The Blurb:
“The beginning of the 20th century: 13-year-old Conxa has to leave her home village in the Pyrenees to work for her childless aunt. After years of hard labour, she finds love with Jaume – a love that will be thwarted by the Spanish Civil War. Approaching her own death, Conxa looks back on a life in which she has lost everything except her own indomitable spirit. This story presents a fascinating timeless voice, down to earth and full of human contradictory nuances. Its’ the expression of someone who searches for understanding in a changing world but senses that ultimately there may be no such thing. The Catalan modern classic, first published in 1985, is now in its 50th edition, and has sold over 50 000 copies in the last two years in Germany alone.”
(source: Amazon)
What I thought:
This is the story of Conxa, a young girl from a rural Catalan village in the early twentieth century and it follows her throughout her life, from being sent away from her parents (as they can’t afford to feed all six children) to live with an Aunt and Uncle miles away, through to the years it takes to finally be accepted as a member of the village, to falling in love and having three children, being captured in the civil war and to Barcelona where she finally ends her days – and this all happens in the space of 128 short pages.
The prose is sparse and understated but it is this simplicity that makes it work so beautifully. Conxa is a wonderful narrator and tells her story, looking back on her long life as an old lady, remembering the taste of food, the smell of the meadows and dancing until she is dizzy, never once complaining about her lot or, never throwing herself a pity-party, rather recalling the events of a life in rural Spain.
This is a short read but has the right amount of gentle impact to make it a satisfying lite-bite. Recommended.
There is a great interview with Meike the founder of Peirene Press over at Winston’s Dad’s Blog which is really interesting.
(My copy of this book was recieved for review from Peirene Press - thank you)
I thought this was a wonderful novella. Initially I wasn’t sure it was as good as it is because I was comparing it to Beside The Sea and they are such different books I was doing this a disservice because its a marvellous novella that can encapsulate a life in the way this does.
It is a wonderful novella, Simon – perfect for a one-sitting read.
Sounds good! I like books which are a bit understated. I’m off to check the interview now….
I do too, Judith. Sometimes it’s good to be able to make your own mind up about something rather that being beaten around the head with it.
This sounds good. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
I hope you enjoy if you pick it up, Sue.
thanks for putting link in boof ,I really enjoyed this book ,all the best stu
You’re welcome Stu, it was a really interesting interview.
I’ve read a lot of good reviews of this book – it sounds great! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
There are a lot of great reviews around, Helen. Hope you enjoy.
I’ve been seeing this book around the blogosphere. Conxa’s story sounds really interesting, for some books simplicity works really well. Thanks for the review Boof!
Yes, the simplicity of this book does really work Lua.
Sounds like a winner Boof!
It’s a lovely little book, Lee – I reckon you’d like it
hmmm…sounds interesting. I’m always intrigued by these “displaced” people stories-I’ll have to look for it!
Yay, hope you enjoy it Heather
“The prose is sparse and understated but it is this simplicity that makes it work so beautifully.” That is exactly how I felt about this novella. I’m so glad you liked it as well.
There’s something really comforting about the prose, isn’t there Iris? It really works.
Oh man… this is one I am going to have to look for at my library…..
Thanks for the info on it.
I hope you enjoy Sheila
I don’t know that I would have ever picked up this book – but your review has gotten me interested. Thanks so much for the suggestion.
Glad you’re thinking about picking it up – it’s a lovely short read.
Conxa’s voice really came through in this novel. Lovely.