Review by constantine265 -- (Ways to) Lucena
[Following is a volunteer review of "(Ways to) Lucena" by Mois Benarroch.]
The (Ways to) Lucena by Mois Bennaroch could be classified as an historical novel if we keep in mind that its focus is on non-linear time. Most of us think of history in terms laid down by Newton who took past as primary and used it to explain the future. Enter Einstein’s general theory of relativity and the distinction between past and future is gone same as objective “now”. We are left with time that does not “flow”, it’s just there. I recommend looking into Lagrangian Schema for better understanding of the concept (overly simplified: the future and present are effecting the past, not just other way around.)
I found that the first sentence: “the past is ever changing, never ending story” succeeds not only as a strong hook for the reader, but also as an anchor to the setting.
Such view of time, along with many elements of the storyline could rank this book as a science-fiction novel. But, it could also be described as surrealistic. The surreal elements have made the strongest impression on me as a reader as they give a whole new level of quality to the story. I was impressed with masterfully woven stream of consciousness and glimpses of the automatic writing technique shining through occasional paragraphs.
Main themes are stress of not belonging and being caught in the middle, subsequently there is also a theme of searching for the place you could call home.
The leading character, Isaac, is a successful lawyer accomplished in every way imaginable in modern materialistic society. He has business worth millions, mansion, nice cars, expensive vacations, wife, two children, lover… Nevertheless, he feels empty, like he has nothing. In fact, he is fed up with materialism and needs spiritual fulfillment, so he embarks on a trip to Spain.
When he was young, he wanted to be a writer, but his father convinced him to find a “real” job, the one which will put bread on his table. He is caught in between his own desires and his family desires and needs. Several of his short stories, under his pen name, are added in the novel. They may seem to not contribute to the overall story, but they definitely do.
He travels to the Spain because once there was the land of Sefarad, the land of his ancestors and their town Lucena. The Jews expelled from Israel made a new home and strong cultural center in Sefarad. Some of the greatest Jewish works of philosophy and literature were created there. The Inquisition expelled them again and their wandering continues, to Portugal, to Morocco, to the New World… just to be expelled again. The restored state of Israel proved not to be the Promised Land they have expected. He is caught in between two Promised Lands – Sefarad and Israel, in between two identities – Jewish and European. For further insight on Sefarad and different views on Zionism among Jewish intellectuals I would recommend reading “The history of the Jews” by Simon Dubnow.
The characters in the book are well developed, and the story is interesting. I especially liked the strong imagery and natural dialogue, although it is not always clear who is speaking (issue present in many post-modern books.) The editing was rather bad, since I noticed many grammatical errors. The book was also hard to understand - I had to read it twice before I was able to come to satisfying ending (the story lacks definite ending and the reader is left to make his own conclusions.) Thus, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.
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(Ways to) Lucena
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
I found that the first sentence: “the past is ever changing, never ending story” succeeds not only as a strong hook for the reader, but also as an anchor to the setting.
Such view of time, along with many elements of the storyline could rank this book as a science-fiction novel. But, it could also be described as surrealistic. The surreal elements have made the strongest impression on me as a reader as they give a whole new level of quality to the story. I was impressed with masterfully woven stream of consciousness and glimpses of the automatic writing technique shining through occasional paragraphs.
Main themes are stress of not belonging and being caught in the middle, subsequently there is also a theme of searching for the place you could call home.
The leading character, Isaac, is a successful lawyer accomplished in every way imaginable in modern materialistic society. He has business worth millions, mansion, nice cars, expensive vacations, wife, two children, lover… Nevertheless, he feels empty, like he has nothing. In fact, he is fed up with materialism and needs spiritual fulfillment, so he embarks on a trip to Spain.
When he was young, he wanted to be a writer, but his father convinced him to find a “real” job, the one which will put bread on his table. He is caught in between his own desires and his family desires and needs. Several of his short stories, under his pen name, are added in the novel. They may seem to not contribute to the overall story, but they definitely do.
He travels to the Spain because once there was the land of Sefarad, the land of his ancestors and their town Lucena. The Jews expelled from Israel made a new home and strong cultural center in Sefarad. Some of the greatest Jewish works of philosophy and literature were created there. The Inquisition expelled them again and their wandering continues, to Portugal, to Morocco, to the New World… just to be expelled again. The restored state of Israel proved not to be the Promised Land they have expected. He is caught in between two Promised Lands – Sefarad and Israel, in between two identities – Jewish and European. For further insight on Sefarad and different views on Zionism among Jewish intellectuals I would recommend reading “The history of the Jews” by Simon Dubnow.
The characters in the book are well developed, and the story is interesting. I especially liked the strong imagery and natural dialogue, although it is not always clear who is speaking (issue present in many post-modern books.) The editing was rather bad, since I noticed many grammatical errors. The book was also hard to understand - I had to read it twice before I was able to come to satisfying ending (the story lacks definite ending and the reader is left to make his own conclusions.) Thus, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.
******
(Ways to) Lucena
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
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