The Believers
What one believes in is strongly tied to one’s sense of identity.
In her latest novel, Zoe Heller explores the aftermath when these core beliefs are undermined.
After her husband, a radical New York lawyer, suffers a stroke, Audrey finds out about his other life. It makes her question her own worth after having supported his work and causes over their 40-year marriage.
Her daughter Rosa, a disillusioned socialist, finds unexpected solace in Orthodox Judaism but has difficulty accepting some of the religion’s rules and rituals.
It would appear to be a Heller speciality to create flawed, even unpleasant, characters who nevertheless engage you.
Audrey is angry, potty-mouthed and prickly, while Rosa is uncompromising and combative.
But in the rigid certainty of their convictions, they have been blinkered to the larger truths in their lives and that makes them all too human.
In her previous novel, the Man Booker prize-nominated Notes On A Scandal, Heller dealt with the more incendiary topic of sexual obsession.
The subject matter might be tamer here but the heat remains – in the writing and in the fiery characters who wrestle with the big questions thrown up about religion, identity and love.

If you like this, read: Three Junes by Julia Glass
A portrait of family dynamics pieced together from events that take place over the course of three summers.
(ST)