“Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Colombia) Review Members of the Book Club enjoyed the story a lot, though some said it took them a while to get into it. For others, it was their second or third reading: they found that it got better each time and described it as a very generous and kind novel. Everyone liked the descriptions … Continue reading Love in the Time of Cholera
“The Zahir” by Paulo Coelho (Brazil) Synopsis and Review “The Zahir”: we can think of nothing else One day a renowned author discovers that his wife, a war correspondent, has disappeared leaving no trace. Though time brings more success and new love, he remains mystified – and increasingly fascinated – by her absence. Was she kidnapped, blackmailed, or simply bored with their marriage? The unrest … Continue reading The Zahir
“City of God” by Paulo Lins (Brazil) Synopsis and Review “City of God”: an eternity of poverty, revenge and violence? Based on a true story, this is a frighteningly moving account of daily life of gang members in one of Rio de Janeiro’s notorious slums, Cidade de Deus. The author, Paulo Lins, moved to the City of God housing project when he was seven and … Continue reading City of God
“Black Waltz” by Patricia Melo (Brazil) Synopsis and Review “Black Waltz”: a dance spiralling into insanity Jealousy is the focus of this classic psychological thriller by one of Brazil’s most acclaimed writers. A successful conductor of a major symphony orchestra is married to a gifted violinist close to thirty years his junior. But he is haunted by a voice that gnaws at his trust, his … Continue reading Black Waltz
“The Way to Paradise” by Mario Vargas Llosa (Peru) Synopsis The Way to Paradise interweaves the story of the painter Paul Gauguin with that of his grandmother, Flora Tristan. In 1844, Flora embarked on a tour of France to campaign for workers’ and women’s rights. In 1891, her grandson set sail for Tahiti, determined to escape civilisation and seek out inspiration to paint his primitive masterpieces. … Continue reading The Way to Paradise
Nicola's Book Club 