"What are you reading now?" The Braid, by Laetitia Colombani

 Noelia's contribution

The Book

Source: Amazon

"The Braid" by Laetitia Colombani is a captivating novel that follows the lives of three women from different corners of the world. The three of them have, apparently, nothing in common. One of them is joyful because her familiar fate will change. The other is in charge of the family business making high-quality wigs. The last one lives obsessed with being the best lawyer. 

The book takes readers on a journey across India, Sicily and Canada, exploring themes such as breaking social stratification, responsibility, sacrifice, motherhood, and illness, among others.

Despite the lack of dialogue, Laetitia Colombani's elegant and evocative prose captures the reader's attention from beginning to end, digging into the complexities of identity, class, and gender. The narrative invites readers to empathize with each woman's psychological and physical journey. 

This novel would be perfect for a Book Club session, as members could spend hours and hours discussing the characters and their struggles. At the end of the book, there is a book club guide including questions about the novel, its characters and the readers ' opinions. 

I highly recommend this novel. It can be a bit predictable from time to time. But it's well-written and invites readers to consider current worldwide policies, stereotypes or how to face illness, among other existential and philosophical questions. 

The Author

Source:Amazon

Laetitia Colombani is a French director, actress, screenwriter, and writer born in Bordeaux in 1976.

After graduating from the National School of Louis Lumière, at the age of 25, she made her debut in the film industry with the short film Le Dernier Bip, for which she wrote the script, directed, and acted. After this, she continued directing, writing, and acting in both shorts and feature films.

In 2017, Colombani published her first novel, The Braid (La Tresse), which was a critical success — winning several awards — and a public success, with over half a million copies sold and translated into almost thirty different languages. Later, other titles such as The Victors or The Flight of the Kite were released.

May Meeting, “Baking Cakes in Kigali” by Gaile Parkin

 The Book

Source: goodreads.com

“Baking Cakes in Kigali” by Gaile Parkin is a captivating novel set in modern-day Rwanda. The story revolves around Angel Tungaraza, a remarkable character who runs a bustling cake-baking business in Kigali. Angel’s cakes are more than just delicious pastries; they symbolize hope, celebration, and transformation.

In her kitchen, people from diverse backgrounds gather to share their stories, secrets, and dreams. Amidst the cacophony of native tongues, Angel weaves magic with her vibrant, buttery cakes. Here are some key elements of the book:

Angel is not only a cake baker but also a keeper of secrets. Her cakes become conduits for healing, love, and connection. Through her creations, she touches lives and brings solace to those affected by Rwanda’s tragic history.

The novel introduces us to an array of characters—a CIA agent’s wife seeking the perfect holiday cake, a former boy-soldier sharing his enthralling story, weary human rights workers, and lovesick limo drivers. Angel’s kitchen becomes an oasis where people find comfort and hope.

As Angel bakes cakes, extraordinary connections form among those who taste them. A most unusual wedding is planned, and a heartbreaking mystery unfolds, revealing Angel’s own family secrets.

The book delves into themes of reconciliation, resilience, and the power of small acts of kindness. Despite the aftermath of tragedy, life goes on, and people find reasons to celebrate.

“Baking Cakes in Kigali” is hauntingly charming, funny, and deeply involving. Gaile Parkin’s eloquence transports readers to a place where cakes carry more than sweetness—they carry the weight of history and the promise of a better future.

The Author

Source: Penguin Random House

Gaile Parkin, born in Zambia and raised in Zimbabwe, is a talented writer known for her insightful narratives that blend humor and heart. After working as a social worker in various African countries, Parkin turned to writing, drawing inspiration from her experiences to craft engaging stories.

Her debut novel, "Baking Cakes in Kigali," garnered widespread acclaim for its portrayal of life in Rwanda post-genocide. Set against the backdrop of a cake-making business, Parkin weaves together the stories of diverse characters, offering a poignant exploration of resilience, community, and the power of small acts of kindness.

Parkin's writing captures the intricacies of human relationships with warmth and empathy, while also addressing weighty themes such as reconciliation and healing. Her ability to infuse her narratives with both humor and poignancy has earned her a dedicated readership.

