The Pear Book

Douglas Stuart’s third novel is nothing short of a triumph.

Cal returns to Harris, in the Scottish Islands, after studying in the mainland. His father, John, encourages his return after claiming Ella, Cal’s grandmother, is ill. Cal was reluctant, but sofa surfing and unemployment was taking its toll, so he agreed.

The father-son duo have a emotionally stagnant relationship. John is traditional and values his place in the intimate community of their small town. Cal has spent the previous years exploring his sexuality and breaking away from constraint. Their reunioin causes immediate friction as Cal is far from the ideal son John expects him to be.

With an unclear direction, Cal tries to adjust back to island life. He reconnects with old friends and battles his father’s criticisms. Ella, who lives under the same room, often acts as a bridge between the two and is a safe presense for Cal.

As life on Harris continues, will Cal find a place in the town he used to call home?

Unsurprisingly, Stuart’s character-writing ability shines brighter than ever in his new novel. When writing a small community and disfunctional families, it can be easy to fall into predictable archetypes. However, In John of John, each person paints a picture of a long lived life, of which we just get a gimpse into. Cal’s internal conflicts result in a seamless conflict between him and his father, his future, and his relationships. John is harbouring more weight than the reader is initially privy to. The small and intimate moments we spend with him opens our eyes to the heart of this story.

The pacing is natural and never relies on cheap subversions and gear changes to create impact. Every chapter is treated with great care and it’s easy to forget you’re reading a fiction.

There are a number of fascinating themes covered in the novel, often with Cal acting as the contrasting element. Cal and tradition. Cal and expectation. Cal and love.

The small fictional town set in Harris is host to many charming and troubled characters. Cal often has a friendly relationship with his townspeople, still allowing him to escape from just being John’s son. He endevours on a risky trip with his father’s best friend, where many buried emtions finally begin to surface.

Douglas Stuart never gives himself an easy task with his novels. Many writers would fumble if presented with the same outline. The results would be boring, lazy, or overwritten. But Stuart knows exactly where the heartbeat of a story lies. The journey to finding that beat is always so incredibly thoughtful and tender.

John of John was a pleasure to read. I wont forget it.