Review of the book “At the mercy of the storm”, by Robertson Davies
Review/Opinion:
The result of his long theatrical experience, the first novel that Robertson Davies wrote is a fun tribute to the greatness and misery of the stage and the life that flutters around them. The Salterton Youth Theatre, an amateur company, is putting on a performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest in the beautiful gardens of St. Agnes, the ancient and extravagant residence of George Alexander Webster and his daughters, Griselda and Freddy. The preparations for the play revolutionize St. Agnes, to the despair of the devoted gardener Tom, but also the lives of those who participate in it. Especially that of the taciturn mathematics teacher and treasurer of the company Hector Mackilwraith, who intends to change his dull life by appearing at the casting and who amazingly manages to win one of the roles. From there to joining the long list of young Griselda’s suitors and losing your head, there is only one step.
At the mercy of the storm, published for the first time in 1951, is set in the imaginary city of Salterton, where Davies would place the other two novels that together form the Salterton Trilogy.
“At the Mercy of the Tempest” is a captivating novel written by renowned Canadian author Robertson Davies. Published in 1994, this literary masterpiece immerses us in an intriguing world of secrets, intrigue and complex human relationships, as Davies examines themes such as identity, ambition and the limits of morality.
The plot of “At the mercy of the storm” takes place in the fictional town of Salterton, where a series of seemingly insignificant events trigger a cascade of unforeseen consequences. At the center of the story is Pericles “Percy” Staunton, a wealthy and powerful man whose life is shaken by an ancient, dark secret that threatens to destroy everything he has built. As the plot unfolds, Davies weaves a complex and skillfully constructed narrative, full of twists and surprises that keep the reader hooked from the first page to the final outcome.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is Davies’s ability to create memorable, fully realized characters. Each character, from the enigmatic Percy Staunton to the inhabitants of Salterton, is endowed with a distinctive personality and deep motivations. Davies immerses us in the mind and heart of each character, exploring their deepest passions, fears and desires. Through his insightful characterization, the author invites us to reflect on the complexity of human nature and the way our actions can have unexpected repercussions.
Davies’s prose is elegant and rich in detail. His narrative style is captivating, full of vivid descriptions that allow us to fully immerse ourselves in the world of the novel. Additionally, the author displays a deep knowledge of various topics, such as music, literature, and psychology, which further enrich the reading experience and add additional layers of depth to the plot.
“At the Mercy of the Tempest” is also notable for its exploration of universal and moral themes. Davies examines human ambition and the limits of morality, raising questions about individual responsibility and the consequences of our actions. As the characters face difficult decisions and surprising revelations, the author invites us to reflect on the nature of truth and redemption, as well as the destructive power of long-kept secrets.
In addition to its captivating narrative and memorable characters, “At the mercy of the storm” is also a novel that addresses social and cultural issues. Davies sharply critiques hypocrisy and social conventions, while shedding light on the power inequalities and class dynamics present in society. Through his insightful observation of human relationships and social structures, the author challenges us to critically examine the world around us.
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. **Setting and plot**: The story takes place in Salterton, a quiet town in Ontario. The characters try to put on a play, which is Shakespeare’s “The Tempest.” The incidents and discussions prior to the event give rise to the author to introduce us to the characters.
2. **The theatrical world**: Robertson Davies, in his youth, moved quite a bit in the theatrical world, which serves as his first work for this and others.
3. **Characters**: Among the prominent characters are the mathematics teacher Mackilwraith, a shy forty-year-old bachelor who decides to participate as an actor, surprising everyone with his proposal. There is also the exuberant young girl nicknamed El Busto, from whom the fact of having a role in the play brings out an unknown facet.
4. **Relationships and conflicts**: Solly Brigdetower’s relationships with her unstable and absorbing mother, always worried about the yellow peril, are explored, as well as poor Pearl Vambrace’s relationship with her overwhelming and unbearable father.
5. **The author**: Robertson Davies (1913-1995) is one of the most important Canadian authors. Born in the Ontario region, he was educated in different institutions in his country and Europe. In addition to novels, Davies is the author of thirty books including short stories, plays, literary criticism and collections of articles.
Source: https://algunoslibrosbuenos.com/a-merced-de-la-tempestad
