I am always delighted to pick up and re-read a book by E.L.Doctorow - easily one of my favourite authors. Once again, this book did not disappoint. Doctorow is a literary time traveller who takes us with him - in this case to New York in the 1930's. World's Fair feels like a thinly disguised autobiography. The author was able to tell a coming-of-age story through the eyes of Edgar, the youngest child of the family. Occasionally, he includes chapters narrated by other adult family members to help underscore how the impressions of a boy are not always what he thinks they are.
Edgar's dad was a charming dreamer, losing money hand over fist and firmly attached by the apron strings to his own family. His mum was too harried and too overworked to wring much enjoyment from life. Still, Edgar is reassured that they loved him and that he loved them right back. It’s probably that way with most families. When all the grudges and grievances wear down, what remains is the love.
Towards the end of World’s Fair, Edgar enters an essay-writing competition on the theme of the typical American boy. “The Typical American Boy is not fearful of Dangers,” he writes. “If he is Jewish he should say so. If he is anything he should say what it is when challenged.” In a more sappy coming-of-age story this effort would win first prize and its author be hailed as a literary star in the making. In the real world, though, magic takes softer, more subtle forms. So no, Edgar’s earnest, heartfelt essay can’t mend his parents’ failing marriage or save his dad’s floundering music shop. But it does earn honourable mention in the local paper and affords the family the opportunity to attend the World's Fair in its waning days.
For me, this is a quiet little perfect book.
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