The Chant of Jimmie
Blacksmith
By Thomas Keneally
Angus & Robertson, 1972
(My copy: Flamingo, 1984)
ISBN: 0-00-6540937
I wonder if
this book would have attracted my attention if it had not been for the ‘Booker
Prize’ shortlist? Truthfully, I would guess not. A relatively short book, (my
copy only being 178 pages), with a back cover blurb that suggested anger and despair.
That is what I got! The comment from the New York Times, ‘A lean, spare, menacing novel’ is exactly what it is.
Written in
short, somewhat unemotional terse text, similar, I think, to the way that Hemingway
wrote, the seeming lack of exploration of the character’s well being served, at
the beginning, to give a disjointed tale of separate short episodes that failed
to join up. Until, that is, the chant of Jimmie rises out of the pages and
almost thumps you on the nose! Then, during
the course of half a page, the tale sticks together like glue. All the previous
episodes come back to your mind; you almost know where he is going next, and
why. The underdog fights back! The writing style, while clearly remaining the
same, appears different somehow. Where the book could be put up and down at
will, the turning of Jimmie also
turned me; I suddenly wanted to turn the page as fast as I could.
But will you
change your opinion of Jimmie? Perhaps, but I didn’t really get to like him in
the beginning, so I was certainly not going to change my opinion half way
through. Not because of who is, or what he does, but I didn’t feel I was being
let into his life. Nor did I
particularly like his victims. Yes, I’m afraid there are victims of his
violence. While I didn’t like the way that Jimmie was treated, just because he
was an Aborigine, the retribution did seem extreme. But perhaps I just think
that because I’m not subject to that sort of minority abuse. Where is anybody’s
snapping point? We all like to think we can stay in command of our emotions, but
how would any of us react when our family is threatened? That, I think, is the
real point of this story; if the underdog has nothing left in defence, then the
only thing to do is attack. It has been happening all over the whole world throughout
history, and will probably still be doing so in a thousand years time.
In 1978,
this true story was turned into a film although I have not watched it, so am
unable to compare with the written text. I would imagine though, that the
picture image quite graphic and bloody; beware.
I hope to have given you some idea as to the book quality without
disclosing the plot; that does sometimes spoil it if you know what happens. I
can tell you though, that it is not on my list for a second reading.
BookerBookBloke verdict 6/10
Try looking at my short story,
available for download to your computer, smart phone or Kindle. I can be found
at:
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