“The Snowing and Greening of Thomas Passmore,” by Paul Burman (Paperbooks Publishing, 2008) is that rare novel that goes deep into the inner life of its characters, yet moves right along with the brisk pace of a page-turner. Beautifully written, richly atmospheric and movingly told, it leaves you with the true sense that your world has expanded.
When we first meet him, the title character is almost literally living in two worlds at once: a comfortable married life with children in Australia, and a past life in England, where he has substantial unfinished emotional business. Called to England by his mother’s illness, he makes a pilgrimage through his past, ultimately finding the closure that he so desperately needs.
Author Paul Burman jumps seamlessly between Thomas Passmore’s past and present. The story alternates between dreamlike, almost hallucinogenic scenes in Thomas’s head and stark descriptions of place that are so vivid that, without ever having traveled there, I felt as if I knew them, from the unblemished Australian beach to bleak locales in the UK that most outsiders never see.
Yet what marks “The Snowing and Greening of Thomas Passmore” as a true work of art is the startling transformation of the characters: Thomas is a man in the midst of a metamorphosis; Kate, his first love, is a haunting muse who herself changes dramatically over the course of the book. The cast of supporting characters from Thomas’s past and present provide a solid grounding for the spiritual and emotional climax of the story. In the end, you will find yourself transformed as well.
I've read it and you're absolutely spot on Kathleen; a beautifully written book.
Posted by: Jane Turley | November 11, 2008 at 04:56 AM
Paul's book touched so many chords in me. It's one of those books you want to press upon everyone you know.
Posted by: Jane | November 11, 2008 at 08:42 AM