DeWitt, at his most poignant, brilliant best!

If you want a novel full of murders, laughter, or sex, then take a look elsewhere. However, if you want a read that is full of poignancy and gripping emotion, then The Librarianist by Patrick deWitt, is an absolute must read. DeWitt has yet again proved he is one of the greatest fiction writers of his generation.

As titles go, you might think The Librarianist, is not the most enticing of titles. It sounds a bit boring, how can such a bland sounding name make for such a riveting read? That would be missing the point though, because in the mundanity of life, deWitt has offered us something verging on the quite magical.

Just like his critically acclaimed and outstanding The Sisters Brothers, The Librarianist is also a bit tricky to categorise into a certain genre. With the former being a parody western, the latter is sort of a nostalgic melodrama. There is a yearning for the past which is enveloped with all consuming sadness.

Set in modern day Portland, Oregon, the main character is retired librarian Bob Comet. Bob on the surface lives a simple life, yet all this changes when on his daily walk, he stumbles across a confused elderly resident belonging to the local senior centre. This chance meeting is the catalyst for the rest of this emotive tale.

We learn about Bob’s introverted life from his childhood to the present day. The genius of deWitt is that this character’s life slowly but surely hooks you in. Bob is a good guy but whose life is tinged with sadness, of a love won and yet also one that is stolen away.

DeWitt is a storytelling master at work here. His use of the English language is quite simply a refreshing joy to behold. His unique slightly old fashioned style of writing and varied vocabulary, are what make him stand out and what make this novel a truly enjoyable experience. 

Like with all good novels, the plot builds and builds with The Librarianist. You want to know what happens next, yet this means our lovely experience meeting Bob will be over sooner. 

This novel made me smile, chuckle, be sad, and as the ending drew near, I found myself on the verge of tears … cathartic tears. 

DeWitt has the skill to make seemingly ordinary subject matter extraordinary. You will feel enriched for reading this novel and thankful that Bob Comet, however fleetingly, came into your life.