«THE GIANT, O´BRIEN by HILARY MANTEL. 1998. (Review)» por Mary Williams
The Giant, O´Brien is a multi-layered story by the prize-winning British historical novelist, Hilary
Mantel.
The story is based on the true case of an Irish giant called Charles Byrne, who was exhibited, with his consent, in London in 1782. Mantel explains in a note at the beginning, that O´Brien, (the giant in the novel), is her own invention, although he shares some basic data with the real one. They are both from poverty-stricken Ireland, and they both journey to London where they are exhibited before a paying public. They both die in the capital city of England.
Although uneducated, O´Brien is intelligent and sensitive, and he knows how to tell folkloric stories that are full of poetic metaphors. He is liked by his fellow travelers, and by the public who pay to see him in the flesh and to converse with him. That is, until his physical condition develops out of his control and he ends up in a “freak” show.
The London of the late 18 th Century is immeasurably vibrant and busy, it is a magnet for migrants, and a place of unparalleled contrasts between innovation and degradation. Both of these are explored through the author´s eye for historical detail. On the one hand, the dubious methods of medical research, -where the poor consent to dangerous experiments in exchange for a meal-, are seen through the Scottish doctor, John Hunter. On the other hand, the lack of drainage and clean water are evident from the living conditions of all the protagonists.
Mantel´s approach to gender is particularly noteworthy as the low status of women is incorporated into the terrible physical environment and social injustices. Some of the most grueling episodes involve women; and include stealing babies, child deaths, lower payment, gender stereo-typing, rape, child prostitution, and murder.
The novel ends on a philosophical note, because how else can we incorporate the wonderment, the fear, and the unparalleled scope for variety, of that monstrous human machine called London.
Final note: The real giant, Charles Byrne, wanted to be buried in the Irish Sea. However, his corpse was sold and later his skeleton was put on exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons in London. It was removed from public view relatively recently, and is still kept by the Royal College. Should they honor Byrne´s wish and release his remains into the sea?
Mary Williams es profesora de inglés del Departamento de Lenguas de la FFyL en los cursos preparativos para el IELTS. Ha publicado artículos, libros y ensayos en inglés y español. Así mismo ha impartido talleres en la UNAM sobre la redacción en el inglés