This
first novel by Jodi Shields is an intense literary thriller set in
1910 Vienna. When 18-year-old Dora is strangled one night in the
Volksgarten, we are introduced to "The Inspector," whose penchant
toward rational deductions fails him in this case. The only clue
that leads anywhere is an undigested fig in Dora's stomach. Exotic,
unattainable as a fresh fruit in August in Vienna, the fig becomes
the focal point of a sexual, suppressed eroticism in this detailed
novel of science and mysticism.Exquisitely and perfunctorily read by Patricia Kilgarriff, THE
FIG EATER provides a wealth of knowledge about figs and 1910
Viennese social customs and mores. Interestingly, the inspector's
wife and her friend undertake an investigation that leads us on a
somewhat arduous journey through Vienna, discovering that there is
certainly more to the life of Dora than her parents are aware.
Sexually active, often sickly, Dora was a mystery to
many.Eventually finding the fig tree from which Dora's last meal had
been plucked, the women narrow their search for the murderer.
Dora's father had been committing adultery for years. Did he have
reason to strangle his daughter? Dora was friendly with her
father's mistress. Was she the killer? Was the husband of Dora's
father's mistress the culprit? After a very thorough investigation,
using gypsy folklore and other nontraditional methods, the women
discover the murderer.Again, this is a very complex and substantial piece of work. I
am of the belief that it might be better heard than read to best
appreciate the detail. As always, enjoy.