Craig R. Taylor’s new memoir, 2 + Banana = No, is a powerful love story about a couple who found each other despite being separated by five time zones. Taylor, a survivor of a heart attack, cancer, and a stroke, met his wife Olya through an online dating platform.
A Long-Distance Relationship
The couple’s relationship began with daily messages and video calls, and eventually led to a wedding by the Black Sea. However, their happiness was short-lived as they faced numerous challenges, including health emergencies and cultural differences.
After their marriage, the couple applied for a visa to live together in the United Kingdom, but their application was refused due to a basic financial calculation error. The couple was directed to an appeal process that could take up to 18 months, causing them enormous emotional and physical strain.
A Fight Against Bureaucracy
Taylor’s memoir is not just a love story, but also a testament to the couple’s resilience and determination to fight against a flawed immigration system. The book highlights the human impact of bureaucratic decisions and the importance of accountability.
Taylor and Olya have been apart for over a year, despite expecting to be living together in the UK. They continue to wait for a resolution, hoping that someone will finally do the right thing and allow them to begin their life together.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
