Traveling to Bainbridge Island this past weekend, we happened
upon this bookstore. Browsing in the
clearance section, I found a copy of TransAtlantic
by Colum McCann. Standing in the aisle I flipped through it. Even though the words were familiar, I had read it a few years ago, I was mesmerized again.Taking it up to the cash register, I was charmed by the sales clerk who was so pleased I had found it. And on sale!
The title refers to journeys taken by wind, sea, and plane.
Two pilots attempting to fly from Newfoundland to Ireland agree to carry a letter
written by a journalist. Frederick Douglass makes an appearance on a book tour
of Ireland and inspires a housemaid to seek her freedom in America. A Senator is well-known to the transatlantic
crew of British Airways for his trips back and forth from Ireland to New York,
tasked with brokering peace. The journalist’s granddaughter, herself advanced
in years, attempts to sell the original letter which has
remained unopened.
TransAtlantic manages the rare feat of beautifully blending plot
and poetry. Read it once for the writing. Read it again for the story. And read
it a third time to savor both.
No comments:
Post a Comment