“The Immoralist” starts with a prologue that sets the tone of the book and introduces the key characters. Each subsequent part of the book focuses on different main characters and their evolution. The book progresses by exploring their personalities, relationships, and key events that shape their story
The prologue of the book lays the groundwork for an intricate narrative underscored by elements of intrigue, mystery, and the profound bond of family. It employs refined, evocative language and meticulous attention to detail, suggesting an immersive narrative that invites readers to delve into a world both complex and captivating. The theme of destiny, prophecy, and the interweaving of lives is presented at the outset, intimating a narrative that will probe the confines of knowledge, authority, and the human experience. The recurring emphasis on familial relationships and dynamics presages an exploration of kinship ties and the impact of individual destinies on a collective familial narrative. In essence, the prologue primes the stage for a narrative set to unfold, introducing the key characters and their quest for knowledge about their predetermined fate, thereby fostering a sense of anticipation and curiosity.
The prologue unfurls a multi-layered narrative centered on a family of four siblings – Varya, Daniel, Clara, and Simon. They reside in New York City during the transformative summer of 1969, a time marked by considerable cultural and political upheaval. Motivated by ennui and a quest for adventure, they embark on a visit to a woman rumored to possess the uncanny ability to foretell the future, including the precise dates of individuals’ deaths.
Varya, the eldest sibling, is characterized by her practicality and caution. Daniel, the second oldest, is the spontaneous adventurer who instigates the visit to the fortune teller. Clara, the third sibling, is imbued with curiosity and resourcefulness, while Simon, the youngest, is quick-witted and agile.
The siblings traverse the city to reach the woman’s abode on Hester Street, navigating both the physical cityscape and their mounting apprehensions. The journey and the wait to meet the fortune teller, depicted as a nomadic figure who relocates frequently for her safety, amplify anticipation and tension among the siblings.
Upon arriving at their destination, each sibling enters the woman’s apartment sequentially, with Clara leading the way. The interior of the apartment is adorned with an assortment of mystical objects, including tarot cards, astrological charts, and calendars.
The prologue culminates with the siblings still in anticipation of their individual consultations with the woman, leaving the reader suspended in suspense regarding their respective destinies.
The author introduces the theme of mortality by starting the story with the father’s death, which serves as a shared emotional and physical departure point for the characters. This event not only highlights the themes of fate and the unknowable future but also prompts a re-evaluation of personal identity, understanding of the world, and awareness of one’s own mortality. The death also causes practical changes in family roles and responsibilities, and it fosters the exploration of prophecy and the desire to control one’s destiny. The shared grief and loss shape the siblings’ relationships and their individual journeys throughout the book. A parent’s death can reinforce spiritual beliefs or incite existential questions and the individual may also struggle with the practical implications of the loss.
The family struggle with the recent death of their father, Saul. Saul’s sudden death in a crosswalk confuses and saddens Simon, who grapples with the fleeting nature of life. Simon’s mother, Gertie, is also deeply affected by Saul’s death and mourns in a traditional Jewish manner, even though she is more superstitious than religious.
Simon’s siblings, Varya, Daniel, and Clara, are each coping with their father’s death in their own way. Varya and Daniel are the oldest and have responsibilities and obligations that force them to leave home soon after their father’s funeral. Clara, on the other hand, is a rebellious spirit who plans to leave home to pursue her passion for magic, despite the uncertainty of her future.
The siblings gather in the attic during the last night of the Shiva, the traditional Jewish mourning period. They discuss a prophecy they received from a mysterious woman on Hester Street years ago, which predicted the dates of their deaths. Varya and Daniel reveal their death dates, which provoke different reactions. Clara’s supposed early death date unnerves her, but she tries to dismiss it. Simon, however, refuses to reveal his death date, only letting on that he will die young.
The second chapter ends with Varya and Daniel leaving, Simon and Clara watching the dawn, and Clara expressing her uncertainty and excitement for her undetermined future.
Simon and Clara move from New York to San Francisco, embarking on a new chapter of their lives. After a celebratory night out, Simon ends up at the apartment of a man named Ian, marking his first, intense sexual experience. When he wakes up the next morning, Simon is overcome with a mix of emotions, including guilt towards his family back home.
Simon has a phone conversation with his brother Daniel, who is upset about Simon’s unexpected departure and the fact he had to leave school to take care of their mother. Daniel tries to convince Simon to return home, emphasizing their mother’s distress and the challenges they’re facing following their father’s death. Despite Daniel’s pleas, Simon firmly decides to stay in San Francisco.
