Gryphons Read novel follows lives of family struck by tragedy
David Chariandy’s book tells the story of a family who is struggling. It tells the story of first generation Canadians, the pressure put on them by their parents to succeed, and the rejection they face by others in society.
Set in Scarborough in the early ’80s, Chariandy describes the location as “a wasteland on the outskirts of a sprawling city.” The novel is written from the perspective of Michael, a young man living and working in the same neighborhood where he was raised. Michael takes care of his grieving mother; a woman still recovering from the sudden death of her other son, Francis — an event which took place a decade earlier. We learn of Francis’s death at the beginning of the book, but slowly uncover the circumstances of his death throughout the novel.
The writing itself is beautiful, weaving memories from Michael’s childhood, the events leading up to Francis’s death, and Michael’s present situation. The story is also heartbreaking — the family lives in a country that constantly shows prejudice against them because of their skin colour. They experience racism on a daily basis — they are profiled by store owners, verbally abused by strangers, and unjustly given a reputation as troublemakers.
I felt nostalgic reading this novel; although Michael’s childhood was very different from mine, I could connect with the relationships he had with his mother and brother. As a child, the world seems so beautiful and full of adventure, but it can also seem terrifying. When Michael and Francis roam through the woods and play by a creek, Chariandy reminds us of the curiosity and wonderment that comes with childhood. When the brothers learn of a crime committed close to their home, they are paralyzed by fear. In these times, they lay in bed with their mother, and she comforts them with a bedtime story. In every situation, the boys are there for eachother; their connection unbreakable, and their love limitless.
These childhood memories contrast with the harsh reality of Michael’s present. Learning of the nature of Francis’ death was painful; I had connected with the character. Francis is a loving, sweet boy painted as a criminal.
Brother is the story of a single mother caring for her two sons in a society that rejects and mistreats them. But above all, this novel tells the story of a family who give each other the strength to survive.
David Chariandy will be visiting U of G on Tuesday, Sept. 25 for a public talk, as part of the Gryphons Read program. The event will be hosted by U of G Professor Lawrence Hill and will be located in the Robert Whitelaw Room (256) in the McLaughlin Library at 7 p.m.