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The Great Believers: A Journey Through Loss, Love, and the Enduring Power of Connection

Rebecca Makkai’s The Great Believers (2018) is a masterful blend of historical fiction and contemporary drama that weaves together two timelines to explore the enduring impact of love, grief, and resilience. Shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize and a finalist for the National Book Award, this novel transcends its setting to deliver a universal message about human connection and the scars left by societal neglect. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dissect the book’s intricate structure, analyze its themes, and uncover the profound truths Makkai embeds in her storytelling. Whether you’re a seasoned reader of literary fiction or new to the genre, this review promises to deepen your understanding of a novel that has captivated readers worldwide.

Part I: 1985-1986 – The Shadow of the Epidemic

The novel opens in the summer of 1985 in Chicago, a city vibrant with artistic energy but increasingly shadowed by the mysterious and terrifying illness that is beginning to claim the lives of young gay men. Yale Tishman, a promising development director at a small art gallery, finds his world irrevocably altered as the disease begins to touch his inner circle.

The Gallery and the Art: This section introduces us to Yale’s professional life, his passion for art, and his ambition to secure a significant collection for the gallery. The art world serves as a backdrop, reflecting the beauty and fragility of life that the epidemic starkly contrasts. Yale’s dedication to preserving art mirrors the inherent human desire to preserve life and memory.
The Circle of Friends: Makkai masterfully introduces a vibrant and complex group of friends, mostly gay men, who form Yale’s close-knit community. Among them are Nico, Yale’s charming but troubled best friend and photographer; Charlie, Nico’s loyal and grounded partner; Julian, a talented artist grappling with his own mortality; and Stephen, Yale’s thoughtful and supportive boyfriend. Their interactions are filled with humor, affection, and the unspoken fear that hangs heavy in the air.
The Onset of Illness: The early chapters chillingly depict the gradual encroachment of the disease. Initially dismissed as rumors and whispers, the reality of AIDS becomes undeniable as friends and acquaintances begin to fall ill. Makkai avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the confusion, the lack of information, the fear of contagion, and the agonizing process of watching loved ones succumb to a disease that no one understands.
Nico’s Decline: A significant portion of this section focuses on Nico’s struggle with the illness. Makkai portrays his physical deterioration with unflinching honesty, but also highlights the emotional toll it takes on Yale and their entire circle. The helplessness and the inadequate medical understanding of the time are palpable, underscoring the devastating impact of the epidemic.
The Stolen Drawings: A subplot involving the theft of valuable drawings from the gallery adds another layer of complexity to Yale’s life. This event, while seemingly separate from the AIDS crisis, highlights the vulnerability and uncertainty that permeate this era. It also forces Yale to confront issues of trust and betrayal within his professional and personal life.
The Growing Fear and Stigma: Makkai powerfully illustrates the societal fear and stigma surrounding AIDS. The isolation, the judgment, and the lack of compassion faced by those affected are starkly depicted. This section underscores the immense emotional burden carried by individuals living with the disease and their loved ones.

Part II: 2015 – Echoes in Paris

The narrative then shifts forward nearly three decades to Paris in 2015, where Fiona Marcus, now in her fifties, is searching for her estranged daughter, Claire. Claire had become involved with a radical political group and has cut off contact with her mother.

Fiona’s Search: This section follows Fiona’s determined and often frustrating attempts to locate Claire in the bustling and sometimes opaque world of Parisian activism. Her journey is fueled by a mother’s unwavering love and a deep sense of regret over their fractured relationship.
The Connection to the Past: Gradually, the connection between Fiona’s present and Yale’s past begins to emerge. We learn that Fiona was Nico’s younger sister and that the trauma of losing her brother and his friends to AIDS has profoundly shaped her life. Her search for Claire is intertwined with her unresolved grief and her memories of the devastating years in Chicago.
Meeting Old Friends: In Paris, Fiona unexpectedly reconnects with some of Yale’s surviving friends from Chicago, now living in Europe. These encounters offer glimpses into the long-term impact of the epidemic and the different ways individuals coped with the immense loss. They also provide Fiona with new perspectives on her brother and the community he belonged to.
The Weight of History: Through Fiona’s interactions and reflections, Makkai explores how the past continues to shape the present. The scars of the AIDS crisis are still visible, both in the individuals who survived and in the collective memory of a generation. Fiona’s journey becomes a way of confronting this history and understanding its enduring legacy.
Claire’s World: As Fiona delves deeper into Claire’s life, we are introduced to the world of contemporary activism and the motivations that drive young people to engage in radical politics. Makkai avoids simplistic portrayals, presenting a nuanced view of Claire’s choices and the complex issues she is grappling with.
Themes of Motherhood and Estrangement: This section explores the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship, the pain of estrangement, and the enduring power of maternal love. Fiona’s relentless search highlights the lengths a parent will go to for their child, even when faced with silence and rejection.

Part III: 1987-1990 – The Deepening Crisis

The narrative returns to Chicago, focusing on the years when the AIDS epidemic reached its peak, claiming more and more lives within Yale’s community.

