I found the two main characters interesting but I think this novel was just trying too hard. Attila Asare is a noted psychiatrist from Ghana who specializes in trauma due to conflict. As an expert he has travelled to many of the war torn areas of the world. In fact many of his former patients turn up in this London based story. Jean is an American urban biologist studying the fox population in the city. They bump into each other on the Waterloo Bridge (symbolic? over-thought?) and the connection is made. Back and forth through time and place, we are offered multiple thoughts about war, family, environment, death, love and even happiness. There is trouble with immigration officers, a lover with Alzheimer's, estranged family members, conflict between nature lovers and city dwellers, a lost niece - just to name a few. In spite of all of this, it made for a great book group discussion.
No comments:
Post a Comment