The Color of Light
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | New York , United States |
The Color of Light is a 1984 novel authored by William Goldman, focusing on the life of writer Charles 'Chub' Fuller. During his years at Oberlin College (1968–1972), Chub transforms his troubled upbringing—characterized by an alcoholic and suicidal father alongside a challenging mother—into short stories that he shares solely with his close friend Stanley 'Two-Brew' Kitchel.
This novel stands as one of Goldman's most autobiographical creations.
Plot
Chub’s initial motivation to write arises after witnessing a confrontation involving B.J. Peacock, the girl he admires. His friend Two-Brew, known for his sharp critical eye and whose father owns Sutton Press in New York, recognizes Chub’s potential and helps him publish his debut short story.
Chub’s writing gradually develops from raw emotional experiences intertwined with memories of his youth into a collection of short stories. A Christmas visit to his mother results in tension when she interprets her portrayal in his work negatively. Returning alone to Oberlin, Chub crafts what he believes to be his finest piece—a lengthy tale recounting his father’s ascent and downfall—but Two-Brew suggests it should be expanded into a full-length novel.
After completing college, unemployed and working at a bar, Chub receives encouragement from Two-Brew, now an executive at Sutton Press, to assemble his stories into a book as groundwork for the novel about his father. Two-Brew has already pitched this concept and provides advance funds, prompting Chub to relocate to New York.
The short story compilation Under the Weather attains moderate success. Although he earns acclaim and adjusts to life in New York, Chub faces difficulties writing due to illness and the reappearance of B.J., now divorced with a daughter named Jesse. They marry, and Chub experiences fulfillment as a husband and father; however, B.J.’s jealousy creates strain in their marriage. A tragic incident during a trip to Hawaii—Jesse drowning while under Chub’s supervision—results in their divorce and a challenging period involving teaching at Oberlin and harassment from a student he reported for plagiarism.
Several years later in New York, Chub works as a research assistant for other authors but remains emotionally stuck because of past losses. At a party celebrating Two-Brew’s promotion to head of Sutton Press, he encounters Bonita Kraus ("The Bone"), a former model aspiring to write Trash fiction. Their tentative relationship provides some comfort until Sandy Smith, a young admirer of Under the Weather, arrives at Chub’s home under deceptive circumstances.
Sandy falls from Chub’s window to her death; authorities suspect suicide, but Chub investigates her ties to an escaped mental patient and the individual impersonating him. This mystery rekindles Chub’s creative energy, inspiring an outline he presents to Two-Brew, who responds with the encouraging phrase "On to the next." Renewed, Chub plans to live with The Bone for mutual support but uncovers disturbing connections between her and Sandy’s death—generating both fear and material for his writing.
Reception
The novel was met with several unfavorable reviews.
Notes
- Egan, Sean, William Goldman: The Reluctant Storyteller, Bear Manor Media 2014