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Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite
James Sajo’s “The Salome Effect” is an interesting, suspenseful read that explores human behavior and addresses the concepts of pain and redemption. Robert is an American veteran who is living in Italy and working as an English teacher. Robert frequents the Fantasy Club with the mere purpose of spending time with Mariana, a Romanian stripper, whom Robert finds himself falling in love with. Mariana and Robert spend hours talking and learning about each other’s interests, specifically Mariana’s love for art and the artist Caravaggio. After learning about a famous painting by Caravaggio and a transport of this work through mutual connections, Robert is determined to show his love to Mariana and also win her love by taking her to this painting. However, this plan is not so simple as Robert becomes involved with the local police, Hassan the club bouncer and The Creep.
There is so much depth to these characters and this story! Sajo introduces the characters and then provides more information gradually about the characters and their backgrounds, explaining why they are who they are today and why they are living the lives that they are. Robert is struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is so common for military veterans and Marianna is still trying to cope with the loss of her husband and child that occurred three years earlier. They each see that common bond between them and the connection becomes stronger with each talk that they share. Not only are they helping themselves deal with their own pain, but each other’s as well. The schemes, plans and twists to the story make a great read that will transport you to Italy and into the interwoven lives of the characters.
