

Print Length: 362 pages

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

An intelligently written, character-driven drama

In “Mind the Gap” by Thomas Maurstad, we find two individuals, Ellis Presley and Justin Mayhaps, who are both trapped in their own emotional struggles—Ellis in anger and Justin in grief. Little do they know that their lives are on a collision course, and they stand on the precipice of profound change. Through alternating narratives, Maurstad grants us a front-row seat to their parallel journeys as they hurtle toward each other and the rest of their lives.

Ellis, a member of the artists’ co-op ACME, suddenly finds herself on the brink of success in her music career. Her popularity is soaring, with invitations to perform at South by Southwest and a growing online following. However, she remains indifferent to her own achievements, mired in anger over a childhood that was stolen from her. Fearing success and struggling to move forward, Ellis grapples with the impending breakup of her co-op, retreating deeper into sullenness and resentment.

On the other hand, Justin is a marketing consultant guru whose life takes an unexpected turn when he is offered a life-altering career opportunity by the enigmatic Jay Johnstone. Despite his professional success, Justin continues to battle with the grief and guilt stemming from the loss of his wife two years prior. As he becomes entangled in Jay’s world, his path converges with Ellis’s, presenting him with a pivotal choice: to forgive himself and embrace a new future or remain trapped in the past.

Against the backdrop of South by Southwest and a burgeoning social movement known as “eXit,” reminiscent of Occupy Wall Street, “Mind the Gap” skillfully intertwines the aspirations of a younger generation for societal change with the transformative journeys of its characters.

Thomas Maurstad has crafted two characters who are simultaneously infuriating and endearing. Ellis’s excessive humbleness frustrated me at times, yet her vulnerability tugged at my heartstrings, evoking a strong desire to comfort her. Justin, with his blend of arrogance, introspection, and self-awareness regarding his mental health, is a rarity in literature. Maurstad’s ability to create such grounded and balanced characters ensures that readers become fully invested in their stories.

The expertly crafted tension between the two narratives had me eagerly flipping through the pages, eager to discover how their lives would intersect. From the opening chapter, Maurstad captivates his audience, leaving us enthralled throughout. The question lingers: How will Ellis and Justin meet?

It is no easy feat to blend political, economic, and artistic undertones while maintaining a deeply personal feel. However, Maurstad accomplishes this and more in “Mind the Gap.” The book seamlessly weaves together its thematic elements with the story itself, delivering a profound message that “every choice we make is a commitment.” Justin must choose to move beyond his grief, while Ellis must confront and embrace her own success. As a reader, you, too, must make a choice—to pick up this book. And I wholeheartedly recommend that you do.