You remind me of how much I don't remember about this book. For that, I feel bad. Then again, I must have read it about 4 or 5 years ago. But there is one thing I remember: I kept getting thrown off by the actual time setting, too.
His writing does have that feel to it--or I should say, the translation does, which, to their credit, translators do their best to bring out as much of the original intonation as possible. I get the feeling, even if I were to try and read his work in Spanish, it'd be too complex for me to understand!
Also, I prefer your cover to the one I have. It's the reddish orange one with the little window in the center--not nearly as pretty.
I am doing better, you're so sweet for asking. :) The adjustment is hard (I still think I hear Komi sometimes) and there are a lot of habits I'd developed specifically for her that make going through the day awkward and sobering, but at least I can finally concentrate on other things to keep busy. We've all been a bit anxious waiting for a call from the funeral home (she is being cremated), but hopefully that will come in the next couple of days so she can come home. I think that will bring me some much needed closure.
Cover-wise, I got lucky. I almost picked it up several times before this particular cover was released, and I'm really glad I didn't!
The need for closure, I understand. I've lost cats before, and it's always hard, but I know I'll be an absolute wreck when the time comes that me and my husband lose Storm Shadow. When they become such huge members of the family, letting go is never, ever easy.
So you haven't read this one? Interesting! I'll be picking up the trade of THE ANGEL'S GAME when it comes out later this year, unless my TBR stack is still abysmal. :)
It's been a very long time since I read this and I remember very few details, but I do recall that I was also disappointed by the lack of magic realism/fantasy in the book. I kept waiting for something supernatural to show up and was a little bummed when nothing of the sort appeared.
I can tell you that I am DYING to go poke around that Cemetery of Forgotten Books, though :)
I just finished this today. I agree with you that there was something archaic about the book, like it was set in the 1800s instead of the 1950s. I think part of the reason for me is that everyone was so concerned about the notion of the female characters' (at least Bea and Penelope) purity and honor. I don't feel like this book was an example of magic realism, but I do highly recommend Gabriel Garcia Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude.
Comments 8
Reply
Hey, how are you doing lately?
Reply
Also, I prefer your cover to the one I have. It's the reddish orange one with the little window in the center--not nearly as pretty.
I am doing better, you're so sweet for asking. :) The adjustment is hard (I still think I hear Komi sometimes) and there are a lot of habits I'd developed specifically for her that make going through the day awkward and sobering, but at least I can finally concentrate on other things to keep busy. We've all been a bit anxious waiting for a call from the funeral home (she is being cremated), but hopefully that will come in the next couple of days so she can come home. I think that will bring me some much needed closure.
Reply
The need for closure, I understand. I've lost cats before, and it's always hard, but I know I'll be an absolute wreck when the time comes that me and my husband lose Storm Shadow. When they become such huge members of the family, letting go is never, ever easy.
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
Reply
I can tell you that I am DYING to go poke around that Cemetery of Forgotten Books, though :)
Reply
Reply
I keep meaning to read Marquez one day!
Reply
Leave a comment