Helen Watt

Helen Watt is an aging British professor of Jewish Studies approaching mandatory retirement. She possesses a stiff and reserved demeanor and avoids associating with her colleagues. Prior to the events of her narrative, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and hides this from the few academics whom she interacts with. Her narrative develops the central theme of loneliness and isolation in the novel, as well as acceptance of her imminent death as her symptoms gradually affect her ability to handle historical documents. Her pursuit of Jewish Studies is significantly influenced by the one significant romantic relationship of her life, an affair that ended in her youth; this relationship develops the theme of love and freedom, the consequences of which Helen comes to terms with shortly before her death. The professor’s narrative features consistent foreshadowing of her death; establishing the impression that time is running out...