The Short History of a Prince
by Jane Hamilton
List Price: $12.95
Pages: 349
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 0385479484
Publisher: Anchor Books
The moving story of the torments of sexuality and the redemptive power
of family and friendship, The Short History of a Prince is the
story of Walter McCloud, a boy with dreams unlike most. Introduced as
a child to the genius of Balanchine and the lyricism of Tchaikovsky, Walter
has always aspired to be a dancer. As he grows older, it becomes clear
that despite his desire, he lacks the talent, and he faces the painful
knowledge that his more gifted friends have already surpassed him. Soon,
however, that pain is overshadowed when his older brother, Daniel, finds
a strange lump on his neck and Walter realizes that a family's happiness
can change overnight. The year that follows transforms the McClouds, as
they try to hold together in the face of the fearful consequences of Daniel's
illness, and Walter makes discoveries about himself and his friendships
that will change him forever. Decades later, Walter returns home and must
come to terms with the memories of that year, grappling once and for all
with the challenge of carving out a place for himself in an all-too-familiar
world.
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1. A sense of place is significant in each of Hamilton's books. At the heart of The Short History of a Prince is the family's summer home at Lake Margaret. What role does this big old house play in Hamilton's tale? Why is it so important?
2. In A Map of the World, Hamilton takes the reader on a slow, downward spiral toward disaster; in The Short History of a Prince, she makes it clear early on that Walter's brother will die, thereby revealing the book's ultimate tragedy and then moving beyond it. Does this defuse the story's suspense? Once you know of the death, what is it that makes you want to read on?
3. Walter's response to his brother's impending death is cruel and self-centered. Is his behavior understandable--even forgivable--at this point? Why or why not?
4. One of the pleasures of this novel is the evolution of Walter's and Susan's friendship. How does Hamilton manage to show each character at his or her worst in this relationship and yet convince the reader that they can be devoted friends?
5. Sue Rawson is an important figure in Walter's life, and her association with the world of classical arts holds particular meaning for him. What do you think Hamilton is trying to say with her portrayal of this woman who seems to live on an altogether different plane than the rest of her family?
6. Is The Short History of a Prince written entirely from Walter's point of view, or were there times when you felt the presence of an omniscient narrator? If so, how did this change of perspective affect your reading of the story? What about Walter's humorous tone? Did his lighthearted attitude diminish the impact of this tale of tragic death, failed romance, and loss of a dream, or serve to make it even more poignant? How does Hamilton manage to take us through such a journey and end with hope?
7. How would you describe the world as portrayed in Jane Hamilton's novels? Is it particularly just or unjust? Does it strike you as realistic?
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"Irresistible...As [Hamilton] evokes the powerful grip of love, both young and mature, cruel and ecstatic, she reaffirms life. "
——People
"Subtle, moving, and utterly convincing. "
——Newsweek
"Lovely in its appreciation of the resilience of family--Hamilton's plainsong to American endurance still lifts the heart. "
——Entertainment Weekly
"With intelligence and empathy--and drawing on rich veins of irony--Hamilton tells the story of Walter's search to define his talents--at once surprising and redemptive. "
——The New York Times Book Review
"Hamilton's third novel and arguably her best, for it matches its range of emotion with a technical precision both masterful and haunting--Hamilton has eased time and memory throughout her novel with the expert abandon of a dancer in full pirouette. "
——Boston Globe
"[Hamilton] can make real life riveting--There can be no better recommendation for a novelist. "
——Denver Post
