Old topic, I realize . . . but bump.
And the reason I bump is that I have been searching everywhere for a place to discuss Trevanian's novels, and, as I was searching through the forums, out of the blue I ran across this--probably the only joinable Internet discussion on Trevanian in existence, as far as I can tell.
Recently, by the suggestion of a friend, I read through SHIBUMI and THE SUMMER OF KATYA. I took my time with them, savoring both for as long as they lasted, reflecting on the peculiar similarities I share with the protagonists in each (hence why my friend recommended I read them). Both books, I've concluded, are tragic, but I'll limit my comments to SHIBUMI.
*WARNING: Possible Spoilers*
I'm disconcerted to read the opinions readers have on the Nicholai Hel character. Many of them seem to view him in an exceedingly positive light, as a blue print for finding peace and tranquility. One reviewer on Amazon writes: "I discovered Trevanian and 'Shibumi' in high school, and I must confess that it completely changed my life. I vowed to live my life as Nicolai Hel would have, had he been a teen-ager in Utah in the 1980's. Happily, it worked out."
Such reviews ignore what Hel really is: a man transformed by his life experiences into a ruthless psychopath. In reality--and this will sound harsh--Hel is no different from all the Hitlers and V-tech killers out there: by using his ideology, he justifies killing human beings. (Though manifest throughout the book, a fine example of this can be seen at the end of the second-to-last chapter of the book.)
There's much irony in Hel's character, too. For instance, he criticizes the Western "merchant mentality" while ignoring his own adherence to that very mindset--just look at his profession: assassin for the highest payer. Or again, he constructs for himself a great chateau to live in, not unlike the abhorrent American businessman with his gaudy mansion (who gets criticized at one point in the narrative).
What's so tragic is that Hel, as we know, is a genius, in possession of incredible gifts. And look at how he has used them! He ceases to play Go, his extensive knowledge of languages is wasted, as is his skill in philosophy, mathematics, etc. etc.
Hel could have done all sorts of things. But, due to the tremulous life through which he endured, he went down another path. There are those whose genius is brought out by their baggage and those who don't handle it so well. It's all in how one handles their life baggage. Beethoven comes to mind as but one example of someone who, despite grief and hardship, managed to conduct his genius; indeed, he performed his greatest piece of music after he went deaf! Nicholai Hel could have allowed his life baggage to evoke the best of his abilities, but he allowed himself to brood and sink into a muck of hatred.
Out of curiosity, what did readers think of SHIBUMI's ending? Like much the rest of the book, the ending is deliciously subtle and it is easy to pass over the tragedy contained therein. (Hint: many seem to miss the significance of those last few lines.)
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