Podcast Summary: The Book Review – Book Club: Let’s Talk About Alan Hollinghurst’s ‘Our Evenings’

Episode Release Date: January 31, 2025
Host: MJ Franklin, Editor at The New York Times Book Review
Guests: Emily Akin, Greg Coles, Scott Heller

Introduction

In this episode of The Book Review podcast, host MJ Franklin leads a compelling discussion on Alan Hollinghurst’s latest novel, “Our Evenings.” Joined by fellow editors Emily Akin, Greg Coles, and newcomer Scott Heller, the panel delves deep into the book’s intricate narrative, exploring its themes, character development, and structural nuances.

About Alan Hollinghurst and “Our Evenings”

MJ Franklin begins by highlighting Hollinghurst’s illustrious career, noting his Booker Prize-winning novel “The Line of Beauty” and other notable works such as “The Swimming Pool Library,” “The Folding Star,” and “The Stranger’s Child.” Franklin describes Hollinghurst as a masterful writer who poetically captures the evolution of gay life in Britain.

Initial Impressions and General Thoughts

Emily Akin praises the novel as a "beautifully written surprise" and likens Hollinghurst’s style to that of Henry James, emphasizing the novel’s elegiac tone and nuanced character studies. She remarks, “This felt like a very Jamesian novel in tone to me.” (07:04)

Scott Heller echoes similar sentiments, appreciating the return to Hollinghurst’s themes of romance and elegy. He highlights the rich character interactions and set pieces that add depth to the narrative, such as the Devon beach trip, which he describes as “so rich and full.” (08:53)

Greg Coles discusses the book’s language and psychological depth, noting how Hollinghurst meticulously explores the protagonist’s inner world. He emphasizes the importance of the novel’s structure in conveying Dave Wynn’s experiences and personal growth. (05:48)

Exploring the Novel’s Structure and Set Pieces

The panel delves into the book’s episodic structure, discussing whether it enhances or detracts from the overall narrative.

• Emily Akin appreciates the episodic nature, stating, “The reality effect for me was completely there. This is how a life unfolds with these discrete episodes that take you places where you've not been before.” (18:13)

• Greg Coles acknowledges his initial impatience with the structure but ultimately finds it rewarding as the themes become clearer towards the end. He cites the scavenger hunt scene as a standout moment that expertly handles the dynamics between characters. (17:15)

• Scott Heller finds the non-linear progression satisfying, enjoying the element of surprise that keeps the reader engaged. He notes, “I liked that you would jump ahead and not have your bearings at the beginning. I think that element of surprise helps keep you interested.” (18:13)

Notable Set Pieces Discussed:

• Devon Beach Trip: Highlighted for its richness and the protagonist’s sexual awakening. (06:13)
• School Scavenger Hunt: Praised for showcasing character relationships and social dynamics. (17:36)
• Book Signing Scene: Appreciated for its comedic elements and character development. (20:03)

Character Analysis: Dave Wynn and Relationships

The discussion shifts to the protagonist, Dave Wynn, his relationships, and his navigation of identity.

• Dave Wynn is portrayed as a mixed-race British actor grappling with his heritage, sexuality, and societal expectations. His relationships serve as anchors and reflect his personal growth.

• Love Life:

  • Scott Heller feels the romantic elements are more subdued compared to Hollinghurst’s previous works, finding Dave’s relationships intriguing yet somewhat detached. “The romance here in this book did feel so tamped down, so tamed.” (36:46)

  • Emily Akin differentiates the lovers, appreciating the varied dynamics but noting that they don’t always add substantial weight to the narrative. “I felt Chris was a man who pursued Dave and Dave is flattered and is attracted. But it became a little boring.” (35:35)

  • MJ Franklin echoes sentiments about the subdued romance, expressing a longing for the rawness found in Hollinghurst’s earlier novels. (36:25)

Themes: Identity, Race, and Sexuality

The panel explores the central themes of the novel:

• Identity and Heritage:

  • Dave’s mixed-race background serves as a constant reminder of his outsider status. His relationship with his Burmese heritage is complex and distant, contributing to his internal conflict. (27:30)

  • Emily Akin connects this to Henry James’s portrayal of Americans in Europe, highlighting Dave’s perpetual outsider status. (28:35)

• Race and Xenophobia:

  • The novel culminates in Dave’s tragic death during a xenophobic attack, symbolizing the pervasive racism that underpins the narrative. Scott Heller describes this as a powerful repudiation of the previously depicted cultural progress. “It was really wrenching and it was just... a repudiation of so much of what comes before it.” (40:36)

  • Emily Akin notes how microaggressions and societal pressures shape the characters’ lives, even when depicted as isolated incidents. (25:36)

• Sexuality and Acceptance:
  • The novel portrays Dave’s journey of self-acceptance amidst societal and familial challenges. His mother’s long-term lesbian relationship parallels his own struggles. (15:46)

Structural Nuances and Literary Style

Greg Coles emphasizes Hollinghurst’s elegant and sinuous prose, likening it to Henry James’s attention to emotional nuance. He appreciates the detailed psychological realism and recommends the audiobook for its excellent narration by Prasanna Puwanaraja. (09:50)

Emily Akin complements this by discussing the deep architectural planning behind the episodic scenes, tying them to overarching themes of inheritance and self-discovery. “They're all really good and I recommend them.” (04:29)

MJ Franklin and Greg Coles discuss the influence of music and structured thematic elements, referencing a piano exercise that metaphorically maps onto the novel’s structure. (31:11)

Listener Feedback and Online Discussion

The hosts share insightful comments from listeners around the world, highlighting diverse interpretations and emotional responses to the novel.