Meanwhile, Clara is adapting to her new surroundings, shopping for household items and furniture to set up their new apartment above a club. The narrative hints at Clara’s strong personality and her influence on Simon’s decision to move. Clara works temp jobs that she hates. She plans to quit and start her own magic show, much to Simon’s disbelief. Clara accuses Simon of being self-centered and not considering the consequences of their actions, leading to a heated argument between them.
Simon’s life in San Francisco is marked by exploration and newfound freedoms. He is part of the gay community in the Castro district, where he attends the Freedom parade, and has various romantic encounters. Despite this, Simon is haunted by the voices of his family, particularly his mother.
There is the disapproval phone conversation between Simon and his mother. The conversation is filled with tension and regret, revealing a strained relationship between them mainly due to Simon’s decision to live a life that his mother disapproves of. The conversation ends with his mother telling him not to return.
Simon was drawn to San Francisco more relaxed sexual norms and openly expressive sexuality. Homosexuality was decriminalized in California in 1975 under the leadership of Governor Jerry Brown. This was achieved through the revision of the state’s penal code which removed sodomy laws, effectively decriminalizing homosexuality. This was a major step forward in gay rights and marked California as one of the first states to make such a change. In contrast, many other states in the U.S. maintained their sodomy laws for much longer. For instance, Texas had its sodomy law in place until 2003 when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Lawrence v. Texas that such laws were unconstitutional. Many other states only removed these laws following this landmark ruling. San Francisco was a magnet for the gay community due its liberal, open-minded culture and the activism that took place in the city, particularly in the Castro District.
Simon’s life takes an unexpected turn when he starts working as an exotic dancer in a club. He was not initially drawn to this line of work, but circumstances lead him to the club where he introduces himself to Benny, the owner. Simon, expressing his need for a job and falsely claiming to be older than he is, attempts to secure a position as a bartender. However, Benny sees a different potential in Simon. Instead of dismissing Simon for his dishonesty about his age, Benny assigns him the role of a dancer on one of the club’s platforms.
Despite having no prior experience in dance, Simon takes to the stage. His performances are raw and untrained, but his natural agility and charisma capture the attention of the audience. He brings a unique energy to the stage, moving with an instinctual rhythm that resonates with the club’s patrons. His performances are not about precision or technique, but rather about expression and allure.
Benny, recognizing Simon’s potential, suggests he study ballet. The idea is not to redefine Simon’s performances but to enhance them. Ballet could provide a foundation of technique and discipline that would allow Simon to have more control over his movements, making his performances even more captivating.
Simon attends the Valley Academy of San Francisco, where he learns ballet under the guidance of Golly, an Israeli immigrant and former San Francisco Ballet dancer. Simon struggles initially with the physical demands of ballet but eventually finds a rhythm and begins to enjoy it.
The story delves into Simon’s new found passion for dancing. Even though he has never danced a day in his life before, Simon is drawn to it and finds himself feeling alive when he is dancing. Simon’s sudden passion for dancing might reflect his desire for depth and meaning in his life. Dancing could be a way for him to express emotions and experiences that he struggles to articulate otherwise, adding a deeper dimension to his character. The dancing could also be a rabbit hole, a diversion or a form of escapism for Simon to avoid facing his deeper issues. It allows him to express himself freely and experience a sense of liberation, providing an escape from the realities of his life. However, it’s also possible that dance serves as a metaphor in Simon’s journey, representing his pursuit of authenticity, freedom, and self-acceptance, amidst societal pressures and personal struggles. It could be a means to an end in his personal growth and self-discovery.
Simon meets Robert, a fellow ballet dancer at the Academy. Robert is a solitary figure, not socializing with the other dancers and practicing alone. Robert stands as a stark contrast to Simon and the majority of the gay community in San Francisco. Unlike Simon, who immerses himself in the free-spirited and flamboyant lifestyle of the city, Robert maintains a reserved demeanor and steers clear of the more indulgent aspects of the gay scene. He is not one to partake in the casual sexual encounters common within their community, choosing instead to uphold his self-respect and maintain his privacy. His emotional maturity and self-awareness set him apart from many others, including Simon. Despite their shared experiences as gay men in a time of societal change, their attitudes and approaches to their identity differ greatly, reflecting the diversity of the gay community and the individual journeys undertaken within it. Despite Robert’s reserved nature, he is an exceptional dancer. Simon finds himself intrigued by Robert’s talent and demeanor. Over time, they engage in a series of shared experiences and conversations, gradually building a connection. After a period of anticipation and growing intimacy, Simon and Robert eventually share a kiss.
