Strangers Book

First of all, huge thanks to Mary for reminding me how wonderful Anita Brookner's books are and sharing a beautiful story related to one of them. 'Strangers' is the fourth novel by this author I've read so far. Definitely not the last.

The way Anita Brookner's books are written makes me think of a tea cozy: pastel and soft outside, dense with boiling emotions inside. Her novels are quiet but you can sense it's the calm before the storm.

If I had to choose one word that describes best this nostalgic novel and its wistful atmosphere, it would be nebulous. I absorbed fleeting melancholy which surrounded me like fog, and lingered afterwards like a smell of autumn bonfire. 'Strangers' is a sad book with conclusions like 'Life gets lonelier; that's the truth of the matter' but Brookner seasoned it with a pinch of ironical humour and a handful of warmth and understanding. She respects her characters even when they behave a bit ridiculously.

As usual, Brookner turns out to be brilliant at creating psychological portraits. Paul Surgis, aged 74, blamed for being too nice, calls himself dull and boring but don't let him deceive you. He is a typical flâneur, fond of walking, travelling and watching people and the world go by. 'He made strenuous efforts to live in the present, and sometimes almost succeeded.' We meet also three women who played a significant role in his life: Helena with her 'adamantine self-regard', grumpy Sarah and unpredictable, mysterious Vicky.

Brookner's style is so fine that the language of the book by a different author I'm currently reading seems rough hewn compared to 'Strangers'. I should have had some quarantine before I began reading something else. :)

'Strangers' is a moving novel about solitude, aging, love, death, our frustrating desire to go back to the past, to name just a few problems. It's also a book about the role of literature in our lives. Paul Sturgis loves books, he finds consolation and joy in them.

Anita Brookner is not a perfect choice for readers who enjoy only action-packed, fast-paced books with straightforward protagonists and ready answers to all questions you could possibly ask. They might feel exasperated or even furious because of the sluggish plot, droopy characters, constant self-analysis and a repetitive pattern: action moves a millimeter and a few pages of comments follow. Yes, I know, it doesn't sound very inviting but please, give Anita Brookner a chance anyway and feel how the subtle magic of her prose works.