Anne Tyler, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Breathing Lessons and The Accidental Tourist, prefers a plot-line concerning emotionally blunted men trying to find meaning in their lives.
Her latest, Noah's Compass, introduces us to Liam Pennywell, Philosophy teacher, who has recently lost his job. He eagerly embraces his reduced financial situation by downsizing to a small apartment and elimimating all non-essential household items.
Unfortunately, he falls alseep the first night in his new apartment, and awakens in the hospital. He has no memory of what happened, but is informed an intruder entered the unlocked patio door and bashed Liam's head, causing a concussion.
Liam is much more concerned with his memory loss than the crime perpetrated against him. He becomes obsessed with trying to recall this blank spot in his life.
Liam has not succeeded in forming close family ties. His first wife committed suicide, and his second divorced him, stating "You have nothing to give to this relationship". However his ex-wife and daughters do their best to support him in his time of need, however unappreciative he might appear.
His intense frustration with not remembering the assault leads him to visit a neurologist. The doctor supplies no answers, only saying the memory of the event will return, or it won't.
However in the doctor's waiting room an interesting series of events begins to unfold. Liam recognizes a billionaire business tycoon known for his power deals and financial acumen. He observes closely a young women who accompanies the elderly man, quietly prompting him with names and facts. Liam realizes the gentleman is approaching senility and the women is his tool in keeping his sharp reputation intact. Liam labels her a "paid rememberer".
So powerful is Liam's desire to remember what happened to him, he unrealistically wonders if this woman could "remember" for him. He deceptively finagles an encounter with the tycoon and his assistant, then slowly developes a relationship with Eunice, whom he believes will be his savior.
The author skillfully unfolds a bittersweet tale of a family getting to know each other, and Liam opening his heart to love. While Liam is neither a hero nor a villian, his closed up soul begins a transformation; although allowing himself to care also brings the possibility of heartache.
Anne Tyler's greatest gift is her ability to create characters easily understandable. We reluctantly recognize the human fraility and self-absorbtion possessed inherently by all people. While this beautifully written saga of one man's journey through life is not the exciting escape from reality some fiction offers, it will leave you thoughtful and perhaps a bit unsettled.
On a scale of 1 - 10, this rates a 9.
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