By Dylan Curran
From the author of Motherhood comes Pure Colour, a daring and unique interpretation of today’s world. Or, as proposed in the opening chapter, the life of those navigating the trials and tribulations of “the first draft of creation.” Part fiction, part philosophy, this book by Shelia Heti invites us to examine the lives of three types of people: those born from the egg of the bird, those born from the egg of the fish, and those born from the egg of the bear. Although initially these ideas are met with confusion (c’mon, bears don’t lay eggs!) it lends itself to larger-than-life or stranger-than-fiction metaphors where egg of the bird individuals are synonymous with those interested in beauty, art, harmony and meaning; egg of the fish are concerned with community and fairness for all; egg of the bear those who dedicate themselves wholly to love and protect those closest to them. All three types of people are necessary and none is more important than the other. Heti posits that it is this togetherness that makes for fascinating richness in life. Not to be confused as a speculative fiction or fantasy, these classifications are merely a means of defining personalities and are not literal or physiological by any means.
Throughout the book we follow Mira—our egg of the bird character—as she finds herself falling for Annie, a strong-willed, selfless caregiver and friend born from the egg of the fish. Stolen kisses, longing glances and unrequited love make for an interesting look at the challenges that face most couples. Readers at times will see themselves in both characters. With each charge or emotion, sting of heartbreak or leap of joy, the narrative takes a twist and forces us to reimagine our own lives through the lenses of these different personality types. Amid all of this is another layer to the story. Mira documents the grief she feels following the passing of her father, a man wholeheartedly and without a doubt born egg of the bear. Mira fears that she has caused him pain throughout his life, unable to love him to the same degree that she knows he has loved her. Although we, as the reader, know that she has no need to seek forgiveness or else accept this guilt, it becomes evident that Mira herself is conflicted. We can recognize the unconditional paternal love that Mira’s father has for her, but it will take her most of the book to reconcile with these feelings.
Sheila Heti explores grief and love—the human experience in essence—with such poise and cleverness. Within even the most absurd constructs of the imagination (like waking up one day trapped within a leaf) we find ourselves weeping as the truth of her words envelop us, comfort us, and then encourage us to turn the page. Immersed in the urgency of climate change and existential crises, readers will find solace and answers to questions they didn’t realize they had in the first place. Heti’s writing is without question one of the most important works of our generation.
Thank you to Knopf Canada for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.