Ten years in the creation, this is a debut novel from Cara Wall. I will certainly be following her and looking forward to her next book. This is a quiet, slow, simmering read which involves two couples, who we follow for decades from college to retirement.
The essential core of this novel is faith, an undefinable system of beliefs that provides the framework for the novel. Two couples, Charles and Lily, James and Nan. Charles meets Lily in college and is on a desperate pursuit to marry her. Lily, a rigid academic who does not believe in God, clashes with Charles repeatedly, as they debate their positions throughout the book.
James grew up poor and is looking for an outlet, an escape from an alcoholic father and an anxious mother. He is rescued from the draft by his Uncle Philip who pays for him to attend college. He struggles in college, because he does not feel a strong desire to pursue a particular field of study. He then meets Nan, the daughter of a baptist minister. James decides to become a minister even though he does not believe in God?! The author describes his belief system as follows:
"His faith was rooted in the idea that God worked through man. God did not act upon people; God inspired them, existing only as an animating force."
Nan and Lily present the quintessential dichotomy, believers vs. non believers. Nan desperate to carry on the legacy of her bible belting father is unwavering in her faith and is truly a minister's wife. She bakes and delivers pies, visits the elderly in nursing homes, leads the choir. While Lily chooses to pursue advance degrees in literature and constantly scorns the role of being a minister's wife.
The author's description of her characters are often hysterically poignant. Nan provides an overall perspective of Lily that is spot on, and cuts to the core, providing a clear cut dead pan description of their two divergent worlds. Nan, upon reflection of Lily's character states:
"What a privilege Nan thought to believe oneself completely independent, to feel unshackled by social conventions and the worry of what other people might think. What a blessing, to be lonely in that particular way."
I found this book to be profoundly insightful. It is very clear, that the author dissected the wide variety of viewpoints on faith and all the 'baggage' that comes with it. Although from the beginning, all of these characters appear deeply flawed and are clinging to religion as an unreachable savior; their lives intertwine and form a unique bond in friendship and love. Or in Lily's case. she finds religion to be a scam, a belief system people cling to, in desperation.
Although I consider myself to be spiritual, not religious I found this book to be a fascinating read. It is in no way preachy, nor does the author attempt to push religiosity.The author positions the book to be a question of the existence of God. Also, how faith is used as a weapon or as a tool to find solace in the gravity of despair we struggle with daily, as individuals and globally, across the world.
As the author deftly states."Because only in the quality of your struggle with one another will you learn anything about yourself."
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