Because I discuss my favorite literary characters in the P.S. pages of my novel, TOWN HOUSE, I’m veering off topic slightly today. I going to discuss Barbara Gowdy’s HELPLESS – which is so good it took over my entire weekend.
Gowdy takes on a subject I never thought I could read about – child abduction. A Toronto mother is raising her exceptionally beautiful daughter on her own, oblivious to the fact that her child is being stalked by Ron, an appliance repairman who has convinced himself that the nine-year-old girl is being mistreated and needs a hero. Preferably himself.
Ron makes for a compelling antagonist. From afar, he loves little Rachel completely and convinces himself he’ll give her a better life. His intentions are twisted but, in some moments, pure. Almost. Ron alternates between a near-fatherly conviction that stashing Rachel in his basement is for her own good, and a lust so sick it makes him shake. And the more Rachel starts to trust him, the harder it is for him to control himself. At any moment he might blow, which is why you’ll need someone else around to make dinner, put the kids to bed, drive the car until you finish the book.
Other points of view were just as compelling. Rachel’s mother, Celia, is a mess after Rachel disappears, but I found myself thinking she handled it better than I would have. But, truthfully, if she had fallen apart I wouldn’t have been able to watch her live through my very worst fear.
Ron’s somewhat limp girlfriend is torn between vague realization that what Ron is doing is wrong and needing to believe he’s a swell guy. Again, Gowdy does a great job with her – her fear of losing Ron (what a catch) is so strong, she keeps his secret. Mostly.
Perhaps what is most terrifying about this book is it makes you realize that even the most messed-up excuses for human beings have their reasons.
I won’t give away the resolution, but will say this. In the end, Gowdy accomplishes the impossible with her monster. She makes him the hero he always wanted to be.
I’m having heart palpitations just reading a review of the book. It’s not something I’d normally pick-up either, it’s my second worst fear (is it strange I have a list?), but if you can do it, maybe I’ll try. Whew, I need to go do some breathing exercises now.
Amy – dare I ask the first?
I’m with Amy on this post, Tish. Your book suggestions prove to be my favorites, but in terms of HELPLESS…um, glad you enjoyed it. (shudder)
I adore Gowdy- I just had a chance to see her a couple of weekends ago- she did a reading for this book. It was amazing. I havent’ started it yet as I know it will be a time consumer. If people want to try something else of her- Sandman was a favorite too.
Great! I need to start collecting books for my airplane reading that will soon start!
I’m hooked! Thanks Tish, what a great review — I’ve never heard of Gowdy, and now I aim to check her out ASAP. Re: the ranking of fears, no, Amy, it’s not strange (I hope).
Holy smokes, Tish – if you ever need another job, you should definitely get into the business of reviewing books. Now I have to read it!
Sounds like my kind of book! Wish I’d known about it before my seven hour flight to Seattle.
I love Gowdy, as well. The White Bone and The Romantic are favorites. After reading your great review, I’ll be sure to pick up Helpless, too. Have you read her short story, We So Seldom Look on Love? Incredible how she deals with the subject of necrophilia with grace and humor. She’s the kind of author I’d really like to met.
Yowza, I’m completely creeped out now! Um, mayyyyyybe I’ll check it out. But then I start putting nightlights in all over the house 😀