“Jack” by Marilynne Robinson
This latest novel by Marilynne Robinson, now out in paperback, is an extra volume to her “Gilead” trilogy, which started with the book of that same title, followed in 2008 by “Home” and concluding with “Lila.”
When “Jack” was first published last year reviewers said it could be read as a stand alone story, which is probably true, but I would personally feel that without knowing something about Jack Broughton, this overview of a period in his life, would diminish the essence of the story. He is, by his own admission a “bum”, whilst he is the son of a Presbyterian Minister from Iowa, he is a drunkard, a petty thief, and has runaway from his rural background, escaping the conformity of life at home, which he was always rebelling against; very much the black sheep of the family.
One rainy day, in St Louis, Missouri, when dressed in a dark suit Jack helps rescue the papers of a young woman, Della Miles, an African-American teacher, from Memphis, the daughter of a Methodist Bishop. She even mistakes him for a Reverend. Their next encounter which is described in full is an overnight accidental lock-in within a cemetery. Love blossoms but in a time in America when mixed marriage and relationships were illegal, this is heading towards trouble waters. It is this rough period in both of their lives that Jack recounts; his efforts to pull himself together, their literary exchanges. Whilst he is a waster, he has an education and a love of poetry. Indeed, the text is enlivened with poetical references throughout.
Their meetings are frowned upon by Della’s housemate, who reports the liaison home to Della’s family, and a favourite aunt is sent to town, followed by her sister Julia, to try to end their partnership.
This is a love story, with a difference; beautifully written as anyone who has read this author would expect. It has a strong theological vein running through the book which is unsurprising considering both their parentages. Jack’s upbringing left him unable to exist within the bounds of his clerical respectable family.
We witness St Louis by day and night and the restraints and segregation imposed on the black community. Their relationship is frowned upon so much that Della’s job is at risk, and any public display of affection would lead to imprisonment.
1950s America is an unforgiving country, and the author pinpoints the perils of their friendship, of Jack’s life style, living hand to mouth, eager for the opportunity for the next drink. He works from time to time; his jobs varied but mainly beneath his abilities if ever sober for long enough.
In conclusion, if you decide to read this novel as a singular book, I think you would be rightly tempted to read the original trilogy. Whatever order you decide upon, the four books that now make this trilogy into a quartet are a worthy oeuvre for this much praised author, applauded by both Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey.
