Lola by Night

Ronald Charles Epstein is a Toronto-based freelance writer and published poet.

Lola by Night, acclaimed Montreal novelist Norman Ravvin’s latest
work, offers an eclectic plot. After her architect father dies in a
mysterious accident, popular Barcelona romance novelist Lola Benveniste
learns about his secret past in 1950s Vancouver. After she quits
writing, she travels there to learn the truth.

The novel begins successfully because it expertly integrates plot with
the other elements in a well-paced manner. Subsequent sections drag when
description predominates. This handicaps the narrative; in the absence
of a dynamic story, the author is dependent on the reader’s curiosity.
Some may be disturbed by the fact that Lola is abandoned in favour of
other characters, although revelation of their secrets advances the
plot.

The author satirizes the postmodern era and its predecessor. When
Lola’s publisher, Il Gaudi, suggests that she publish her next novel
on the Internet, American literary icon Stephen King’s example is
cited. Il Gaudi does not forget to point out that the audience will pay
more for high-tech fiction. Aspiring Vancouver technology titan John
Miller’s plans include “a campus—something rambling and casually
self-important like the Microsoft set-up.” The leisurely life of a
traditional capitalist is cleverly mocked: Miller used to keep
“banker’s son’s hours.”

Ravvin displays both historical and geographical awareness, masterfully
re-creating downtown Vancouver and lower Manhattan. Unfortunately, when
the plot appears to be absent, one is lost in a strange city. At its
best, the novel offers an interesting and relevant review of our wired
millennium.