Noelia's contribution
These are the songs that are mentioned in chapters 16/17 of the book "Our Souls at Night".
YouTube - Songs - Traditional - Down in the Valley
YouTube - Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinah
January 24 Meeting, "Our Souls at Night" by Kent Haruf
The Book
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| Source:Amazon |
Our Souls at Night" by Kent Haruf is a poignant and tender exploration of love, loneliness, and the human spirit in the twilight years of life. Set in the small town of Holt, Colorado, the novel revolves around Addie Moore and Louis Waters, two elderly neighbors who, in the face of solitude, decide to forge a connection by spending their nights together.
Haruf's writing is spare yet deeply evocative, capturing the quiet beauty of ordinary lives and the complexities of relationships. The narrative unfolds gently, revealing the characters' vulnerabilities, regrets, and unfulfilled desires. As Addie and Louis navigate the judgments of their community and their own personal histories, the novel becomes a meditation on the power of companionship and the capacity for human connection to heal even the deepest wounds.
The author's portrayal of aging is both tender and honest, presenting the challenges and joys of growing old with grace and authenticity. "Our Souls at Night" is a timeless exploration of the human heart, a testament to the enduring need for intimacy and understanding, and a reminder that it's never too late to seek companionship and redefine the meaning of love. Haruf's final novel is a touching masterpiece that lingers in the reader's soul long after the last page is turned.
The Author
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| Source:Babelio |
Kent Haruf (1943-2014) was an American author known for his spare yet powerful novels capturing the essence of life in the American West. Born in Pueblo, Colorado, Haruf drew inspiration from his rural upbringing and experiences to craft stories that resonated with authenticity.
Haruf's notable works include the Plainsong trilogy, but "Our Souls at Night" stands out as a crowning achievement. Published in 2015, it marked his poignant farewell to the literary world. Set in the fictional town of Holt, Colorado, the novel explores late-life companionship between Addie Moore and Louis Waters. The book gained widespread acclaim for its tender portrayal of love and loneliness in the twilight years.
During his career, Haruf received numerous accolades, including the Whiting Foundation Writers' Award and a nomination for the National Book Award. His unique narrative style, characterized by spare prose and deep emotional resonance, endeared him to readers and critics alike.
"Our Souls at Night" holds a special place in Haruf's legacy, representing a culmination of his literary prowess and a touching exploration of human connection in the face of aging. It remains a testament to his ability to distill profound insights from the simplicity of everyday life.
What are you reading? "The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem" by Sarit Yishai-Levi
Noelia's contribution
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| Source: Amazon |
The book
"The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem" by Sarit Yishai-Levi is a captivating and multi-generational novel that immerses readers into the vibrant world of Jerusalem, specifically the Sephardic community, during the mid-20th century. With its rich storytelling and colorful characters, this book delves into themes of love, family, tradition, and the changing dynamics of a society undergoing significant transformation.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the novel is its well-drawn characters. Readers fall in love with Rosa's complex and memorable.
The setting of Jerusalem is vividly depicted throughout the book, giving readers a sense of the city's history, traditions, and cultural diversity. Yishai-Levi expertly showcases the intertwining of different religious and ethnic communities living side by side and the impact of political events on their everyday lives. The author's attention to detail, whether describing the bustling marketplaces or the religious traditions, adds depth and authenticity to the story.
The novel also explores the role of women in Jerusalem society during that period. Analyzing the expectations placed on women, their struggles for independence, their sexuality, etc. This feminist undertone adds an intriguing layer to the narrative and makes the characters and their choices even more compelling.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this beautiful novel. It is a well-written novel. The characters are masterfully developing. The reading captures readers from the first page to the end.
The Author
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| Source: Babelio |
Sarit Yishai-Levi was born in Jerusalem in 1947 to a Sephardic family who lived in this city for seven generations. She studied at the Nissan Nativ Acting Studio and later journalism at Tel Aviv Unervisity. She acted in theatres and films. Before becoming a journalist and correspondent in different Israeli newspapers,
In 2014, her first book, The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem, won the Staimatzky Prize for best-selling book of the year. Recently, the novel has been adapted into a TV series on the famous digital platform Netflix.
Her second novel, A Women Beyond the Sea, received the Publisher Association's Gold and Platinum Prizes.
First look trailer of the exciting period drama 'The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem based on the international best-seller of the same name, written by Sarit Yishai-Levi.
The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem - First Look Trailer (English Subs) - yes Studios
External links
Interesting web, extra information, definition of words: mikveh and Kiddush
The Hotel King David
Rituals Shiva
The Guardian Reviews
What are you reading? Miss World by Benjamin Zephaniah
Ana Melendo's contribution
The Author
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| Benjamin Zephaniah . Image source: Palatinate.org |
Today I want to share with you a discovery I’ve just made: the poet Benjamin ZEPHANIAH(1958.2023), born in Jamaica.
I didn’t know him since his death on the last 7th of December. Some of his poems are not easy to understand (in English), but when I read the next one, I felt the desire to share it with you because of its beauty:
The Poem
Miss World
Beauty is about how you behold
more than silver more than gold
if I say I am beautiful
it means beauty is accessible,
beauty is about how you greet
de everyday people dat you meet
you are beautiful so all rejoice
your beauty is a natural choice.
My sister is a beautiful girl
she don't want to be Miss World
her value is not prize money
more value than a pearl
my sister is a beautiful girl
human delight
she could be out of sight but she would rather stay and fight.
Her legs are firm and strong
best for self-defence
my sister kicks like wildfire
so cause her no grievance
she won't walk the platform
to upsex people's lust
and you can't get the number of her height, age or bust,
she don't want to go to the market
to be viewed like a slave
the viewing time is over
put de judge in the grave,
she don't need to go to the market
'cause she's already won
beauty contest no contest
she don't need to run.
.....
Little Sister
That's my little Sister,
just five minutes old.
Already seeking something,
to bite, chew and hold.
That's my little sister
already going bald,
I can't just call her sister,
so what will she be called?
I want to call her Carol,
but all Carols are hymns.
I want to call her Jimmy,
but I always visit gyms.
I want to call her spotty,
but she may punch my nose.
I will not call her Rosy,
she don't look like a rose.
When I hear her crying,
I want to call her LOUD!!
If she's the type for talking,
I may call her a crowd.
If she's good at singing,
I'll call her nightingale.
If she keeps on grinning,
she'll make the Doctors wail.
The Doctors call her beauty,
but Beauty is a horse.
The nurses called her cutey,
being polite, of course.
My Mummy and my Daddy,
just don't have an idea.
We don't have a name ready,
but we're so glad she's here.
..........
My sister is a beautiful girl
But she don't want to be Miss World
her personality cannot be rewarded by no judge or earl.
My sister is a beautiful girl
She needs no contest
and you can't put her with another judging who's the best.
And you cannot judge my sister's heart
By looking at her breasts.
If you want to hear the poem recited by the author, you can watch the following YouTube video:
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