The Cunning Man by Robertson Davies

Second reading; first read about six years ago


Canadian author Robertson Davies begins his last novel with this sentence, "Should I have taken the false teeth?" With this intriguing question, he introduces the sudden death at the alter of an Anglican priest. The novel that ensues contains a little dash of mystery; a reminiscence of youth; a remembrance of old friends; many ruminations about art, music, literature, and philosophy; and a growing acceptance of the limitations and new challenges of old age. This is probably not a book which would be especially appreciated by readers of middle age or younger, as it moves very slowly, contains a minimum of plot, and rambles more than a bit about matters which I would not have understood when I was, say, 40. But it is the perfect book for me.

Davies seems to me to have a deep and wise understanding of human beings and their foibles, employing a most gentle, kind, and extremely witty satire. Every sentence is impeccably and gracefully written. He displays an enormous breadth of learning, while never seeming arrogant or superior.

Davies has long been one of my favorite authors, particularly for his Deptford Trilogy and his Cornish Trilogy. To me he accomplishes what Henry James attempted. For readers new to Davies, the earlier novels are much more plot-driven and might, therefore, be more appreciated.

The last sentence of this novel is as impressive as the first sentence: "...this is the Great Theatre of Life. Admission is free but the taxation is mortal. You come when you can, and leave when you must. The show is continuous. Good-night."

So must we all say, "Good-night."

Among the many special observations and tidbits in this novel is this one, which was a special favorite of mine: "Homosexuality had become, not the love which dares not speak its name, but the love that never knows when to shut up." I was forcibly and amusingly reminded of the recent Chick-Fil-A uproar. (Don't let this make you suppose that Davies was homophobic at all. Almost all his novels have sympathetically-treated male and female gay characters.)

Highly recommended for readers of "a certain age."