A Pleasant Fiction: A Novelistic Memoir (Hardcover)

A Pleasant Fiction: A Novelistic Memoir by Javier De Lucia is a stark and intimate exploration of loss, memory, and the uneasy terrain of healing after tragedy. At its center is Calvin, a man reeling from the death of his family. Instead of collapsing into expected rituals of mourning, his attention veers toward the ordinary—the dishwasher's hum, the sheen of water in the pool, the trivial rhythms of daily life that both dull and intensify the void. Structured in nonlinear fragments, the narrative drifts between piercing sorrow, moments of unexpected warmth, and flashes of sardonic humor. De Lucia portrays grief not as a neat progression through stages but as a jagged, unpredictable sprawl across time and recollection. Calvin's voice is at once raw and incisive, revealing how absurd it feels to obsess over the mundane even as those obsessions provide a lifeline. What emerges is not a story of easy resolution but of fragile persistence. Through its fractured lens, A Pleasant Fiction suggests that forgiveness—toward others, and perhaps most painfully, toward oneself—becomes the only way forward. The result is a memoir that is unsparing, darkly funny, and ultimately luminous in its search for meaning amid loss.
Javier De Lucia paints hugely complex emotions with words through simple but effective sentences, resulting in a raw and beautifully fractured exploration of grief. Effectively balancing unbearable sorrow with moments of dark humor and warmth, the novel sweeps readers into every detail, no matter how humdrum or extreme. De Lucia writes with searing honesty and lyrical precision that's devoted to authentically capturing the messy truth of loss without any false sentimentality. In the middle of it all is Calvin's obsessive focus on the mundane, which feels startlingly authentic and deeply moving. The plot is well crafted with a non-linear structure that cleverly mirrors the unpredictable nature of memory itself. The storyline flows smoothly despite the deliberately disjointed nature, showcasing an author with a talent for maintaining total control of their story and crafting a tale that's at once intimate, unsettling, and profoundly relatable. As De Lucia transforms personal loss into a universal reflection on love and endurance, so the reader may well find themselves reflecting on their own lives and decisions through Calvin's words and actions. A powerful follow-up that stands firmly on its own, A Pleasant Fiction is a strikingly intimate exploration of what it means to lose, and what it takes to keep living.
-K.C. Finn for Indies Today

In A Pleasant Fiction, Javier De Lucia delivers the emotionally resonant second act to his two-part coming-of-age story, continuing the story of Calvin McShane where The Wake of Expectations left off. If the first book chronicles adolescence in all its messy, comic glory—equal parts coming-of-age tale and Gen X time capsule—A Pleasant Fiction is its older, wiser, and more painful counterpart. Together, the two novels form a sweeping narrative arc that spans the giddy freedom of youth through the disillusionment and hard-earned wisdom of middle age.
De Lucia's central theme in A Pleasant Fiction is grief, but not grief as an isolated event. This is grief as a condition of life, one that shapes identity and outlook. The book becomes a study in how people carry grief, how they adapt to it, and what they do with the space it leaves behind. But grief here is never cheapened into sentimentality. Calvin's decisions are morally murky, especially as they pertain to his disabled brother Jared. That's what makes De Lucia's work so affecting: the absence of clear heroes or villains. Just people, burdened with love and trying not to collapse under it.
Jared is more than a side character; he is the axis around which the McShane family orbits. His needs shape their routines, his presence defines their household, and his vulnerability tests the limits of their resilience. De Lucia treats Jared not as a symbol, but as a person. For Calvin, Jared represents both the weight of responsibility and the purity of unconditional love. Their relationship is rendered with tenderness and brutal honesty. In one unforgettable line, Calvin reflects: "Loving him was hard. Not loving him was even harder." That one sentence captures the emotional complexity of being a sibling to someone whose suffering is constant and visible. Jared's life, and ultimately his death, transform Calvin's understanding of love, sacrifice, and meaning.
A Pleasant Fiction elevates the series from charming autobiographical fiction to something far more profound. In its patient, unsparing look at illness, family, and the work of grief, the novel finds meaning not in plot twists or dramatic revelations, but in the simple, difficult act of enduring. As Calvin muses in the closing pages, maybe the idea of reunion, of eternal peace, is just "a pleasant fiction." This is a novel about what it means to grow up and grow older. And for those who have loved and lost, it rings painfully and beautifully true.
-Literary Titan

