Joel Dicker (2002 [2022, 2024]) The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair

Posted by celticman on Tue, 04 Feb 2025

The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair is a page turner. It has been printed multiple times. On the cover it reminds readers that seven million copies have been sold worldwide. Simon May described Joel Dicker’s novel as his ‘book of the year’.

The Truth About Harry Quebert is a book within a book. Harry Quebert mentors Marcus Goldman a younger writer. He gives him the inside slant of how to become a multimillion bestseller like him. All good solid advice (see notes below).  He uses boxing analogies (watch Rocky and cut down on the time needed listening to him) and facing up to the blows you can expect to prepare for success. As a bestselling author with over seven copies sold (not all to my sister) I’ve traded blows with the multimedia and know how to fail graciously.

We need to talk about Harry Quebert’s relationship with Nola Kellergan. She’s the catalyst that makes things happen in the book. He’s 36. She’s 15. Blonde and beautiful. Her troubled past is brought out piecemeal. I get it that the literary giant Vladimir Nabokov of Pale Fire fame can have his Lolita. Quebert can have his Nola. Woody Allen can shag his stepdaughter and call it love, although his former wife Mia Farrow would call it something far more sordid. We might even go down the route of Jeffrey Epstein, friend of the moron’s moron and current President and former President Clinton. But I’m not having that Nola/Lola or whoever fifteen-year-old girl can have the balls to ask to see the Sherriff, crawl under his desk, pull down his zip and give him a blowjob.

The suspension of disbelief is needed for fiction. The trick and track at the end had me sighing. Yeh, I did kinda pick out the murderer early. But I did stay the course and over 600 pages that’s quite an achievement. Very entertaining, although not believable, which usually kills a book for me by page five. But I do need some solid hooks to my head, and paternal advice about how to become a bestselling author and is always taken with gum shields intact. I wonder if there’s a movie version. I’d be surprised if there is not. Read on.   

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Notes.

  1. Write with Passion: Harry emphasizes the importance of writing with passion and putting one's heart into the work.
  2. Perseverance: He advises Marcus to persevere through the challenges and difficulties that come with writing.
  3. Authenticity: Harry encourages Marcus to be authentic and true to himself in his writing.
  4. Discipline: He stresses the importance of discipline and maintaining a regular writing routine.
  5. Inspiration: Harry suggests that inspiration can come from anywhere and encourages Marcus to be open to new ideas and experiences.
  1. Embrace Failure: Harry tells Marcus that failure is an integral part of the writing process. Every writer faces rejection and setbacks, but it's important to learn from them and keep going.
  2. Find Your Voice: He emphasizes the importance of finding one's unique voice as a writer. Imitating others can be a useful exercise, but ultimately, a writer must develop their own style.
  3. Write for Yourself: Harry advises Marcus to write for himself first and foremost, rather than trying to please others. Authenticity and personal satisfaction should be the primary goals.
  4. Read Widely: He encourages Marcus to read a wide variety of literature. Exposure to different genres, styles, and perspectives can enrich a writer's own work.
  5. Observe the World: Harry suggests that inspiration can be found in everyday life. Observing people, places, and events can provide valuable material for writing.
  6. Stay Humble: Despite his success, Harry remains humble and grounded. He advises Marcus to stay humble and not let success go to his head.
  1. Write Every Day: Harry emphasizes the importance of writing every day, even if it's just a little. Consistency is key to developing one's craft.
  2. Embrace Solitude: He advises Marcus to embrace solitude and use it as a time for reflection and creativity. Writing often requires quiet and uninterrupted time.
  3. Stay Curious: Harry encourages Marcus to stay curious about the world and to always ask questions. Curiosity can lead to new ideas and perspectives.
  4. Be Patient: He reminds Marcus that writing a book is a long and often arduous process. Patience is essential to see a project through to completion.
  5. Seek Feedback: Harry suggests that Marcus seek feedback from trusted individuals. Constructive criticism can help improve one's writing.
  6. Write with Honesty: He advises Marcus to write with honesty and integrity. Authenticity resonates with readers and makes the writing more impactful.
  1. Write with Emotion: Harry emphasizes the importance of infusing writing with genuine emotion. Readers connect with stories that evoke feelings and resonate on a personal level.
  2. Stay True to Your Story: He advises Marcus to stay true to the story he wants to tell, even if it means going against conventional wisdom or popular trends.
  3. Edit Ruthlessly: Harry encourages Marcus to be ruthless in his editing process. Cutting unnecessary words and refining the narrative can greatly improve the quality of the writing.
  4. Seek Inspiration from Art: He suggests that Marcus seek inspiration from other forms of art, such as music, painting, and film. Different artistic expressions can spark new ideas and perspectives.
  5. Write for the Love of It: Harry reminds Marcus that writing should be driven by a love for the craft, rather than the pursuit of fame or fortune. Passion and dedication are key to creating meaningful work.
  1. Write with Clarity: Harry emphasizes the importance of writing with clarity and precision. Clear and concise writing is more effective in conveying ideas to readers.
  2. Stay True to Your Characters: He advises Marcus to stay true to his characters and let them develop naturally. Characters should be authentic and believable.
  3. Embrace Rewriting: Harry encourages Marcus to embrace the rewriting process. Writing is often about refining and improving the initial draft.
  4. Draw from Personal Experience: He suggests that Marcus draw from his own experiences and emotions to create more relatable and impactful stories.
  5. Stay Open to Criticism: Harry advises Marcus to stay open to criticism and use it as an opportunity to grow and improve as a writer.
  6. Write with Purpose: He reminds Marcus to write with a sense of purpose and meaning. Every story should have a message or theme that resonates with readers.

