Author: Michelle de Kretser (b. 1957)

First published:The Life to Come, 2017, in Australia

Publisher: Catapult (New York). 352 pp.

Type of work: Novel

Time: Late 1990s to the early twenty-first century

Locales: Australia, France, and Sri Lanka

"The Life to Come" by Michelle de Kretser is a novel that comprises five interconnected narratives exploring the intricacies of modern life. The book, rich in detail and emotion, captures the complex interplay of its characters across various geographies and timeframes. Set in Australia, France, and Sri Lanka, it delves into themes of aspiration, identity, and the passage of time.

Principal Characters

Pippa, an ambitious yet questionably talented writer

George, a doctoral student in literature who evolves into a writer and is Pippa's roommate for a time

Céleste, an Australian translator residing in Paris and a friend of Pippa

Sabine, Céleste’s lover, who is married

Cassie, an Australian doctoral student involved with Ash

Ash, Cassie’s boyfriend, a Sri Lankan who struggles with commitment

Christabel, a Sri Lankan woman striving to start anew in Sydney

Bunty, Christabel’s childhood friend and sponsor for her move to Australia

Author's Intent and Context

Michelle de Kretser’s interest in the relationship between individuals and their historical and geographical contexts is evident throughout her work. Her debut novel, The Rose Grower, set during the French Revolution, reflects this preoccupation by intertwining personal and historical narratives. With The Life to Come, she shifts focus to more contemporary settings, yet maintains this thematic consistency, exploring the inner workings of the human psyche amidst the backdrop of late 20th and early 21st-century life.

Structure and Style

Unlike conventional novels, The Life to Come is divided into five distinct sections, each resembling a standalone novella. The opening section, "The Fictive Self," centers on George, a PhD student in Sydney dealing with personal loss. De Kretser’s narrative eschews traditional plot development, opting instead for a detailed portrayal of George's daily life, creating an authentic slice-of-life experience.

Character Dynamics

The novel’s second section, "The Ashfield Tamil," chronicles the relationship between Ash, a Sri Lankan academic, and Cassie, an Australian PhD student. Their interactions reveal their mutual misperceptions, with Ash perceiving Cassie as well-meaning yet disconnected, and Cassie viewing Ash through a lens of exotic tragedy. This section highlights the characters' internal struggles and the broader theme of cultural misunderstanding.

Interwoven Stories

The remaining narratives maintain a cohesive tone while exploring different settings and characters. "The Museum of Romantic Life" shifts to Paris, where Céleste engages in an affair with Sabine. "Pippa Passes" focuses on Pippa's interactions with various characters, underscoring her role as a central thread linking the disparate stories. The final section, "Olly Faithful," portrays Christabel’s life in Sydney, where she grapples with the challenges of a new beginning.

Exploration of Themes

Each character in The Life to Come navigates transitional phases, embodying a sense of waiting for a future that remains elusive. This theme is most clearly articulated through Pippa’s relentless pursuit of literary success and her impatience for recognition. Ash, on the other hand, awaits personal and professional milestones, while Céleste anticipates a resolution to her romantic entanglements. Through these narratives, de Kretser exposes the characters' preoccupation with the future, often at the expense of the present.

Humor and Social Commentary

De Kretser’s incisive humor serves as a vehicle for social critique, particularly evident in her portrayal of Pippa. Pippa’s exaggerated self-absorption and moral grandiosity provide a satirical lens through which de Kretser examines societal conventions. While Pippa professes noble ideals, her actions often contradict her stated values, highlighting...