The stories focuses on the sexual encounter between Simon and Robert at Robert’s apartment. This encounter is not just physical but also emotional, revealing more about their relationship and Robert’s past. Robert opens up about his difficult experiences as a black, gay man, and his previous relationship with a man named Dante.
Simon has a run-in with the police, which leaves him with a sense of fear and vulnerability. His interaction with the young policeman, who is disrespectful and critical of Simon’s lifestyle choices, is particularly distressing. Claire shows up at the police station and confronts the policeman who was harassing Simon, showcasing her protective side.
In the backdrop of all these personal events, the narrative also touches upon significant historical events like the assassination of Harvey Milk, a prominent gay rights activist, and the Jonestown Massacre. These events are described as having a profound impact on the community Simon is a part of. With Simon and Robert reflecting on their lives amidst the backdrop of a candlelit March, a likely tribute to Harvey Milk.
The narrative intricately weaves the story of Simon, a dancer living in the throes of the AIDS epidemic’s dawn. Introduced in the midst of a December 1981 dance class, Simon’s struggle with Forte turns under the watchful eye of his instructor, Scully, sets the tone for his journey. Scully’s emphasis on the integrity of movement in dance mirrors the impending struggle for integrity in Simon’s personal life.
Simon’s world is vibrant and flirtatious, shared with his friends Tommy and Beau, all active members of San Francisco’s gay community. Among them is Robert, Simon’s lover, who stands apart with his quiet intelligence and preference for a more subdued lifestyle, a stark contrast to the flamboyance around him.
As Simon navigates through his love for the freedom and revelry of his community and his love for the more reserved Robert, a mysterious disease, later identified as AIDS, begins to terrorize their community. The narrative subtly captures the initial fear and confusion surrounding AIDS, and how it permeates Simon’s life and the lives of his friends. It also underscores the prejudice and stigmatization the gay community had to endure during this period.
As the crisis escalates, so does Simon’s recklessness. His drug usage and promiscuity rise, further straining his relationship with Robert, who disapproves of his lifestyle. Amidst this, the narrative introduces Clara, Simon’s sister, a performer grappling with her own dissatisfaction, hinting at a shared sense of discontent between the siblings.
The narrative reaches a tumultuous point when Robert finds a potential AIDS symptom on Simon. Despite Simon’s denial, Robert’s insistence on seeking medical help leaves the narrative hanging in suspense, demonstrating the fear and uncertainty that marked this era.
The narrative delves into the emotionally charged experiences of Simon, who is critically ill and in hospital at San Francisco General. It presents a detailed picture of the pain, fear, love, and acceptance that intertwine with terminal illness.
Simon finds himself sharing a hospital room with various patients, each succumbing to their respective illnesses. His primary companions in this ordeal are Robert and Clara, who maintain a constant presence, even sleeping over in his room. Simon grapples with the decision to inform his family about his condition, eventually making a call to his brother Daniel, a medical student. The conversation that ensues is fraught with unspoken emotions and awkward silences.
Throughout his ordeal, Simon finds himself reflecting on a visit to a fortune teller in his youth. The fortune teller, based in New York, had predicted a short life span for Simon. This prophecy had deeply affected Simon’s life choices, leading him to leave his family, relocate to San Francisco, meet Robert, and truly embrace life.
Clara, Simon’s sister, remains a steady presence by his side throughout his hospitalization. Despite her devastation over his condition, Simon offers reassurances of her future happiness post his demise. He consoles her by expressing his gratitude for the life he lived and the experiences he cherished.
Simon and Robert spend their time reminiscing over videos of great male dancers, a poignant testament to their shared passion for dance. As Simon’s condition deteriorates, he frequently declares his love for Robert, who reciprocates his feelings.
This section of the story concludes on a hopeful note as a promising experimental medication surfaces. Simon urges Clara to ensure Robert’s inclusion in the trial if he falls ill. A moving exploration of love, loss, and acceptance in the face of terminal illness.
The narrative passages provide a richly detailed account of the lives and interactions of two main characters, Clara and Raj.
Clara is an enchantress of the stage, a magician known for her daring “Breakaway” act where she ascends to the heavens on a rope, only to free-fall moments later, stopping just short of a fatal descent. Her magic is not for the faint-hearted or the young, but is a revelation of life’s peculiarities and paradoxes to the adult audiences in clubs.
