The Meeting Point, By Lucy Caldwell
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lucy Caldwell's second novel begins in rural Ireland with Euan and Ruth Armstrong setting off with their young daughter to do missionary work in Bahrain. For Ruth, it is a calling from God to do His work in a new world, her "weightless aspiration billowing like silk in the air". However, on the first night, Euan confesses the real reason he has come to Bahrain: an illegal operation to smuggle Bibles into Saudi Arabia. Shocked to realise that her husband is willing to risk his life and sacrifice the safety of family, something inside Ruth cracks.
This narrative is intertwined with that of a 15-year-old girl who has fled England to live with her father in Bahrain. Overweight and depressed, Noor spends her time rebelling against her father's newfound religious zeal and planning her suicide until she notices the Armstrongs out walking, "a vision of angels, come to save her". After initiating contact, it is arranged that Noor and her brooding 19-year-old cousin, Farid, will take their new neighbour to see the Tree of Life.
Having studied the scriptures, Ruth hopes that the site of the Garden of Eden will help her overcome doubt and disillusion, but she breaks down on seeing its squalid state. Instinctively, Farid comforts Ruth in his arms and this moment becomes a catalyst. For Noor the event has a different significance. Ruth's tears are proof of purity and redemptive power, and she vows to ingratiate herself into her family.
From this moment, the pace gathers momentum. Social tensions rise as America declares war on Iraq, but Euan continues to prepare obsessively for his mission. Ruth and Farid are unable to resist adultery - but their behaviour is noticed. Bahrain has a veneer of metropolitan modernity but flouting strict codes of conduct has dire consequences.
Through the contrasting perspectives of her protagonists, Caldwell revisits her leitmotifs: faith, betrayal, and identity. Ruth struggles to find meaning in the God and man she once worshipped and must decide if she can leave one life behind and start anew, while Noor clings to her naive idolatry to escape her tragic reality.
The dialogue of this award-winning playwright crackles with dramatic energy. Repressed desire and resentment bubble beneath the surface, threatening to wreak havoc. Casting her net further than the limitations of expat existence, Caldwell masters the development of individuals through life experience, human interaction and the decisions we must make, and then live with. The Meeting Point is a skilful piece of craftsmanship with an emotional charge that is both cathartic and moving. It will stay with you.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments