A Fraction of the Whole is the debute novel by Steve Toltz, published in 2008. This is the second excellent book by a contemporary Australian writer I have read recently and I can't recommend it enough. It's long (about 600 pages) but flows rapidly and unpredictably. It's witty and exciting and deep and absurd and tragic. This story of the relationship among a young man, his father, and his uncle is completely unorthodox and fascinating. The narration is complex, consisting primarily of two closely related stories - that of Martin Dean and of his son Jasper. Martin's brother (Jasper Dean's uncle) also looms large in the story, as the mythologized outlaw who dominated Martin's life. Martin is one of the most unique and complex characters I've been introduced to in a long time. The story moves through an absurd set of actions all resulting in a total mess. Although solidly dark in their implications for life and the view they give of the human species, these ruminations, projects, actions, plans, etc. are described with wonderful caustic wit that often had me laughing out loud. It's a wonderful book and also deeply moving.
For a review of the book from The Guardian, click here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/jun/21/saturdayreviewsfeatres.guardianreview28
For a review of the book from The Guardian, click here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/jun/21/saturdayreviewsfeatres.guardianreview28
