I haven’t been to a city library since the pandemic started. For a long time, they were closed. However I’ve done very well sharing books with reading neighbours by using a little free street library a mere block away. I’ve learned they read some worthy books around here.
Stuff happens to me that never happens to other people. By sheer coincidence, after just finishing ‘The Feast of the Goat’ by Mario Vargas Llosa, a novel based on the Dominican Republic during dictator Trujillo’s era, what do you think falls into my hands?
A harrowing but fantastic can’t-put-down read by Edwidge Danticat called ‘The Farming of Bones’ about the destitute Haitians who crossed the border from Haiti into The Dominican Republic during Trujillo’s rule. Those who did struggled for survival doing the dirty and dangerous jobs no one else wanted, meanwhile suffering outright racism.
Danticat’s book didn’t end the way I wanted it to. A love story, the lovers don’t get to walk off into the sunset, get married and live happily after. If that’s what you want, it isn’t the book for you. It isn’t a pleasant story, but it reads true…
View from Over the Hill 
On my list now
Worth reading Jaya: And worthy of being on your list. Love, Muriel
I have had researched about the Trujillo regime a long time back. There were quite some defiant people who sacrificed themselves to save the republic at the end. I do hope to read this book!
Do so. You won’t regret it. The writing is fluid and spellbinding. I couldn’t put it down. Fondly, Muriel
Seems like the best “serious literature” rarely has a happy ending. One of my favorite books, “All the Pretty Horses”, by Cormac McCarthy, is far from happy at the end, but what the author does to the admirable and highly engaging main character in the next two installments of the trilogy were just too sad. I’ve read the first one many times and will read it again, but the other two — can’t do it!
I understand Susan: This book is so very well written, I wasn’t able to put it aside in spite of the terrible things that happen. Also, as a history buff, I know about the difficult past of both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. So, it was of particular interest to me. Love, Maughm
Luckily, my local library has been open for many months. Right now I’m reading A Dog’s Life, by Peter Mayle. Got it from the library. It’s light, clever and very enjoyable.
Our libraries are now open too, but since I no longer drive and the weather isn’t agreeable, I find the little street library handy and a place I can pick up or give back books. Whatever works. Thanks for reading. All the best, Muriel
Sounds like a worthy read! On my list!
Good. I hope you find it as interesting and well written as I did. Let me know what you think. All the best, Muriel
Sounds really interesting. Going to add it to my to-read list.
Great. Let me know what you think of it. Stay well, Cheers, Muriel
Thank you for sharing, we learn something new every day. There are so many books to read 🙂
You are so right. You remind me of when I was about eleven and visited a local library. I decided I would read ALL the books they had — in alphabetical order. It was an unpleasant realization when I realized that would be impossible. Happy reading. Cheers. Muriel
Nice post.
It always feels different while holding a real book than a digital book. And the library is my favourite place to spend time.
Ah, you are a kindred spirit. I too prefer a book to my E-Reader. Books have been my friend since I was a little child and I still love them. Thank you so much for reading my post. I love writing them. Happy New Year, Muriel
Happy new year, Muriel
Thank you. I hope it will be better for us all.
Yes, hope for the best
Indeed!!!!