Jo Hamya's second novel, "The Hypocrite," delves into the intricate dynamics between a renowned writer and his daughter, Sophia. The narrative unfolds through a play written by Sophia, based on a trip to Sicily they took together a decade ago.
The story centers on a 60-something author, reminiscent of Martin Amis, who finds himself watching a theatrical representation of his life. This unnamed writer, once celebrated for his provocative style, now struggles with relevance in a changing world. The novel is set in August 2020, amidst the early waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding a layer of complexity to the already tense atmosphere.
Hamya skillfully navigates the perspectives of Sophia, her father, and her mother, employing a fluid prose style that blurs the lines between reality, imagination, and performance. This technique effectively highlights the novel's central theme: the gap between self-perception and others' views.
The trip to Sicily, which took place around 2014, serves as the inspiration for Sophia's play. While her father remembers it as a period of harmonious collaboration, Sophia's interpretation portrays it as a time of creative tyranny and sexual exposure. This stark contrast in memories underscores the novel's exploration of intergenerational trauma and its impact on family relationships.
Hamya's work touches on several contemporary issues, including the concept of "cancel culture" and the evolving dynamics of public discourse. The novel reflects on how social media has transformed the way public figures, including writers, interact with their audience and critics. This aspect of the story resonates with the real-world experiences of many authors in the digital age.
"The Hypocrite" hops between the day of the performance and the trip that inspired it, and gives us the perspective of Sophia and both her parents. Rather than assigning a particular voice to each character, Hamya deploys a fluid prose style, toggling between participants as emotional states become unglued.
The theater setting serves as an effective backdrop for Hamya's exploration of these themes. Theater has long been a medium for social commentary and critique, and "The Hypocrite" uses this tradition to its advantage. The play-within-a-novel structure allows for a multi-layered examination of how art can both reflect and distort reality.
While the novel excels in its nuanced portrayal of the central characters, it occasionally falters when attempting to comment on broader societal issues. References to the pandemic and a somewhat caricatured representation of generational conflicts risk dating the narrative and detracting from its more timeless themes.
Despite these minor shortcomings, "The Hypocrite" offers a compelling exploration of the complexities of family relationships, artistic interpretation, and the challenges of maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing world. Hamya's novel invites readers to consider the often-conflicting perspectives that shape our understanding of shared experiences and the role of art in mediating these differences.