The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay
by: Michael Chabon
September 19, 2000 Random House
639 pages
I blundered my way into reading Michael Chabon’s The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay when I was a freshman in college who had no intentions of becoming a writer (I deemed it a bad fiscal choice LMAO), but did have a whole lot of spare time to read. I was the annoying person that didn’t find classes that hard. To occupy myself, and explore the road not taken, I pulled up numerous lists of ‘best books’ and worked my way through them with the help of both the college and local library. It was a pretty good time, all things considered, even if I was kind of clueless about a whole lot of things.
I fell into the story immediately. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay goes deep, not only into WWII escape from the shtetl type stuff, but also into the comics book industry. I myself had only ever read a few Archie comics, which I’d bummed off friends at summer camp, but I still knew about superheros. They’re kind of culturally ubiquitous. So it was something of a revelation to discover all the queer content embedded in superhero comics, and to learn people were actively prosecuted for it. The story line that pulled me in the most was the Houdini like escapes from Europe, the unfortunate miscommunication (not going to spoil it), and the way a story about two Jews from very different backgrounds could actually be this big bestseller and literary hit.
Looking back now, I remember very little of that story without a reread. However I distinctly recall the heart aching knowledge that one must hide their true self or risk being cut off from society and family. The sacrifices people make for the children they love. The idea that relationships forged over a shared experience and life can be just as strong as those formed over romance. Those elements of the plot hit me differently now. I guess I’m less clueless. About a lot of things.
I’m ripe for a reread of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, but I don’t know if I’ve got the emotional fortitude. Still, if you’re looking for some solace, this might just be the novel to pick up. Not every super hero wears a cape and not all villains announce themselves as such. It’s nice to see heroism in supporting those around you and living one’s life. It’s the story so many of us live every day.