Yesterday, Mark Medley, an amicable gentleman from the National Post, contacted me by telephone to talk about Yann Martel’s Beatrice and Virgil and my review, in which I had called Mr. Martel’s novel “the worst book of the decade.” I thought he was merely getting some minor quote from me. But it appears that he’s devoted the opening paragraphs to my piece.
You can read Mr. Medley’s article here.
“What I’ve noticed is the novel has had a polarizing effect,” he says. “That might have to do with the topic…. There’s a certain way of discussing the Holocaust that people are used to, and if you try to do it in a different way, some people will take to it, others will be upset. And I think that’s been reflected in the reviews so far.”
Nope, nothing to do with bad writing. Just that shiny new take on the Holocaust.
This strikes me as an appalling diversionary tactic.
I had read Martel’s book several days prior to seeing your review, and thought your assessment was absolutely perfect.
Lusciously liminal. A simply stunning post. Heartiest congratulations.
I had read Martel’s book several days prior to seeing your review, and thought your assessment was absolutely perfect.