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The Gravity of Sunlight |
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T he Gravity of Sunlight byRosa Shand Soho Press 240 pages, May 2000 ISBN 1569471924 Reviewed by Morgan Ann Adams The Gravity of Sunlight is a powerful reading experience. There is no simpler way to relate the feelings this book can invoke. Set in the countryside of Uganda, Africa in the 1970's, the story revolves around thirty-one year old Agnes. With subtle intensity, Rosa Shand explores, with often sinister results, the depths of human feeling and intention. Through Agnes' battle with temptation, Shand uncovers the heart of what is missing in Agnes' life. Agnes and her husband, John, are teaching in a small African college. They are passionately overeducated with three young children. Their choice to move their family to Uganda is never explained. It does quickly become clear that Agnes is reaching and groping for any kind of change that will create a greater gap between her and John. She is unhappy with her marriage, but not with life. At first, this distance appears to be only psychological, as Agnes debates her ability or consent to will herself to love John and be faithful to him. The theoretical dispute becomes physical when an attractive (albeit married) man makes his affections known to Agnes. John himself is faced with temptation in the form of a young African student. The African setting is a surprisingly small part of the basic story. Through rich but flawed characters, Shand creates situations that transcend time, period or culture. The real feeling that this could happen to any couple, from any background, is disturbingly evident. In the same way that gravity is unable to tame sunlight, Agnes is unable to rein in her own need for independence and freedom. The format of the book is quite orderly. It would be possible to separate each chapter into its own short story and be pleasantly satisfied. The titles, as well as short, seemingly incongruous descriptions before each chapter, brought my attention to the hidden pulses running beneath the blatant story. The organized layout is suited to a college professor turned author (as Shand is) who has grown accustomed to helping readers decipher great subtleties. At times the story seems so dark, and Agnes appears so hopelessly lost that it is painful to experience. However, this is part of the masterful depiction of the difference between human need and desire. The Gravity of Sunlight is a wonderfully well-crafted book worthy of great success. |
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