Camille Beers, my roommate in Oviedo, Spain said something like - "You HAVE to read this book." She must have repeated that at least a dozen times. This book has been on my reading list ever since. That was Spring 2001. Fifteen years later... I finally cracked it open!
The ideas presented appear unconventional, forbidden, and matter of fact at the same time. I enjoyed that anything goes approach to story telling, making each turn of the page unpredictable. The multitude of intertwined stories all stemming from one family provides the author the chance to weave in lots of smaller storylines.
For me, though, it was choppy and not the kind of book that carries you away. In fact, it was not a book that pulled me in at all. It felt like a couple dozen short stories haphazardly shoved together and overlapping. The chaotic jumble of stories was not my cup of tea. It just felt outside my comfort zone, and not in a fun way. More of a nails-on-a-chalkboard kind of way.
I appreciated that many of the thematic concepts of the book did not feel like a manipulation just to lecture or influence the reader - but merely offered differing opinions on industrialization, even more basic traditions vs change, fate, and overcoming or giving in to our inner fears.
The circuitous story telling that may or may not have a point and may have just been a wild story just because. I understand that it deserves a place on library shelves and completely understand why people would enjoy this. It's just not for me. Perhaps my lawyer training ruined me for books like this? But I did reach a rhythm with the book and can understand why so many people love his work. It was a long slog before I realized I was turning the pages a bit faster - and was left smiling on many occasions through the book.
In the end, while I can't say I feel the same as Camille did, I often wondered if I had read this in college if I would have felt more enthusiastic about it. It doesn't resonate with me today. I'm glad I read it. I'm glad I took a walk in this world. I'm also glad that I'm leaving it behind.
Recommended for: Someone looking for a non-traditional story, a winding story. Early magical realism.
