Brian is a lonely British office worker who has shut off most of the world due to various fears. But one night he goes to the British Film Institute and enjoys a film. He begins going regularly because a membership is affordable and through his growing interest in film, he becomes familiar with the other regulars. He also begins to take film seriously and reads books about the films, the directors and engages in discussions about them after the film ends. In this way, a lonely man creates a life for himself. It still has limits-he is careful not to get too close to most of them, but it's a richer life than he lived before. We learn why he is so fearful as the book goes on and the ending is heartening.
This is an unusual book. There is no dialogue although Brian tells us what was said. He also fills us in on what he learns through his reading, his own impression of the films. This is for a patient reader because almost nothing happens. My favorite sort of book but not everyone's.
6 comments:
That does sound really interesting, Patti. It's really interesting that there's no dialogue in the book; I can't remember the last time I read fiction without dialogue.
If I may add an aside, it's so weird, as it has felt like Saturday to me since I woke up, and I have to keep reminding myself that' it's actually Friday. That's been happening often lately - Monday felt like Friday, etc. but it is usually Friday and Saturday that get mixed up in my mind.
I blame Donald Trump.
Not only haven't I read it, I hadn't heard of it (or the author) before, so thanks for that. It does sound like something I might well enjoy.
That happens to me a lot, Jeff. I am hoping it's not a bad sign.
Margot, more in older books than current ones, which are often heavy on dialog.
Trump has a lot to answer for, Jeff -- perhaps even more than the German generals do.
To borrow an old film term, seems likely it was a "sleeper" of a novel, and British to boot...so not getting a lot of traction over here. Thanks for the pointer...I can certainly partially sympathize with the protag's plight...I suspect I'm not alone in this.
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