A review by Jessica Birchall
How many books have you read where the protagonist is a
librarian?
Exactly.
None.
How about a
children’s librarian that kidnaps a child? Now, we’re talking!
Ok, so naturally I’m biased towards this one but trust me
when I say – it rules. Clever, funny and tragic, ‘The Borrower’ is the debut novel from Rebecca Makkai,
a short story writer whose work has featured in several American publications.
The novel revolves around the relationship between a children’s librarian and a
10 year old boy whose parents have enrolled him in anti-gay classes favoured by
religious fanatics. The boy sees the library as a refuge and the librarian
sneaks him books that do not have “the breath of God in them.” When she
discovers him sleeping in the library they decide to go on a road trip.
Technically it’s kidnapping but Makkai’s characterisation of the relationship
between the librarian and the boy ensures us that the child is safe throughout
the journey.
The writing is simple, sweet and dotted with clues and
literary references to satisfy nostalgic readers. Makkai has a gift for prose
and there is a humorous running gag of misheard words throughout the novel:
“Had you expected Jesus in a tart?” I found myself relishing the book and did
not want it to end. Maybe I enjoyed the fact that the librarian was 26, had a
boyfriend and seemed like someone I would be friends with rather than a sour
old spinster in a twin set as portrayed in other books.
Long live librarians!
Visit Newcastle Region Library's Catalogue and Website.
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