I just finished The Goldfinch
by Donna Tartt. I initially picked it up at the library as a book on tape but
quickly realized I wanted to read it as well. So for the first time, I read and
listened to a novel at the same time. I have to say, I enjoyed every minute.
Listening to the very accomplished actor on tape give each character a unique
personality was simply a bonus. It also highlighted the beauty of the language.
This novel, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize, is a masterpiece. I do
not say that lightly. I was absorbed from beginning to end. The story begins
with a catastrophic event which alters forever the life of the main character,
Theodore Decker. A random choice made by his mother and his life changes
course.
The book explores many themes, one of which is the random (or are
they) nature of life changing events. But it also explores the complexity of
relationships, coming of age, the nature of man and the role of beauty in life.
This is done with breathtaking skill and finesse. These are big themes and
there are no Pollyanna punches pulled here. Nothing is wrapped up in a tidy
bow. Goldfinch sometimes is
difficult, sad, and occasionally gruesome. Theo is so damaged and goes down so
many wrong paths you are horrified and yet still yearn for his redemption.
I have to say also that one of the most enjoyable aspects of Goldfinch was the creation by Tartt of
one of the finest characters I have seen in recent literature, Theo’s best
friend, Boris. He is on a superlative par with Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The
anti-hero. Wrong in so many ways, but still with a spark of human grace. He
reminds us that no one is ever just one thing.
Off the scale.
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