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Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite
Ithaca by Guillermo Arbe is told from the point of view of Tadeo, a new student at Cornell University. Tadeo readily makes friends and becomes smitten by a beautiful freshman, Penny. He also befriends an intriguing student named Damon. Damon is a philosophy student who wants to take over the free will of his classmates. He has an unrelenting and destructive urge to become like God. The storyline is divided between Damon’s influence on a vulnerable and gullible student, Troy, and Tadeo’s budding relationship with Penny. To Damon's amusement, his interactions with Troy, in particular, involve psychological manipulation and the abuse of power. But none of these classmates was prepared for the shocking and heartbreaking events that would eventually unfold.
Ithaca is a profound and touching coming-of-age tale about college life within an interwoven community. The plot and characters are well-developed and relatable. Tadeo renders an outstanding performance as a young man embarking on a life-altering journey of self-discovery. He encounters many hurdles in his adolescent years while searching for the meaning of life. Damon's character depicts the dangers of an unbridled lust for power and control. Even though he represents the antagonist in the story, in reality, Damon gives readers a lot to think about regarding themes like free will, morality, and valuing human life. Guillermo Arbe's remarkable novel is an ode to youth, self-discovery, developing friendships, and finding love during the college years. This refreshing tale will leave a lasting impact on your psyche.
