Gilbert Sorrentino's 'Aberration de lumière' Explores Childhood and Narrative Form
A review of Gilbert Sorrentino's novel 'Aberration de lumière', published in French translation by Actes Sud, translated by Bernard Hœpffner. The novel is set in a farm-pension in New Jersey during the summer of 1939, following young Billy and his family. Sorrentino employs a non-linear narrative structure, mixing interior monologues, dialogues, and a question-answer format reminiscent of catechism or psychological questionnaires. The story involves Billy's search for a new father after his leaves with his secretary, his mother Marie's budding romance with traveling salesman Tom Thebus, and the oppressive presence of grandfather John McGrath. Racial and ethnic tensions are present, with characters expressing racist views against Italians, Irish, African Americans, and Jews, and discussions of Hitler and European politics. The review highlights Sorrentino's innovative form, comparing him to James Joyce and William Faulkner, and notes the novel's blend of humor and moral commentary on human vanities and cruelties.
Key facts
- Gilbert Sorrentino's novel 'Aberration de lumière' is reviewed.
- Published by Actes Sud, translated from English by Bernard Hœpffner.
- Set in a farm-pension in New Jersey in the summer of 1939.
- Protagonist is ten-year-old Billy, who is nearsighted and bullied.
- Billy's father left with his secretary, described as an Irishwoman with green teeth.
- Billy's mother Marie, a beautiful but modest woman in her thirties, is courted by Tom Thebus, a recently divorced salesman.
- Grandfather John McGrath, a recent widower, is overprotective and repressive toward Marie.
- John is pursued by Helga Schmidt, a German widow who disparages Tom.
- Characters express racist and antisemitic views; Helga and the Stellkamps sympathize with Hitler.
- Sorrentino uses multiple narrative genres: interior monologues, dialogues, correspondence, and a question-answer format.
- The novel is compared to works by James Joyce and William Faulkner.
- Sorrentino is noted for his innovative forms, such as his western 'La Folie de l'or' written entirely in questions.
- The review describes the novel as playful, funny, and luminous despite its complex structure.
Entities
Artists
- Gilbert Sorrentino
- James Joyce
- William Faulkner
Institutions
- Actes Sud
- éd. Cent Pages
Locations
- New Jersey
- United States
Sources
- artpress —