A Fraction of the Whole ~ Steve Toltz

This years Man Booker Prize will be awarded tomorrow evening. One of the finalists (shortlisted) books is by first time Australian novelist Steve Toltz. Toltz’ novel, A Fraction of the Whole is maybe to big, but it’s a rollicking, funny book, full of ideas.

Toltz tells the story of the Dean family: Two bothers (Terry and Martin) and Jasper, Martin’s son. Terry is one of the most notorious criminals of Australia – a mythical folk-hero, revered by the people. His younger brother Martin grows up in the vacuum left by Terry’s legendary exploits. Martin’s quest to get out from under the larger than life shadow cast by his brother has a profound impact on his life. An impact which percolates down to his son as well. Largely, the novel is concerned with the ways in which we attempt to define ourselves, the ways in which we are shaped by our parents and family. Its a quest to find out who we are.

The central character (if there can really be said to be one) is Jasper Dean. Jasper first learns of his infamous Uncle’s story as related by his father Martin, Terry’s brother. Next Jasper finds an old journal of his father’s which fills in Martin’s story, including his mothers suicide. The middle chapters of the novel consist of Jasper’s maturation, including his father’s mental collapse. Finally, Jasper finally makes a break from hisfather, as children must.. 

The story takes us to Paris and Thailand, both places of exile of sorts from Australia. Along the way, we are treated to an almost inexhaustible supply of funny, cogent, cynical observations on life. A sampler:

Loneliness: like the slow squeeze of testicles by a hand that has just been on a refrigerator

An Awakening: that’s what an awakening is all about: getting up. There’s no use having an awakening and then hitting the snooze button and going back to sleep.

Unrequited Love:There’s nothing wonderful or interesting about unrequited love. I think it’s shitty, just plain shitty. To love someone who doesn’t return your affections might be exciting in books, but in life it’s unbearably boring. I’ll tell you what’s exciting: sweaty, passionate nights. But sitting on the veranda outside the home of a sleeping woman who isn’t dreaming about you is slow moving and just plain sad.

Religious Nuts:It isn’t enough that they believe in God, They have to go all the way, seeing into his vast mind. They think faith gives them access to his glorious to-do lists

Pity: Pity is the awful lost dazed brother of empathy. Pity doesn’t know what to do with itself so it just goes Awwwwwww.

Apartment Living: No symbolic journey can take place in an apartment.There’s nothing metaphorical about a trip to the kitchen.

The Book Title: Emerson understood! “The moment we meet with anybody, each becomes a fraction,: he said. That’s my problem. I’m 1/4 of who I should be.

Humanity: Humanity is the guy who shits in his own pants and then walks around saying, ‘So, do you like my new shirt?’

Married Life: Honestly, i’ve never known how people do married life. I mean, when I go from the bedroom to the bathroom or the kitchen to the bathroom, the last thing I want to do is stop to have a chat.

in many ways, almost Pynchonesque in its fantastical profligacy, Toltz’ novel will leave you exhausted and, if not quite satisfied, you will come away at least with a sense that the author did not cheat you as a reader.  

♦♦♦♦⁄♦♦♦♦♦