That evening, Louisa makes matters worse for her disappointed son by saying, “Larry, I’ve been thinking about your writing.”
“Well, finally,” he says. “Are you enjoying it? Are you stimulated and provoked by it?”
“No,” she says. “I was thinking: If nobody likes it, I’m sure my friend Hugh would give you a job at his olive press.”
Realizing her mistake, she later tells the rest of the family, “Let’s all read Larry’s book, and really enjoy it.” They groan.
That evening, she enters Larry’s room as he tries to write by candlelight. Attempting to lift his spirits, she says of Pied Piper of Lovers: “Let this book be the first step of a dazzling career.”
Indeed, it was. Lawrence Durrell went on to author dozens of books, including novels, travel writing, drama, poetry, essays and humor. He’s best known for The Alexandria Quartet, set in the Egyptian city on the Mediterranean and comprising the sensual novels Justine (1957), Balthazar (1958), Mountolive (1959) and Clea (1960).
Referring to his first novel, Louisa tells Larry: “The real reason that I find it difficult to read is … Well, you’re my son, so the sex makes me feel queasy.”
But wanting to make up for not supporting the book at first, she hits upon the idea to arrange the reading. The family posts bills around town announcing the event, and invites everyone they know. Larry’s siblings force themselves to try and read the book, while Larry practices reading aloud. “I hope it goes well,” Louisa tells a friend. “It was my idea. I need it to work, or he’ll hate me.”
Just before the reading is set to begin, the family paces nervously in a room full of empty chairs. Just one old gentleman has shown up. A second elderly man soon arrives, saying he’ll stay if there’s free food. In a line that will ring true for all but the most successful novelists, Louisa asks herself, “Why don’t people care?”
“Thanks for coming,” Larry tells his two attendees. “In view of the sparseness of the turnout, let’s just call it all off.” But as he sulks away, a friend comes running with letters from England, which he has collected from the mail carrier. Larry opens the first envelope and reads: “Bravo on your novel. Everyone talking about your new way with language.” The next one says, “Reviews top-notch.”
In another line that writers will appreciate, Larry says of his book: “I knew it was good. I was just worried it would be too good for people to understand.”
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