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POSTED: 22 FEBRUARY 2009

Austin Clarke, More

(Harper Collins, 352pp paperback, $32.99)

More is the type of novel that one should approach like a sumptuous dessert. It is to be savoured slowly, in small bites, so as to fully appreciate its complexity and avoid being overwhelmed by its richness. Dare I say, less is More?

Austin Clarke tells the tale of Idora Morrison, a black Caribbean immigrant in Canada. Idora was abandoned by her husband — “that man” — and for years has struggled to raise their son BJ on her own.

But now BJ is missing, having been pulled into the world of gangs and crime. Idora literally crumples under the realisation of what has happened to her son. Four days pass in which she reflects on her life — both in the Caribbean and in Canada — and attempts to comprehend how it has come to this. Past and present intersect as Idora comes to terms with unimaginable tragedy.

But More is not all melancholy. Interspersed with the sadness and loss, there are sparks of faith, sweetness and hope.

Clarke has written a novel of great lyricism. One can imagine it being turned into a moving theatrical piece. The words flow in a languorous way, becoming almost stream-of-consciousness at times. Pages go by without a full-stop; characters weave in and out; thoughts and memories blend and disperse.

This style requires a quiet nook and full attention — several times I needed to reread sections as I lost the flow due to its non-linear approach.