Book Review: Trust by Hernan Diaz
When I first picked up Trust, the latest novel from Hernan Diaz, I was immediately drawn in by its accolades—a Pulitzer Prize winner, one of Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2022, and hailed as one of the New York Times’s 100 best books of the 21st century. With such high praise, I felt a thrilling mix of anticipation and curiosity. What was it about this book that resonated so deeply, both critically and publicly? Little did I know, I was in for a literary ride that would challenge my perceptions of power, truth, and even the very nature of storytelling itself.
Trust weaves a complex narrative around a wealthy couple, Benjamin and Helen Rask, whose lives are intricately tied to the roaring ’20s and the Great Depression. Their tale, however, is not told from a singular point of view; rather, it unfolds through four distinct narratives that leap across time, presenting competing versions of their lives. At its core, this novel is a puzzle that challenges us to question the reliability of perception—both in history and in our personal relationships.
The writing style is poignant and meticulous; Diaz’s prose feels both immersive and thought-provoking. Each narrative voice is distinctive, showcasing not only Diaz’s versatility but also the intricate dance between wealth and deception. Through Helen’s eyes, we see the tragic beauty of a brilliant woman overshadowed by patriarchy, whose philanthropic efforts mask her inner turmoil. As I read, I found myself captivated by Helen’s evolution—a former force of nature, now encased in societal expectations and personal struggles.
One of the standout moments for me came from Helen’s reflections on their tumultuous world. Her internal conflict resonated deeply: “I don’t believe in magic, but the viciousness of cancer after the crash didn’t feel like a coincidence.” This profound statement prompted me to consider the eerie intersections of fate, money, and morality—a theme that reverberated throughout the book. The emotional weight of these revelations often left me in deep contemplation long after setting the book down.
Diaz’s exploration of the idea of “trust” is particularly salient in our current age, awash with misinformation and shifting narratives. Each character’s attempt to manipulate truth for their gain felt eerily contemporary. The final section—a diary penned by Helen—serves as a crescendo, revealing how easily our perceptions can be altered. As I reached this part, I was both satisfied and unsettled, realizing that the truths we hold dear are often mere reflections of our biases.
While some readers may find the shifting perspectives confusing or demanding, I relished the challenge. It felt reminiscent of those intellectually stimulating conversations we have, where every layer requires peeling back to reveal deeper truths. In an age where we often settle for surface-level understandings, Trust invites us to engage in critical reflection about the lives we lead and the narratives we trust.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Trust to those who appreciate literary puzzles, rich character development, and thought-provoking themes. If you’re drawn to narratives that force you to interrogate the nature of trust—both in individuals and in the narratives we consume—then this book is undoubtedly for you. Hernan Diaz has crafted a masterful work that dares us to question not only the stories we tell but also those we choose to believe. As for me, I walked away with a renewed sense of curiosity, eager to explore the mutable truths that shape our lives.