The Great Believers

The Great Believers is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring impact of the AIDS crisis, woven through the lives of its characters across time. In the vibrant backdrop of 1985 Chicago, Yale Tishman, an art gallery development director, is on the brink of a significant professional achievement as he aims to secure a collection of 1920s paintings. However, his personal life is overshadowed by the devastating realities of the AIDS epidemic, which claims the lives of his friends and puts his partner's health at risk. In this turbulent landscape, his only source of solace is Fiona, the sister of his late friend Nico, who becomes a crucial support as they navigate grief together.

The Plot

Fast forward thirty years, and Fiona finds herself in Paris, yearning to reconnect with her past and uncover the threads of lost connections. Makkai's narrative deftly weaves between these two timelines, illustrating how the scars of the past shape the present. The intermingling of personal and historical tragedies serves as a powerful commentary on the resilience of the human spirit.

Themes

• Memory and Loss: The novel intricately examines how memories shape identity and the ways in which loss reverberates through time.
• Art and Humanity: Art serves as a reflection of human experience, providing a canvas for the characters' struggles and triumphs.
• Connection: The search for connection, whether through friendships or family ties, is a central theme that resonates throughout the narrative.

"A beautiful, sweeping narrative that captures the essence of love and loss." - A literary critique

Readers who appreciated Makkai's The Borrower or similar works like Fun Home by Alison Bechdel will find much to resonate with in The Great Believers.