While "Baking Cakes in Kigali" remains her most renowned work, Parkin continues to write and explore themes of identity, culture, and social justice in her subsequent novels. Through her storytelling, she invites readers to contemplate the complexities of the human experience and the transformative power of compassion.

What are you reading? Under the Tamarind Tree by Nigar Alam

 Noelia's contribution

Source: Books Marks

"Under the Tamarind Tree" by Nigar Alam weaves together past and present timelines to create a captivating narrative that explores the enduring themes of love, loss, and resilience across generations.

 Against the backdrop of the India Partition, the novel focuses on the story of Rozeena's family and friends, painting a vivid picture of their struggles and triumphs. 

Alam's writing has a poetic quality that brings the setting to life, creating vibrant descriptions of both the agitated past and the peaceful present. The tamarind tree is a quiet witness, constantly present in the story and serves as a touching symbol. Its branches extend across time to connect the various elements of the story.

"At its core, "Under the Tamarind Tree" is a story about love, loss, and the lasting strength of human relationships. Alam expertly delves into the intricacies of familial ties, tracing their evolution from the past to the present. Through well-crafted characters and vivid descriptions, she explores themes of tradition, identity, and the difficulty of reconciling the past with the present."

To conclude, "Under the Tamarind Tree" is a masterfully composed tale that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of life's trials and tribulations. Nigar Alam's exquisite prose, coupled with her deft handling of temporal shifts, makes this novel a compelling read for anyone who appreciates rich storytelling and nuanced characterization.

List of Characters

Click on the image to enlarge it

April Meeting, "Let it Snow" by David Sedaris

 

Note: As we all know, at the next meeting in April we will talk about "Small Things Like These" and this month's essay "Let it Snow".

The Essay

Illustration by Seymour Chwast . The New Yorker

Click "here"  to access the text of the essay

In the wintry landscape of Binghamton, New York, snow was a rarity. David Sedaris, as a young boy, remembered the great heaps of snow from his past, using them as evidence that North Carolina, where he lived, was a subpar place. But when a rare snowfall hit, school was canceled, and the world transformed. For the first time in years, the snow accumulated and froze, creating a winter wonderland.

However, Sedaris’ idyllic snow day took a dark turn. His mother, overwhelmed by their presence during the vacation, evicted him and his sisters from the house. Locked out, they faced the cold, wondering if they might freeze to death. Sedaris even contemplated a drastic solution: one of them getting hit by a car to teach their parents a lesson.

“Let It Snow” captures the blend of childhood innocence, family dynamics, and the unexpected twists that snow days can bring. Sedaris’ storytelling skill paints a vivid picture of that memorable winter day, leaving readers with a mix of amusement and reflection

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

David Raymond Sedaris is an American humorist, comedian, author, and radio contributor. Born on December 26, 1956, in Johnson City, New York, he gained public recognition in 1992 when National Public Radio broadcast his essay “Santaland Diaries.” Sedaris has a distinctive style characterized by self-deprecating humor and keen observations of everyday life.

His debut collection of essays and short stories, “Barrel Fever” (1994), marked the beginning of his literary success. Subsequent works, including “Naked” (1997) and “Me Talk Pretty One Day” (2000), became New York Times Bestsellers. The latter even won the prestigious Thurber Prize for American Humor.

Sedaris often draws from his family life, middle-class upbringing in the suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina, Greek heritage, homosexuality, jobs, education, drug use, and obsessive behaviors. His writing also reflects his experiences living in France, London, New York, and the South Downs in England. His sister, Amy Sedaris, is an actress and his occasional writing collaborator.

As for the impact of “Let It Snow,” this seemingly innocent story about a week of snow days takes a darker turn. It reveals the complexities of Sedaris’s dysfunctional family, touching on alcoholism, identity issues, and regret. Through humor, he sheds light on the difficulties of parenting while dealing with personal struggles.

In summary, David Sedaris’s unique blend of wit, satire, and vulnerability has solidified his place as an influential humorist. His work continues to resonate with readers, and “Let It Snow” exemplifies his ability to explore both the mundane and profound aspects of life