Book Review: The Book of Reading

Reviewed by J.B. Leddington

Can love and truth survive when history and memory collide?

The Book of Reading by Eric Larsen is an ambitious, engaging, and sometimes even mind-boggling exploration of the profound impact of literature, the complexities of history, and the enduring power of love. At its core, the novel presents an unusual yet strangely convincing thesis—namely, that works of literature possess the innate ability to serve as guardians of the American nation and people, thereby shielding both from the imminent dangers posed by the wider world. 

Of course, a phenomenon that momentous, that potentially earth-shattering, cannot occur organically; rather, it has to be set in motion by an individual or group of individuals able to see beyond the mundane and risk grasping the extraordinary. In this case, the driving force is Malcolm Reiner and his reticent discovery of the possibility of time travel: “I’d been in Iowa City for a month-and-a-half or two months when I discovered that time there existed not in a single plane, as it did everywhere else, but in two parallel planes separated from one another by thirty years.”

This discovery allows Malcolm to travel from the Iowa City of 1963 to the Iowa City of 1933. Once there, good fortune causes him to meet Eveline Stahl, a fellow graduate student, albeit one born some 33 years before him. Still, despite the decades that should customarily separate them, the pair feel an instant attraction and determine to engage in a time-defying relationship. What’s more, Eveline’s unwavering belief in the power of literature coupled with Malcolm’s knowledge of how history will unfold inspire them to pursue a truly bold enterprise.

Convinced that they are better able to steer the fate of the United States than those   who originally did the job, Malcolm and Eveline set out to change the timeline and so avert the catastrophe that they feel the nation faces. To accomplish this, they have to prevent two great disasters: the establishment of the Central Intelligence Agency, which they consider to have triggered the Cold War, and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which they feel launched the country on the path to dictatorship and decrepitude. 

“Eveline and I were being given the opportunity to undo an immense wrong. If we could succeed, then other subsequent wrongs, even greater ones, could in turn be avoided.” As their quest for both change and preservation intensifies, the story seamlessly transitions between pivotal historical events and the intimate moments shared by Malcolm and Eveline. Here, Larsen’s eloquent prose not only evokes the pair’s unique sense of patriotism but also delves into the intricacies of human emotions, underlining the enduring nature of love and sacrifice in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. 

The gifted and spirited Eveline fervently believes in the ability of literature not only to connect all aspects of life but also to protect her, Malcolm, and the country they both love from harm. “In this sense of a connection, at whatever distance, lay the seeds of Eveline’s later perception of the earth-protecting tendrils. The sense of communion or connectedness, the sense of touching another being… the touch going both ways, from the reader all the way back to the originator of the book, and from the originator all the way back to the reader.” Alongside the determined and passionate Malcolm, she unhesitatingly embarks on a daring mission that spans decades, attempting to alter the course of history and shape the destiny of their nation, and despite the hubris of their plan, they largely remain a likable and stalwart pair.

Through a neat blend of intricate storytelling and intellectual contemplation, The Book of Reading emphasizes the profound impact that literature can have on individual and national identity. Larsen navigates the complex interplay between literature and history, highlighting the subtle yet potent ways in which the former shapes the political and social fabric of society. His exploration of the transformative power of words serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting legacy of storytelling and its ability to inspire change and resilience in the face of adversity. 

In addition, Larsen’s merging of real historical events with the fictional exploits of Malcolm and Eveline, particularly when viewed through their bespoke philosophical lens, renders The Book of Reading highly immersive and surprisingly fast-paced. The novel’s emotional resonance is heightened by Larsen’s vivid depiction of Eveline and Malcolm’s deep connection, revealing the life-changing and redemptive qualities of love against a backdrop of uncertainty and tremendous change. 

Given its thought-provoking exploration of love, destiny, and the timeless influence of literature, The Book of Reading is a powerful and resonant novel that explores complex issues with a light touch and always stresses the human element of portentous events. Larsen’s intricate plotting exposes the complexities of history and the enduring spirit of patriotism, highlighting the transformative role of literature. 

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