The Confabulist. The title tells the core of this story. The first page opens the door into the story with a scene between a Dr. Korsakoff and a nameless patient. The last sentence of this first chapter introduces the mystery of this man’s identity. By definition, confabulation is ‘the confusion of imagination with actual memories or the formation of false memories, due to a psychological or neurological disorder’ (The Encyclopedia of Psychology - Psych Central)
I have read several reviews on the Goodread’s site - not all - but several. I attended my monthly book group yesterday afternoon. The discussion was lively and full of questions never completely resolved.
My own perception of this book, initally, was that it just seemed a history of Harry Houdini, as told by the protagonist, Martin Strauss. There were many characters with much intrigue however there was an emotional flatness that did not seem to match the level of intrigue. I came away from the discussion and reading with the interpretation that this book is about one man's descent into memory distortions and dementia, describing the disruptions that rob an individual of their vitality, replacing them with paranoia and fear. As dementia is a puzzle that defies being unlocked, it seemed natural that Harry Houdini, with renown for magic and escapes from the unescapable, be the subject of this story. Unfortunately, I was in a minority with this idea both in my group and on the Goodread’s site.
Steven Galloway, whether my interpretation is accurate or not, has beautifully crafted actual details from Houdini’s life as previously documented, along with spiritualism, politics and international intrigue. Memory and magic, belief and perception are all part of this well written story of magic and memory.
“Magic is believing in what we understand is not real
because we want it to be. Magic is that tiny fraction
keeping you from infinity. And right now this is magic.”
~ Steven Galloway, from The Confabulist
The Confabulist. The title tells the core of this story. The first page opens the door into the story with a scene between a Dr. Korsakoff and a nameless patient. The last sentence of this first chapter introduces the mystery of this man’s identity. By definition, confabulation is ‘the confusion of imagination with actual memories or the formation of false memories, due to a psychological or neurological disorder’ (The Encyclopedia of Psychology - Psych Central)
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