Dustin and Nicolæ, two men can hardly be more different. If “Înflori” wouldn’t be such a perfect title for this wonderful novel it could also be named “When Worlds Collide”.

Here is Dustin, blessed with good looks and money but his young life shadowed by tragedy. The resulting feeling of guilt leaves him incapable of forming true relationships with others. So he lives a shallow, cynical life in which drugs and alcohol are his only friends.

On the other side is Nicolæ. Poor in possessions but rich in friends and family, born blind but gifted with a sight that by far exceeds what others are capable of seeing. Especially when it comes to understanding people and the workings of nature.

Rich and strong characters and a story that instantly sucks you in make “Înflori” a must-read. A.F. Henley created protagonists that are convincing because he got their character traits down to the detail. It is beautiful to read how a simple gesture of kindness can turn one man’s life into an emotional rollercoaster. The novel draws its strength from the different worlds and cultures Dustin and Nicolæ come from and the learning curve for Dustin. It is exciting to read how Nicolæ’s attitude continues to confuse Dustin who slowly learns the meaning of true love, what really is important in life and that it doesn’t matter where you come from. Only who you are. His new found experience helps him to make the right decision in the stories thrilling climax. But the story goes deeper. It makes you consider your own view on life and the people around you.

A.F. Henley’s strength lies in creating believable characters. It is easy to like them and find something in each of them to identify with (which also goes for the set of very good secondary characters) and that is what makes the story so terrific to read.