Murmur by Will Eaves

The inspiration of this extraordinary story is Alan Turing whose life remains a point of fascination—even for people who have no interest in his groundbreaking work in computer science.  Turing helped bring an end to World War II by cracking German military codes, but later on, in 1952, he condemned and chemically castrated by the British government for homosexual activity.  

Will Eaves is an interesting writer and Murmur is not like any other book about Alan Turing. It is a sad and fascinating journey into Turing's mind during the period of his punishment, when he submitted himself to the injection of hormones that effected chemical castration. It is a narrative full of metaphors and riddles, an exploration into the dreams and consciousness of Alec Pryor who stands in for Alan Turing, that reflect his identity crisis during this period of duress.

Living on your own makes you more tolerant of people who say strange things. I met a dog walker on the common recently who greeted me as I rounded the bandstand as if I were a close friend returning to her side after a trip to the toilet. She looked over the misty grass and said casually, “This is where I scattered my father’s ashes.” I suppose she was in some sort of pain. Pain is the invisible companion. At the fairground, where I met Cyril, there were the remains of freaks – strong men and a boxing booth with a poor giant of a man soaking up the most dreadful punishment, but also a woman with hyperextended limbs. Freaks live in pain, as do most sporting types and ballet dancers. So much of real life is invisible.

Will Eaves

Murmur is not an easy read, therefore not for everyone, but for those who make the effort, it can be a very moving literary experience.

Murmur is the winner of the 2019 Wellcome Book Prize and the Republic of Consciousness Prize.