This book is an artistic and literary achievement on many levels, most certainly foremost because of the writing style and talent of the author, Nancy Huston. She is able to build intrigue and interest based on several factors: first, her introduction and development of complex subject matter; second, the intertwining lives of two male filmmakers and third, her exploration and knowledge of different unique cultures which are woven into the fabric of the novel and which become the solid foundation upon which the lives of the characters are built and upon which the main plot and subplots rely. The complex flavors of these different cultures: Irish, French Canadian, German, Dutch, English, Brazilian and last but not least Indian, specifically Cree, are the matrix which constitute the personality and depth of life experiences from which Milo Noirlac's life stories in this book evolve. Milo Noirlac is a man in his fifties at the time the novel begins, as a final tribute to his life achievements, Paul Schwarz, his work and life partner collaborate on writing a screen play which essentially becomes his autobiography, both are award winning film makers. The connections made by the author from the past to the present and relationships between characters are written with a liquid fluidity and lyricism, the stories flow, despite the nonlinear technique of story telling.
The reader is immediately drawn into the historical background of Neil Kerrigan, aka, Noirlac, Milo's grandfather who just finished law school and seems bent on losing his virginity in a brothel in Dublin. which happened about April 1910. Many years later, in Canada, Milo's mother, Awinita, happens to be a nineteen year old prostitute who works to provide money to her poor parents and family still living on the Cree Indian reservation. Milo's father is Declan, the seventh child of Neil Noirlac (changed his name from Kerrigan when he came to Canada). In Ireland, Neil was an Irish Catholic patriot and thus volunteered in the Irish Republican Army, fighting the British rule. His brother Thom, was a student with James Joyce whose novel, "The Dubliners" was later published and won acclaim for depicting life as it really was lived by the poor Irish. Right before Neil's eyes, Thom was shot by the British for his anti-British activities. Neil Kerrigan was advised by the poet, William Butler Yeats to leave Ireland and start a new life, preferably in Canada, where he could put his writing skills to good use.. Neil had been kicked out of his home by his father, a successful and well respected local magistrate because of Neil's involvement in rebellion and for being defrocked/debarred from practicing law. Neil sailed to Canada and met his French Canadian wife there. He became the father of twelve children and worked in the lumber business, all the while reading good literature and collecting books, some of them first editions by famous authors. Declan, a seldom working and alcohol loving son of Neil Noirlac, fathered Milo and despite his undependable ways, remained loyal to Awinita, Milo's mother. Milo was given up for adoption, soon after his birth and lived in at least five foster families before being rescued by his grandfather Neil and brought to live with the family. Milo suffered some abuse at the foster homes, and when Declan learned of his son's fate, he often intervened, taking him out of them and had him placed in what he hoped was a better family environment. Eventually, when Neil learned he had a grandson, he took him to their own home. Milo's grandmother died in childbirth with her thirteenth offspring. The female head of the household was Maria-Thérése, his aunt on his mother's side. Needless, to say Milo had a very complicated and dysfunctional upbringing. Despite, the twists and turns of fate, Milo survived and became successful on his own terms. Some of the subject matter in this book sounds somewhat weird but the author manages to create a fascinating and engaging novel filled with unexpected surprises that keep the reader hooked and wanting to learn more about Milo Noirlac's life.
Nancy Huston has received world wide attention with several of her novels: Fault Lines, Plainsong, Slow Emergencies and The Mark of an Angel. These four novels have received highly prestigious literary awards in France. The French love existentialism, art, literature, and good food and wine. Black Dance has received high praise from "Elle" magazine and from "Madame Figaro" and will just possibly be another award winning book in France. It definitely has the hallmarks of fine writing with a strong plot and unforgettable characters, along with contemporary subject matter. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]
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