Henry, Himself

Henry, Himself by Stewart O’Nan (2019) – In this moving sequel/prequel to “Emily, Alone”, we meet 75-year-old Henry Maxwell. Ten years past retirement, Henry wonders who he is now and what his life should look like. His body is aging, and the things he’s always done are moving away from him. There’s a secret in his past that he will never share with Emily, but is little more than a faded memory, if he’s honest. Between Pittsburgh and Chautauqua, New York, the family has a set pattern of behavior that seems to be undergoing changes as well. Here is a literary “everyman” finding his way at the end of the 20th Century.

“Emily, Alone” was my introduction to Stewart O’Nan. His brilliant, heartfelt writing struck me from the beginning. He continues that string here. Now, it’s the husband of Emily Maxwell at the center of the story. As with Emily, O’Nan nails me personally through the heart with the character of Henry. If she reminds me a little of my mother, Henry is an amazing parallel to my father. Born in Pittsburgh, educated as an engineer at Pitt, they both lived most of their lives in and around the Steel City. The exception is time in service, my father in the Navy in the ‘50s, Henry in the Army and serving in Europe during World War 2. Henry’s workshop is dedicated to woodwork, my father’s to cars. My dad has been gone for almost a quarter century now, and this book touches that place in my heart. As with the previous novel, if you know Pittsburgh and Chautauqua, O’Nan will put you right in place. I will say, (in my opinion) he’s a bit hard on Mayville, NY. I was there in the ‘90s, when the book takes place.

But it doesn’t matter if any of that fits you or not. This is a wonderful novel, filled with love, regret, hope, and sadness. It is real life, with moments both momentous and banal. Henry knows things must change, but is uncomfortable being the agent of that change. Like every engineer I’ve ever known, he is solution oriented. Identify a problem, analyze problem, fix problem. But his life isn’t that simple. Emily is a complex personality, still fighting her insecurity about not being “good enough” for the Maxwell family. Their daughter, Margaret, has butted head with her father all her life. He wants the best for her, but isn’t sure how much more support he has to offer. “Henry, Himself” is an emotionally rich read that made stop regularly to find a place for all the “feels.” It’s a wonderful addition to Stewart O’Nan’s wonderful storytelling oeuvre.

Rating – **** Recommended