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Review by Gabrielle Reanne -- "Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected)" by Mois benarroch
[Following is a volunteer review of "Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected)" by Mois benarroch.]
Review by Gabrielle Reanne
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The author, who also happens to be the narrator character of the book, uses poetic prose and heavy dialogue to explore, express, and fit together the pieces of the puzzle that are his personality and experience with various cultures. There is a limited discussion of each different culture and some fairly strange consideration of relationships and infidelity throughout this work, as well as a speculative consideration of personal sexuality and sexual identity. Mois the narrator uses the character of Raquel to tell us about himself and his history from various perspectives, while the author Mois uses her to express the classic theory that a perfect romance started at a distance only remains perfect until the two meet, which somehow ruins the perfect quality of the relationship. The idea stems from that which considers that star-crossed love is the best kind, as it is often the most passionate, if short-lived or unrealizable.
I am giving this book by author Mois Benarroch 3 out of 4 stars. This is a well written and intriguing book of its genre, which hovers somewhere between speculative, autobiographical fiction and memoir. As it is a bit speculative and is written in a poetic fashion, some parts are a little difficult to wrap the mind around and there are minimal typos towards the end of the work.
The character of Raquel is abstract through most of the story, which lends the book its speculative air. It also aids the author in rendering the dialogue poetic, particularly that which ends each chapter. These poetic chapter endings are also one way for him to discuss, debate, and critique the various cultures he has known, from Morocco to Israel to Spain and the different varieties of Judaism he has experienced in each location. The strangely honest yet unfaithful relationships between the main characters would be difficult for most to understand, but it leads to reflection on Jewish culture and religion.
The prose of this book is beautifully written, which likely stems from the author’s extensive work with poetry, as well as the somewhat abstract and odd nature of the subject matter. Some of his metaphors are particularly detailed and beautiful. At times, the narrator’s descriptions seem surreal, while other times he inserts you directly into the moment, the character, the space. Therefore, there is something for most different types of readers to enjoy. The use of stream of consciousness is a little confusing, as any person’s thoughts might be, but helps the reader to understand the characters of the novel. Although the book is poetic, it has its moments of logic and philosophical discussion. Benarroch uses the narrators’ introspection to write insight about modern culture in general and these character’s personalities or lives specifically. The romantic and poetic qualities of the story are wrapped up in a bittersweet atmosphere.
The book’s structure is a bit of an organized chaos, but it works well with the poetic nature of the book and the story it contains. The author’s love of words is expressed through his many opinions about terms from languages such as Hebrew and Spanish and how they affect his worldview and faith.
******
Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Review by Gabrielle Reanne
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I am giving this book by author Mois Benarroch 3 out of 4 stars. This is a well written and intriguing book of its genre, which hovers somewhere between speculative, autobiographical fiction and memoir. As it is a bit speculative and is written in a poetic fashion, some parts are a little difficult to wrap the mind around and there are minimal typos towards the end of the work.
The character of Raquel is abstract through most of the story, which lends the book its speculative air. It also aids the author in rendering the dialogue poetic, particularly that which ends each chapter. These poetic chapter endings are also one way for him to discuss, debate, and critique the various cultures he has known, from Morocco to Israel to Spain and the different varieties of Judaism he has experienced in each location. The strangely honest yet unfaithful relationships between the main characters would be difficult for most to understand, but it leads to reflection on Jewish culture and religion.
The prose of this book is beautifully written, which likely stems from the author’s extensive work with poetry, as well as the somewhat abstract and odd nature of the subject matter. Some of his metaphors are particularly detailed and beautiful. At times, the narrator’s descriptions seem surreal, while other times he inserts you directly into the moment, the character, the space. Therefore, there is something for most different types of readers to enjoy. The use of stream of consciousness is a little confusing, as any person’s thoughts might be, but helps the reader to understand the characters of the novel. Although the book is poetic, it has its moments of logic and philosophical discussion. Benarroch uses the narrators’ introspection to write insight about modern culture in general and these character’s personalities or lives specifically. The romantic and poetic qualities of the story are wrapped up in a bittersweet atmosphere.
The book’s structure is a bit of an organized chaos, but it works well with the poetic nature of the book and the story it contains. The author’s love of words is expressed through his many opinions about terms from languages such as Hebrew and Spanish and how they affect his worldview and faith.
******
Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
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