What are you reading? Baumgartner by Paul Auster.

 Juan's contribution

The Book

Source: goodreads

Paul Auster's "Baumgartner" delves into the life of a retired philosophy professor, left to navigate the complexities of old age and solitude. The protagonist, Baumgartner, spends his days in contemplation, reflecting on his past and the inexorable march of time. Auster poignantly explores the themes of aging, memory, and the passage of time, painting a vivid picture of a man confronting the inevitable decline of physical and mental faculties.

In this narrative, Auster emphasizes the introspective nature of old age. Baumgartner's solitude becomes a lens through which he reassesses his life's meaning and confronts the regrets and satisfactions of his journey. The story highlights the dual nature of aging: the wisdom that comes with experience and the melancholy of approaching life's end.

Auster's portrayal of Baumgartner is compassionate yet unflinching. He captures the essence of the aging process, including its challenges and moments of grace. This novel serves as a meditation on how one can find peace and purpose even as the twilight years approach.

One poignant quote from the book encapsulates this theme: 

" Nothing to be done, he thinks, nothing at all. Short-term memory loss is an inevitable part of growing old, and if it’s not forgetting to zip your zipper, it’s marching off to search the house for your reading glasses while you’re holding the glasses in your hand " 

reflecting the profound yet simple truth that aging involves a series of farewells, both to people and to parts of oneself.  I consider this novel an essential read for those of us who are approaching that final period of life.

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

Paul Auster, born on February 3, 1947, in Newark, New Jersey, is a prominent American author known for his distinct narrative style and profound exploration of existential themes. His works often delve into the complexities of identity, chance, and the human condition. Auster's career took off with "The New York Trilogy" (1987), a series of interconnected novels that established him as a significant voice in contemporary literature.

 

Throughout his prolific career, Auster has continued to captivate readers with novels such as "Moon Palace" (1989), "The Music of Chance" (1990), and "The Brooklyn Follies" (2005). His writing is characterized by its introspective depth, blending elements of metafiction and noir.

 

"Baumgartner," one of Auster's later works, holds a special place in his oeuvre. This novel uniquely tackles the theme of aging, a departure from the author's usual focus on younger protagonists and their existential quests. Through Baumgartner's story, Auster offers a poignant meditation on the realities of old age, solitude, and the search for meaning in the twilight years.

 

"Baumgartner" stands out for its introspective examination of the aging process, adding a rich layer to Auster's exploration of human existence. It reflects his enduring ability to blend the ordinary with the profound, providing readers with a touching and thought-provoking narrative.

"What are you reading? " Virginia by Jens Christian Grondahl

 Ana Melendo's contribution

The Book

Source: Amazon

This is a small book from the Danish author Jens Christian GRONDHAL. You can find it in English. The story takes place during the Second World War. A young woman who lives with her mother in the city, is inviting to spend the summer with people she barely knows in a cottage on the North Sea coast. She meets a teenager, the nephew of her hosts, with whom she has a beginning of friendship. The story turns more complicate when an English airman is shot nearby.

Years later, each main character wonders how much this episode wonders in their life.

More than the story, I’ve loved the way GRONDHAL has told it. 

The Author

Source: Wikipedia

Jens Christian Grøndahl is a celebrated Danish author born on November 9, 1959, in Lyngby, Denmark. Renowned for his introspective and eloquent writing style, Grøndahl has significantly contributed to contemporary Scandinavian literature. He studied philosophy at the University of Copenhagen and later attended the Danish National School of Theatre. His literary career began in the 1980s, and he has since written numerous novels, essays, and plays that explore themes of love, identity, and existential contemplation.

One of his notable works is "Virginia," a novel that delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the passage of time. "Virginia" tells the story of a man who reflects on a summer he spent with a captivating woman named Virginia during his youth. The narrative is a poignant exploration of memory and longing, highlighting Grøndahl's talent for capturing the nuanced emotions that define human connections. Through his precise and evocative prose, Grøndahl invites readers to ponder the ephemeral nature of life and the lasting impact of fleeting moments.

Grøndahl's work, including "Virginia," has been translated into numerous languages, earning him international acclaim. His ability to blend philosophical insights with deeply personal stories makes his writing profoundly resonant with readers around the world.

"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.