Adventure

> Passagers clandestins de Timothy Findley (Paris, Actes Sud. 470 p.)
Se reporter au compte rendu de Sylvie BRESSLER
In: Revue Esprit (1940-) No. 353 (3/4) (Mars-avril 2009), pp. 253-255… ; (en ligne),
URL : https://esprit.presse.fr/article/sylvie-bressler/timothy-findley-passagers-cland...

This novel, a retelling of the story of Noah's Ark, is surprising for its unexpected degree of brutality and action. That isn't unwelcome, but be forewarned that it is nothing like the gentler tale you know. It is also filled with contradictions: subterfuge disguised as miracles, miracles disguised as magical realism. Some portions read like an adventure thriller, between mildly philosophical meanderings. It is straightforwardly told, but rewarding in its subtleties. There is more going on here than poking fun at a Bible fable and incorporating legendary elements like the unicorns.

By at least one reading this is an anti-fascist novel, where the surprise is the positioning of Noah as antagonist. Findley leaves an exercise for the reader: what does this say about the morality of unquestioningly following Yaweh's wishes? What morality exists outside of that model? Mottyl senses this question, when she is tempted to call Noah evil but shies away from it and the problems that it poses.

The novel's title primarily refers to what is not wanted, rather than whom. Lucy's presence and symbolism are of a piece with Noah's illusion being the inspiration for Yaweh's flood: the illusion of thinking that even a worldwide flood could eradicate all evil. It is too inherent in what we are, too well disguised to root out and destroy, as Mrs. Noyes comes to realize. Better that we work to appreciate and foster what good we are able to find, and accept what evil we must abide, than engage in hopeless attempts to start anew that will forever end in failure. ( )

Brilliant, unique, and engaging retelling of the Noah myth; an audacious concept perfectly realized. ( )

Wonderful book. ( )