The Broken Cedar
Martin Malone
Scribner, 2003
Sex, Belief, Domestic Disputes, Shotguns, Rockets & Insights
Malone was, until his recent retirement, a career soldier in Ireland's Defence Forces. Yes, we are neutral here, but not helpless. Help is what we offer. In the last fifty years, Ireland's 10,000-strong army has taken part in many peacekeeping missions, from the Congo to Cyprus to Kosovo, Somalia and Iraq. Mick's imaginary beatnik beanie is off to this foreign policy, charitable assistance without self-interest. Forty-six Irish peacekeepers have paid the ultimate price in southern Lebanon alone, serving the mission to bring resolution to conflicts we had no part creating.
The Broken Cedar is a novel that explores the tragedies and terrors that arise from this situation. The central character is a Lebanese Muslim named Khalil, haunted by the brutal lynching of an Irish peacekeeper. Years later, as terminal cancer is closing its grip on Khalil's body, the son- following in his father's honorable peacekeeping footsteps- comes knocking on Khalil's humble shop door, seeking answers. "Why?" [Khalil replies] "To drive through a village in morning for its dead- [escorting an American soldier,] the main ally of their sworn enemy! Ah, Sergeant, come now."
But war and politics are only part of the story. Khalil- and this novel is a character piece, above all- is not what that spa Rush Limbaugh would lead one to expect. In 306 pages, Malone explores the point of view of a Muslim who is not a bloodthirsty extremist. Here comes the brutal human truth, from an author who spent five tours of duty among these people.
Lest anyone think that this is a The Empty Cistern of a book, allow me to abandon obscure Michener references long enough to reassure: Malone has written a mystery, one whose secrets are not revealed until the very last page. Sex. Death. Hash. Shotguns and rockets, domestic disputes, cash in hand and cheap electronics. Khalil twists, helping the Irish son locate his father's remains, without unearthing a past that is still uneasy in its grave. There's plenty to enjoy as well as much to consider. The book satisfies both the need to understand and the need to be entertained.
In 2004, The Broken Cedar was nominated for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, a worldwide prize that carries €100,000 in booty. Fair play to Malone, one of only three Irish authors to be tapped! The winner will be announced in June 2005. Me, I've got my fingers crossed.
Four stars out of five.
Mick proudly presents a profile of Martin Malone on the DFA Guide to Dublin.
Martin Malone, the man with the truth. Critical Mick says: Read The Broken Cedar.
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