What if you had a whole other life that you couldn’t remember? In this, Philip Salom’s second novel, a television story about the strange Gaudi-esque towers Simon has built in his suburban Melbourne backyard leads to the discovery of a wife and an alternate life in Perth. This in turn triggers a return to his ‘real’ life where he is Brian Tyrell, husband and property manager. But what has precipitated this memory lapse? And what is he trying to escape from? Delving into his subconscious, Simon/Brian is forced to examine the mysteries he has tried to forget that have brought him to this critical point. The consequences of this exploration will uncover a childhood trauma that has unwittingly coloured his entire life.  Toccata and Rain is a captivating but slightly disquieting read. Interspersed throughout the novel are fragments of touching poetry and gritty prose. In parts this creates atmospheres and scenes that seem almost too tangible. At other times it only serves to hinder the flow of the narrative. Nonetheless the reader cannot help but want to stay with Simon, holding his hand on this passage into his past.

Kabita Dhara is the fiction manager at Dymocks Melbourne

Tags: philip salom