Norma and the Blue Hour by Chris Delyani is a compelling and tender exploration of family, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel follows Norma, a seasoned fashion designer, reflecting on her past and grappling with her strained relationship with her son, Kevin, after a life-altering car accident.
I think one of the book’s standout elements for me is its rich character development, particularly Norma, who is a no-nonsense protagonist that defies typical aging stereotypes. I adore the bond she has with her sister, which adds an enjoyable touch to the narrative, and their friendships in the story are definitely one of the best parts of the book. The portrayal of Norma and her sister Julie, as older characters, is a refreshing take compared to similar characters in other books.
I really enjoyed and applaud the author’s decision to use multiple points of view, as it adds more layers to the storytelling. It’s not my favorite narrative device when reading a book, but when done right, it really works. It provides us with broader perspectives and a deeper understanding of the complex characters, allowing us to see their motivations clearly. This approach, I think, is one of the strengths of the book, although it may confuse some at first. However, once you get further into the pages, everything starts to make sense.
The “Blue Hour,” which represents transition, reflection, and vulnerability, was beautifully woven throughout the book and added depth to its narrative.
That said, I do have to mention that pacing was my main issue, as it only picks up after several chapters. This is a character-driven story, and the slow build can be a bit frustrating at times. It’s like when you’re watching a telenovela and the producers are trying to throw in a lot of curveballs to stretch the story. The backstory between Norma and Kevin feels underdeveloped for me, leaving gaps in terms of emotional weight in their relationship. I wished the author had explored the aftermath of key events between them more fully.
Overall, I believe Norma and the Blue Hour will resonate with readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven stories because it certainly resonated with me. The themes of forgiveness, family, and remembering the beauty of life itself make it a wonderful read altogether. The book isn’t flawless, but it lingers with me after finishing it. It has heart, and the characters make it an enjoyable and worthwhile read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Publisher: Solid Oaktown Books
Publication Date: November 13, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Solid Oaktown Books for the copy in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
About the Author
Chris Delyani was born in September 1968 and was raised in Chelsea, Massachusetts. In 1993 he moved to San Francisco to devote himself to writing fiction and has been at it ever since. He now lives in Oakland with his husband, Dan Moore. You Are Here is his second novel; his first is The Love Thing (2009).
His literary career began at the age of five (possibly earlier) when he started driving his family crazy by writing in the air with a milk straw. (He’s reasonably sure he would have driven them crazy even if he didn’t write in the air with a milk straw.) Approximately twenty years later, he copied out F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby in longhand just to know what it felt like. Both of these events are detailed in his essay, “The First Straw.”
Chris is a member of The Next Big Writer, a fiction-sharing website where he writes under the pen name “Cecil Roebuck,” a name he randomly pulled from The Great Gatsby.
“Since I don’t want my birthday celebrated, that’s less work for you. That’ll give you more time to do—whatever it is you do around here.” – Andrew, Office Sourpuss, The Love Thing
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