The Time In Between by David Bergen ***1/2

This is an unusual book that is seductive in its simplicity. The writing style reminds me, sort of, of Hemmingway’s minimalist approach: simple sentences, simple language, engaging, direct and effective. The book is the 2005 Giller prize winning novel. (Yes I know I am a little behind in my reading).

It is also unusual as it is written by a Canadian, David Bergen, who lives in Winnipeg. It focuses on an ex-US Marine who fought in the Vietnam War. Moves to Canada and has three children and then most of the chronicle takes place in Vietnam.
The story is multilayered. It deals with the vet, Charles Boatman, his post-traumatic stress, the source of his trauma, his life in the Canadian wilderness, his mental turmoil, and his return to modern Vietnam hoping to find hope and his search for personal meaningfulness.

It also contrasts this with two of his children, Jon and Ada. It shares insights of their upbringing, and when their father disappears in Vietnam they travel to that country to search for his whereabouts. For Ada the search evolves into a search for self that almost parallels her fathers.

As a backdrop the mystic of South East Asia becomes captivating in itself.

I enjoyed this book.

We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver ****

This is a disturbing book but a fascinating read. It is structured in a unique collection of the character Eva’s written communication to her husband. Eva, the mother of Kevin, of the title recollects her memories of her life until a horrific event on “Thursday” the day before Kevin’s fifteen birthdays. The author tantalizes the reader with an early quote, “So many stories are determined before they start”. This foreshadows the primary question in the book. On completing the novel, the reader is haunted with an inevitable question as to whether the boy’s behaviour was a result of his upbringing or was there something innately inherent in his genetic make-up that produced a teen-age sociopath who murders 11 people.

The quote: “One of our consuming diversions as we age is to recite, not only to others but ourselves, our own story”, helps to explain the unique format of the book which is almost like a diary being shared with her husband, from whom there is never a response.

The book unfolds in chronological sequence giving Eva’s background, her career, her marriage, the birth of her son and daughter later in her life. The details of her struggle with motherhood that is greatly compromised by the nature, character and behaviour of her infant son. As he matures the disconcerting behaviours continue and get more extreme. The bewildered mother is constantly questioning her ability to cope and her suitability for motherhood.

Extremely well written the book is totally provocative. In the PS at the end of the book the insights and interviews with the author are an added bonus!

...but, real love shares more in common with hatred and rage than it does with geniality or politeness.