Review by GabbiV -- Andalusian in Jerusalem
Unread post by GabbiV » Yesterday, 17:46
[Following is a volunteer review of "Andalusian in Jerusalem" by Mois benarroch.]
4 out of 4 stars
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Andalusian in Jerusalem is a work of fiction written by Mois Benarroch, which begins with the narrator’s complicated relationship with the word Jew. Exploring what that word meant personally and to others around him, the narrator’s tale is filled with runaway tangents and colorful embellishments. This book is more about appreciating the language used and not the conclusion to the overarching plot, as the author knows it’s all about the journey.
The narrator’s voice as he regaled his audience with his tale is rich and nuanced, filled with idiosyncrasies and catchphrases. This strong narration works with the (almost) seamless stream of consciousness style of writing, to faithfully recreate the singular effect of listening to a rambling elder who likes to both hear their own voice and impart knowledge to the youth.
The plot follows the narrator as he questions his identity with how others perceive him and how he thus defines himself. This is central to the book, with each reiteration and personal revelation, the narrator delves into a deeper understanding of himself.
I would recommend this book for the rich attention to detail, the amusing anecdotes that fill the narrator’s stories, the high quality and strength of the narrator’s voice, and how well it works with the stream of consciousness writing style. Due to the nature of the book, I think people who enjoy Virginia Woolf would be similarly pleased, even if some of the tangents get a bit long. I rate this 4 out of 4 stars for its deceptive simplicity and elegance of form. The text is self-aware to a degree, having the characters remark on various plot points as they are thus affected, creating room for a breath of levity when the fourth wall breaks.
This book will probably not be enjoyable to people who prefer action-packed plot-driven page-turners because of the slow pace and amount of text dedicated to “superfluous" information. Though the stream of conscious style is not employed throughout the book, it makes up a significant part of the text. On top of that, it takes a while for the plot to focus and pick up past its somewhat rambling start, where several topics of varying importance were discussed at various lengths. I also noticed that transitions between actions were quick or barely stated, catching me slightly off guard any time the characters took off in a new direction plot-wise.
NEW COVER!
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Andalusian in Jerusalem is a work of fiction written by Mois Benarroch, which begins with the narrator’s complicated relationship with the word Jew. Exploring what that word meant personally and to others around him, the narrator’s tale is filled with runaway tangents and colorful embellishments. This book is more about appreciating the language used and not the conclusion to the overarching plot, as the author knows it’s all about the journey.
The narrator’s voice as he regaled his audience with his tale is rich and nuanced, filled with idiosyncrasies and catchphrases. This strong narration works with the (almost) seamless stream of consciousness style of writing, to faithfully recreate the singular effect of listening to a rambling elder who likes to both hear their own voice and impart knowledge to the youth.
The plot follows the narrator as he questions his identity with how others perceive him and how he thus defines himself. This is central to the book, with each reiteration and personal revelation, the narrator delves into a deeper understanding of himself.
I would recommend this book for the rich attention to detail, the amusing anecdotes that fill the narrator’s stories, the high quality and strength of the narrator’s voice, and how well it works with the stream of consciousness writing style. Due to the nature of the book, I think people who enjoy Virginia Woolf would be similarly pleased, even if some of the tangents get a bit long. I rate this 4 out of 4 stars for its deceptive simplicity and elegance of form. The text is self-aware to a degree, having the characters remark on various plot points as they are thus affected, creating room for a breath of levity when the fourth wall breaks.
This book will probably not be enjoyable to people who prefer action-packed plot-driven page-turners because of the slow pace and amount of text dedicated to “superfluous" information. Though the stream of conscious style is not employed throughout the book, it makes up a significant part of the text. On top of that, it takes a while for the plot to focus and pick up past its somewhat rambling start, where several topics of varying importance were discussed at various lengths. I also noticed that transitions between actions were quick or barely stated, catching me slightly off guard any time the characters took off in a new direction plot-wise.
NEW COVER!
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