The Boy
It’s 1908. Upon the death of his mother, the boy begins his long trek from somewhere in the mountains of Eastern Europe to his new home in France. While he travels, the boy, who is unable to speak and was raised without human contact (other than his mother), meets people who at first are superstitious, and some fear him. He runs away from those he initially meets and joins a huge man who drives a carnival wagon and introduces the boy to “showmanship” and daily bathing. His mentor dies, and he is forced to move on; he meets a Belgian family who adopts him. Emma, the daughter, names him Felix and, at first, treats him like a brother. He is soon introduced to the lovemaking skills of the young woman and she pledges her love to him. 1911 through 1914 become the most beautiful, most marvelous years of his life. War begins in Europe and “Felix” must join the French Army, where he is faced with death and destruction for the next four years. Although silent he still manages to become an excellent soldier.
The novel is Malte’s perception of a coming-of-age story in which a young boy is unable to describe his needs. The boy communicates with those he meets by being helpful while blending into his surroundings. He discovers life and death, love and hate, while the author “moves” his character from one scene to another without a word spoken by the protagonist. As the boy learns about what it means to be civilized, the characters and the story of Western Europe during his lifetime provide an exciting backdrop.
