Book 47 - John Banville "Ancient Light"

[jazzy_dave]

John Banville "Ancient Light" (Penguin)




The story is narrated by an elderly man who reflects back on his affair, as a teenager, with his best friend’s mother, and the far-reaching impact of this on his life. In the present day, Alex, a retired stage actor, has been asked to star in a movie. The novel moves between his recollections of the affair, and the present-day and his return to acting, with some interesting links between past and present.

It’s difficult to classify this novel; it’s not really a romance, or a mystery, or a drama; it’s somewhat slow going at first, and it’s neither plot-driven nor character-driven. Rather, it’s a subtle, beautifully written meditation on time and memory, and how the two interact.

There was something so human, flawed, and vulnerable about the narrator, that I developed a growing attachment to him that almost snuck up on me. Though a self-admitted unreliable narrator, the emotions in his story are real and deep, even if the facts aren’t always accurate. I found I missed him when the novel ended, as one would miss an old friend.

This is the first novel of John Banville’s that I’ve read, but it certainly won’t be the last if i come across him in the thrift stores and charity shops. His writing flows so lyrically, I believe he could describe paint drying and it would be fascinating. This was an unexpected gem that was well worth the slow start, and I look forward to reading much more of Banville’s work.

Comments

[sarcasticlittlewallaby]

Sounds awesome Dave. Maybe I can find it online. :)