Loved it!
An emotional account of one man's pains, struggles, and sheer determination in the face of tragedies
Why is Javier's protagonist making a big deal out of cleaning the pool? I asked myself when this book's intro intrigued me. But then I opened a few more pages only to realize it was not just the pool but everything else around this man's life orbit. It's not just a 'thoughtless' colleague writing to him, beginning with: "I hope your summer is going well." Not just his life as a father, son, brother and husband. Here, a series of tragedies plague one family. The protagonist carries 'family memories out to a dumpster, one armful at a time.' He shares his pain, telling a touching story about love, growing up, and death.
The book serves its purpose. It gives a window through which to see the narrator's family, especially in their time of hardship. It tells a poignant story about the family that raised the protagonist and his siblings; we meet the parents, loving and caring people who sacrifice all they have for their children's future. When the doctors reports that Jared, the protagonist's brother, will not make it, the family doesn't give up and instead cares for Jared the best they can. At one point, the therapist shows the protagonist a video of a grieving woman, perhaps to remind him he's not alone in his sufferings. Even so, his pain doesn't compare.
Javier's voice reaches out, further enriching the protagonist's frustrations and sheer quest to soldier on. When the protagonist's father refuses to go to the hospital, thanks to Javier's grip on the narration, the old man's reason becomes even clearer.
Though the book is a work of fiction, how it's presented reads like a nonfiction memoir. While this style adds to its strength, it might also confuse some readers. For instance, one can't separate the author and the protagonist, especially as the story is written from the first-person point of view. I only found out the protagonist's name is Calvin McShane while reading the next book's blurb.
Though the narration moves back and forth, sometimes a deep dive into the narrator's childhood and sometimes focusing on his adulthood, throughout it all, one wonders if there will ever be a time to look back and celebrate, a time to see the dark past left so far behind. This helps turn the page.
Lastly, because A Pleasant Fiction unfolds masterfully, and maintains a firm grip on family virtues and life's cruelties, I feel compelled to recommend it to fans of stories—fiction or not—that explore family dynamics and life in general. One more thing, there's another book coming: The Wake of Expectations.
-Emily Omondi for Reedsy Discovery

A Pleasant Fiction by Javier De Lucia offers readers a raw and emotional exploration of familial loss, personal struggles, and life's unexpected challenges. The story follows Calvin, a man navigating the profound sorrow of losing his parents, brother, and uncle in quick succession. Calvin's family has always sacrificed for his brother, Jared, who faced various health issues. After their mother's death, their elderly father, with whom Calvin had past conflicts, could no longer care for Jared alone. Consequently, Calvin, his brother Ryan, and their uncle stepped up to support the family, but tragedy continued to strike. By the end of this ordeal, Calvin reflects on this traumatic period and the memories that taught him resilience and the importance of holding on to what truly matters in life.

A Pleasant Fiction is a story about family, duty, and unconditional love. It delves into themes of sacrifice and personal ambition, highlighting how circumstances compel us to take responsibility while prompting reflections on our past actions. Throughout the narrative, Calvin examines his roles as a son, brother, father, husband, and friend, outlining his growth and the pivotal moments that define him. The story captures the struggles of losing parents and caring for a disabled family member. Despite addressing painful topics, the narrative also presents the bittersweet aspects of life, illustrating that even amid hardship, there is room for transformation. Javier De Lucia's writing is non-linear, weaving together past and present moments from Calvin's life. This structure allows readers to understand the book's lessons and themes better. The connections are clear, painting a vivid picture of Calvin's state of mind. Whenever he encounters something from his family's past in his parents' house, he experiences flashbacks to significant moments in his life. This approach makes the story engaging and unpredictable. I found the book to be insightful, offering valuable lessons about life, family, loss, and responsibility. I highly recommend adding it to your reading list if you enjoy fictional memoirs that cover these topics.
-Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

