Simplicity can be the most powerful form of expression.

Trying to convey a statement with unnecessary words and phrases is annoying, but describing something in its simple, bare state helps the reader relate more.

Best known for his 1962 novel, “The Graduate,” Charles Webb hits the mark of simplicity in its truest fashion with his ninth book, “New Cardiff.”

His modern-day love story contains enough subtle humor to give it a partial thumbs up to contemporary literature buffs.

The story revolves around Colin, an artist from England who is immersed in his drawings.

While taking part in his other favorite pastime, reading, Colin finds a trend that applies to him, where the heartbroken tend to escape to another country to find happiness when a relationship goes awry.

Colin attempts to reverse that literary trend after a sour breakup with his fiancee Vera - she mailed him a wedding invitation to her wedding with her new fiance the day before the scheduled wedding - by venturing to America.

He finds solace in a quaint little Vermont town called New Cardiff.

Encountering the many townies with varying backgrounds, Colin feels like their friend instead of a tourist.

He shows his appreciation by doing what he does best, drawing self-portraits of anyone who will let him.

He eventually meets Mandy, an engaging character who immediately holds a special place in her heart for Colin. Colin quickly finds himself many friends and, in the meantime, falls in love with Mandy.

The book takes an interesting twist when Vera shows up at Colin’s hotel, and he is forced to make a decision - embrace a new relationship with the lovely Mandy whom he just met, or continue with a love he’s known for so long.

The surprises are unfortunately too lacking, while sometimes the story goes a bit off the deep end, but as a whole, it’s not bad.

Even though 95 percent of the book is dialogue, the characters are exposed and detailed quite well, while actual description is sparse.

It’s hard to imagine much can be learned from a character based solely on descriptive movements and language, but Webb manages to do both wonderfully.

This light-hearted romantic comedy is a gem if it is taken for its face value.

It’s not remarkable by any means, but it’s an entertaining piece by a gifted author and certainly worth a read.