This is a very generous review, maybe to a fault. I read years ago, and recall thinking this is just fantastic, truly hilarious, and then growing gradually less impressed as the book wore on. I've been in South Africa, on the border with Botswana, if never to Botswana itself. The evocations of Africa are fantastic. And I remember a trek (I'm not looking for my copy) that was incredible. Maybe I spend too much time with anthropologists. And maybe just the parts that seem to foreshadow so much contemporary "thoughtful" fiction annoyed me even then . . . thoughtful is hard. But I'm probably being ungenerous, which I try to avoid. Thanks for the recollection, and keep up the good work.
A lovely review that has inspired me to order a copy of this book! Thanks very much for this.
One thing this review makes me wonder about this book is whether, rather than a rationalist exploration of romance, it actually functions as an undermining, a demonstration of the impossibility of being truly rational in romance. The author seeks a kind of objectivity about herself and her relationship, yet one wonders whether this is a camouflage, an envelop that hides what’s actually happening.
Where did you find these details about Rush’s life before Botswana? I’ve read many interviews with him, but even so, some of the details here are new to me.
I recall an biology book which pointed out a certain hormone is responsible for behavior during "the four Fs": feeding, fighting, fleeing and mating...
This was tremendous, Henry. Thank you. You bring new light to a treasured novel.
Ah many thanks!
This is a very generous review, maybe to a fault. I read years ago, and recall thinking this is just fantastic, truly hilarious, and then growing gradually less impressed as the book wore on. I've been in South Africa, on the border with Botswana, if never to Botswana itself. The evocations of Africa are fantastic. And I remember a trek (I'm not looking for my copy) that was incredible. Maybe I spend too much time with anthropologists. And maybe just the parts that seem to foreshadow so much contemporary "thoughtful" fiction annoyed me even then . . . thoughtful is hard. But I'm probably being ungenerous, which I try to avoid. Thanks for the recollection, and keep up the good work.
Yes the trek section is excellent! I was truly impressed but happy to hear other perspectives
A lovely review that has inspired me to order a copy of this book! Thanks very much for this.
One thing this review makes me wonder about this book is whether, rather than a rationalist exploration of romance, it actually functions as an undermining, a demonstration of the impossibility of being truly rational in romance. The author seeks a kind of objectivity about herself and her relationship, yet one wonders whether this is a camouflage, an envelop that hides what’s actually happening.
Yes that’s what I’m grsturing towards at the end—rationalism struggles in the face of over determination.
Read this many years ago when it first came out and liked it enough to keep it on the shelf. Perhaps a re-read is in order.
oh it's marvellous!
Where did you find these details about Rush’s life before Botswana? I’ve read many interviews with him, but even so, some of the details here are new to me.
Can’t remember… Paris review interview?
That is the best one—it's fantastic. It's been a while; perhaps it's time to read it again.
What a wonderful tour d’horizon of a book I had never heard of! The connection to “A Bend in the River” sounds fascinating. Thank you!
I enjoyed reading them together very much
Never read 'Mating' but I sure do love 'A Bend in the River', so you've convinced me to rectify the gap!
It's a splendid novel, would like to know what you think once you have read it.
I recall an biology book which pointed out a certain hormone is responsible for behavior during "the four Fs": feeding, fighting, fleeing and mating...
First I’ve heard of this book. I will add it to the hopelessly, long aspirational “list.”
I’ve read almost everything by Naipaul. I had a Naipaul “phase“ some time ago. I’d like to re-read A Bend in the River.
> “Why can’t every mating in the world be on the basis of souls instead of fundamentally on the match between physical envelopes?”
Well, because mating is an evolutionary development to produce offspring, the rest is dressing
The novel gives many interesting answers to the question!