Book Review – The In-Between by Christos Tsiolkas

I read this straight after reading his previous novel, 7 1/2.

These are the first Tsiolkas’ books I’ve read (yes, I’ve waited that long) even though I’m familiar with his stories from various TV and film adaptations. 7 1/2 fascinated me with its stream of consciousness style, its raw sex scenes and fascinating prose, which often was more telling than showing (not a criticism, just an observation).

The In-Between does the latter two while creating a fascinating insight on a gay relationship by jumping time.

In addition, both men are not spring chickens.

They are in their fifties, both with baggage. Perry has travelled extensively, is middle-class, and has an ex who hurt him. Ivan works hard running his landscaping business, has an ex-wife, a kid and a grand-kid, and has been overseas once as a tourist.

Early in the novel we experience Perry and Ivan’s initial date and first sexual encounter. We also meet Ivan’s toxic ex-wife and grieve with Ivan as he loses someone he respects.

Then we jump forward in time.

This threw me because I was expecting the ex-wife to continue being a major character throughout the story as the set up was there. But that’s not what this tale is about, and only when I finished the book did I appreciate the beauty of Tsiolkas’ storytelling.

This novel is a series of vignettes.

Its deconstructed narrative structure allows us to study their relationship, joining them at some pivotal moments, watching them negotiate together or re-evaluate separately.

Although to me, the first jump in years didn’t feel like Perry and Ivan had moved beyond their first meeting. It’s only because we are told years have passed that we know. Then there’s a discussion after a dinner party where we definitely sense a change in the way they relate to each other.

I say this because I reflected on how my husband and I functioned as a couple after a year or two, and I didn’t see signs of this in Perry and Ivan’s relationship until that discussion.

Chapter Four astounded me.

It’s very important not to give spoilers so all I’ll say, this is a two character drama which all takes place in one night. It is the first time Tsiolkas allows us to hear all the dialogue we need to hear, without falling back to telling us what conversations were had.

I say this because I prefer showing to telling, so I found this scene compelling from start to finish. That’s not something I can say about every other scene, even though I understand their purpose within the overall structure.

It’s important to note the changes in points of view.

While each chapter has one dominant POV, there are several breakaway sections where, within a chapter, we get a broader view. By the final chapter, this broader view adds to our understanding of Perry and Ivan’s relationship in ways which make us reflect on the successful couples we know.

So to sum this up, some scenes work better than others depending on how much you are prepared to let go and just accept Tsiolkas’ ever changing style. These changes may frustrate you, but by the end you’ll understand why this isn’t a standard narrative.

Three and a half stars.