Contemporary London, Modern Love

There is a particular brand of black humor and jaded view of life that seems to accompany life in contemporary London. It's very compelling, even enjoyable, despite its somewhat bleaker view of life. Nick Laird has captured it perfectly and infused it into his novel, Glover's Mistake, a book that engages even when it makes readers slightly uncomfortable.

Glover's Mistake is a novel about contemporary manners as much as Jane Austen's writings were in the 19th century, and parallel the misguided love affairs and angst of the unloved. Where Austen's characters resolve their failings at the tale's end, however, Laird leaves readers wondering if anyone has learned anything from the traumas love has inflicted in Glover's Mistake.

The book centers on David Pinner, who notices in the local paper that a former art school teacher (an American, no less) has returned to London. He decides to follow his longing and looks her up, although she barely remembers him. Alone in London, she is open to his dinner invitation, where she collides with his flat mate, James Glover. While Pinner pines for the American artist (Ruth Marks), Ruth becomes smitten with the much younger roommate Glover.

To say David is distraught over the situation is an understatement, and eventually his demons get the best of him, as he sets on a course to break up the relationship and position himself in the role of friend to the broken-hearted. What he underestimates, however, is the relationship between Glover and Ruth, as well as his own capacity to destroy Glover (underestimated and misunderstood by Glover). It's a sad torment as the scenarios begin to play themselves out.

Laird also takes quite a few stabs at the pretension of the London art scene, Ruth's self-centered artwork and attitude (including her feminist backdrop and previous relationships), the hypocrisy of the Church and family life (via his own and James's parents), and the overall futility of love in the modern age. To truly enjoy the book, one must have a slightly cynical take on life or it may all seem crushingly depressing. Those of us who tend to view the glass as half-empty will likely embrace this writing.

Laird is witty, intelligent, and lyrical in his descriptions and characterization in Glover's Mistake. He's a fresh voice, with a keen eye for the lies and the liars. He can sniff out a pretender at a hundred paces. The story is rich with dilemma, and readers who love the book will find endless topics for consideration, even after they've put the novel down. It's a thoughtful, well written, interesting look at love, at London, and (perhaps) at our own failings. Don't miss it!

Glover's Mistake
Nick Laird
ISBN: 978-0-670-02097-3