Raj enters Clara’s life as a figure from her past, making an appearance from their shared history in San Francisco. His craft is tangible, grounded in the integrity of mechanics, in the satisfaction of fixing things, though never people. Raj’s history unfolds as a transcontinental journey from India to America, punctuated by the loss of his father.
As they reminisce about their shared past, they find common ground in their struggles, dreams, and fears, and the undeniable shadow of the AIDS epidemic that looms over their lives. Clara’s narrative also reveals her past injuries, the harsh reality of her profession, and her relentless pursuit of innovation in her acts, particularly her interest in the magic trick known as “second sight.”
Their paths merge as Clara and Raj decide to combine their talents, with Raj providing fresh ideas for costumes, venues, and magic tricks. They collaborate on creating a mechanical canary, a testament to their shared commitment to keeping the magic alive.
The narrative is peppered with historical references to classic magic tricks like the “East Indian needle trick,” the “Vanishing bird cage,” and the “Proteus cabinet,” showcasing Clara’s deep-rooted passion for magic. The narrative concludes on a high note with Clara’s eureka moment about the “second sight” trick, realizing it hinges on synchronized counting.
The book intricately explores the interconnected lives of two individuals, bound together by their mutual fascination with magic. Their personal journeys and professional struggles unfold against the vibrant backdrop of their shared experiences.
This book intricately weaves the emotional and conjoined lives of characters, each marked by their own triumphs, tragedies, and personal growth. This section opens with the passing of Simon in June 1982, leaving his family, including his sister Clara, to grapple with their grief. Clara, who had relocated to San Francisco, returns home for Simon’s burial, finding herself amidst strained familial relations, particularly with her brother Daniel, who accuses her of withholding information about Simon’s illness.
Gertie, the family’s matriarch, insists on a Jewish burial for Simon. Gertie is depicted as a woman steeped in sorrow, blaming herself for the loss of her son and husband, and seeking solace and forgiveness in religion.
Meanwhile, Daniel undergoes a physical transformation while working out at the University of Chicago gym, a change that surprises Clara. Varya, another sibling, is portrayed as the dutiful daughter who initially sacrifices her own life to care for Gertie. However, Varya eventually carves a path for herself, attending graduate school at NYU and delving into the world of molecular biology with a focus on gene expression.
Clara, a performer by profession, has a series of interactions with Eddie, a police officer who had once mistreated Simon. Eddie seeks forgiveness for his past actions and shares how Clara’s performances have ignited a change in him, instilling faith.
On the fourth anniversary of Simon’s death, Clara takes time to reflect on her life and remember her brother. She also thinks of Robert, another individual impacted by the AIDS crisis. The narrative concludes with a poignant scene of Clara knocking on a door, leaving readers in suspense about whose door it is and what motivates her to be there.
The narrative then shifts focus to Claire, another central character, and takes us through her journey. We are initially introduced to Claire through her conversation with a character, likely her partner, about their decision to leave San Francisco. This dialogue reveals that Claire is a former magician and a mother to a young girl named Ruby.
Turning back the pages to Claire’s past, we learn about her fascination with magic, significantly influenced by her father, Saul. Despite being deeply religious, Saul is depicted as a supportive and understanding father who nurtures Claire’s interest in magic. His death marks a pivotal emotional turning point in Claire’s life.
Claire’s thoughts often drift to her brother, Simon, particularly their shared experience with a fortune teller who predicted their death dates. Simon’s untimely death, in line with the prophecy, leaves Claire grappling with fear and skepticism about her own predicted demise.
Moving back to the present, we find Claire, her partner Raj, and their daughter Ruby leading a nomadic life in an RV. Their life, marked by financial and emotional struggles, revolves around performing magic shows at various venues. Claire’s battle with alcoholism, a secret she hides from Raj, adds another layer of complexity to her character.
The narrative takes a turn when Raj suggests they move to Las Vegas, envisioning better opportunities to establish themselves in the world of magic. Despite her initial reservations, Claire agrees, hoping for a brighter future.
The decision to move, however, doesn’t sit well with Claire’s family, further underscoring the strained familial relationships. The text concludes with Claire and Raj embarking on their journey to Las Vegas, ready to embrace a new chapter in their lives.
Daniel is employed as a Chief Medical Officer in the military. He has a strong commitment to ethical conduct in his work, which puts him at odds with his superior, Colonel Bertram. The Colonel wants Daniel to be more lenient in granting medical waivers for military recruits, a move Daniel opposes due to potential health risks for these individuals. This conflict leads to Daniel being suspended from duty for two weeks.
