Gulfport patron book review of "Correspondence An Adventure in Letters", a novel  by N. John Hall, 2011

 

This is a "must read" for anyone who enjoys the expert use and application of language, in all its finest nuances, the ability to keep reader interest in the most clever use of letters/e-mail context that I have ever read (the letter format is not one of my favorite writing styles), and an overall reading delight.

 

Hall is a master of minimalism in that in just the first ten pages he sets up the plot range and conflict, and character types. And then he develops those characters from what could be an arid portrayal, but is not, for those many e-mails. He maintains reader interest not only by his character development, but then, intersperses "letters" of Victorian writers which had immeasurable depth to this novel.

 

Even the plot line - Larry Dickerson (interesting fiction name for this era), a non-college educated retired banker discovers a treasure chest of his great-great-grandfather's literary collection. His "ggf" was a book dealer in London in the Victorian era. Not only did he sell the books, but he so loved the literature he engaged in a lively correspondence with many of the famous authors, saving the writers' responses and copies of his letters.

 

Upon discovering this treasure of Victorian authors and book seller answers, Dickerson contacts Christie's in London, hence the e-mails to work out the plot, to sell the collection.

 

A plot anomaly is that  Dickerson, although he does not have the educational background, decides to transcribe the letters (over 200) for content, and do other editorial adjustments.  But Christie's, with good humor and much trepidation, deal with that.  It is Hall's inclusion of a number of Victorian writers' responses/ ideas/reactions that gives "Correspondence" a special and even educational flavor.

 

Another treat is how Hall develops Dickerson's character from a generally educated retired man to a demon for learning as much as he can about these giants of Victorian literature, a learning that is subtly reflected in his discourse.

 

The ending cannot be revealed. It is too delicious. Suffice it to say, it is a literary and financial treat to end a literary romp..

 

Gulfport Library Patron