Notes on a Marriage: A Novel by Selma Carvalho
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 5/5
One Line Review: A captivating ode to the complexities of love in the dance of marriage.
“Who can say with absolute clarity what saves a marriage, this swamp of emotions, this labyrinth of desires, it survives even when it is tearing at the seams, bursting with unhappiness, even then it is still sewn back together by a lifetime of error and correction, or regret and regeneration, of love and friendship. Marriage has the infinite ability to grow back with deeper roots each time it’s cut down.”
Selma Carvalho’s ‘Notes On A Marriage’ is a lyrical and poignant exploration of the complexities and fragilities that define the institution of marriage. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a London on the verge of transformation, resonating with a newfound awareness of racial heritage and individual rights.
The novel revolves around the married couple, Anju and Freddo, whose lives are interwoven with the socio-political fabric of their time. The evocative prose weaves a melodic tapestry that delicately threads through the intricate moments of their marriage teetering on the edge of dissolution.
Carvalho’s storytelling prowess shines through as she navigates the nuances of love and commitment.
The narrative gracefully dances between past and present, unraveling the genesis of Anju and Freddo’s relationship. The couple’s journey is juxtaposed with the enduring but tortured marriage of Anju’s parents and the chaos of the lives of their friends from university. Carvalho’s exploration of these myriad relationships adds layers to the narrative and enriched my understanding of the complexities inherent in human connections.
The author successfully captures the essence of fleeting moments. In ‘Notes On A Marriage,’ the prose is not just a tool for communication; it’s an instrument that paints emotions with vivid strokes. An almost surrealistic beauty lies in Carvalho’s ability to infuse poetic depth into the ordinary, making every sentence a brushstroke on the canvas of life.
The narrative contemplates the ephemeral nature of memory and loss, offering reflective insights into the human experience:
“Perhaps a memory visits a loss, which sits on the heart heavy as an unwashed pebble, of people no longer in one’s life, and their very absence, a gaping hole, but then the moment passes because humans cannot mourn like that-endlessly-they must heal to survive, they must warm themselves with that memory as if it were a fireplace.”
And the depth of a marriage highlighted in the simplest of words:
“Let me tell you about marriage. You wonder where the bottom is in a marriage. Then you hit the bottom, and it gives way, and you discover there are further depths to sink to, further degradations you’re willing to endure. You sink lower and lower still. You lose yourself, but you still survive. Nothing else matters but your survival. Create a universe, populate it with thought, live in it. That’s how we survive, by creating our own personal universe, that’s how I survived.”
These lines encapsulate the essence of the narrative, offering deep insights into the hidden complexities that define married life. I could resonate with these moments of introspection that led me to ponder the delicate intricacies of my own relationships with my partner, parents, and friends.
The exploration of the anatomy of human bonding in this book is profound; delving into the fragility of relationships, emphasizing how loyalty, once compromised, can shatter connections. Yet, at the same time, the author recognizes the resilience of marriage—a swamp of emotions and desires that survives through a lifetime of error, correction, regret, and regeneration.
Carvalho masterfully dissects the mundane challenges of married life, portraying the scraping and chafing that define a marriage. The narrative acknowledges the voids and inadequacies within Anju and Freddo’s relationship, highlighting the spiritual strength that allows couples everywhere to endure and survive the trials that come their way.
The highlight of ‘Notes On A Marriage’ is its universal appeal. While anchored in Anju and Freddo’s story, the novel transcends its characters, becoming a reflection of the broader human experience. The intricacies of marriage, the depths to which individuals can sink, and the survival instincts that drive them forward are rendered with exquisite detail.
For me, ‘Notes On A Marriage’ stands out for its realism. It isn’t a fairy tale romance, but a portrayal of the everyday challenges that couples face. Carvalho skilfully navigates the pettiness, rivalry, and competition that often characterize marital relationships. In doing so, she creates a narrative that is remarkably relatable, like a mirror reflecting the myriad facets of love.
Overall, Selma Carvalho’s ‘Notes On A Marriage’ is a masterful work that reaffirms her place in the literary firmament. The novel’s mellow, poetic prose captures the essence of a marriage with tenderness and wisdom.
I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading literary fiction, contemporary or otherwise. The book will also enchant readers who like slow-burn novels that are thought-provoking while being ethereally exquisite.
As readers immerse themselves in this beautifully crafted narrative, I am sure they will find echoes of their own journeys, making Notes on a Marriage a timeless exploration of love, loss, and the enduring spirit of human connection.
This book has been published by Speaking Tiger. You can follow them on YKA here.