Every so often, this Scottish author invades my awareness. I first read an A. J. Cronin book about an ethically constrained medical doctor (The Citadel) and about a troubled priest (Keys of the Kingdom) back when I was in junior high school. Those were the only two titles my little branch library had by that author, but I was rewarded later in life when I discovered a copy of Shannon’s Way , a novel about a physician researcher and a forbidden love who becomes deathly ill. I thought I was reading a rehash of Sinclair Lewis’ Arrowsmith for a few pages, but I assure you that it isn’t the same. When I started reading Beyond This Place, originally published as a serial in Collier’s magazine entitled To Live Again, I thought I was being set up for a rather ordinary, perhaps predictable mystery. When the protagonist, Paul Mathry, discovers that his father is not deceased but incarcerated, he makes an impulsive move to visit his father in the penitentiary. Upon arriving, he discovers that this institution did not allow visitors. So, he goes to his old hometown to try to discover all that he can about the circumstances of his father’s downfall. There (surprise, surprise), he becomes convinced of his father’s innocence.In seeking to find a connection with his father, he begins to uncover what seems to be a conspiracy. Indeed, it appears to be such a conspiracy that even though he has put his career on hold in order to follow up certain leads, he becomes a victim to the conspiracy itself. Obviously, the protagonist eventually gets to the truth. But as I continued to read through the book, I realized that this was not a discount Sinclair Lewis, Upton Sinclair, or Theodore Dreiser. A. J. Cronin wasn’t merely writing about social reform though portions of the book profoundly call out for checks and balances within the legal system and warn against political ambitions. These characters felt real.Beyond This Place features many instances of selfless, sacrificial acts which are received with ingratitude alongside actions which are purely from self-interest and actions where the characters believe they are doing exactly what is right to protect someone and, ironically, are actually hurting the person. There are characters which seem lovely and beautiful who, in turn, prove to be selfish and manipulative. There are characters which seem to be self-giving which are, in turn, discovered to be self-serving. There are characters which seem cowardly who prove to be courageous. This is one of the finest novels I can remember reading with regard to presenting a heterogeneous mix of attitudes, motivations, and desires within each of the main characters. There is hubris, betrayal, disappointment, suspicion, and ambition at every turn. Yet, it is one of the most truthful books I have ever read. As I read this novel, I realized very quickly why so many A. J. Cronin works have made it to the silver screen. His plot may be fiction, but his characters speak with truth. Ingratitude, disappointment, triumph, failure, defeat, and death all figure into this marvelous exploration of human nature. While not as well-known as The Citadel, Beyond This Place has quickly become my favorite novel by this Scottish writer. If you like character studies juxtaposed with social commentary, I highly recommend Beyond This Place. If you’re looking for a mystery with lots of “red herrings,” you’re probably going to be disappointed.
An enthralling “weekend novel”An older friend of mine leant me this book…she has owned it since its publication date in the 1950s, and it was one of her favorites. Indeed it was quite a captivating novel. A tad bit ‘weak’ at the outset, but as the story moved along, the plot thickened - and it evolved into a real page-turner.A young man learns the story behind his father whom he was told had died long ago. Through his own investigations, the son finds that his father was wrongly convicted of a brutal murder 16 years earlier due to a miscarriage of justice, and was sentenced to life in prison. The son learns the father is still in prison and has already served 15 years of his life sentence. After learning the facts, the son strives to clear his father’s name. He eventually exposes a cover up by the police and the political system, which sought to frame his father for the horrible crime. I won’t spoil the ending for you, but suffice it to say it was relatively a satisfying one.I must admit there were some occurrences in the novel which seemed a bit dubious, however, nothing overtly outlandish took place that drew attention away from the story line. I would’ve liked a bit more characterization of some of the secondary characters - you don’t learn too much about the way their minds work. You’re also left wondering about the fate of some of the characters. For example, the boy’s mother - who received almost ALL the focus at the outset, seemed to ‘disappear’ near the ending of the book.However, I must say, overall it was well written in my opinion. This book was not heavy reading - it’s one you’re able to finish in a couple days…a good “weekend novel.”
What do You think about Beyond This Place (2015)?
A young student finds out that his father who he had thought dead all these years is still alive, serving life sentence in jail on charges of murdering a sex worker fifteen years ago. He sets about unearthing the mystery to clear his father’s name in the face of severe opposition from the people who had sent him to jail on the first hand. Brilliantly written with a riveting plot, this classical suspense thriller inspired numerous television and film interpretations, including one tele-film by the great Sydney Lumet in 1957 before he debuted with his masterly 12 Angry Men. In India, a Bengali version, Sabar Uparey starring Uttam Kumar, Suchitra Sen and Chhabi Biswas was made in 1955 by Agradoot. A Hindi version - Kala Pani , directed by Raj Khosla was made in 1958, starring Dev Anand and Madhubala. Beyond This Place is my first A. J. Cronin novel and it left me wondering why hadn’t I read anything of the writer before? Have to set the record straight now, Mr Cronin!
—Ranjan
I picked this up from the free book pile at the Friends of the Library sale, oddly enough because the size, shape, color and texture of the book reminded me of one of my favorite books from when I was growing up, called Always a Rive, which my daughter stole* meaning, apparently she loved it too and it moved out with her. (I need to borrow it and read it again.) But I digress, the blue cover and size is where the similarity ends. This particular story is a mystery, and a young man's search to unravel the mystery, and prove his father's innocence. A bit stilted in the dialogue, but rich in detail of the seamy side of Ireland in the age of the industrial revolution. Interesting enough that I stayed up most of one night to finish it. But I definitely think I need to borrow my other book back from my daughter.
—KyneWynn
This was my first A J Cronin. I read it some 25 years ago! I remember it because the narrative had a haunting quality about it especially in the descriptions of Rees Marthy's experiences in prison and his interactions with his son. You could feel the pain, the sense of loss, of could-have-been futures, the helplessness, the frustration.... I cannot recall the exact incidents or the conversations, but the emotions they evoked are still very strong. Compared with his famous `Citadel', this novel has a fairly simple story line and fewer characters, but it is still my personal favourite.
—Saby
