What Was Left, Eleanor Limprecht (Sleepers, 2013)
This novel is written by a dear friend of mine and I have read it several times, in various drafts. The author (American-born, Sydney-based) Eleanor Limprecht had a succinct vision for this novel from the start, and the narrative ambition did not alter much during the redrafting, it simply become clearer. One thing that did not change for me, as a reader of this novel, was how every time I read it, it broke my heart again.
What Was Left follows the confliction of Rachel, who, caring for her beautiful, healthy newborn daughter, has never felt more isolated and alone. This novel is a brave illustration of how new mothers can be failed by their own families and society, and a timely reminder that it takes a village to raise a child. I have two small children and I related to certain parental situations described in this novel.
Eleanor is a natural story teller. Using lean, restrained prose, she creates a raw and unflinching vision of an extended family and the secrets that shape them. She uses sparing, evocative imagery to convey the anguish, hopes and joys of her characters. This story explores landscape, domestic drama, character and history, across three continents and four generations of women. One aspect that swept me away are the descriptions of the American towns and rural communities, the grand beauty of Yosemite national park and the colourful chaos of India. To read What Was Left is to take a trip to Colorado’s glacial wilderness, through the cornfields, cattle and farming life in Nebraska and the shadowy skyscrapers of Chicago, to see Sydney life through a visitor’s eyes, to visit the temples and colourful bazaars of northern India, culminating in a startling encounter in a dank, old German apartment building.
There is a lot to like in this book. Eleanor’s descriptions are unique, she uses restrained language that delivers a huge impact. She cooks a broth of contrasting flavours: she delves into life’s most ruthless and tender moments, exposes humour and cruelty, all the while observing nature’s sensual rhythms and unyielding city landscapes. Eleanor has delivered an original, compelling feminist novel driven by the premise of a passionate, broken woman desperate to save herself.
Does this novel offer redemption or a solution? That depends on the reader. Ultimately, this novel explores the judgements we make about each other, and the devastating consequences that can have. While exploring parenthood, the novel asks the question, have our feminist mothers, while raising feminist daughters, failed to raise feminist sons? There is no attempt to blame, but any woman who has birthed or raised a child, will relate to the kaleidoscopic onslaught of emotions felt by the novel’s protagonist.
Eleanor has invited me to say a few words about her, as a writer, at her book launch this coming Friday night in Sydney. Here is one thing I am planning to say: “I would describe What Was Left as raw, delicate and unflinching, an exploration of motherhood and the lengths a mother will go to, to protect her child and herself.” I’m also going to talk about our similar backgrounds and how we became friends while working on Sydney newspaper the Village Voice.
Reading my review, it would be fair to assume I am biased due to my friendship with Eleanor! So don’t just take my word for it, here are some of the comments made by early reviewers: ‘one of the best debut novels I have read this year’ (Annie Condon, www.readings.com.au), and ‘a richly textured book about the strengths and limitations of family bonds’ (Thuy On, Sun-Herald).
Fans of the domestic complexity portrayed by Georgia Blain and the emotional authenticity of Julienne Van Loon’s work will gravitate to Limprecht’s style: her writing also resembles the beautiful, effortless storytelling of Ann Patchett.
What Was Left – in good bookstores September 6, 2013. Below, is a picture of me and Eleanor at one of my book events in April this year.
