by André Vescei
Set in 1970’s Montreal it is a Woody Allen-esque parody, a nod to high culture while satirizing highbrow pretensions. It contains many amusing scenes of dilettantish attempts at sophistication and out-of-touch social activism.
The novel’s main character is a perpetually unsatisfied musicologist, bitter and snobbish, endowed with a substantial intellect yet unable, or unwilling, to fit into his milieu.
The nameless narrator begins an affair with the Croatian maid of a prominent socialite – a relationship hampered by the protagonist’s conceit and touchiness. In fact, he is so petulant that it is difficult to see why she stays with him, other than for the intelligent banter he provides.
A good chunk of the novel is taken up with the maid’s backstory. Her mother endured exile and forced repatriation to Croatia – an overlooked part of World War II history that had devastating ramifications and which I was glad to learn about.
A little local flavour helped endear me to the story. Though the narrative dragged at times, it is replete with outrageous characters and funny anecdotes, many of which feel like they were drawn from real life experience. The main character, though he is interesting and complex throughout, is frustratingly ignorant of some of the painful truths of his personality. Overall, It’s an enjoyable read, a unique story with a little extra appeal for Montrealers.
The Man Who Came to Rent 