Adrift

by Loren Edizel

John arrives in a Montreal airport with a suitcase in hand. We do not know where he is from, or who he is. The novel sets out to explore his identity by following his daily movements and intimate thoughts, as well as his connections to those coming into contact with him. He writes his own reflections and impressions in a notebook which he carries with him at all times.The story unfolds through non-linear narrative connections that flow across city blocks, continents and oceans, and meander in and out of characters’ minds, dealing with questions of displacement, identity and meaning.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2011

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I told myself I wasn't going to read any more new books this year--save them for next year's Book Challenge--but this Xmas gift from my daughter I could not resist perusing. Captivated by a prologue about an old brown leather suitcase, how it had travelled so far and how frightened its owner, John, was in coming to a completely new continent and a new life, I started reading immediately and finished within a matter of hours. This is a gorgeous book full of elegant, graceful writing and so evocative of the inner life of the characters, especially the protagonist, John. He touches peoples' lonely and alienated lives and brings to each a touch of hope. The peoples' stories were sad, but John brightened their lives.

John has come from a far country and settled in Montreal. As a night nurse in a big hospital, he helps an old dying man, an Asian lady, and others. John is "kindness personified", as one character, the Hispanic poet, Pablo Mendes, describes him. This is a languid reflection, meditating on loneliness, regret, friendship, and love through the characters' stories, much as John's entries in his green notebook are his intimate thoughts and observations. The present tense narrative made me feel I was right there in the novel. It will always haunt me.

[Serenity · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tightly woven, "slice of life" tale, centering around John and the conincidental ways in which the lives of various strangers intersect. It is completely character driven with no plot, which is intentional as it is more of an existential look at/for the meaning of life through the relationships that get broken/left behind.

If you enjoy literary fiction in a stream of consciousness style, then you may enjoy this far more than I. Those are just not really my prefernce.

[gelldellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I would have loved this book if I had not been forced to read and analyze it for a class I absolutely despised. Pretty cool parallel storyline thing going on, but the MC came across a little gross at times. 3 stars, not a total waste.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful writing. Really enjoyed this book.