1965*1st* An Answer From Limbo - Brian Moore(Penguin)

Small name inside front cover otherwise good for age. 

An Answer from Limbo is a 1962 novel by Irish-Canadian writer Brian Moore. It explores themes of religion, family, faith, and personal responsibility. The story follows Brendan Tierney, an aspiring novelist in his 20s who moves from Belfast to New York City. He struggles to balance his literary ambitions with the Catholic guilt and familial obligations that follow him, even across the ocean.

Plot Summary

Brendan Tierney is an Irish expatriate living in New York, attempting to make his mark as a novelist. He faces a moral and existential crisis when his devoutly Catholic mother, Maura, comes to visit him. Her sudden arrival disrupts his life, complicating his relationship with his girlfriend, Jane, an independent and modern woman who embodies a worldview that conflicts with Maura’s traditional values.

Maura’s visit is intended to be temporary, but things take a dramatic turn when she becomes seriously ill. Brendan must decide whether to send her to a Catholic charity hospital or a better facility, knowing he cannot afford the latter without sacrificing his own goals. This decision puts him at odds with the Catholic moral teachings he grew up with and his desire for independence and success in America.

Themes and Analysis

1. Catholic Guilt and Moral Dilemma:

The novel delves deeply into Brendan’s internal conflict between his religious upbringing and the secular values of his new life in New York. He grapples with feelings of guilt over his desire to distance himself from his mother’s control and the traditional expectations she represents.

2. Cultural Clash:

The book highlights the tension between the old-world values of Ireland and the modern, secular outlook of mid-20th-century America. This cultural clash is embodied in the contrast between Maura’s devout Catholicism and Jane’s more liberated, progressive views.

3. The Artist’s Struggle:

Brendan’s journey is not only one of moral reckoning but also of artistic discovery. He is an aspiring writer torn between the lure of fame and the sacrifices required to support his family. The novel examines the price of artistic ambition and the personal costs of pursuing a creative life.

4. Mother-Son Relationship:

Central to the story is the complex relationship between Brendan and his mother. Maura represents the oppressive, yet comforting, force of his upbringing. Her presence forces Brendan to confront his past, his faith, and his sense of duty.

Critical Reception

An Answer from Limbo was well-received for its psychological depth and its portrayal of the immigrant experience, as well as its exploration of the tensions between traditional and modern values. It is often praised for Moore’s incisive prose and his ability to convey the protagonist’s inner turmoil. The novel is considered an important part of Moore’s body of work, showcasing his recurring themes of religious doubt and personal struggle.

Significance

Brian Moore was known for his critical perspective on Catholicism, and An Answer from Limbo is a significant exploration of this theme. The novel examines the ways in which religion can serve as both a source of comfort and a source of conflict, especially for those who try to break away from its influence.

Overall, An Answer from Limbo is a poignant exploration of identity, faith, and the cost of following one’s ambitions, capturing the struggles of a man caught between the expectations of his past and the desires of his present.