What are you reading: " TRUST by Hernan Diaz"

Marta Moreno's contribution

 The Book & The Author

Wikipedia

TRUST by HERNAN DIAZ. When I first heard about Trust in the New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century, I felt intrigued by the fact that an Argentinian writer had won the Pulitzer Prize with a novel written in English. I bought it a few days later and left it to sleep on a bookshelf. 

I have always felt fascinated by those who live between two languages and those who feel more at home writing in a language that is not their mother tongue. This is the case of Joseph Conrad, who apparently was hard to understand when speaking because he had such a thick Polish accent. And nowadays we have the example of Junot Diaz, whose novel The Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao drifts seamlessly from Spanish to English and back. On the other side of the spectrum, Benjamin Labatut has chosen to write Un verdor terrible and Maniac in Spanish but he could perfectly have written these books in English. However, in his own words, they would have been totally different. Far from comparing myself with such geniuses, I’d say that I often find it easier to express myself in English than in Spanish when it comes to writing, and I feel that my voice is definitely different in each language.

I imagined Diaz as the child of immigrants who spent most of his life in the US, but in this I was mistaken. It’s true that his parents had to flee the Argentinian dictatorship when he was very little,  seeking asylum in Sweden. This is how he ended up growing up bilingual, speaking Spanish at home and Swedish at school and in the rest of his everyday life. One day a novel in English fell into his hands and he fell unexpectedly in love with American literature. Little by little, with the help of a dictionary he followed the story and this was the beginning of his lifelong passion. 

Hernan Diaz studied English Literature in Argentina, where his family returned in the 1980s, continued his studies at King’s College London and, to cut a long story short, became a professor at Columbia University in New York.

Amazon

When finally I picked up Trust this summer, I found myself immediately absorbed in a tale that reminded me of the great classics. The book, which  tells the story of the richest man in the world and his problematic relationship with his wife, is divided into four parts: the first one is a novel inside the novel, the second the notes for an autobiography written by somebody who reminds us of the main character of the first part, the third the memoirs of the secretary who helped write the autobiography, and the fourth the journal of the other key character, the wife. Only when reaching the end will we be able to put all the pieces of the puzzle together and pass judgment on each of the characters. 

The book can be obscure sometimes, especially when it gets into detail about the financial operations that make the protagonist amass his legendary wealth. If you are familiar with this field, this will surely add to the enjoyment of this masterpiece. If not, as it was my case, it will not stop you from relishing every single line of this novel. 

What are you reading? Mrs. Van Gogh by Caroline Cauchi

 Noelia's contribution

The Book

Source: Amazon

Mrs. Van Gogh by Caroline Cauchi is a powerful historical novel that illuminates the remarkable life of Johanna Van Gogh-Bonger, Vincent Van Gogh's sister-in-law. Following the death of her husband, Theo, Johanna took it upon herself to secure Vincent's legacy, passionately working to promote his art and ensure his rightful place in history through prominent exhibitions of his paintings.

The opening section of the book powerfully emphasises the crucial contributions of female painters and sculptors such as Berthe Morisot, Marie Bracquemond, Mary Cassatt, and Camille Claude, who played vital roles in the Impressionist movement. These pioneering women, whose remarkable artistic talents were unjustly overshadowed by their male counterparts, are finally receiving the recognition they rightfully deserve.

Specifically, the author explains in detail the life of Camille Cloudel, who was Auguste Rodin's student, workmate and lover. As a talented sculptor, Claudel's story is a testament to the challenges faced by women artists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her tumultuous relationship with Auguste Rodin, a prominent figure in the art world, adds a layer of complexity to her narrative. Claudel's sculptures showcase her exceptional skill and artistry. Despite her talent, she struggled to gain recognition in a male-dominated field. The book sheds light on her remarkable life, including her early days as a student, her relationships, and her struggles with mental health.

Another key strength of the novel lies in its first-person narrative, which delivers an intimate and immersive reading experience. The incorporation of actual letters exchanged between Vincent and Theo Van Gogh decisively adds authenticity to the story, enabling readers to gain a profound insight into the brothers' thoughts, emotions, experiences, and the complexities of their relationship.

While the book has some notable weaknesses, particularly in its final chapter, it feels hastily written and lacks depth. Rushed conclusion significantly diminishes the overall impact of the narrative. As a result, I am understandably disappointed as a reader.

I am hesitant to recommend this novel. However, for readers who are unfamiliar with Vincent Van Gogh's life and work, the book can serve as a valuable introduction to the artist's world. It also highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women to the Impressionist movement, making it a worthwhile read for art enthusiasts.

 However, for those seeking a more in-depth understanding of Johanna Van Gogh-Bonger’s life, a specialised biography may be a better choice. Additionally, the novel has pacing issues and lacks nuance in certain areas, which may detract from the reading experience for readers already knowledgeable about the subject.

The Author

Amazon

Caroline Cauchi is a multifaceted author known for her historical novels that explore the lives of remarkable women. Her writing often weaves together meticulous research, vivid storytelling, and a deep appreciation for the human experience.

Her work is characterised by her ability to breathe life into the past, bringing forgotten figures to the forefront of historical narratives. Her novels often focus on the experiences of women who have been overlooked or underappreciated, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs, and contributions to society.

  Through her writing, Cauchi demonstrates a commitment to authenticity and historical accuracy. Her novels are meticulously researched, drawing on primary sources and historical records to create immersive and engaging narratives. 

Interesting Links

> Musée Rodin 

> Musée Camille Claudel

> HA - Historia del Arte - Berthe Morisot (Spanish text)

> Van Gogh Museum - The woman who made Vicent Van Gogh