Donna Tartt’s (and Carel Fabritius’) “The Goldfinch”: a Review

“Well, it’s not as if we’re running a hospital for sick children down here.”

–James “Hobie” Hobart in “The Goldfinch.”

Ahhh, but repair — spiritual repair — is exactly what is being practiced by the exceptionally kind, decent supporting character named “Hobie” in Donna Tartt’s sprawling “The Goldfinch.”

It’s just that Hobie ministers to only two people: Theodore “Theo” Decker, the story’s protagonist, and “Pippa” — both exceptionally bright, self-aware 13 years old’s who are bonded by a shared, tragic experience.

In fact, spiritual repair is just Hobie’s sideline: he invests the rest of his energy on restoring a literal Noah’s ark of injured, mistreated, or simply neglected fine furniture (don’t call them “antiques”) spanning three centuries and a host of countries.

Near the end of the book, Theo finally understands the symbolism of an especially prized, ensemble piece in Hobie’s collection, that distills his purpose in life:

“From my chair I had a clear of of Hobie’s Noah’s ark, paired elephants, zebras, carven beasts, marching two by two, clear down to tiny hen and rooster and the bunnies and mice bringing up the rear. And the memory was located there, beyond words, a coded message from that first afternoon: rain streaming down the skylights, the homely file of creatures lined on the kitchen counter waiting to be saved. Noah: the great conservator, the great caretaker.”

–The Goldfinch, p. 757.

Of course, the “matched pair” that loom largest in The Goldfinch, whom Hobie’s considerable talents help heal, are  . . . Theo and Pippa.

P.S.: Nothing against Jeffrey Wright’s acting skills, but he lacks one vital — one could argue, indispensable — attribute needed to convincingly inhabit the role of “Hobie” in the soon-to-be released movie:  exceptional height (and a certain manner and bearing that go with).

As described in the book, Hobie is at least 6’4″ or 6’5″; according to online sources, Wright is “only” 5’11.”

I had envisioned someone like a late middle-aged Edward Herrman or John Lithgow in the role.



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