Whilst clearly a direct sequel to Javier De Lucia's The Wake of Expectations, this book couldn't be more different in tone, style and premise.  The author has assured me unambiguously that Calvin McShane is not real, and his adventures pure fiction, but I have to say that I suspect a good deal of cathartic content for the author, and I suspect Cal is based very strongly on Javier or someone he knows.  I'm also well aware I might be getting a little personal now, and don't know if I'm crossing lines, so I'll move on.All this said, A Pleasant Fiction is probably the best-written book in the series - it is also definitely the most serious.  "Pleasant" and "fiction" are probably two words I would use last to describe it, yet don't get me wrong; it's excellent.  We already know what a very good writer Javier is, with a real labouring style which he makes look so easy, as I've alluded to in previous reviews of his work.  This book is much more personal, profound and poignant.  Cal is a lot older now, married with children of his own, and rather than hope, his life is now - or, at least this fictional memoir is - characterized by loss and heartbreak.  Indeed, the entire book seems to revolve around people he loves passing on, many of whom we aren't familiar with from the series, but are clearly a huge part of Cal's life in adulthood.  The musical dreams, Solitaire and the lottery win are all distant memories, and only briefly referred to; what matters now is the people Cal loves, what they mean to him and how their losses shape him as a man.  Yes, there's humour, and hope and love, but none of the coarse banter which characterized the original trilogy - so if that's what you're hoping to see you'll be disappointed.  This one rather more stands alone, and unlike the serialized trilogy format of The Wake of Expectations, there is no real need to read any other first for context.  It is sad, for sure, and an authentic reflection of life, to see that Cal has moved on from those dreams and is now talking about his day-to-day office job, which he has clearly been in long enough to make a career of. But there is also a maturity to "Cal's" craft as a writer now. I'll be frank; if you loved The Wake of Expectations or its derivative trilogy, you may find A Pleasant Fiction a bleak detour.  I would say it is more for the realists and those who like their fiction down to earth.  I will just round up by adding that Javier explores so profoundly and intuitively into Cal's mindset he is either an incarnation of the writer's psyche, or Javier is a tremendously decent writer; I already know the latter is true, and I am pretty sure about the former. 

-Matt McAvoy Book Review

In A Pleasant Fiction, Javier De Lucia delivers a story that explores memory, loss, and the quest for identity through the journey of Calvin “Cal” McShane, revisiting the character from his debut novel. This novelistic memoir is an immersive journey into Calvin’s past and the relationships that shaped him. The narrative begins as Calvin prepares to sell his parents’ home following their deaths, an act that is a metaphor for letting go and reconciling with the remnants of his life. But instead of letting go, every item in the house is imbued with memories. The author takes readers through the struggle Calvin has with his traditional father. His parents have just won the lottery, and Calvin hopes to finally pursue his dreams of studying music, but his father decides to sponsor someone else. He is sent to a college where he feels he doesn’t belong.

This book examines father-son relationships, the conflict between family expectations and the yearning for freedom, and the impact of childhood memories on Calvin. Javier De Lucia writes in gorgeous prose and leads readers on an introspective path into the inner workings of the characters' minds, especially Calvin. The story is told in an intimate tone, brilliantly captured through the well-executed first-person narrative voice. Calvin’s journey is not just about grief; it’s a quest for meaning in the myriad relationships that have defined him. The return of familiar figures—Ben, Jake, Dani, and Enrique—augments the story's emotional depth. A Pleasant Fiction is a mesmerizing novel written as a memoir that powerfully illustrates how we carry fragments of our past with us. I was fascinated by the prose and the author’s ability to connect readers with the characters by exploring familiar emotions and infusing the story with realism and humanity.

-Divine Zape for Readers’ Favorite

A Pleasant Fiction by Javier De Lucia is a fictional memoir that tells the story of Calvin (Cal) McShane, a man who has faced a series of tragedies and is now dealing with their aftermath. After losing his mother, uncle, brother, and father, Cal finds himself reflecting on his family's past as he cleans out his parents' home with his brother, Ryan. Every item they uncover evokes memories of their complex relationships, including their conflicts and happiest moments. Cal starts to contemplate the significance of these memories and how they have shaped his life. He reflects on his late brother Jared’s health struggles, his mother’s final moments, his father’s views on life, and the lottery win that caused tension in their family. Cal also recounts friendships and romantic relationships while discussing major themes he explored in a book he previously wrote. As Cal works through his memories, he embarks on a journey toward understanding and closure.

