Perfect Architect by Jayne Joso
Perfect Architect is the second novel by Jayne Joso, who you might remember was one of the authors who appeared on our literary programme at Ladyfest Ten.
Her début novel, Soothing Music for Stray Cats, received all sorts of accolades, including being shortlisted for the 2010 People’s Book Prize, and Perfect Architect already looks like it’ll cause even more of an impact.
The Architect is dead, reads the first sentence, and the reader soon discovers that this is Charles Ore, an internationally-renowned industry icon who has abruptly choked to death on a piece of eel.
Bereaved, heartbroken and attempting to come to terms with his death, his wife Gaia begins sorting through his papers, coming across a bundle of letters to Charles from a mysterious, unknown woman named Selené.
Flummoxed by the evidence that her husband had been in close and constant contact with another woman, Gaia writes to Selené to confront her.
As they enter into an ongoing written conversation, Selené’s answers are by turn cryptic, comforting, irritating and inspiring.
Gaia’s grief, anger, gradual convalescence and ongoing uncertainties are deftly illustrated through their postal correspondence, and after deciding she cannot stay in the home she shared with Charles, together she and Selené concoct a plan.
Four of Charles’ former adversaries, each from a different corner of the globe and each with their own distinctive voice, stance and architectural style, are invited to compete against each other to design Gaia’s ideal home.
And this is where Jayne Joso’s skill at crafting original and occasionally eccentric characters is obvious; via a wryly-observed voyeuristic snoop into each architect’s anxieties, insecurities, thought processes, priorities and methodologies.
The result is a disarming and uplifting exploration of grief, obsession and the idea of home. Although some strands of the story feel unfinished, there’s an enduring warmth and elegance to the writing that makes it worth a read.
Published tomorrow by Alcemi, you can pre-order it in paperback for £5.99.
Rating: 4/5
Recommended for: Architecture enthusiasts and those who haven’t yet found their perfect home.
Other recommended reading: For unique voices and innovative characters, try one of Lorrie Moore’s novels. Or for central themes of intimacy, identity and place, try Liza Campbell’s The Dissemblers.
Jane Bradley
Hi, I put both names down as we both totally dig this book. I loved the female characters and I really loved Tom the postman – don’t wanna give anything away – but I think it’s a really strong book about female friendship as much as it is about architects – although it is also that. We’re in a debate now about who our favourite architect is in the book – Hannah’s shouting out the American! But I’m not totally sold on him… best not say more or I’ll give too much away.
Thanks for the comment, you two – so glad you enjoyed the book! Jayne has a real talent for creating characters you care about – I thought they all had their moments, and even their weaknesses were charming and gave the reader a sneaky insight into their sometimes slightly warped views of themselves!