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General Introduction
"The Celibacy of Felix Greenspan" by Lionel Abrahams is a novel presented as "a novel in 18 stories," which some critics find ineffective due to its focus on individual relationships rather than a broader narrative. The book follows Felix Greenspan, the son of middle-class Jewish parents in Johannesburg, as he navigates his disabilities and seeks selfhood through education and experiences. Despite the title's suggestion, Felix's story revolves around love and sex, with his persona shaped by his Jewish heritage, disabilities, and South African upbringing. The book's style is more lyrical than narrative, with a focus on Felix's internal struggles and experiences. The South African backdrop is evident in the narrative, especially regarding apartheid and racial dynamics. The novel ends with Felix still seeking enduring intimacy, suggesting that many relationships in his life, including those that seem like love, ultimately fall short.
Title
The title page describes the book as "a novel in 18 stories," but I find this approach ineffective. It results in some shortcomings. Because each story can only focus on one relationship, if that's the appropriate term, the book doesn't consistently convey the sense of varied ongoing life, the sense of the reality of others that we get from some novelists. However, the book does have a central theme, even though it lacks a singular plot, and that theme is the growth, or rather the struggle towards selfhood, of its protagonist.
Plot Summary and Analysis
©Tony Voss
Felix, rarely addressed as Mr. Greenspan, is the son of middle-class Jewish parents, a product of the diaspora and the suburbs of Johannesburg. His education spans various settings, from home to special schools to the University of the Witwatersrand, as he grapples with his disabilities in pursuit of knowledge and experience. The persona of Felix Greenspan emerges as a result of his achievements rather than natural development.
This book is romantic in nature, offering a picaresque portrayal of a sensibility rather than a character. The elements shaping Felix's persona, such as his physical disability, Jewish heritage, and South African upbringing, appear inherent to him. Yet, especially in the latter part of the book, and notably from the second story ('Adventure One'), Felix actively seeks out experiences, absorbing all that life offers him.
The title, "The Celibacy of Felix Greenspan," is ironic and metaphorical, as much of the protagonist's focus is on love and sex. The narrative largely neglects Felix as a member of society. In this sense, the book's style is more lyrical than narrative.
The first consummated love affair of the South: As a girl walked past him... A hopeless pang informed him that he was once again entering desire, the prison where he had lain, and undoubtedly would again, a hopeless detainee, at the mercy of unreachable girl after girl. (p.128)
Perhaps the use of the word "prisoner" reflects the South African context of the book, but it is used here without any awareness of its ironic political reference. In the story titled 'London', Felix is asked to sign a pledge "for a boycott against apartheid." "How can I," he responds, "if I'm going back?" The South African backdrop is most strikingly evident when fear causes Felix to end his relationship with a black woman ("he had forgotten her name!") with whom he had experienced "the most complete lovemaking, body to body... that he had ever encountered.”
"If the muse flirts with you in Newtown, you must be pleased, even if she is coy in Kensington. If she is kind to you in Newtown — Newtown, you know? — then she is interested in you. And if she rejects you in Kensington, that's okay. She wants you to learn something about her."
However, the story "Knowledge" concludes with the deaths of both Mr. de Waal and Felix's friend and fellow-spastic, Edwin. Transitioning from his initial understanding of death and art, Felix experiences his first sexual encounter in the subsequent story, "The Moment." In the final story, "Invisible Worm," Felix's relationship with Lucilla, which he has invested with all his patience and devotion and which may be progressing towards marriage, is halted by his realization that she is "like my sister
In the closing moments of the book, he has turned to a woman with whom his "literary business" has connected him through correspondence. She has agreed to allow him to write to her "with complete openness." The Celibacy of Felix Greenspan concludes with: "On the second of January he wrote to Veronica Steen, 'Thank you for accepting me. Now I'll open to you, my woman, my secret love, my joy...'" For Felix Greenspan, writing and sex, if not art and love, have merged. (Yet, all the relationships seem unsatisfactory — characters appear and disappear without a sense that they have a life and identity separate from their role in Felix Greenspan's life.)
The book concludes with a sense of anticipation, suggesting future events. In my opinion, the childhood episodes of the book are the most engaging, although there is some clever wit and humor in the adult episodes as well. Perhaps the narrative technique and Mr. Abraham's occasionally old-fashioned style are more suited to the world of childhood. It is challenging to maintain the necessary detachment to accept the author's somewhat naive disclaimer that the "book is fictional and is not meant to be read as an account of real people or occurrences." In the later stories, the autobiographical elements seem particularly pronounced.
