A must read!

Talk about random!! I was in Vroman's months ago looking for something that they ended up not having. But the clerk had been so helpful, I felt like I should buy something. There was a display near the Customer Service counter, and this book was on it. The cover was intriguing. And I had seen the title a few times. So I bought it.

I took it and another book to my book group that night. We were trying to decide what to read next - and so we picked it. Pretty random. (the clerk had told me it was an adolescent novel - which it certainly is not - so we all thought it would be a "quick read." Wrong again!)

Although it was certainly not a "quick read," it was indeed a worthwhile read! Check it out - or buy it - or borrow it from me. I actually have two copies, and Bonny has one of them. And then let me know what you think.

Be prepared for some very advanced vocabulary - you could stop and look them all up if you are consumed with curiosity. But you can easily divine meaning from context. Also, lots of references to Russian literature, classical music, film - foreign and American, and philosophers.

But it still works. Don't give up - it starts ever so slowly - but when you finish, you will realize why it had to start that way. A few fave quotes to pique your interest:

"What charms me about the whole business is that he stubbornly insists on remaining a dog, whereas his mistress would like to make a gentleman of him."

". . .particularly when you think that such a destiny should surely have doomed her to the eternal worship of Barbara Cartland."

"For years my inevitable conclusion has been that the films of the seventh art are beautiful, powerful and soporific, and that blockbuster movies are pointless, very moving, and immensly satisfying."

"When illness enters a home, not only does it take hold of a body; it also weaves a dark web between hearts, a web where hope is trapped."

"When something is bothering me, I seek refuge. No need to travel far; a trip to the realm of literary memory will suffice."

And my favorite, and you will love Manuela:

"If you have but one friend, be sure you choose her well." (Manuela is Renee's friend.)

The amazing thing is that what makes this book great is the writing - the words chosen - and it's a translation from the French!!