MISTER PIP (2006)

Lloyd Jones/ Novel/  Birthday gift from Khaye

               The novel is new to my senses, as it set in Oceania, giving focus to Australia and Jones’ homeland, New Zealand. I dared read it because for one, it is a gift from my girl best friend, Khaye, and also, it would be the first novel I will read which is crafted from South Pacific.

                Set amidst a war-thorn, remote Papua New Guinean island of black inhabitants, Mister Pip’s premise is to illustrate the inevitable spark of imagination once it is lighted. This is achieved through the mentorship and nobility of Mister Tom Watts, the male protagonist, and the pages of the Charles Dickens’ classic Great Expectations.

                Mr. Watts, or playfully called Pop Eye (for having popping eyes) is the only white man in the island. He is ironically known for his obscurity. He is initially introduced as a neighbour, to a teacher, then a saviour. He has grown so much affection and has impacted on the children’s lives, most especially Matilda.

                Meanwhile, Matilda is a teenager who longs for a father, never rejects learning, and is always proud of her skin color. Throughout the novel, she develops an utmost admiration for Mr. Watts and finds herself thorn between living in a Watts- Dickens world versus her mother’s faithful take on life. Despite these, Matilda grows up to be a fine lady, with credits to both Mr. Watts and her late mom, Dolores.

                Mister Pip is very inspiring. It makes me remember the people who have imparted me with wisdom and perceptions; including those I did not personally meet. It is also painful on some chapters; which helps Matilda’s character to grow as woman.

                While reading Mister Pip, I feel like a part of me is a Matilda ready to devour on literature, learn from the past, and face the present; while a part of me is a Mr. Watts, selfless in sharing his knowledge from the outside world. On another note, I wish to create my own Pip (Great Expectations’ main protagonist) in the future, an able companion to generations of readers.

                Read Mister Pip. Honestly, I am not sure where to point you for the copies. What I am certain though is, it is a pearl from the Pacific, which when found in a bookstore, would be worth the treasure hunting.

                Segue: Always dearly remember special people who have shaped your life in one way or another. Like August Boatwright in The Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd), Morrie Schwarts in Tuesdays With Morrie, or the tandem of Albert Lewis and Henry Covington in Have A Little Faith (both by Mitch Albom). By the way, Mister Pip is soon to hit the theaters :)