Reviewer: Alan Chin
Publisher: Europa Editions
(Sept. 2014)
Pages: 370
This book is a fictional
exploration of the life of one of Britain's finest novelists. It illuminates E
M Forster's life in a way that makes you feel on intimate terms with Forster,
knowing his thoughts and needs as keenly as your own. “Arctic Summer” is in
fact the name of an incomplete novel written by E.M. Forster in 1912/13 but
published only in 2003; and Galgut uses its title for his novel about the famous
author. The story is well researched and much of the content, even
word-for-word dialog, was taken from Forster’s diaries.
The first hundred pages or so
explores Forster’s life growing up in England, showcasing his awakening
homosexuality, his tormented and unconsummated relationships, and being
constrain by proper English society. During this time he also meets the love of
his life, an Indian student, Masood, much younger than himself. I had a tough
time trudging through this section of the book. I found it well written, but it
lacked action, and I found it exceedingly dull. I almost gave up on it.
Once Forester traveled to
India, Egypt (where he had his first sexual affair), and again to India, my
interest in the story skyrocketed. Beautifully woven into his travels are the
details of his life that laid the foundation of his masterpiece A Passage to India. Galgut is a master
at constructing realistic and compelling landscapes, from inhibiting England to
war torn Cairo to exotically vibrant India. He gives these locations the same
kind of fragile humanity that he gives Forester.
Galgut’s prose blends
perfectly the spare and the lyrical, often letting gentle humor shine through.
His pacing is flawless. I was swept up into his cadences, and was never overburdened
with needless detail. My senses were awakened to sensory impressions that were
visceral.
A lovely and interesting
story, one of the most satisfying reads I’ve enjoyed in years. Anyone who
enjoys a rich blend of romance, adventure, and exploring exotic locations will
no doubt fine much to admire here.
