Review of the book “What Roots in the Bone”, by Robertson Davies
Review/Opinion:
In What Roots in the Bone Robertson Davies immerses us in the fascinating story of Francis Cornish, a wealthy and mysterious patron and collector of Canadian art who has just died. From the chance circumstances that lead to the marriage of his parents, through his unorthodox artistic training – which began in an embalmer’s workshop – or his initiation into love, the novel goes through the different stages of his life and gives an account of of his character development. This is how the origin of his fabulous fortune is discovered and his past as a painting restorer and forger is revealed, skills that during the Second World War would lead him to be part of British espionage and participate in a plot to sell fake works of art. to the Nazis.
In this novel, Robertson Davies creates an ingenious story about the reasons, passions and intrigues that drive the art world. This second part of the Cornish Trilogy, which due to its plot reads as an independent story, is a wise investigation into the ultimate secret behind all existence and how a man’s character is forged.
“What Roots in the Bone” is a literary masterpiece written by the talented Canadian author Robertson Davies. Published in 1996, this captivating and complex novel immerses us in a world of art, mythology and mystery, while examining profound themes such as identity, redemption and human nature.
The plot of “What Roots in the Bone” takes place in the fictional city of Toronto and follows the lives of several interconnected characters. At the center of the story is the artist Francis Cornish, who after his death continues to exert a mysterious influence on those who knew him. Through his artistic legacy and the secrets surrounding his life, Davies takes us through a labyrinth of revelations and discoveries that challenge our perceptions and invite us to reflect on the nature of art and human existence.
One of the most notable strengths of this novel is Davies’s ability to create complex and vivid characters. Each of the characters that populate “What Roots in the Bone” is carefully constructed, with different motivations and personalities that make them believable and fascinating. From the enigmatic Francis Cornish to the artists, academics, and mythological figures who surround him, each character brings an additional layer to the plot and enriches the exploration of the novel’s central themes.
Davies’s prose is exquisite and evocative. His narrative style is elegant and detailed, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the settings and atmospheres created by the author. Additionally, his deep knowledge of art, mythology, and history is reflected throughout the novel, adding an additional dimension to the plot and making it an enriching experience for the reader.
“What Roots in the Bone” also stands out for its exploration of deep and universal themes. Davies examines the nature of art and its transformative power, as well as the relationship between past and present, reality and fiction. Through the intertwined stories of the characters, the author invites us to reflect on the nature of identity and the search for meaning in a complex and constantly changing world.
In addition to its captivating narrative and memorable characters, “What Roots in the Bone” is also a work that challenges the reader to delve deeper into philosophical and moral themes. Davies raises questions about individual responsibility, redemption, and the nature of good and evil. As the characters face their own demons and search for answers to their deepest questions, the reader is drawn into an emotional and reflective journey that leaves a lasting impression.
Robertson Davies (1913-1995) is one of the most important Canadian authors. He published eleven novels, organized in trilogies: the Salterton Trilogy: At the Mercy of the Tempest, Yeast of Malice and A Mixture of Infirmities; the Deptford Trilogy: The Fifth in Discord, Manticore and The World of Wonders; the Cornish Trilogy: Rebel Angels, That Which Roots in the Bone and The Lyre of Orpheus; and the unfinished Toronto Trilogy, to which Murder and Souls in Sorrow and A Cunning Man belong. He also highlights the short story anthology Holiday Spirit. Ghost stories.
1. **The Cornish Family History:** The novel focuses on the Cornish family, especially Francis Cornish, an eccentric and enigmatic art collector. Through flashbacks and memories, complex family relationships are explored, as well as the secrets and conflicts that have marked the family throughout generations.
2. **The world of art and culture:** Davies offers a detailed exploration of the world of art and culture, especially through the character of Francis Cornish. As a collector and patron of the arts, Cornish interacts with a variety of artists, critics and cultural figures, providing a window into the art scene in Canada and beyond.
3. **The Mystery of the Cornish Inheritance:** One of the main mysteries of the novel revolves around the inheritance of Francis Cornish and the circumstances of his death. As the characters investigate his life and legacy, surprising secrets are unraveled that shed light on his true identity and his motivations.
4. **Philosophical and esoteric themes:** Davies explores a variety of philosophical and esoteric themes throughout the novel, including the pursuit of knowledge, the nature of art and creativity, as well as questions of morality and redemption. These themes intertwine with the main plot, adding depth and meaning to the story.
5. **The spiritual journey of the characters:** Several characters, including Arthur Cornish and Maria Theotoky, embark on a spiritual journey and self-discovery throughout the novel. Through their experiences and encounters, they face their own inner demons and seek answers about the meaning of life and the nature of being human.
These points highlight the highlights of Robertson Davies’ “What Roots in the Bone,” a novel rich in intrigue, mystery, and philosophical and spiritual exploration.
Source: https://algunoslibrosbuenos.com/lo-que-arraiga-en-el-hueso
