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Showing posts from February, 2024

“The Time of the Doves” by Mercè Rodoreda

Welcome to my sixth blog! This week I read “The Time of Doves” by Mercè Rodoreda. The story intricately tells the story of Natalia, who endures two marriages against the tumultuous backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. Natalia is initially attracted to Quimet after a chance encounter in a square, but their marriage is fraught with difficulties as Quimet joins the army during the war, leaving Natalia to take care of the children all by herself. Quimet's death further deepened her descent into poverty, prompting Natalia to consider the unthinkable: ending her own life and that of her children. Antonio became a beacon of hope in this dire situation, ultimately leading to a more prosperous life for Natalia after her marriage. As her children grow up, Natalia returns to the square and unearths repressed emotions from her past. The story profoundly demonstrates Natalia's resilience as a mother and prompts people to reflect on the traditional boundaries of marriage and the role of women ...

“Nada” by Cameron Lafore

Welcome to my fifth blog! This week I read “Nada” by Cameron Laforet. I enjoyed reading this book more than the previous ones, so I spend extra time and effort writing this blog. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it. Carmen Laforet’s "Nada" is a fascinating work of literature that immerses the reader in the disturbance of post-war Spain through the eyes of its protagonist Andrea. Laforet tells a story that dives into the complex dynamics of family, social upheaval, and personal growth, all against the backdrop of a country grappling with the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War. The novel's protagonist is Andrea, an 18-year-old woman whose journey is a profound exploration of resilience and identity in the face of adversity. As Andrea transitions from the countryside to the bustling streets of Barcelona, she encounters a world very different from the one she imagined. Her grandmother's once grand house is now a relic of its former glory, divided into apartments and inhabited ...