Fictional Book Review - Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler - Liam Pennywell's Own Ark of Life

Accomplished writer Anne Tyler's latest novel is entitled "Noah's Compass," (Knopf, 2009). Sixty-one year-old Liam Pennywell is downsized from his fifth-grade teaching position at St Dyfrig's, a second-rate private boys school. He adjusts his finances by moving into a smaller, one bedroom apartment; located near the Baltimore Beltway. During his inaugural slumber, he is assaulted and robbed. He awakens the next morning; hospitalized with a concussion.Liam yearns to remember his attack and other events forgotten since the crime. During a doctor's appointment he witnesses an older gentleman accompanied by a younger woman. It's clear she whispers in his ear important facts, like the receptionist's name. He realizes that the man has his very own "rememberer." He wants one too. Liam identifies the man via an Internet search as Ishmael Cope, owner of Cope Development, Inc. He schemes to meet up with Mr. Cope and his rememberer as they enter his office building. Liam fabricates a story that he and Cope met at a charity event. He reminds Mr. Cope that he suggested Liam submit his resume for employment consideration. Neither he nor his rememberer recalls the offer.Mr. Cope's rememberer is Eunice Dunstead. She proffers to help Liam refine his resume to enhance his odds of employment at Cope Development. Liam has no desire to work at the company; yet accepts Eunice's assistance. She develops a meteoric mash on Liam, which, Liam surprisingly enjoys. Eunice, 38, is plain in appearance; often wearing peasant skirts or harem style pants with bulky sandals. She shuns makeup under her big glasses with smudged lenses. She presents an occasional lack of grace; is naive, literal-minded and subject to blushes and rashes. And yet, with all of her idiosyncrasies, Liam is smitten. Events unfold that force Liam to evaluate if dating Eunice is best, even if it may be his last chance at love.Kitty, 17, is Liam's youngest of three daughters. He and his second wife Barbara conceived her in hopes of saving their marriage. She didn't. They divorced a year after her birth. Kitty crashes Liam's new habitat because of ongoing arguments with Barbara. She displays her typical teenage antics including those that involve her boyfriend, Damian. Liam views her as a foreigner, having invested little time with her over the years.Liam babysits his five- year- old grandson, Jonah; and their bond finds him contemplating religion. Jonah embraces fundamentalist Christianity like Liam's daughter Louise and her husband, Dougall. He plays under Liam's watch by coloring in his "Bible Tales for Tots" book. Louise and Liam disagree about her religious beliefs, which is often a conversation topic when retrieving her son. The book's title, "Noah's Compass," is referenced in dialogue between Liam and Jonah. Liam tells the child that Noah's Ark was stationary and never sailed. "There was nowhere to go. He was just trying to stay afloat. He was just bobbing up and down, so he didn't need a compass, or a rudder, or a sextant," a story mirroring Liam's own life.Bard Pennywell left Liam's mother, his sister Julia, and Liam when he was a teenager. He found happiness with Esther Jo Baddingley who's still his wife. Liam visits the local couple to announce his downsizing, assault, and meeting Eunice. He's reminded how historically, he and his father have been challenged to communicate.Police identify Liam's attacker; and the suspect's relative visits Liam with a strange request. He's nonplussed by the suggestion and finds himself wondering if he's the villain. These relationships, situations, and others, cause Liam to evaluate his life perspective and journey. They reflect our own mortality and instincts to review personal accomplishments and decisions as time advances.Tyler is a talented author with 18 books to her credit. "Noah's Compass" presents at an expedient, spacious 279 pages. Read Tyler's narrative and you're sure to appreciate her captivating story, and discover your own connection. dr seuss cat in hat history