The Escalating Loss: This section portrays the relentless and devastating impact of the disease. Funerals become commonplace, and the constant fear of who will be next permeates every aspect of life. Makkai vividly captures the emotional toll of witnessing so much loss and the sense of helplessness that pervaded the era.
Yale’s Activism and Advocacy: As the crisis deepens, Yale becomes increasingly involved in activism, fighting for recognition, research funding, and compassionate care for those affected by AIDS. His journey from observer to active participant highlights the resilience and the spirit of resistance that emerged within the gay community.
The Bonds of Love and Friendship: Amidst the tragedy, the bonds of love and friendship become even more crucial. Makkai beautifully depicts the unwavering support and care that these individuals offer each other, creating pockets of warmth and connection in the face of overwhelming loss. Yale’s relationship with Stephen deepens, offering moments of solace and hope.
Julian’s Struggle and Art: The character of Julian, the artist, takes on greater significance in this section. His art becomes a powerful expression of the pain, anger, and beauty of the era. Makkai explores how art can serve as a form of witness, remembrance, and resistance in times of crisis.
The Weight of Survivor’s Guilt: As more and more friends succumb to the disease, Yale grapples with survivor’s guilt and the profound sense of loss. He questions his own survival and struggles to find meaning in a world that has been irrevocably changed.
The Seeds of the Future: Despite the overwhelming darkness, this section also hints at the future. The activism and advocacy of this period laid the groundwork for greater awareness, research, and ultimately, treatment advancements. The seeds of hope, though fragile, begin to emerge.

Part IV: 2016 – Reckonings and Connections

The final part of the novel brings the two timelines closer together, as Fiona’s search for Claire leads her to a deeper understanding of her own past and the legacy of the AIDS crisis.

Unraveling the Past: Through her continued interactions with Yale’s friends and her own memories, Fiona begins to piece together a more complete picture of her brother’s life and the profound impact the epidemic had on him and his community. She confronts her own grief and the ways in which she may have distanced herself from the reality of his experience.
Finding Claire: Fiona’s persistence eventually leads her to Claire, and their reunion, while not without its complexities, offers a glimmer of hope for reconciliation. Makkai portrays the challenges of bridging the gap between generations and differing perspectives, but also the potential for understanding and forgiveness.
The Enduring Legacy: This section emphasizes the enduring legacy of the AIDS crisis. The trauma, the loss, and the lessons learned continue to resonate in the present day. Makkai suggests that remembering and acknowledging this history is crucial for moving forward and preventing similar tragedies.
The Power of Connection: Ultimately, the novel underscores the importance of human connection in the face of adversity. The bonds of love, friendship, and community provide solace, strength, and a sense of belonging, even in the darkest of times. Fiona’s journey highlights the power of reaching out and finding connection across time and generations.
Finding Meaning and Hope: While acknowledging the immense pain and loss, the ending offers a sense of hope and the possibility of finding meaning in the aftermath of tragedy. The act of remembering and bearing witness becomes a way of honoring the lives that were lost and ensuring that their stories are not forgotten.

The Author’s Message: Love, Loss, and the Importance of Remembering

Through “The Great Believers,” Rebecca Makkai delivers a powerful and multifaceted message that resonates deeply with the reader. Several key themes emerge:

The Devastating Impact of the AIDS Epidemic: Makkai unflinchingly portrays the human cost of the AIDS crisis, highlighting the immense loss of life, the fear and stigma, and the inadequate societal response. She compels readers to remember this period of history and the profound impact it had on individuals and communities.
The Enduring Power of Love and Friendship: Amidst the tragedy, the novel celebrates the resilience of human connection. The bonds of love, friendship, and community provide solace, strength, and a sense of belonging in the face of unimaginable loss. These relationships become lifelines in a time of crisis.
The Importance of Remembering and Bearing Witness: Makkai emphasizes the crucial role of memory in preserving the stories of those who were lost and ensuring that history is not forgotten. The act owitf bearing witness to past suffering is essential for understanding the present and preventing future injustices.
The Intergenerational Impact of Trauma: The novel explores how the trauma of the AIDS crisis continues to affect subsequent generations. Fiona’s journey highlights the long-term emotional and psychological consequences of such widespread loss and the importance of acknowledging and processing this collective grief.
The Complexity of Human Relationships: Makkai delves into the intricacies of human relationships, exploring themes of love, loss, estrangement, and reconciliation. She shows that even in the face of profound adversity, the capacity for connection and understanding remains.
The Role of Art as a Form of Witness and Remembrance: The novel highlights the power of art to capture the essence of a particular time and place, to bear witness to suffering, and to serve as a form of remembrance. Julian’s art becomes a powerful symbol of the era and a testament to the enduring human spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about “The Great Believers”

What is the main message of The Great Believers?
That love, loss, memory, and belief in others are what keep us going—even in the darkest times.
Is The Great Believers based on a true story?
While the characters are fictional, the setting and events are deeply rooted in real historical tragedies during the AIDS crisis.
How does the dual timeline affect the story?
It adds emotional and historical depth, showing how past events ripple into the present.
Why is the book titled The Great Believers?
It refers to the characters’ unwavering hope and belief—in love, in art, in survival—even when the world crumbles around them.
What genre is The Great Believers?
It’s literary fiction with strong historical and LGBTQ+ themes.

Conclusion

“The Great Believers” is a masterful and deeply affecting novel that transcends the typical historical fiction. Rebecca Makkai has crafted a poignant and unforgettable story that honors the lives lost during the AIDS epidemic while also exploring the enduring power of human connection and the importance of remembering our collective past. Through the intertwined journeys of Yale and Fiona, Makkai invites readers to reflect on themes of love, loss, resilience, and the enduring legacy of a generation profoundly impacted by tragedy. This is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, prompting reflection and fostering a deeper understanding of a pivotal moment in history and the enduring strength of the human spirit.