This is such a clever book. The simple premise turns on its head the whole function of the writer and his art, also, subtly, acknowledges the role of the reader. It’s a delightful trinity; a fusion between author, character and reader.
A French novelist grappling with some writers block sets himself a “simple“ task – to make the first person he sees on the street the subject of his next story. The subject turns out to be an 80-year-old lady. The story follows the writer as he seeks to squeeze out of her and her family enough material to construct a readable novel. But of course the story of him doing this IS the novel! And as the writer seeks to suck out the everyday problems and traumas of this family he becomes a character in the story too.
The implication is that just about anyone has a story to tell, a mystery to solve and that proves to be true. But apart, from the fictional “fun“ of the premise the book illustrates that the seemingly most ordinary people have drama and crises in their lives worthy of featuring in a novel. In that sense it could be quite heartbreaking but Foenkinos brings an astute wit to the narrative that doesn’t allow the story to become either mawkish or hard-boiled. There is a warmth to the wit that has the reader rooting for the characters, especially the ageing Madeleine who has a good story with a nice twist which I’m not prepared to divulge.
It’s a well paced narrative that is entertaining and thought-provoking and much credit must go to the translator, Sam Taylor, who has ensured that absolutely nothing is lost in translation.
The characterisations are solid and believable and it’s fascinating to look at the interaction between the author and each member of the family and in examining the dynamic in their lives he seems to compelled to question the dynamic in his own. It’s neatly concluded too, and the end result is a pleasurable and satisfying read.
My thanks to Gallic Books for a proof.
No comments:
Post a Comment