Tony and Susan

Tony and Susan is a novel where a woman reads another novel written by her ex-husband, Edward. But it's not as simple as that...

“Putting herself into a special state, like a trance, while someone else (Edward) pretends certain imaginings are real. A question for another time: What am I really doing? Am I learning something? Is the world better, Edward, because of this cooperation between you and me?”

The book-within-a-book is a disturbing tale of fear, murder and distrust. As Susan reads she is drawn in, drawn back to Edward and the memories of the past, imaginings of his present.

She sees reflections of herself in Edward's protagonist, Tony, his weaknesses become hers. She examines herself, her relationships with husband, Arnold and her ex-husband.

I suppose it examines maleness through the female gaze, as Susan reads, yet ultimately it is written written by a man.

Is there closure? Perhaps, in the novel-within-the-novel but not in Susan's musings where the stories continue. Ultimately, Susan's story ends with so many questions. Has she learned anything, will she change anything? The real story continues in your imagination.

“Dear Edward,
I finally finished your novel
Sorry it took so long. Drop me a line if you want my opinion
Love, Susan”

As my dear friend Tatiana Feltrin put it, it's great halfway through, and very huh? from then on.

I first bought this book in 1993 before leaving for uni. It absorbed me right away. Read it 10 years later with the same effect. A brilliant book with a lot of twists. Simply unforgettable.