THE INHERITANCE

A debut love story set in the 1960s about an impulsive, volatile affair and the consequences of a failed relationship.

Jason Morgan and Angela Capanna are students at a Georgia university in 1963, wide-eyed with youth and idealism. They first meet in the school library, where they argue over the use of a reference book; when they finally decide to share it, they begin a whirlwind love affair. Before long, Angela is bringing Jason home to meet her parents in Heuvelton, N.Y., and a few weeks later, when Jason proposes marriage, Angela eagerly accepts. But after their joyous wedding, they’re rudely awakened by real life, as Angela’s father dies of an apparent heart attack. While grieving, they try to build a home together. They return to the university and struggle to complete their degrees while also supporting themselves financially because Angela is no longer receiving money from her parents. Meanwhile, Jason’s once-copious part-time construction jobs have begun to dwindle, and the couple’s relationship is put to the test. Making matters worse is the presence of Mark Jameson, Angela’s wealthy ex-boyfriend, who shows up to comfort Angela each time she and Jason argue. When the tension finally reaches a boiling point, Jason makes a decision that will change their futures. Throughout this engaging story, Parsons ably details the unraveling of Angela and Jason’s emotionally charged relationship. Along the way, he deftly underscores the dangers of selfishness, pride and impetuousness. He also richly layers the text with cultural and historical details of American life in the 1960s, ranging from song and movie references to the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Although the plot moves slowly at times, lingering and meandering through life’s smaller moments, Parsons remains consistently insightful throughout.

A nostalgic, wholesome tale about lost love and missed chances.