Son of Nobody by Yann Martel
Son of Nobody is a nuanced literary effort that is both ambitious in scope and also affecting. Yann Martel’s latest narrative proceeds in an unorthodox manner, yet gradually the protagonist and his subject matter become equally compelling, and the reader becomes fascinated with the trajectory of both. Martel has penned a book that is surprising in its emotional complexity.
A Scholar Abroad, A Marriage Strained
Harlow Donne has an opportunity he believes is too good to pass up: the chance to study and translate the classics at Oxford, his expertise in Ancient Greek being a key factor. His wife, Gail, is less than enthused at the prospect of Harlow being an ocean away from her and their daughter, Helen. After a lively argument between husband and wife over the pros and cons of his trip, Gail eventually relents. However, an icy valedictory at the airport from Gail hints at future marital discord. The foreshadowing Martel portrays in this particular scene is ominous in an understated way.
Harlow arrives at Magdelen College, where he will work with the noted Professor Cubitt. Whereas Harlow is enthusiastic in his scholarly endeavors, Cubitt is cantankerous and condescending towards Harlow. Harlow is set to review and translate The Oxyrhynchus Papyri, yet each discovery Harlow makes is either scoffed at or discounted by the increasingly irritable Cubitt. The irritation felt by Harlow as he attempts to show his discoveries about Psoas to the stodgy Professor Cubitt is palpable. The conflict between the old and the new guard in scholarship is aptly highlighted in Harlow’s disagreements about his translations with Cubitt.
As Harlow continues his work, he maintains sporadic contact with his daughter Helen. While the relationship between him and Gail has become strained, Harlow attempts to call Helen whenever he has free time. Father and daughter have a special bond, and Helen always had an affinity for an epic story, one that would keep her father reading to her well past her bedtime. Despite the significant information Harlow is gleaning from his translations, the distance between him and Helen is tough to overcome. The relationship between Harlow and Helen is portrayed in a heartfelt way throughout the story.
Obsession and the Cost of Discovery
Harlow’s examination of The Oxyrhynchus Papyri becomes obsessive and all-consuming. He continues to clash with Professor Cubitt over the merits of his work and what he’s concentrating on. While Harlow believes his translations are yielding important discoveries, Cubitt believes it is more esoteric. When devastating news arrives from home, Harlow forestalls flying back in order to complete his translation. Work has now sealed him off from coping with the death of a loved one.
Son of Nobody is an engrossing drama with elements of tragedy that seizes the reader’s mind throughout its 300+ pages. Harlow Donne is the protagonist/storyteller who provides the insight into the epic he’s translating stanza by stanza, and while he’s able to reflect on age-old questions of life, love and war, his personal life is unraveling. The combination of Donne’s erudition along with personal anecdotes showing the rift between him and his wife reflects the painful dichotomy of Donne’s nature. Martel leaves his protagonist unvarnished, a man who stays loyal to his mission, even to the point of its futility. The tone of the story contains a muted seriousness throughout its duration, yet there are moments where a tear or two will be shed. Son of Nobody is a memorable and readworthy book.
About Yann Martel:
Yann Martel is the author of Life of Pi, the international bestseller that won the 2002 Booker Prize and was adapted to the screen in the Oscar–winning film by Ang Lee. He lives in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
