Many thanks to Faber & Faber for sending me a free advanced copy of The Discomfort of Evening to review. This has not affected my opinion in any way.
Overview
Although I said ‘thank you’ to Faber & Faber, I’m not really sure that’s the right word! The Discomfort of Evening is without a doubt one of the most disturbing, discomfiting books I’ve ever read. But I think I liked it!
The Discomfort of the Evening is relatively simple in terms of plot. A family of six becomes five after a tragic skating accident claims the oldest son. One of the daughters, Jas, blames herself for his death after a perverse bargain she made with God the morning of his death. And thus ensues the collapse of the family.
Key themes
Rijneveld explores what might happen when parents are too consumed with grief to properly care for their children. The loss of Matthies pervades the entire novel, as Rijneveld examines how it affects each family member through the eyes of Jas. The first person narrative means there is no escaping Jas’s often extremely uncomfortable and unsettling perspective as she seeks refuge in dark fantasies. It is excruciatingly intimate, as Jas is going through all the usual shit a 12 year old goes through but with no adults in her life she could confide in safely or receive a rational answer from in a Reformed household twisted by grief and pain.
Influences
If you’re squeamish then I wouldn’t recommend this book, as Rijneveld doesn’t hold back on the descriptions of all manner of bodily… excretions. This book pushes boundaries, as Jas tests those around her, left to her own devices on a farm with her remaining brother and sister. I got vibes from all sorts of different books (some I haven’t read but have heard about), including Flowers in the Attic, The Cement Garden and The Wasp Factory.
Translation
It’s masterfully translated by Michele Hutchison. I didn’t notice anything that didn’t flow, but even when there was the occasional awkward phrase (poo hole, for example), I put that down to a deliberate choice on her part to convey Jas’ naivety. Michele actually left a comment on my review, which was exciting! She confirmed that the original Dutch word ‘poepgat’ created difficulties in the translation:
How cool is that?! I love having an insight into the translation process.
I’ll leave you with this quote:
‘Even though it will feel uncomfortable for a while, but according to the pastor, discomfort is good. In discomfort we are real.’
And for you to decide whether this book is for you!
Check out my previous review of the shortlisted The Enlightenment of the Greengage Tree if you missed it!
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