"The Archer," by Shruti Swamy

What a deep pleasure it is to “discover” a “new” (to me) author and her beautiful, lyrical novel! “The Archer” (Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 2021), by Shruti Swamy, is painful and exalting in equal measure. It tells the story of Vidya, a child and then young woman in Bombay in the 1960s and 1970s. There is a deep sadness in her life: her mother’s mental illness that keeps her away for years at a time. Vidya’s life is hard, but her discovery of Kathak dancing allows her a way to transcend the sadness and difficulties in her life. This is one of the better depictions I have recently read of the power of art in a person’s life. During college, Vidya also discovers the power of love. The way the story is told, always through Vidya’s consciousness, is effective although at times almost claustrophobic. This is a powerful, expressive, insightful, and just plain gorgeous novel.

"Crossing to Safety," by Wallace Stegner

Although I was of course well aware of the towering reputation of Wallace Stegner, I hadn’t been successful in really engaging with any of his novels. Some years ago, I tried hard with “Angle of Repose,” his most famous book, but somehow – although admiring it on one level – couldn’t get drawn into it, and finally abandoned it. But a few months ago, I read a mention of Stegner’s last novel, “Crossing to Safety” (Modern Library, 2002; original publication Random House, 1987) that convinced me to read it. I admit it sat on my “to-read” pile for a while before I finally did read it. But I am so glad I did. It is a novel that is so rich, so humane, so wise, that I was immersed in it; I know it sounds strange to say, but I feel that the novel seeped into my pores. What it is “about” sounds simple. Two young male professors meet in 1937, and they and their wives become close friends and continue the friendship for about 40 years, until one of the four dies, and beyond. Various events happen in their lives, of course: different jobs, success in the world of literature, the birth and growth of children, regular stays at a summer place in Vermont (which represents the heart of their connection), and more. Each of the characters has her or his faults, yes; in other words, they are very human. Their friendship transcends those faults. The book is about true friendship and true love. Yes, many novels are about those topics, but this one is suffused with a sense of what those words can mean. The writing is quiet, even “simple,” and extraordinary. What a wonderful experience to read a novel one is only curious about, with not particularly high expectations (not because I was not aware of Stegner’s reputation, but because I somehow felt his work was not “my kind” of fiction)…and to find out how wrong I was!