A Theatre for Dreamers by Polly SamsonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Even though Charmian Clift, George Johnston and Leonard Cohen may appear in A Theatre for Dreamers, the novel is not all about them; they are just a few of a huge cast of bohemian characters. The novel is about the Greek island of Hydra, its 1960's lifestyle and culture; it's about the magnetic power of an island paradise, an island curse. Through the eyes of young, rooky novelist Erica, we bask in the party lifestyle of a would-be arty community and realise that the idyllic party world thinly shields darker tensions and insecurities and secrets. Erica seeks answers about her mother, her mother's connection with Charmian Clift. What she finds are questions she needs to ask herself. And in this cast of many, despite the underlying darkness, infidelities and tragedies, there is always the dream that is Hydra.
In short, our curiosity treats us to a lifestyle most of us will never know. We may even not want to party endlessly, where each day rolls out much the same; where the event of the day seems to involve who is bickering or sleeping with whom. Indeed, at times, the novel seems to become weighted down with this cycle. But thankfully, Erica drags us away for some relief in England... and only returns with a little extra age... and maybe wisdom.
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NOTE: Polly Samson is married to Pink Floyd's David Gilmour...
sunny island days
intent on keeping
the Cold War at bay
(at least
the political Cold War)
other wars were
simmering
brewing
but where there's
sea
sun
ouzo
stars and
a slice of moon
anything
is bearable
almost
who can forget
Hydra
the island
the rock
the tiers of white houses
rising
like amphitheatre seats
a theatre for dreamers
it's all fine
while the curtains are open
but at some stage
the curtains
must close
nightmares
will always
find you
even if you live
on a rock
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