Early in The Consolation of Maps, Thomas Bourke’s austere and elusive debut novel, the trio of central characters gathers in a late-1980s Manhattan gallery, which is being prepared for a glittering exhibition. Kenji is Japanese and has recently been headhunted from his curatorial position in Tokyo to work for Theodora Appel. She is a leader in the somewhat obscure world of cartographic trading, where rare maps can change hands for a fortune. She is also something of a mystery, by turns ruthless and empathetic; and reliant on Maria, her loyal Italian colleague and friend.
Standing in the unfinished gallery space off Madison Avenue, these three discuss the nature of time and space. Kenji has been giving the builders a hand, and is streaked with gypsum and sweat – unpleasant in such a fastidious individual. Just at this moment, however, his physical dishevelment is the least of his worries because his employer has been making remarks that Kenji does not quite like – and he is desperate to hold the line… (The Irish Times)
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