• April from Australia describes the book as a “slow burn” that became profoundly impactful after the initial pages. (25:36)

• Blair from Tampa praises the descriptive language and immersive scenes, likening the narrative voice to Jeremy Irons narrating Brideshead Revisited. (25:36)

• Macy Jane from Boise remarks on the portrayal of oppressive social forces and their subtle yet pervasive impact on the characters. (25:36)

• Seville from Austin, Texas admires Dave’s work ethic and Hollinghurst’s lyrical writing style. (26:19)

These comments underscore the novel’s ability to resonate on multiple levels, from its lyrical prose to its profound thematic explorations.

Discussion on Hollinghurst’s Portrayal of a Character of Color

The panel addresses the sensitive portrayal of Dave Wynn, a mixed-race character, by a white author.

• Greg Coles initially expressed skepticism but acknowledges that Hollinghurst successfully embodies Dave’s character without it feeling forced or inauthentic. “He fully inhabits Dave. It doesn't ever feel like an act of ventriloquism.” (27:30)

• Emily Akin draws parallels to Henry James, noting Hollinghurst’s ability to portray an outsider’s perspective authentically. (28:35)

• MJ Franklin shares her initial concerns but concedes that the portrayal feels true to life, especially in depicting microaggressions and societal biases. (27:52)

• Greg Coles adds that Dave’s limited connection to his Burmese heritage adds depth to his character’s internal struggle. (27:30)

Final Thoughts on the Ending

The panel discusses the novel’s conclusion, which sees Dave’s untimely death due to a xenophobic attack and the subsequent completion of his manuscript by Richard.

• Emily Akin finds the ending abrupt and feels it serves as a heavy-handed deus ex machina, detracting from the novel’s otherwise meticulous construction. “I have to admit that I was not happy about the ending. It felt like a contrivance.” (38:05)

• Scott Heller defends the ending’s impact, describing it as a powerful jolt that underscores the novel’s themes of racism and social regression. “It was really wrenching and it was just... a repudiation of so much of what comes before it.” (40:36)

• MJ Franklin concurs, acknowledging both the emotional weight and the structural abruptness of the finale. “I can't imagine wanting more of those scenes, but it felt abrupt to me. It's a jolt...” (40:36)

Book Recommendations

Before concluding, the panel shares a series of book recommendations that resonate with the themes and styles discussed in “Our Evenings.”

• Greg Coles recommends “Fun Home” by Alison Bechdel, a graphic memoir exploring coming of age and queer identity.

• Scott Heller suggests:

  • Patrick Stewart’s Memoirs – for insights into the life of a British actor.
  • “Mona Acts Out” by Misha Berlinski – a comic novel set in the American theater scene.
  • “A Natural” by Ross Raisin – a story of a young British soccer player grappling with his sexuality.

• Emily Akin recommends:

  • “Le Grand Molne” by Alain Fournier – a coming-of-age story that influenced “The Great Gatsby.”
  • Additional suggestions include Hollinghurst’s own backlist (“The Swimming Pool Library,” “The Line of Beauty,” and “Sparsholt”) and works like “Hearts Invisible Furies” by John Boyne and “The New Life” by Tom Cru.

• MJ Franklin adds her personal recommendations, emphasizing Hollinghurst’s past works and other lyrical authors who explore similar themes.

Conclusion

MJ Franklin wraps up the discussion by encouraging listeners to join the ongoing conversation online and to look forward to the February book club selection, “Orbital” by Samantha Harvey. She emphasizes the rich, multifaceted discussion “Our Evenings” has inspired and invites readers to engage further through the New York Times platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• Emily Akin: “This felt like a very Jamesian novel in tone to me.”
• Scott Heller: “It's a genial repudiation of so much of what comes before it.”
• Greg Coles: “He fully inhabits Dave. It doesn't ever feel like an act of ventriloquism.”
• MJ Franklin: “I can't imagine wanting more of those scenes, but it felt abrupt to me. It's a jolt...”

This comprehensive discussion provides listeners with deep insights into “Our Evenings,” highlighting its literary significance, thematic richness, and the nuanced performances of its characters. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Hollinghurst or new to his work, this episode offers valuable perspectives to enhance your reading experience.