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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
A friend gave me this book, I doubt I'd ever have found it if she hadn't and I was intrigued by it. The true story of a young American poet (Parini) escorting an ageing, blind Argentinian (Borges) on a short trip through the Scottish highlands is funny, poignant, exasperating (to Parini) and enlightening to both of them. The images of the great Borges with his labyrinthine library of a mind and his extraordinary memory for words juxtaposed with Parini's attempts to keep his volatile charge out of lochs, roads and safe - while learning at the speed of light about poetry - he's an aspiring poet - and poets, is captivating. A quote to intruige you too (I hope):
'Nessie [the loch ness monster] is a myth,' I said.
'Mythos, in Greek,' said Borges, 'is not a story that is false, it's a story that is more than true. Myth is a tear in the fabric of reality, and immense energies pour through these holy fissures. Our stories, our poems, are rips in this fabric as well, however slight. Think of Beowulf. The protoype for Nessie lies there, in the figure of Grendel, a fallen angel. Envious of the light, he lived with his difficult mother in a cave. You and I have lived in this cave as well, with our difficult and exacting mothers. We bear the marks of our captivity, but we survive.'
'I hardly feel like I'm surviving,' I said.
A few pages later, bellowing Grendel's story while standing up in a small rowing boat on Loch Ness, Borges falls onto Parini (who's rowing) and in his attempts to save Borges, Parini capsizes the boat and they're both thrown into the water ... . It's funny and frightening (will they survive?) and a perfect metaphor for their rocky relationship. It's a great read, I recommend it.
'Nessie [the loch ness monster] is a myth,' I said.
'Mythos, in Greek,' said Borges, 'is not a story that is false, it's a story that is more than true. Myth is a tear in the fabric of reality, and immense energies pour through these holy fissures. Our stories, our poems, are rips in this fabric as well, however slight. Think of Beowulf. The protoype for Nessie lies there, in the figure of Grendel, a fallen angel. Envious of the light, he lived with his difficult mother in a cave. You and I have lived in this cave as well, with our difficult and exacting mothers. We bear the marks of our captivity, but we survive.'
'I hardly feel like I'm surviving,' I said.
A few pages later, bellowing Grendel's story while standing up in a small rowing boat on Loch Ness, Borges falls onto Parini (who's rowing) and in his attempts to save Borges, Parini capsizes the boat and they're both thrown into the water ... . It's funny and frightening (will they survive?) and a perfect metaphor for their rocky relationship. It's a great read, I recommend it.
Parini combines the magic of an aging Borges perfectly with his hopeful but anxiety-ridden younger self. The result is an intimate look into mortality, youth, and adventure as expressed by one of the most enigmatic and forceful storytellers of his generation.
Going back to Borges' work, I now have much more appreciation for the man behind the maze.
Going back to Borges' work, I now have much more appreciation for the man behind the maze.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
a surprisingly funny book. a quick read on parini’s weeklong journey with borges. probably would not recommend to people who don’t love borges’ work, but if you do, then i think you’d enjoy this read!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Excellent characters, funny, moving, and has satisfying ending. If you like Borges, you should read this book. If you’re not familiar with Borges, you should read this book, then go read Borges.
I didn't expect to laugh so much at this book, but so many of the anecdotes are funny. The misplaced Mr. Singleton, Borges capsizing the rowboat, the conversation with the poor confused librarian.
slow-paced