Joan Schweighardt’s “Under the Blue Moon” is the type of novel that will leave you feeling more optimistic by the time you finish it. The story follows two protagonists across Albuquerque as their seemingly separate lives gradually converge, both going through a difficult time in different ways. Lola, a dog groomer becomes interested in a mysterious figure she glimpsed entering a homeless shelter. Meanwhile, Ben navigates life on the streets with his elderly cat Siggy. When Lola’s life intersects with Ben’s, both characters must confront their assumptions about each other.

Balancing multiple POVs in a novel is quite difficult, but the dual-narrative structure here is a particularly good choice. As there are only two alternating perspectives, it doesn’t become disorientating and keeps things fresh. Lola serves as an entry point for middle-class readers who might otherwise remain distant from shelter realities, while Ben’s perspective provides the reader an insight into the homeless experience in the USA. Schweighardt constructs a genuinely believable portrait of both perspectives despite their different backgrounds, and the characters feel like real people rather than simply vehicles for social commentary. The shelter scenes and Ben’s perspective particularly stands out.

What makes Schweighardt’s storytelling particularly immersive is how she reveals character through action rather than exposition. Lola’s repeated mantra “don’t judge” emerges naturally from her internal struggles, while Ben’s interactions with fellow residents like Derrick and Vince reveal the complex social dynamics of shelter life. The Albuquerque setting functions almost as a third character much like Breaking Bad, with Schweighardt capturing both the harsh beauty of the Southwest and urban landscapes that can easily foster both community and social division.

The novel’s greatest strength lies in its refusal to offer easy answers or unrealistic redemption arcs. Multiple perspectives on homelessness—from systemic failure to personal responsibility—coexist without the author favoring simplistic solutions. The convergence of Lola and Ben’s storylines feels earned rather than contrived or excessively saccharine.

There are some minor stumbles—particularly in pacing during the middle section, and one might have hoped for some more scenes with Ben and Lola. But at only 146 pages, it’s not a challenge to push through. Some readers might find the novel’s slightly gentle approach to the issues frustrating if they’re expecting more dramatic plot developments. The setup-heavy nature of character development means some plot threads feel underdeveloped, though the main protagonists remain compelling throughout and will most likely keep you gripped.

Overall, Schweighardt demonstrates considerable skill in creating a credible portrayal of homelessness. Her descriptive passages capture both the physical reality of shelter life and the toll it takes on people fighting for themselves amidst the often dehumanizing treatment of modern society. The dialogue feels natural and distinctive, avoiding both condescension and false nobility. The ending will probably make more sensitive readers tear up.

To sum up, “Under the Blue Moon” is a compassionate and beautiful book that honors its subject matter while bringing enough originality to feel fresh. The book’s greatest strength lies in its relatable characters and its realistic and depressingly accurate portrayal of homelessness. Despite feeling a bit brief, Schweighardt executes the core elements with skill and heart. Readers seeking contemporary fiction with memorable characters that tackles homelessness—and fans of authors like Fredrik Backman—should definitely check this one out!

You can get your copy of Under the Blue Moon here!