How accurate are the stories people tell about themselves and others? These questions animate “Trust”, Hernan Diaz’s clever puzzle of a new novel
Save time by listening to our audio articles as you multitaskWho gets to tell Mildred’s story now that she is not around to tell it for herself? How accurate are any of the stories people tell about themselves and others anyway? These questions animate “Trust”, Hernan Diaz’s clever puzzle of a new novel.
As he demonstrated in 2017 with “In the Distance”, a debut which chronicled the rough and tumble of 19th-century America through the eyes of a young Swede with no English, Mr Diaz is not afraid to disorientate readers.
The title is a nod to Bevel’s wealth. But it also evokes the fragile feeling that is frequently missing from relationships, including between storytellers and audiences. As Bevel gamely admits, self- interest nudges people to “bend and align reality” to accord with needs or desires. “Trust” dramatises the way such truth-bending often accompanies tales of wealth. “What I’ve made, I’ve made on my own,” says Bevel, who inherited a fortune. The novel also highlights the way history’s dominant storytellers—mostly white and male—have tended to sideline the narratives of others, such as women. As Partenza writes of her affinity with Mildred: “We both were young women trying to grow in narrow crevices, hoping to break and expand them in the process.
Mr Diaz shifts elegantly between styles, but saves the most engaging voices for the novel’s second half. Partenza’s memories of being cowed by Bevel’s money and authority, and her nostalgia for her “overbearing and dysfunctional” father, inject depth, momentum and clarity. The only shame is Mr Diaz’s pat ending, which gives too much of the game away.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Who was Mazisi Kunene? Google Doodle celebrates South African poet and activistHis work is known for exploring South African culture, religion and history.
Read more »
Get ready for your first look at Channel 4’s gripping new crime drama, SuspectSuspect is gearing up to be one of Channel4's standout crime dramas of the year and here's why:
Read more »
Stranger Things launches real-life Netflix event exploring Hawkins LabStranger Things launches real-life Netflix event letting you explore Hawkins Lab
Read more »
Russia says it will suspend power supply to Finland amid Nato tensionsFinland’s electricity network operator said it would cope without the Russian power supply 👇
Read more »
Rare UK seabirds put at risk by ‘alarming loophole’, say campaignersMinisters accused of ‘giving up’ on birds as they explore exemptions from duty to protect the animals
Read more »