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

"What are you watching now" Philomena by Stephen Frears.

 Josefa's contribution

Source: filmaffinity

Philomena, with Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. In the context of the book we're reading, Small Things Like These, I strongly recommend the club members to watch it. It's about a teenage girl who, in 1950's Ireland, becomes pregnant out of wedlock, is sent to a convent. When her baby is a toddler, he is taken away from her and put up for adoption in America. 50 years later the mother embarks on a journey to try and find her son.

It's a really interesting film with a fantastic cast.

Philomena Official Trailer #1 (2013) - Judi Dench, Steve Coogan Movie HD

> Excerpt from the entry "Philomena" on Wikipedia

Philomena is a British drama film directed by Stephen Frears . It was screened in the main competition at the Venice Film Festival in 2013, where Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope won the Osella Award for Best Screenplay. ¹​ At the Toronto Film Festival , the film won second place in the popular choice category.2

Philomena is based on the book The lost child of Philomena Lee by Martin Sixsmith , which tells the true story of Philomena Lee and her fifty-year search for her son. Unlike the film adaptation, the book focuses more on Michael Hess 's life before he was adopted.

"What are you reading now?" The Reading List, by Sarah Nisha Adams

 Josefa's contribution

Source: Goodreads.com

I have recently read The Reading List, by Sarah Nisha Adams. The writer's debut novel, published in 2021. 

"Please try to remember that books aren't always an escape; sometimes books teach us things. They show us the world; they don't hide it." 

This is what Mukesh, a lonely widower struggling with grief, tells Aleisha, a lonely teenager who disdains her summer job at Harrow Road Library (Wembley, London), while dealing with her own heartbreaks at home. This book is a homage to books, reading, librarians, and book lovers everywhere. The themes in the book are: family dynamics, love, friendship, loss, community, the transformative impact of stories and books, grief, the reward of intergenerational friendship, loneliness, mental illness, self doubt, the benefits of reading... The message of this gentel, touching, heartwarming novel is as one of the characters says: "Books, they have the power to heal." Books also have the power to bring people together. The story also has some flaws: it is predictable and the exploration of the books is uneven, i.e. some are explored in-depth while others are cursorily tackled. All in all, this is comfort reading for book lovers. 

Source: westvanlibrary.ca

Endless Love Review by Ana Melendo

 Ana Melendo's contribution

Book icons created by Freepik - Flaticon

We just had to read the first chapter of this novel in our EBC meeting, but I thought it was a shame I didn’t finish it. I wanted to know more about all the numerous characters and the profound, real meaning of endless love for Scott SPENCER.

Further, I was stopped by a quite erotic scene, long enough. I did not feel comfortable as long as it seemed to me I was like a voyeur. But, well, I tried again and soon I appreciated the deep and precise descriptions of the characters, their way of living, their feelings in the family, love, politics, their everyday life, their psychology and even their souls.

The story takes place during the sixties and the seventies of the last century in the States. So, it’s also interesting to behold families’ lives in that time. On one side, a hippy one with four children; on the other, a communist one with a rigid mentality like the first generation in the 1920th, with only a son.

Through the story of the protagonist, we discover the difference between a private psychiatric hospital and a state one.

I can’t tell if I like all the parts of the book. Moreover, many descriptions have turned out to be quite difficult but, overall, the novel seems to me hugely interesting.

Ana Melendo, 3rd March 2024

What are you reading? The Children of Jacosta by Natalie Haynes

 Noelia's contribution

This is the last book I have read,

The Book

Source:Amazon

"Children of Jocasta" by Natalie Haynes attempts to reimagine the classic Greek myth of Oedipus and his doomed family with a contemporary twist. While the premise holds promise, the execution is not good enough. The prose attempts to infuse new life into an ancient tale, but the result is a narrative that, regrettably, lacks the magnetic force to sustain intellectual engagement.

The author deftly incorporates elements from the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, immersing readers in a world of gods, tragedy, and complex family dynamics. Although, the lack of a clear and cohesive thread renders the storyline intricate and, at times, convoluted.  

For those well-versed in Greek mythology, the novel offers a fascinating exploration of the nuanced relationships and intricate threads that bind these age-old tales together. The author acts as a literary guide, beckoning readers to navigate the labyrinthine depths of ancient myth, where gods and mortals intersect in a complex dance of fate.

Jocasta Family Tree

In essence, "Children of Jocasta" by Natalie Haynes is an enthralling expedition into the slight interplay of relationships and the intricate tapestry that weaves together these timeless tales. Nevertheless, for readers less acquainted with the intricacies of Greek mythology, the novel may pose a formidable challenge. 

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

Natalie Haynes is a well-known British writer, broadcaster, and classicist. She was born on September 23, 1974, in Birmingham, England. She has made a name for herself in classical studies and literature.

With a background in classics, she studied the subject at the University of Cambridge and is known for her ability to communicate the relevance and excitement of classical literature to a broader audience. Haynes is a versatile writer and performer who often combines her knowledge of the classics with a keen sense of humour.

She has authored several books, including "The Ancient Guide to Modern Life," which explores how ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, literature, and history can offer insights into contemporary issues. Haynes has also penned novels such as "The Amber Fury" and "The Children of Jocasta," reimagining Greek myths in a modern context.

Natalie Haynes has contributed to various media outlets as a broadcaster and critic, hosting radio programs and discussions on classical subjects, literature, and the arts. She has a reputation for making classical topics accessible and engaging for a wider audience.