Just finished this by Joseph O'Neill. I've been reading reviews of it for months but kept forgetting to look for it. I liked it a lot. I would compare him to Ian McEwan and Sebastian Barry, two of my contemporary favorites. Since I'm very attuned to themes of place, I'm very glad this book fulfills that sensibility. It's set mostly in NY in the months following the catastrophe of 9/11, but that event is only a sort of backdrop for a period of time in the main character's life--but one that fits the chaos and displacement of his personal life. As far as place, the protagonist is attempting to fix himself in some location--longing to be a New Yorker, yet drawn back in his memories to his birthplace (The Hague, Netherlands), his adult/married place (England), vacation spots and more.
Very compelling novel for me. The side story to the protagonist's own is that of an eccentric character, Trinidadian (by way of East Indian heritage) Chuck Ramkissoon, a cricket fanatic. Hans, too, loves the game and the game itself becomes a sort of metaphor for postcolonialism, a cultural center that won't stay fixed in one location, personal identitities that shift from place to place needing reexamination at each relocation.
Cool! Branching out! And this is a very good idea. :)
ReplyDeleteSince you mention the theme of place, I thought I would suggest that you read some of Frances Mayes books about Italy, if you haven't already. Completely different stories from what you've described about this book, but she often writes about how place affects one's life. Particularly with living in another country, with which you obviously have experience. Under the Tuscan Sun and Bella Tuscany. I prefer Bella Tuscany, I think. Under the Tuscan Sun covers more of their restoration of the house in Italy, whereas in Bella Tuscany, they're already settled into a patter of life in Italy and she writes more about what it is like to live two separate lives, one in San Francisco and one in Cortona.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, Under the Tuscan Sun is very different from the movie that was adapted from it. The book is much better.
ReplyDeleteI did enjoy those books and love to read travel narratives. I was so disappointed with the movie Under the Tuscan Sun. I thought even having totally changed the story, they could have at least included more footage of Tuscan scenes.
ReplyDeleteHave you read A Year in the World also? I like that one just because it touches on so many different parts of the world. I love her writing.
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