12/15/02

The title of Judith Laura's novel, Three Part Invention, comes from a piece of music by Bach and is also symbolic of the three generations of women portrayed. The major source of conflict is the mother/daughter relationship between Alice and Beth. The book begins with a brief narrative from the granddaughter, Alexis, who although born after her grandmother has died, has gathered knowledge of her life through her piano playing. The relationship between Alice and Beth is distant and strained partially due to Alice's belief that "once you took a position you had to be firm and not back down." The interesting setting is New Jersey during World War II where this Jewish family contemplates stories of anti-Semitism in the U.S. as well as the Nazi atrocities. However, the novel is often slowed by the details of ordinary life that do not add to development of the characters, plot or mood.

A heart wrenching bus accident leaves Alice with a serious leg injury that threatens permanent disability. Only after several operations does she regain use of the leg, though it remains badly scarred. The reader can see Alice as a woman of strength who survives and triumphs after tragedy. Her friendship to her students and neighbors is evident to those around her. Regardless, her daughter always views her as the unyielding mother of her younger years.

Beth escapes to college in Ohio where her art skills come to the aid of fellow students fighting for integration in the form of posters, signs, and political cartoons. Although she rejected her mother's piano lessons as a child, she finds solace in listening to classical music in college, especially "Three Part Invention," a piece her mother often played. True to the nature of their relationship, Beth much prefers the harpsichord version over her mother's piano rendition.

Although their relationship eases with time, a real closeness is never achieved. Beth does manage a closer relationship with her daughter Alexis that she had with her mother, thereby giving some sense of hope. Alexis is the heir to her grandmother's gift of music, thus bringing the novel full circle.

The mother/daughter theme is central while also allowing the three women to explore their identities in other relationships. All women must come to grips with such basic questions "Who am I?" and "What do I want in life?" It is with the exploration of these issues that the reader will find sustenance.