There are many things that have changed since I turned 40. I like olives, cilantro, and spicy food (I still hate whiskey), and my interest in literature that has an unconventional writing style has expanded. All the Colour in the World, by C.S. Richardson, a book shortlisted for the Giller Prize, is a prime example.
Structure first. The book is short, about 200 pages, with each page a different chapter. This is only the beginning of what makes it unique. It’s written in a kind-of prose/poetic style. Sentences can be paragraphs; paragraphs might read more like bullet points; and the language is often poetic, that is to say, it does not describe or point directly at its subject, but often around it, alluding to emotions or events. This slows one down as a reader. The result, I must say, is deeply satisfying. Also interesting is the way the author moves back and forth between the story he’s telling, and frequent pieces of historical information that contextualize the story. For example, if a scene takes place in a particular place, some history of the place will be shared, even if it has little to do with the narrative directly. Again, a kind of poetic move that broadens the reader’s experience. Or if a particular kind of paint is being discussed, it will discuss the paints history from ancient times and how it was discovered or made. It gives the narrative moment a weight it would otherwise lack.
Second – the plot. The novel has a main character, Henry. The book begins with his birth and ends in his late middle age (that’s a lot of life to cover in 200 pages!). It traces his early family life, his marriage, experience of World War II, post-war trauma, and an attempt to come to terms with that trauma years later. It’s an exceptionally painful book interspersed with some joyous moments, though it doesn’t feel gratuitous. Richardson creates a powerful sense of empathy through Henry’s journey.
Finally – the theme. Colour is used as an entry point to the human experience, as a way to see the world. We take colour for granted, but the main character, an art historian, and author, do not. This creates a different way of looking at the world, which is fascinating because of course colour is ever-present.
All the Colour in the World is a short, interesting, and different novel. It made me think more deeply about structure in writing, and the power it can contain.
Just Because I Liked It:
- I’ve become increasingly interested in AI, and especially its implications for education. Here’s a fascinating article about Sam Altman, the CEO of the company that created ChatGPT, and how far AI has come.
- Dustin Moskowitz is the quieter of the Facebook founders, but, I think, way more interesting, as you’ll find in this interview. He’s self-reflective, an introvert, and a thoughtful leader. There’s a lot to learn from him.