A Pleasant Fiction is a poignant story that delves into loss and grief, the power of memories, and the importance of family and friends. Life presents many ups and downs, and although we all have different personalities and values, we must find ways to live together and support one another, even amid disagreements. Cal’s family dynamics are characterized by deep bonds, unresolved conflicts, and the lasting impact of shared experiences. Despite these challenges, Cal supports his parents and family in their time of need, gaining a deeper understanding of them and what truly matters in life. He draws parallels between his relationship with his son and his connection with his parents, highlighting his personal growth. The book also provides commentary on life in the 1990s, weaving in nostalgic references to pop culture moments and iconic music that resonate with readers familiar with that era. Additionally, it thoughtfully addresses the current political landscape and social issues, giving readers a rich, multi-layered perspective on how the past influences present-day society and personal identities. Overall, this lesson-filled story is a must-read for anyone who enjoys realistic tales about family, friendship, and the complexities of life.

-Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers’ Favorite

In A Pleasant Fiction, Javier De Lucia revisits Calvin McShane decades after the events of his debut novel, The Wake of Expectations. Now dealing with profound loss, Calvin reflects on his childhood home—its rooms echoing with memories of his deceased parents. As he prepares to sell the family house, he confronts the realities of his past relationships, the dreams he set aside, and the remnants of a life shaped by both love and loss. This evocative narrative explores themes of grief, identity, and the intricate web of memories that bind us to those we have loved and lost.

Javier De Lucia skillfully crafts a captivating exploration of nostalgia, using Calvin's journey to examine the power of unspoken words and unresolved emotions. As Calvin sorts through family belongings, each item unearths layers of both personal history and universal truths about loss. The narrative oscillates between melancholy and warmth, evoking a vivid sense of place and time. The author’s raw brokenness permeates the pages, inviting readers to engage with Calvin’s inner turmoil. This novel contains a kind of melancholy that easily rubs off on readers as the author fills the pages with passages that capture the characters' humanity and are infused with realism. Calvin's connections with friends like Ben, Jake, Dani, and Enrique illuminate the writing and show how relationships evolve amidst life’s inevitable changes. A Pleasant Fiction features lovable characters, and the well-executed first-person narrative voice grips the reader and never lets go. This book has much for readers— excellent writing, endearing characters, and well-explored themes.

-Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite

A Pleasant Fiction by Javier De Lucia is a fictional memoir that follows the tragic life of Cal, a man in his fifties who endured a series of losses within a short period. He lost his mother, father, brother, and uncle within a few months and was left with the task of clearing all the stuff at his family home, along with his brother Ryan. The book shows how he struggled emotionally and mentally, dealing with stress and PTSD. While clearing out his family’s home, he reflected on his past, like his strained relationship with his father and the trauma that surrounded his brother Jared, who had severe disabilities. Throughout A Pleasant Fiction, Cal shares how the sequence of life events that happened to him shaped his beliefs about faith and religion, along with his marital and professional life.

A Pleasant Fiction felt as if I was reading Cal’s personal diary. It is written in the first-person narrative from his point of view, which makes it more interesting and engaging to read. I loved how Javier De Lucia touched on some painful truths about family, legacy, caregiving, and emotional boundaries. I felt bad for Jack, Cal’s father. Seeing his child Jared go through serious health conditions and losing his wife was a heavy load on him, especially with his ill health. This book shows how life can be unfair to some people. I was happy seeing Cal trying to move on and follow a new career path despite his losses. A Pleasant Fiction taught me the importance of cherishing loved ones even in tough times and how focusing on the present rather than the damage from the past can help me persevere. I recommend it to those who enjoy emotional and character-driven novels that talk about family, loss, and personal growth.

-Mary Clarke for Readers’ Favorite