“Autobiography of a Geisha” by Sayo Masuda (Japan) Extract and Comment That child will be grown up by now, and if he hasn’t forgotten me, whenever he sees a crying child he’ll want to say a kind word and wipe the kid’s nose. And when that kid grows up, he’ll do the same. To do something kind for another is never a bad feeling; it … Continue reading Autobiography of a Geisha
“The Lover” by Marguerite Duras (France) Synopsis and Review “The Lover”: allusive and powerful Winner of the Prix Goncourt in 1984, “The Lover” is set in 1930s Saigon in what was the French colony of Indochina. It is a fictional recollection of the time in the author’s life when, at fifteen and a half, she meets the elegant son of a wealthy Chinese family, who … Continue reading The Lover
“Like Water for Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel (Mexico) Synopsis and Review “Like Water For Chocolate”: boiling over with recipes and passion First published in 1989, “Like Water For Chocolate” was the number one bestseller in Mexico for almost two years, and subsequently became a bestseller around the world. It is a romantic, poignant tale, touched with moments of magic, graphic earthiness and bittersweet wit that … Continue reading Like Water for Chocolate
“Broken Verses” by Kamila Shamsie (Pakistan) Synopsis and Review “Broken Verses”: needed more editing to mend Fourteen years ago, Aasmaani’s mother, Samina, a political activist admired also for her grazia, walked out of their house and was never seen again. Aasmaani has always refused to believe she is dead and still dreams of her glorious return. Now in her 30s and living in Karachi, Aasmaani … Continue reading Broken Verses
“Mr Potter” by Jamaica Kincaid (Antigua) Synopsis and Review “Mr Potter”: a long lament for an absent father In this semi-autobiographical novel, Jamaica Kincaid tells the story of an ordinary man, his century, and his home. The island of Antigua comes vibrantly to life under the gaze of Mr. Potter, an illiterate taxi chauffeur who makes his living driving along the wide-open roads which pass … Continue reading Mr Potter
“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 Book of Proper Names” by Amélie Nothomb (Belgium) Synopsis and Review “The Book of Proper Names”: a Modern Fairy Tale for Adults “The Book of Proper Names” by Amélie Nothombe is a modern fairy tale for adults complete with an orphan girl, a wicked stepmother, a prince charming, and a happy ending. But like all fairy tales, beneath the surface is a story which … Continue reading The Book of Proper Names
“The News From Paraguay” by Lily Tuck (U.S.) Synopsis and Review “The News from Paraguay”: Not That Good Set in the mid 19th century at the time of the war of the Triple Alliance that pitted Paraguay against its neighbours, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, “The News From Paraguay” recounts the love affair between Ella Lynch, Irish courtesan, and Francisco Solano Lopez, future dictator of Paraguay. … Continue reading The News From Paraguay
Nicola's Book Club 