BPS Review of Four Letters of Love, Niall Williams ( read April 2025)
Well, isn’t it lucky I’m not the authoritarian Trump of this book club?! Forcing you all to read ‘whimsical tosh’ every day of the week. Despite feeling somewhat bruised by your sharp insights, the scores actually reflect a more balanced view of the book. Only 15% of readers gave it a poor rating of 2.5 or less, then 45% gave it a mid (‘meh’) rating of 3-3.5 and the other 40% of us allowed it 4/5 or higher. So, a fair assessment of a book with some charms and some cause for eye-rolling as well.
It is fair to say, that for a debut novel back in 1997, a LOT was thrown into this story - some of which we could very well have done without. Words like fanciful, purple prose, unrealistic and overwritten were all mentioned. However, at the same time many referenced moments of exquisite prose, profound insight and clever symbolism.
There was much focus on love, not just initial romantic love, but that of parent and child, and of long-lasting marriage ties. The characters were definitively Irish – in that they were often not articulating what is actually in their heads but demonstrating something contrary in their actions, creating an emotional rollercoaster for the reader which at times swung alarmingly from frustration to humour to tragedy with some outlandish plot twists. (Sean’s miraculous ‘full recovery’ being perhaps the most irritating).
The depiction of Galway and of the Irish island was recognisable and enjoyable, from the nosey neighbour to the ‘best of intentions’ controlling mothers. Whilst written in 1997, there is a sense that it feels more dated than that, but with no specific reference it is hard to pinpoint. Many felt that the story was compelling despite its strange moments, and some wanted more of the ‘future’ of Nicholas and Isabel. The elements of magical realism, or spirituality, whatever it was, did frustrate readers especially in the later parts of the book, as “things went a bit mad”.
It certainly wasn’t a book lacking in – anything. Full of lots of character, life changing decision points for them, thoughts on life and love, local setting, social commentary, tragedy and joy, some exquisite writing. But you know what they say – sometimes less is more. Those of you who read the afterword noted that it was useful and insightful.
PS … we did bring up the reference to smelling eucalyptus and wondered if there was any particular significance to it. Well, of course there was …. apparently it’s full of symbolic meaning, from spiritual cleansing and protection to strength and purity. So there you have it.
