What a fantastic post, Kalpana, beautifully written -- I am ordering this book. The line about the way ‘lunatics embrace new beliefs’ , WOW! Thanks for this.
Holy cow. What a recommendation! “Eva Baltasar carves with an Obsidian knife and, simultaneously, embroiders with the finest needle.” I’m in! What do you make of the protagonist sharing a name with the guy who turns into a cockroach in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis? Surely it’s not just a coincidence. Parenthood makes us unrecognizable to our former selves!
Peter!!! Omg. And I thought it would be cheesy to bring in Kafka but that’s exactly the first thing that struck me. I should have mentioned it given that it weirded me out. This is a book you’ll read as if your life depended on it.
So to answer what I make of it….everything! Those who do not want to be molded into another’s version of what they want them to be is exactly what Baltasar’s talking about. So, yes, missed opportunity, given that I recognized it. What a terrific, laser-focused work. Not a word extra snd so much poetry contained inside it. I hate this writer. Now I’ve to read PERMAFROST which is even better apparently.
Another thing that struck me: When poets write novels it can be amazing. (Thank you Helen Macdonald.) They tend to pack so much into a sentence! Feels like it will be a long/intense 106-page read. Will report back.
And I thought your writing could not improve! Have to remember your powerful analogies. Continued gratitude.
What a fantastic post, Kalpana, beautifully written -- I am ordering this book. The line about the way ‘lunatics embrace new beliefs’ , WOW! Thanks for this.
Holy cow. What a recommendation! “Eva Baltasar carves with an Obsidian knife and, simultaneously, embroiders with the finest needle.” I’m in! What do you make of the protagonist sharing a name with the guy who turns into a cockroach in Kafka’s The Metamorphosis? Surely it’s not just a coincidence. Parenthood makes us unrecognizable to our former selves!
Peter!!! Omg. And I thought it would be cheesy to bring in Kafka but that’s exactly the first thing that struck me. I should have mentioned it given that it weirded me out. This is a book you’ll read as if your life depended on it.
So to answer what I make of it….everything! Those who do not want to be molded into another’s version of what they want them to be is exactly what Baltasar’s talking about. So, yes, missed opportunity, given that I recognized it. What a terrific, laser-focused work. Not a word extra snd so much poetry contained inside it. I hate this writer. Now I’ve to read PERMAFROST which is even better apparently.
Another thing that struck me: When poets write novels it can be amazing. (Thank you Helen Macdonald.) They tend to pack so much into a sentence! Feels like it will be a long/intense 106-page read. Will report back.
👍🏼
Thank you for bringing this brilliant Catalan novel