December 05, 2015

Twain's End - Lynn Cullen

 

Gallery Books, October 13, 2015.





Four Stars



Much has been written about Samuel Clemens and his alter ego, Mark Twain. In Cullen’s new novel, Clemens is reaching the end of his life, and reflecting back as he writes his biography. His hubris is strong throughout the story, as he is more concerned with his reputation than recording what actually happened in his life. He procrastinates finishing the autobiography, fearing that its end will be his as well. However, there were clearly some major differences between the real Clemens and his fictional construct, Twain – so in reality, his autobiography is a fictional work, describing the man he wished the public to see.


Clemens took his fictional name from a riverboat term, but it is also observed by another character that Twain means “twin” – Mark is Samuel’s twin, or alter ego. They each showcase a different side of his personality. Even today, Twain is seen as the jolly American humorist, while – in this version, at least – Clemens appears as an angry old man. The contradictory nature of the man is what makes his story so interesting.


Twain’s End focuses on the women in Clemens’ life, including his wife and daughters, and most of the novel is written from the perspective of his secretary, Isabel. While she clearly respected and even idolized him, he treats her as an emotional punching bag. Clemens accuses Isabel of trying to steal from him, of ruining his relationships and of trying to marry him – yet when she decides to marry another man, he truly turns against her. Obviously, Clemens felt more for Isabel than he let on. He was clearly charming, and Isabel fell for his womanizing ways. She was led to believe that she was an integral part of the family, but she was cast out without a second thought.


This novel was very well researched, with plenty of historical detail. It was all interesting, but sometimes it slowed down the plot. The slow pace of the novel was made up for with strong character development and intriguing anecdotes about Clemens’ life. Because we often study historical figures in isolation, it was surprising to see Helen Keller turn up in Clemens’ parlour for tea. I was captivated by the conversation between the two, as their friendship was not something I had known about.


The character of Isabel was very simplistic, and she was only likeable once she got out from under Clemens’ spell. She was more useful as a lens to view Clemens’ private side, and explore issues of public personalities and celebrity. Twain was a flawed yet lovable character who Clemens could hide behind – he was idolized by Americans as the voice of the people, in spite of his many personal issues. However, fictionalized biographies such as Twain’s End add layers of depth to readings of classical literature such as Huckleberry Finn, and learning more about the man behind the iconic character of Mark Twain is always worthwhile.


I received this book for free from Gallery Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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