“Last Evenings on Earth” by Roberto Bolano (Chile) Review The first book of the new season was a difficult one for most readers, who used words such as depressing, melancholic, bitty and unusual to express their first impressions of it. They described the style of writing as distinctive, but flat and devoid of emotion. As a result, they found it extremely hard to warm to … Continue reading Last Evenings on Earth
“Lost City Radio” by Daniel Alarcon (Peru) Review Most readers found the story both sad and moving, and felt that the author successfully maintained the sad tone throughout the whole book. His use of language evoked the tension and fear created by the conflict. There were mixed feelings about the characters, with some readers finding them well portrayed and likeable, albeit their duality, whereas others … Continue reading Lost City Radio
“Inés of My Soul” by Isabel Allende (Chile) Favourite Quote It bothers them that instead of taking on the role of abandoned lover, I have become a happy wife. They relish seeing strong women like you and me humiliated. They cannot forgive us that we triumphed where so many others fail… Courage is a virtue appreciated in a male but considered a defect in our … Continue reading Inés of My Soul
“The Time of the Hero” by Mario Vargas Llosa (Peru) Favourite Quote Love’s the worst thing there is. You start acting like an idiot, you don’t look out for yourself. Everything seems different and you do the craziest things just on the spur of the moment. I mean men do. Women, they’re different, they’re smarter, they only fall in love when it suits them. If … Continue reading The Time of the Hero
“Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon” by Jorge Amado (Brazil) Favourite Quote Life was good, one had only to live it. To warm oneself in the sun, then take a cold bath; to eat guavas and mangoes, to chew peppercorn, to walk through the streets, to sing songs, to sleep with a young man. And to dream of another. Synopsis When Gabriela came to the Brazilian town … Continue reading Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon
“The Weight of All Things” by Sandra Benitez (El Salvador) Synopsis The Weight of All Things is a novel about war – and the lunacy of it – seen through the eyes of a nine-year-old boy. The battleground is El Salvador. The hero is Nicolas Veras. His story begins at the funeral of assassinated Archbishop Oscar Romero. Along with thousands of others, Nicolas and his … Continue reading The Weight of All Things
“The Bad Girl” by Mario Vargas Llosa (Peru) Book Club Favourite of Season 8 Review Readers enjoyed the book, describing it as an easy read and one they couldn’t put down. They liked the sense of place and the detailed descriptions of the different cities the characters live in or visit. They enjoyed the background information on the political situation in Peru as it evolves … Continue reading The Bad Girl
“Eva Luna” by Isabel Allende (Chile) One of Nicola’s 100 Best Books for Inspiration in the 21st century! Review Most readers really enjoyed the book. They loved the rich descriptions of the different places and people. They liked Allende’s style of writing, which they described as confident and captivating. Most of the discussion centred on the part of the story set in South America and … Continue reading Eva Luna
Nicola's Book Club 