THE INFINITE ONION by ALICE ARCHER

‘Not a soul on earth knows where I am. If no one knew where I was, no one could kick me out.’

The Infinite Onion by Alice Archer came as such a wonderful, passionately written surprise. As the title suggests this book was indeed a story built on layers of human emotions, human struggles, human behaviour as well as consequences. This is the first book we’ve read by this Author and we were in awe of the depth of story and character development. Right from the beginning, a steady drum of momentum built –ever so slowly– yet intricately written with an emphasis on the characters. We were intrigued and compelled by Grant and Oliver, as individuals as well as the importance of their mutually healing relationship. Their story of what shaped their ‘now’. Where one showed an apparent strength the other was at a place in life where everything seemed overwhelmingly insurmountable. However, the face we show others may not always be the face of our truth.

‘I put my fist to my chest a third time, blinked hard, and tapped my heart with gentle beats, a request to come back to life, an attempt to save my own life. I lost my childhood.’

Grant is confronted with the realisation that his life is not his own. He is trapped and rejected by the people in his life. Stifled and looked down upon, he becomes a wanderer with a sense of an unknown purpose which, whilst unbeknownst to him, leads him to the most important crossroads of his life. Angry, defeated and confused, he ends up in a place that still holds a thread of connection with the life he’s been living up until now. What Grant could never have foreseen was that forced homelessness and an infinity with kids, stemming from a lost childhood, would so greatly alter his future purpose. Nor could he know that this personal healing would be supported and reciprocated by the artistically reclusive, Oliver. Had anyone ever cared enough about Grant for him to feel secure, loved and appreciated? Grant stole our hearts. His journey had us feeling overwhelmingly sad, protective as well as joyful when he finally begins to discover the truth of who he is at heart and who he was always meant to be.

‘He’s in pain. He’s hiding from something big. He’s amazing. He’s an imperious jerk. He’s in love with the wrong person. He’ll be better when I’m gone.’

Oliver was a pillar of rational strength. An artist in the woods with a penchant for helping people overcome their troubles, their defeats and their tragedies. However, we just knew that there was multiple layers to this emotionally stoic man, and as the story unfolded, the way in which his hidden struggles were revealed, further broke our hearts. He too had to uncover his own truth and face it head on to overcome the pain of loneliness and embrace what he could finally have. A peaceful life where he is loved, and where those who love him, stay.

‘Deep inside, the lonely children we still were sewed the scar tissue closed, sewed again, sewed through trial and terror, groped for tools small enough to fit our small hands, tried and tried to rise above the bleeding. Shouts for help through layers and fears and years. Don’t forget about me.’

We truly loved this epic journey of a story which was purely character driven. It was meticulously written and embraces so many important aspects of life, family, love and acceptance. It highlighted the importance and relevance of our childhood upon our adulthood. How every emotional aspect of every experience can dictate our coping mechanisms as well as how we view not only ourselves but other people, as well as the world in which we live. The infinite Onion was a powerful and relevant story which touched our hearts immensely.

‘He smiles that smile and kisses me for the first time, as if his smile was always supposed to be a kiss.’