Here We Are
1 journaler for this copy...
(25/06/22) *includes spoilers*
This is a small - almost novella sized - gentle study of the human condition, relationships, careers & fulfilment, parental expectation, love and the absence of love. The story follows the careers of magician Ronnie ‘Pablo’ Dean, his friend and all round entertainer Jack ‘Robinson’ Robbins, and a menage-a-trois with Evie/‘Eve’ in Brighton end-of-the-pier theatreland in 1959 (and episodes before and after). Evie becomes Ronnie’s assistant, and eventually Jack’s wife. But, more important, is the effect of Ronnie’s upbringing, his absent father, estrangement from his mother, and idyllic wartime evacuation with Eric & Penny Lawrence; the former is Ronnie's mentor. Jack and Evie’s tiger mothers also provide a counterpoint to Agnes Dean’s lack of support.
I don’t think I fully understand the title 'Here we are’, as said by Penny Lawrence, a domestic phrase turned metaphysical? Last but not least, the Parrot on the lovely cover art relates to a key episode between Ronnie and his parents, and becomes part of a big final illusion. This is an understated, clever, and enigmatic read from one of my favourite authors.
This is a small - almost novella sized - gentle study of the human condition, relationships, careers & fulfilment, parental expectation, love and the absence of love. The story follows the careers of magician Ronnie ‘Pablo’ Dean, his friend and all round entertainer Jack ‘Robinson’ Robbins, and a menage-a-trois with Evie/‘Eve’ in Brighton end-of-the-pier theatreland in 1959 (and episodes before and after). Evie becomes Ronnie’s assistant, and eventually Jack’s wife. But, more important, is the effect of Ronnie’s upbringing, his absent father, estrangement from his mother, and idyllic wartime evacuation with Eric & Penny Lawrence; the former is Ronnie's mentor. Jack and Evie’s tiger mothers also provide a counterpoint to Agnes Dean’s lack of support.
I don’t think I fully understand the title 'Here we are’, as said by Penny Lawrence, a domestic phrase turned metaphysical? Last but not least, the Parrot on the lovely cover art relates to a key episode between Ronnie and his parents, and becomes part of a big final illusion. This is an understated, clever, and enigmatic read from one of my favourite authors.
