Nancy Alvarez

Tingle Nancy Alvarez

Though sensuality is the center of this novel, 'Tingle' also explores the lives and histories of its main characters - Michael, a black librarian in New York City and Sara, a woman who has recently lost her husband of over fifteen years. The two meet at the library, where he has been suggesting novels for her to read for several years. When he notices that she seems sad, he learns that her husband has passed away, He immediately suggests they go for coffee when he gets off work that afternoon. And so it begins, much to the surprise of both of them. He has never even dated a white woman, and she never thought she would begin to love another man. Their shared sensuality is the door into something much deeper than either expected. The author couldn't help exploring racial aspects in the novel, as well as the sexual and personal ones.