4.5 ( )

For readers familiar with Naipaul's biography, for instance, The world is what it is. The authorized biography of V.S. Naipaul or his autobiographical Between father and son. Family letters it is immediately clear that The enigma of arrival is a fictionalized version of his own first years in England.

To be frank, I have read much more non-fiction than fiction of Naipaul, and then mostly his earlier short novels set in Trinidad, and reading The enigma of arrival I was struck by the beautiful descriptions. The biographical background information deepened my appreciation, although I am sure the book can be enjoyed without that.

Although Naipaul was very poor during the first years of his stay in London, little of that is visible in this book, which seems more focused on the period he was coming into his own, and found a safe have on the estate of Stephen Tennant (1906-1987), who offerend him a kind of writer's residence. The atmosphere of the book throughout is that of nostalgia, melancholy. ( )

This semi autobiographical, travel journal, historical, social commentary, how to write a novel book. V.S.Naipaul creates a story that does all of the above. The main character is a young man from Trinidad who decides he will be a writer and he goes to England to become this author.

Structure: Book in 5 parts but it is not linear. It loops from place to place, past to present, present to future. As a reader I found myself having thoughts of "have we been here before? Did I lose my place because this all seems familiar. It is somewhat disorienting. The novel is named after the the art work of Giorgio de Chirico. The scene is of a cityscape but behind the wall is unknown but we see an old ship mast and in front of the wall there are 2 alienated figures. One figure is going and the other is coming. It is rather bleak picture and Naipaul references this picture.

Themes are the journey, arrival, dislocation and alienation. Another theme is change. Over all it was enjoyable but not engaging. I can appreciate the quality of the work. Naipaul is truly a great author deserving of accolades.

another interesting tidbit; the landlord is modeled after Stephen Tennat (1906 to 1987), a 1920s socialite. He also is used as model in E. Waugh's novels, Cedric Hampton in Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford. ( )

> Babelio : https://www.babelio.com/livres/Naipaul-LEnigme-de-larrivee/138727
> BAnQ (Major A., Le devoir, 10 août 2002) : https://collections.banq.qc.ca/ark:/52327/2809065
> Bibliographie : https://www.librarything.fr/work/6103198/book/203997403 ( )

I read this because it is the story of the writer's year of living on the property of Stephen Tennant and his thoughts on his landlord. ( )