Daniel’s wife Mira, who supportive and concerned about his situation. Daniel and Mira’s relationship is explored in flashbacks, detailing how they met and fell in love. They share a deep bond, with Mira providing emotional support to Daniel in times of crisis.
The narrative unfolds Daniel’s past, his religious beliefs, and his struggle with loneliness before meeting Mira. It is also revealed that Daniel comes from a Jewish background, but he has since abandoned his religious faith. However, after meeting Mira, he begins to reconsider his beliefs.
The narrative is interspersed with Daniel’s thoughts and memories about his siblings, his parents, and his past. He has a complicated relationship with his siblings and a deep sense of regret for not being closer to them. He also reflects on his Jewish roots and his father’s devout faith.
The story takes place in various locations including a military base in Albany, New York, and Daniel and Mira’s home in Kingston, New York.
There’s a subplot about a painting, Van Gogh’s portrait, that was taken by Nazis but eventually ended up back in Jewish hands, which is related to Mira’s study in Jewish art history.
The narrative centers on Daniel, hosting his family members, Raj and Raj’s daughter Ruby, for Thanksgiving. Daniel and his wife Mira prepare their Kingston, New York home for their relatives’ arrival.
Raj, Daniel’s brother-in-law, arrives with his transformed teenage daughter, Ruby, whom Daniel barely recognizes. Raj and Ruby’s newfound wealth from their Las Vegas act, discovered by Daniel through a Google search, prompts Daniel to compare their luxury with his own lifestyle.
The story delves into their complex family dynamics and the memories it revives for Daniel, especially those of his deceased brother, Simon. Daniel ponders Simon’s death, its circumstances, and his lingering guilt and resentment for failing to protect him.
Ruby’s maturity and curiosity surprise Daniel. She participates in adult discussions and comforts her grandmother, Gertie, during a family meal. Ruby’s longing to know her deceased mother, Clara, prompts Daniel to unearth old family albums.
The narrative ends with Daniel contemplating his childless life with Mira, and how Ruby’s presence triggers a sense of what might have been.
Daniel is motivated by a desire to confront Bruno, a woman who once terrified him and his siblings with predictions of their deaths.
Daniel journeys to West Milton, tracing the path of the Stillwater River. He navigates through woods and a gorge to locate Bruno, who resides in a motorhome hidden beneath a thick canopy of trees in a remote flatland.
In the motorhome, Daniel confronts Bruno. She recognizes him from a prior encounter in New York. He probes into her past and motivations, unveiling her criminal family background. Bruno, however, asserts that she is not like her family and defends her actions as a means to provide people with foreknowledge of their futures. Daniel brandishes a gun at Bruno, seeking to dominate her. Their confrontation is interrupted by Eddie, who attempts to pacify the situation. Nevertheless, Daniel remains steadfast, aiming the gun at Bruno, leaving the situation’s resolution hanging in the balance. Daniel’s actions are driven by a need to avenge his siblings and confront the fear instilled by Bruno’s predictions.
The story then unfolds from the perspective of Varya, while grappling with the aftermath of her brother Daniel’s demise. As a research scientist, Varya works diligently in a lab alongside monkeys. When journalist Luke visits to document her work, she finds herself unwittingly divulging her personal struggles and the ethical uncertainties she faces in her research.
Varya’s past resurfaces, offering glimpses into her complex relationship with Daniel, who served as a military doctor. She recollects a profound discussion with him about the dehumanization of adversaries during conflict, an idea that resonates with her own experiences with the monkeys in her lab. Consumed by guilt, she believes she could have altered Daniel’s destiny had she not maintained an aloof demeanor.
Her inner turmoil is further magnified by her battle against Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Living in constant dread of contamination and mishaps, she seeks solace in her rituals and strategies of avoidance. Despite the rational part of her mind recognizing these fears as baseless, she can’t shake the belief in the potent influence of thoughts on reality.
Her fear spills over into her personal life as well. She reminisces about an affair with a professor and the subsequent abortion she underwent, choosing the ‘safe consistency of symmetry’ over the unpredictable realm of parenthood.
Throughout the story, themes of loss, solitude, and the potency of stories emerge. Varya perceives stories as transformative forces capable of altering the past, present, and future. She contends with profound loneliness and the high toll of loss, particularly in the wake of her family’s passing.
As the story approaches its end, Luke extends a dinner invitation to Varya. Despite initial hesitation, she agrees, marking a potential deviation from her pattern of isolation and avoidance.