The Variations is a compelling first novel that tackles the complex topic of faith. It is a most worthy read, with a rather contemporary plot, a complicated main character, a priest who also writes a blog and begins to lose hios way after his mentor dies. I loved the savvy take on faith as something he has spun into a community of sorts on line as well. The main character is Father Dominic, an aging, conflicted soul. Quite an amazing anti-hero really. Likable despite his many faults, but not too likable. He is a gripping character study in some ways. Father Dom is surrounded by a colorful cast of secondary characters that help to fuel his disillusionment, like Dolores, a young spiritually challenged and emotionally volatile young girl who seeks comfort and presents as pregnant. Dom’s crisis of faith is in, a lot of ways escalated by her sudden pregnancy and the many questions regarding the paternity of the child. 

John Donatich is director of the Yale University Press and he lives in New Haven and New York City. So far, his first novel is creating quite a buzz and with reason. This is an author to watch, with a remarkable style all his own and a clear love for wordplay. A writer’s writer. Take for example this, as Dom cleans up the church grounds: “How he hated the clink of glass against glass in the garbage bag, hollow and carnal like a laugh track.” 

As the plot progresses, Dom’s blog attracts the interest of a young single editor, Andrea. Their relationship progresses until his apathy becomes to annoying for her. Their relationship compelling to watch as a reader and somewhat repulsive also, like being spectator to a train wreck. At the same time as Dom is struggling, James, a young African American pianist is working on his great piano masterwork and unable to finish. Will Dom leave the church for good, rediscover his faith or write a bestseller? You have to read it to find out.

The Variations is a lovely book and Donatich has a gorgeous style all his own. This one is a serious read, but should be on your list. It gets $$$$ out of $$$$$

The Variations is by John Donatich, a John Macrae book, Henry Holt and Company, New York, published March 2012, 288 pages $25.00