The Dolphin Smiles

"Dense, poetic, a novel that made me reconsider both the potentials and limitations of psychoanalysis. It felt like the trauma was stripped bare, and I was left with both excitement and despair about the potentials of how life might be different. An unsettling book that raised more questions than it answered, a perturbing danger percolates within the shimmering sheen of verbal hynposis."

The Dolphin Smiles is a gripping story about women's relationships, written with stirring intensity, depth, and pathos. David Salvage's love of language, people and life comes alive through the skillful development of his characters. At its heart, is the poignant, loving relationship between two sisters, one who is lost to her internal demons and one who struggles to make sense of them, never giving up on either her sister or herself despite family tragedy and emotional brutality. The story is woven with threads that are mysterious, erotic, surreal yet recognizably reflective of life in our times. The Dolphin Smiles is a compelling exploration into the relationship between image and interior nightmare, culture and psychology. This debut puts Salvage on my radar as a writer of brains, heart and formidable talent.

I thought all of the women in this book were brilliantly realized and true. The fiery determination of Bruna. The ethereal madness of Iris. The ethereal vision of Martine. The tragic struggle of Lily. And at the center of it all the mystery of Pamela herself. The brilliant depressive struggling to find the key to heal her away out of the box of pain. I was pleasantly bewildered by the ending? Does she make it? Half of me hopes so, but half of me wonders if there's a deliberately crafted intention -- kind of like the Turn of the Screw -- that makes it impossible to know so we have to keep wondering after the last page is closed....

Dolphin was an intense experience, demanding and worthwhile. It was refreshing to dive into a novel with sensuality and soul. Wonderful pace and language. I am glad to see this book getting the praise it deserves.

"Intense, demanding, and surprisingly rapturous. Words that blow the concept of chick-lit out of the water. Finally, a book about women that matters."