The Greek Seaman by Jacqueline Howett
http://www.amazon.com/The-Greek-Seam...cm_cr-mr-title
Quote:
A modern-day James Joyce, March 31, 2011
This review is from: The Greek Seaman (Kindle Edition)
Ostensibly a seafaring adventure set in the bustling Greek port town of Piraeus, this debut novel is a postmodern exploration of the fractured nature of the nation-state in the early 21st century. Underlying the dazzling prose is a deep sense of anxiety and concern for the growth of Islam, and how this might threaten European life.
The Greek seaman of the title is a metaphor for ancient Europe: he tries to control the ship but newer Arab forces contend with him. Fish is a leitmotif, running through the book and connecting the characters and plotlines. Why fish? It is a mystery the reader struggles to comprehend:
" "Do you like fish Katy?"
Katy nodded.
"But you have to clean out the bones first," said Don."
Just like Joyce, who is clearly her spiritual father, the author is unafraid to break from the conventions of English grammar and sentence structure:
"All the different kinds of characters wearing various fashions going about their lives brought about a harmonious buzz of voices that mesmerized her while she spooned her ice cream."
What does it mean? Ultimately, the reader is left alone to decide for him or herself.
-Nabokoviette
|