I have no idea how I’ve managed not to come across Yiyun Li’s writing before. She has quite a substantial backlist which somehow passed me by. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was that arresting cover that caught my eye on Twitter but it was the blurb that made me want to read it. Li’s novel is the story of an obsessive friendship between two young girls in 1950s rural France, one of whom will briefly find fame as a literary prodigy.
We were not liars, but we made our own truths, extravagant as we needed them to be, fantastic as our needs required.
When Agnés learns of Fabienne’s death, she sets about telling the story of their friendship forged in a backwoods hamlet. By thirteen, Fabienne had long since given up school, tending her drunken, widowed father’s livestock. Agnés was more fortunate, although there was little in the way of affection from parents taken up with a son deeply damaged by war. Agnés and Fabienne are inseparable but it’s Fabienne that leads the way, coming up with increasingly risky games to ward of the grim reality of their lives, constantly putting Agnés down who continues to adore her. One day, she tells Agnés they’re going to inveigle the recently widowed postman into helping them write a book: Fabienne will provide the stories, Agnés will write them down and M. Devaux will polish them. So successful is this scheme that the macabre collection of stories submitted for publication is published under Agnés’ name at Fabienne’s insistence. Agnés is feted by a Parisian society astonished at this peasant girl’s literary prowess, while Fabienne remains in Saint Rêmy. When Agnés is offered a place in an English girls’ finishing school, Fabienne urges her on. On her return, homesick for Fabienne, a chasm has opened up. Fabienne forces Agnés to face the reality that lies ahead rather than the fantasy of a life spent together.
She had her will. I, my willingness to be led by her will.
Li tells the story of this intense, obsessive friendship through Agnés’ voice as she looks back at a relationship that led her down a path that seems almost fantastical for a peasant girl. Fabienne is expertly drawn; fearless, clever and more aware of the world and the limitations it imposes than her naïve friend, thrust into the limelight at Fabienne’s insistence, who idolises her. Fabienne might seem incapable of expressing love and affection but she ensures an escape for Agnés from the grinding poverty and narrow horizons of their childhood with brilliant ingenuity. The storytelling is immersive, Li’s writing incisive but it’s the characterisation that really impresses. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now keen to work my way through Li’s backlist.
4th Estate Books: London 9780008531812 368 pages Hardback
I’ve somehow dodged hearing anything about Yiyun Lee too. But your review of The Book of Goose (What a tempting title!) ensures I shall look this one out. Our library service holds nothing by this writer. I’ll have to suggest they put this right.
I do hope they do, Margaret, and I hope you enjoy this one when you get to it. This was a case when judging a book by its cover paid dividends for me.
A writer I’ve been meaning to try for a while, so it’s great to see that your first experience of her work was a positive one. The 1950s setting definitely interests me – just my kind of era — and your commentary on the characterisation is another plus point. I recall seeing a lot of praise for Where Reasons End a few years ago, but the content (suicide, grief etc.) sounded too hard-hitting for me at the time. This new one might be a better entry point…
That’s so interesting to hear. I’m mystified as to why I’ve not come across her work before. I do think this one would be an easier way in. Where Reason Ends sounds like a title to read when feeling strong.
My library has nothing by this author and that’s frustrating. I do hope I am able to come across a copy.
That’s a shame. I hope you can track it down. Well worth reading!
Sounds like an excellent, dark story of obsessive friendship. Tense and brooding maybe. Perfect reading for dark evenings perhaps.
I was very struck by it. Definitely one for a winter read.
I read Li for the first time this year too, when I read Where Reasons End for my novella project in May. It definitely made me want to read more by her, so lovely to see this review, and how highly you rated this Susan!
I must have read your review and failed to make a note of her name. Where Reason Ends will be my next Li, then.
Really hope you enjoy it!
Thank you! I’m sure I will.
I keep wanting to read this novel, but every time I pick it up (I have a library copy on my TBR table) and read the first pages I then put it down. Does it take time to get into it? Maybe I’m not in the right mood. I read so many good things about it!
I didn’t find it hard to get into although it’s quite dark. Perhaps that’s the problem. It’s my first of hers and I’m keen to read more now.
My first book by Li as well. I read it in 2 sittings, something I rarely do anymore. The premise sounds simple, two impoverished young teen girls making up stories to reduce their boredom. But it is so much more. Li has a unique voice and left me with a lot to think about.
The relationship between the two girls was so vividly caught, wasn’t it. Quite a while since I read this now, but the portrayal of their friendship has stayed with me.