The Calligrapher

Docx, Edward. The Calligrapher. New York:Houghton Mifflin. 2003. Print.

First Sentences:

Like so many people living through this great time in human history, I am not at all sure what is right and what is wrong.

So if I appear a little slow to grasp the moral dimensions of what follows, I'm afraid I will have to ask you to bear with me. Apologies. It's a difficult age

Description:

Jasper Jackson is a self-proclaimed womanizer, gourmand, critic of modern society, and talented calligrapher in Edward Docx's stylish debut novel, The Calligrapher. He is working on a commission to artistically reproduce the love poetry of John Donne for a wealthy client. Each chapter begins with a different stanza from Donne about love and the inconstancy of men (and women), thoughts that reflect exactly what Jackson is going through in his own personal life.

Jackson jeopardizes his one-year relationship with a woman for a quick dabbling with another, then throws both them over (as well as several others) when he discovers the beautiful, enigmatic Madeleine lingering in the communal garden under his studio window. His elaborate plans to meet, seduce, and win her affection are the work of a genius obsessed with romantic love and the pleasures of food, wine, and life. He realizes Madeleine is finally the real thing and he does not want to blow this relationship. 

But is everything really that perfect for Jackson now? It seems so, but there are a few surprises waiting for him that are only revealed on the very last pages. 

Try as they might, men cannot in their heart of hearts quite shake off the idea that sex is a massive favor, a singular gift from women, which it is forever their obligation somehow to repay ... the chicks seem to be tacitly promoting the whole duty regime again -- and with renewed enthusiasm.

I love a thoughtfully-written story with deliciously flawed characters storming through life in their own self-confident ways, oblivious to any problems they may cause others or themselves. Docx is a fine writer, skilfully commenting via Jackson's musings and conversations on such diverse topics  art, fine dining, wine, museums, London, Rome, women, love, friendship, cars, and of course the intricacies of calligraphy where "x" is a favorite letter for very precise reasons.

Any book that keeps me guessing about the outcome until the final paragraph, one that offers heady conversations and new twists on each page, such a book gets highest marks. The Calligrapher delivers a marvelous story, fascinating characters, and philosophies that will tantalize and challenge any reader to examine Jasper and Madeleine's lives as well as their own. Highest recommendation.

Spontaneity is a luxury available only to people who don't care about what happens next.

Happy reading. 


Fred

www.firstsentencereader.blogspot.com

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