No Words for Love and Famine

Lynne Perras teaches communication arts in the Faculty of General
Studies at the University of Calgary.

This engrossing novel records the life struggles of Jean-Philippe and
Lois, two writers who undergo much turmoil as they wrestle with dilemmas
in their careers and marriages.

The first half of the book consists of letters that Jean-Philippe and
Lois write to each other. The second half is dialogue among the main
characters. Through their communications, Jean-Philippe and Lois
articulately debate various philosophies. Themes explored include the
many limitations of language (ironic, particularly considering that the
two characters are writers); the hardships presented by hunger (for food
as well as for love, identity, and a meaningful life); and the nature of
reality (the novel suggests that many realities simultaneously exist,
each created by every individual).

Despite invoking in the reader an initial impatience with the
characters’ inability to take action, this complex and intelligent
novel makes compelling reading.