The Chestermere Public Library’s Novel Book Club met on October 16 to discuss Andrew Davidson’s The Gargoyle. This book was featured at the Banff Book Discussion weekend this spring, which one of our members attended. Andrew Davidson is a Canadian author, and this is his first and only book. This book is very graphic in its descriptions of suffering, and is perhaps not for the weak of stomach! The book is narrated by… well; we never do learn his name. We meet him as he is driving drunk and stoned, crashing his car when startled by burning arrows coming out of the woods towards him. He survives the crash, but is terribly burned and confined to hospital. There, he encounters a mental patient, Marianne, who claims they were lovers in previous lives; and that this isn’t the first time he has been burnt. Understandably, he considers her claims to be part of her mental illness, schizophrenia perhaps. But her stories are so compelling that he welcomes her visits as a distraction from his condition. The graphic, yet dispassionate description of his suffering makes for compelling reading. There are lines and phrases throughout that make you pause to contemplate their unexpected humour in the middle of horror. He speaks directly to the reader at times, and relates Marianne’s stories to us in a gentler voice. While his story is very factual, Marianne brings an element of fantasy to the book. It’s up to you whether you believe her story or not, something the narrator also grapples with. Marianne’s story culminates with a disturbing, yet almost satisfying ending. It’s well worth the read.
We meet next on Thursday, November 20 at 7:00pm to discuss The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. Are you interested in joining us? Check out the book from the Library, copies are available at the front desk, then come to the meeting. We also have a Facebook group if you prefer to participate that way.
