Konfidenz: A Novel by Ariel Dorfman

(Thank you Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

The political and the personal become blurred in a series of tense, tantalizing conversations about resistance.

A pared-back yet gripping psychological novel from the acclaimed author of Death and the Maiden and Allegro.

A woman travels to Paris to meet her lover. When she arrives at her hotel, however, she receives a call from a mysterious stranger claiming to be his friend, who somehow possesses intimate knowledge of their lives and why she fled her homeland. Over the course of nine hours, this man will draw her in, revealing details about her lover’s work, which could put him in grave danger, and the growing conflict that has ensnared them all.

A brilliant, mind-bending story told almost entirely through dialogue, Konfidenz upends what we think we know, painting an insightful portrait of manipulation and divided loyalties. Taking inspiration from his own experiences of political turmoil and exile after the 1973 coup that overthrew Chilean president Salvador Allende, Ariel Dorfman infuses this novel with a remarkable urgency and authenticity.

my thoughts:

Whoa! Konfidenz by Ariel Dorfman is an intriguing and unputdownable story. I found myself carrying this slim book with me everywhere I went, so that I could dip in and out of it whenever I had a spare moment. I was hooked by the dialogue-heavy story and the author's clever exploration of trust and loyalty. Plus, the simplicity of the set up was compelling - a man and a woman on a telephone call. Oh, the danger and truth of a tense political climate made the conversation somber, secretive, and unreliable. It was fascinating and unforgettable- I loved it!

I would recommend Konfidenz to fans of Dorfman and to anyone looking for their next great read. You won't want to miss out on this one!

Thank you Other Press for providing me with a copy of this book!

TBR List

I've just added this lovely to by TBR (to be read) List and can't want to read it.

So, what's the book about? Well, it's about a woman who leaves her life behind in the US, and escapes to Ireland to start over fresh. As the years go by, she's settled in nicely and has a family of her own, along with a talent for art. Unfortunately, it's her paintings that may be her own undoing - the spotlight on her artwork is leading to journalists asking questions. Yep, seems like the secrets from her past won't leave stay hidden. Yikes! Talk about drama!

Now, how intriguing does that sound? What are these secrets? Why did she have to leave her life behind? What happened? Why can't she be free from her past? I have so many questions! Plus, the story takes place in Ireland - how lovely! Such a beautiful country. I'm excited to find out who Saoirse really is and what her story is all about. 

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Eskatos & The Stretched Necks of Stillness by Mats Söderlund, translated by Olivia Olsen

(Thank you to Restless Books for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from publisher)

In a sweeping but intimate blend of ecopoetry, mythology, and political verse, Eskatos & the Stretched Necks of Stillness communes with Sweden’s primeval woodlands during an age of transformation. These collected poems lead the reader down overgrown paths, beyond the flickering of leaves and lichen, to meet the dead: a troop of scattering spirits that Söderlund sets out to praise, and to mourn. Shining of rain and gnawing of sorrow, cast from stone, frost, surgical nails, and charcoal ash, Söderlund’s hypnotic ode forms a fragile tether to a world and past that threatens to slip through our fingers, and which no generation who seeks to survive can disclaim.

my thoughts:

Wow! What a powerful collection of poetry. I absolutely LOVED it to bits. Talk about all the feels, Eskatos & The Stretched Necks of Stillness by Mats Söderlund and translated by Olivia Olsen, has it in spades. The way Söderlund explores grief through the life and death of nature is exquisite. His ability to create a rhythm with his words is astounding. You can't help but feel the urgency with which he writes, because it touches you deeply and leaves its mark. This book is a testament to his talent and creativity. And, it's the perfect example of how poetry can be both loud and quiet at the same time. It's truly an amazing read.

I would happily recommend Eskatos & The Stretched Necks of Stillness to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you won't want to miss out on this excellent book. Make sure to grab a copy and check it out! 

Thank you to Restless Books for providing me with a copy of this book. 

Monday Musings...

Good morning! I've just finished working on my mini art journal for The 100 Day Project. It started yesterday and so far so good. LOL! I'm hoping to stick with it for the project's entirety. I'll be working on a 'scrap a day' journal - gathering 1x1 inch scraps of pretty paper and gluing them in to a tiny notebook, one scrap for each day of the project. Sounds easy, peasy, which is just what I wanted this year. I'll also be posting more frequently on my Substack. Wish me luck!

As for life in general, I'm finally going through all of my books and getting rid of so many. I've realized that there just too many for me to move with me when I move later this year. Also, why do I want so many books that I read, but didn't love. Nope. I've decided to only keep my favorites on my bookshelves and donate the rest. Wish me luck for this, too.

I've also been rethinking the way I journal. I think I got caught up in all the hype of making my journal pages pretty and using all of the things (stickers, wash tape, stamps), that I wasn't really enjoying journaling. I was forcing myself to write in my journal every day, even when I didn't want to. It just wasn't fun anymore. Plus, I was going through my old journals when I realized that I barely have notebooks from high school, college and grad school. All of my journaling seems to have happened more as I've grown older. Of course, it also shows me that when I am too depressed I don't journal at all. And yet, when I am super anxious, I journal all the time. So, yeah, I want to get back to enjoying journaling and not letting it consume me like it has been recently.

I'm currently reading a new book that just came out and it has been keeping me on the edge of my seat, which I love. 

Alright, I've got to get back to tackling my to-do list on this chilly Monday morning. Wishing you all a lovely week! Happy reading!

The Grand Cosmic Story: An Illustrated Timeline 13.8 Billion Years And Beyond by Ethan Siegel, Mark A. Garlick, Jon Lumberg, and William Lidwell

(Thank you to publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!)

Wow! What a beautiful and fascinating read! I'm a huge fan of the National Geographic books, so I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of their awesome book, The Grand Cosmic Story: An Illustrated Timeline 13.8 Billion Years And Beyond by Ethan Siegel, Mark. A Garlick, Jon Lumberg, and William Lidwell. This dynamic group of scientists and artists created a history timeline of our cosmos and it is a fantastic read. I absolutely LOVED it! Flipping through the pages and looking at all the art and illustrations made for such a delightful treat. Plus, learning about the history of our universe was magical.  I truly enjoyed spending time with this book and looked forward to reading it bit by bit every day. Oh, what fun!

It's a large book, so it makes for the perfect coffee table book. Anyone interested in astronomy and cosmology will enjoy turning the pages in this hefty tome. However, you don't have to be interested in astrophysics to like this book - I'm serious. This book is for everyone. It's written in such an accessible manner, provides loads of historical information, and is chock full of creative artwork. Whether you just want to look at lovely illustrations, or learn about the Big Bang, this book is for you. 

I would happily recommend The Grand Cosmic Story to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. Make sure to grab a copy and check it out - you are going to LOVE it to bits!

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!