Night of Fire

A compelling, engrossing and memorable read, but equally not one that was always enjoyable. Night of Fire is a novel that readers undoubtedly have to work at in order to get the most from. The critics similarly were far from unequivocal in their praise. Thubron's framing device — as the title suggests — is the realisation (potentially occurring simultaneously) by the tenants of a decaying house that it is burning. Each relives and regrets their life that could have been at this integral moment, even if they are not fully conscious of doing so. Thubron's broader objective is suggested by the opening quote, which implies that just as there is the possibility of phantom limbs, so the same could be said of phantom memories. There is the issue of unreliable narration, but more, the reader is forced to wonder whether each character is just part of the landlord's broader mental makeup, an assembled set of overlapping fragments, or a series of philosophical musings. Thubron, if nothing else, shows just how differently a priest, a neurosurgeon and a naturalist (amidst others) might approach the end of life. Some segments are naturally stronger than others, and moments of genius (not to mention beautiful descriptive writing) are sadly let down by Thubron just trying to be a little too clever. Rein in the enthusiasm and Night of Fire would have been excellent rather than just quite good.

By Colin Thubron