·  Marcus Goldman's Writer's Block: The story begins with Marcus Goldman, a successful young author, struggling with writer's block. He seeks help from his former college professor and mentor, Harry Quebert.

·  Nola Kellergan's Disappearance: The central mystery of the novel revolves around the disappearance of 15-year-old Nola Kellergan in 1975. Her body is discovered in Harry Quebert's yard, leading to his arrest.

·  Harry's Arrest: Harry Quebert is accused of Nola's murder, and the discovery of love letters between Harry and Nola complicates the situation. Harry's reputation and career are at stake.

·  Marcus's Investigation: Determined to clear Harry's name, Marcus begins his own investigation into Nola's disappearance. He uncovers secrets about the town of Somerset and its residents.

·  Revelations about Nola: As Marcus digs deeper, he learns more about Nola's troubled past and her relationships with various people in the town. These revelations add layers to the mystery.

·  Twists and Turns: The novel is filled with unexpected twists and turns, as Marcus uncovers hidden truths and confronts dangerous individuals. The investigation takes him in surprising directions.

·  The Truth Unveiled: In the climax of the novel, the true circumstances surrounding Nola's disappearance and death are revealed. The resolution of the mystery brings closure to the characters and the town.

·  Marcus's Growth: Throughout the novel, Marcus undergoes significant personal growth. He learns valuable lessons about writing, love, and the complexities of human nature.

Major Characters

  1. Marcus Goldman: The protagonist and narrator, a successful young author struggling with writer's block.
  2. Harry Quebert: Marcus's mentor and a renowned author, accused of murdering Nola Kellergan.
  3. Nola Kellergan: A 15-year-old girl who disappeared in 1975, and whose body is discovered in Harry's yard.
  4. Sergeant Perry Gahalowood: The police officer investigating Nola's murder.
  5. Jenny Quinn: A waitress in Somerset and a key figure in the investigation.
  6. Tamara Quinn: Jenny's mother and a prominent figure in the town.
  7. Elijah Stern: A wealthy and influential man in Somerset with connections to the case.
  8. Luther Caleb: Harry's former assistant with a mysterious past.

Settings

  1. Somerset, New Hampshire: The small coastal town where most of the story takes place. It is depicted as a close-knit community with many secrets.
  2. Harry Quebert's House: Located in Somerset, it is a central location in the novel, especially after Nola's body is discovered there.
  3. Marcus's Apartment in New York City: Where Marcus initially struggles with writer's block before traveling to Somerset.

Time Frames

  1. 1975: The year Nola Kellergan disappeared. Flashbacks to this time period reveal key events and relationships.
  2. 2008: The present-day timeline in which Marcus investigates the case and tries to clear Harry's name.
  3. Intervening Years: Various flashbacks and revelations fill in the gaps between 1975 and 2008, providing context and background to the characters and events.