Ultimately, Felix remains celibate: it's not just that he is unmarried, but that he has not found a relationship of enduring intimacy. Is it a uniquely South African phenomenon that many relationships that appear to be love end up being something else? Felix's black mistress ends up being a client: his spiritual lover might as well be.
Themes
"The Celibacy of Felix Greenspan" explores several themes, providing a deep and introspective look into the life of its protagonist. Here are the key themes:
1. Identity and Selfhood: The novel delves into Felix Greenspan's journey of self-discovery and identity formation. As he navigates his disabilities and Jewish heritage in the context of South African society, Felix struggles to define himself beyond societal expectations and limitations.
2. Love and Sexuality: Despite the title's suggestion of celibacy, the novel revolves around Felix's experiences with love and sexuality. It explores the complexities of romantic relationships and the search for intimacy, highlighting Felix's longing for meaningful connections.
3. Disability and Society: Felix's physical disabilities play a significant role in shaping his experiences and interactions with the world around him. The novel examines how society views and treats individuals with disabilities, offering insights into the challenges they face.
4. Cultural and Societal Context: Set against the backdrop of apartheid-era South Africa, the novel explores the cultural and societal dynamics of the time. It addresses issues of race, class, and politics, providing a nuanced portrayal of the complexities of South African society.
5. Literature and Art: Felix's engagement with literature and art is a recurring theme in the novel. It explores the role of creativity in shaping identity and understanding the world, highlighting the transformative power of art.
6. Isolation and Connection: Throughout the novel, Felix grapples with feelings of isolation and a longing for connection. The book explores the human need for meaningful relationships and the impact of isolation on one's sense of self.
7. Growth and Transformation: Central to the novel is Felix's journey of growth and transformation. Through his experiences and relationships, he undergoes personal development, ultimately seeking a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him.
8. Narrative Structure: The novel's unique structure, presented as "a novel in 18 stories," also serves as a thematic element. It reflects the fragmented nature of Felix's experiences and the multifaceted aspects of his identity, contributing to the overall exploration of themes such as identity, love, and connection.
Literary Styles
"The Celibacy of Felix Greenspan" showcases several distinct literary styles that contribute to its overall impact and thematic depth:
1. Lyrical Prose: The novel is characterized by its lyrical prose, which often borders on poetic. Abrahams uses rich language and imagery to evoke emotion and create vivid scenes, enhancing the reader's immersion in Felix's world.
2. Fragmented Narrative: The novel's structure, presented as "a novel in 18 stories," results in a fragmented narrative that mirrors Felix's disjointed experiences and fragmented sense of self. This style allows Abrahams to explore different facets of Felix's life and psyche, adding layers to the narrative.
3. Introspection and Stream of Consciousness: Much of the novel is devoted to Felix's introspective thoughts and reflections. Abrahams employs a stream-of-consciousness technique to delve into Felix's innermost thoughts, providing insight into his emotions and motivations.
4. Symbolism and Metaphor: Abrahams uses symbolism and metaphor throughout the novel to convey deeper meanings. For example, the title itself, "The Celibacy of Felix Greenspan," is both literal and metaphorical, symbolizing Felix's struggles with intimacy and connection.
5. Social Commentary: Set against the backdrop of apartheid-era South Africa, the novel serves as a social commentary on the cultural and societal dynamics of the time. Abrahams uses Felix's experiences to explore themes of race, class, and politics, offering a nuanced perspective on South African society.
6. Humor and Satire: Despite its serious themes, the novel also features elements of humor and satire. Abrahams uses wit and irony to lighten the narrative at times, providing moments of levity amidst the heavier themes.
7. Character Development: Through the novel's various stories, Abrahams develops Felix's character in a nuanced and layered manner. The reader witnesses Felix's growth and transformation over time, as he navigates the complexities of his life and relationships.
The combination of these literary styles contributes to the novel's richness and complexity, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Conclusion
"The Celibacy of Felix Greenspan" is a rich and introspective novel that delves deep into the life and psyche of its protagonist. Through its lyrical prose, fragmented narrative structure, and introspective style, the novel explores themes of identity, love, disability, and society. Abrahams' use of symbolism, metaphor, and social commentary adds depth and complexity to the narrative, providing a nuanced portrayal of South African society during apartheid.
The novel's unique structure, presented as "a novel in 18 stories," allows Abrahams to explore different aspects of Felix's life and personality, offering a multifaceted view of his character. Felix's journey of self-discovery and growth is compelling and thought-provoking, as he navigates the complexities of his disabilities, relationships, and cultural identity.
Overall, "The Celibacy of Felix Greenspan" is a poignant and evocative novel that resonates with readers on a profound level. Abrahams' masterful storytelling and insightful exploration of themes make this novel a timeless and compelling read.
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