The Distance Between Us

Hester Donovan (nee Parker) is perhaps one of the best examples of a narrator who is deeply flawed and entirely entrenched in her own way of seeing things, and yet engenders sympathy. (Another good example that comes to mind is The Autobiography of Joseph Stalin: A Novel.) Most narrator-protagonists are more or less likable; they make mistakes, but are basically good people. Most readers also, I think, like to think of themselves as basically good people who sometimes make mistakes. ("Everyone is their own protagonist.") It takes a talented writer to make a reader see out from the eyes of a character like Hester, not necessarily agreeing with what she thinks or how she acts, but at least understanding her. It helps that she has an show more absolutely hysterical sense of humor - I laughed out loud many times while reading.

p. 124
"I hated that [my daughter:] was suffering, and, believe me, I would have given her a kidney, or a lung, to make her happy. Without a moment's hesitation, I would have reached into my own body and ripped out all my organs for her to use as spare parts.
But I also remember thinking, with shame, that even if there were a way to pull my talent out of me in the same manner, and hand it over to [her:], I probably would not be willing to do so.
Because my gift meant more to me than she did.
That's a horrible thing for a mother to say, but it's the truth. And it's just as true today as it was then.
I can assure you I am not proud of this. But nothing in my life has ever mattered more to me than my musical ability. Not my parents, not my children, not even [my husband:]." show less

I don't think any book could ever be described as "perfect", but Bart Yates's The Distance Between Us comes much closer than I ever expected.

Growing up in a household where I was either making or listening to music at odd hours of the day and night, this novel struck me in the authenticity of Hester's passion for it. To her, it is more than a profession or a gift; it is life itself, and a language so wholly unique that it takes a kindred spirit to truly understand. All of this comes through in shadows of the past and her ongoing need for classical music in the background even when drinking herself into a tizzy.

Yates demonstrates a stunning command of language as he mixes plot with honest characterizations that show both the strengths show more and failures of each imaginary person involved. Each personality is distinct and stays true to itself even when demonstrating redeeming and condemning features. The repartee between members of the Donovan family is absolutely brilliant, and it broke my heart even as it made me laugh. It was so depressingly pathetic and hilarious that I couldn't help it.

Beyond that, the story slowly reveals itself through a combination of present day and flashback as Hester tries to remember just how her family fell apart. At first, it seems rather straightforward: her husband had an affair, her children took his side, and now a random tenant is keeping her company and preventing her from becoming that crotchety old lush in a fancy house. Bit by bit, however, the author introduces emotional depth, and purpose, in a way that flows naturally and drags you into the mechanisms of the disintegration of the Donovan household. The complexity of it, as well as the realness, is astounding and shows a great understanding of the human condition, more so because the ending isn't neat and tidy, but rather, it all plays out in a manner that one can believe in.

My one potential complaint about this novel was that the entire tale took place over the course of a one-month period. I feel as if I've made a yearlong journey, and the idea that all of it could have occurred over the span of thirty some-odd days seems almost preposterous. Looking back, however, the timeline does indeed fit; it just seems like a great deal of activity for such a short period of time. (There were also a few typographical errors towards the last few chapters, such as a dropped "I" or random spaces occurring in the middle of words. Luckily, I was too caught up to notice . . . much.)

Most books whose description includes such phrases as "formidable writer" and "unforgettable new novel" lend themselves to the possibility of being overblown. This novel, however, deserves all of those accolades and more. show less

Bart Yates is a damn good writer. I've read all three of his novels now. Give us more!