What are you reading? 'The Book of V' by Anna Solomon
Noelia's contribution
The Book
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| Source: Amazon |
After reading several novels without finishing them, I started with the novel 'The Book of V' by Anna Solomon is a captivating novel that intertwines the lives of three women across different time periods, all connected in some way to the biblical figure of Esther. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of these women: Esther, the queen from the Old Testament; a modern woman named Lily who is grappling with her life and role as a mother; and Vee, senator's wife who was involved in the watergate case.
At first, the story hooked me, I thought It would be a page-turner novel but some parts of the story might drag on, making it challenging to stay engaged, especially when switching between the different timelines. The connections between the characters can sometimes feel forced or not fully developed, leaving readers wanting a deeper exploration of their relationships.
One of The best aspects of the book is that it allows reader to explore themes such as power, identity, and sacrifice. The novel invites reflection on the roles of women throughout history and how their stories have been told or silenced over time.
I'm torn between to recomended it or not, as I see It, the most intresting story of The three women is Vee's. Beca use the way the book is structured makes It difficult to understand the ssories of these women.
The Author
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| Source: Amazon |
Anna Solomon is an American author known for her engaging novels that often explore themes of identity, motherhood, and the complexities of women's lives. She was born in 1972 and has a background in literature and writing. Solomon earned her MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop, a prestigious program that has produced many acclaimed authors.
In addition to her fiction writing, Solomon has contributed essays and articles to various publications, showcasing her versatility as a writer. She currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, where she continues to write and teach
What are you reading? Baumgartner by Paul Auster.
Juan's contribution
The Book
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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.
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