Author: Bernard Beckett. Publisher: Text Publishing (4/5)
New Zealand author Bernard Beckett’s latest novel is described as a ‘philosophical thriller’. While I’m not sure that it’s quite a thriller, the combined tension of the characters’ back stories and their current dilemma definitely keeps you hooked. The entirety of the novel takes place over a night in the wreck of a crashed car. Tristan and Grace are trapped, upside down, waiting for the morning and the hope it brings for rescue. As they wait, suffer, and stubbornly remain alive, the two teenagers share their stories. Beckett has skilfully created a world in which these characters come alive through their trials and slowly reveal what has lead them to the unusual situation they find themselves in.
The war between the faithful and the heathens is over, and within the walls of the City Grace and Tristan grow up in separate institutions. A reasonable part of Tristan’s story consists of philosophic rhetoric as he struggles with the concept of free will and its implications for his faith. Without Grace’s interjections it would be easy to get caught up in Tristan’s world as he sees it. He over-rationalises and justifies his actions to the point that they seem more logical than they maybe are. It is Grace’s practicality and bluntness born of a life of hardship that makes us question what Tristan is sure of.
While Tristan is encouraged to explore Augustine’s teachings through questioning and logic, Grace is taught that questions are sinful and are punished harshly. Her story is sad, and like Tristan she experiences loss and makes difficult choices.
The novel is truly thought provoking and well constructed, but at the same time an easy, engaging read. As we switch from Tristan to Grace and back to the present, scores of themes are touched upon, and we begin question our own outlook on life.
August