Comparing narrative styles

 Save the Cat Beat Sheet

  1. Opening Image:
    A visual or thematic “snapshot” that sets the tone.
  2. Theme Stated:
    Early on, a character (or the narrative) hints at the story’s theme.
  3. Set-Up:
    Introduces the protagonist’s world, establishing the “normal life” and key characters.
  4. Catalyst:
    An inciting incident that disrupts the status quo.
  5. Debate:
    The protagonist questions or hesitates about the change or challenge ahead.
  6. Break into Two:
    The protagonist makes a definitive choice and enters a new world or situation.
  7. B Story:
    Often a secondary storyline (commonly a relationship) that supports the theme.
  8. Fun and Games:
    The “promise of the premise” – exploring the new world, and the central idea of the story.
  9. Midpoint:
    A major turning point that changes the game, often with a false victory or defeat.
  10. Bad Guys Close In:
    External pressures and internal doubts build as antagonistic forces intensify.
  11. All Is Lost:
    The lowest moment where defeat seems inevitable.
  12. Dark Night of the Soul:
    The protagonist reflects on what’s been lost and gathers strength.
  13. Break into Three:
    The protagonist finds a new idea or solution and makes a decisive plan.
  14. Finale:
    The climax where the protagonist confronts the central challenge and the story’s conflicts are resolved.
  15. Final Image:
    A mirror or contrast to the opening image, showing change.
  1. Opening and Establishment of the World:
    • Opening Image/Set-Up: We meet Marcus Goldman—a young, aspiring writer—and learn about his mentor, Harry Quebert, as well as the literary world they inhabit.
    • The narrative immediately establishes a layered mystery by hinting at past crimes and the allure of literary fame.
  2. Inciting Incident / Catalyst:
    • A murder (the killing of Nola Kellergan) that occurred decades ago is linked to Harry Quebert. This sets Marcus on a quest to understand what happened, thrusting him—and the reader—into a mystery.
  3. Investigation and Multiple Timelines:
    • Fun and Games (in a mystery sense): Instead of lighthearted exploration, Marcus digs through layers of clues, flashbacks, and revelations. The narrative alternates between his present-day investigation and flashbacks that slowly fill in the backstory.
    • The “B Story” can be seen in the personal and literary relationships that intertwine with the mystery, complicating Marcus’s journey.
  4. Midpoint Twist / Turning Point:
    • A major revelation about the true nature of relationships, motives, and the dark side of fame flips the reader’s understanding. Unlike a neat false victory/defeat, this twist deepens the mystery.
  5. Escalation and Confrontation (Bad Guys Close In / All Is Lost):
    • As more secrets unravel, the stakes rise: Marcus faces personal, legal, and moral dilemmas. The tension mounts as the narrative’s structure—with its layered timeframes—forces both him and the reader to question everything.
    • There is a sense of “all is lost” in that the truth seems ever more elusive, and Marcus is pulled deeper into a web of deceit and literary obsession.
  6. Climax and Resolution (Break into Three / Finale):
    • The novel builds to a climax where the multiple narrative threads converge, and the truth about Harry Quebert and the murder is finally revealed in an unexpected manner.
    • The resolution isn’t a clean, formulaic finale; rather, it is complex and bittersweet—revealing not just the answer to the mystery but also profound insights about art, ambition, and truth.
  7. Final Image/Aftermath:
    • The ending leaves readers with a changed perspective on the nature of truth, storytelling, and the cost of genius—a thematic echo of the opening, but with layers of moral ambiguity and lingering questions.
  1. Medium and Genre:
    • Save the Cat is a formula developed for screenplays—shorter, highly visual, and geared toward maintaining dramatic tension in a two-hour film.
    • The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair is a novel that takes advantage of literary techniques such as non-linear storytelling, multiple timelines, and internal monologue to build a complex mystery. The pacing and narrative depth naturally diverge from a rigid beat sheet.
  2. Narrative Complexity:
    • Dicker’s novel is sprawling, filled with red herrings, intricate backstories, and meta-commentary on literature itself. This level of complexity resists the neat, step-by-step progression that Save the Cat promotes.
    • Save the Cat’s structure emphasizes clarity and a clear dramatic arc; the novel’s layered mystery, however, purposefully obscures and complicates the “truth” to challenge the reader.
  3. Purpose and Audience:
    • Screenplays following Save the Cat are designed for mass-market entertainment with an emphasis on emotional engagement and predictable satisfaction.
    • Dicker’s work caters to readers who enjoy puzzles and literary experiments. Its structure invites deep reflection and multiple readings rather than offering an immediately gratifying resolution.
  4. Pacing and Length:
    • Save the Cat is optimized for a concise, two-hour narrative. The novel, by contrast, unfolds over hundreds of pages, allowing for slower reveals, more extensive character development, and nuanced exploration of themes.
  5. Authorial Intent:
    • Joel Dicker intentionally crafts a narrative that challenges conventional storytelling, subverting expectations and playing with the idea of truth in storytelling.
    • In contrast, Save the Cat’s approach is prescriptive—a “how-to” for creating a commercially viable story, which can feel formulaic when applied to a work meant to be mysterious and layered.
  • Save the Cat provides a 15-beat, formulaic structure aimed at creating a clear, engaging screenplay.
  • The Truth about the Harry Quebert Affair follows a more fluid, intricate narrative structure that uses non-linear timelines and multiple layers of mystery to engage its reader.