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A review by libbysbookshelf
The Island by Ana María Matute
THE ISLAND by ANA MARIA MATUTE
Set during the Spanish civil war on Mallorca, this coming of age novel is dark and oppressive.
Cousins Matia and Borja live on the island with their tyrannical grandmother, aunt, housekeeper and their tutor, who has a racist nickname. They’re constantly trying to escape the oppressive house and run wild near the sea and down the Slope. They steal cigarettes and alcohol and smoke and drink together. But neither one is happy. And neither one really likes the other. Then Matia learns of the mistreatment of the Jewish people in fifteenth century and witnesses anti Semitic actions in the present day. She befriends a young Jewish boy to whom she is drawn, but her life becomes more tense as she learns more and more about the world she inhabits.
Compared to a ‘lost Eden and a Neverland combined, where ancient hatred and present-day passions collide.’
A difficult, but worthwhile read.
Perfect reading scenario would be on a beach in a hot country, where the days seem endless and the heat almost unbearable. Take me there now!
#book #bookstagram #womenintranslation #witmonth #womenintranslationmonth #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #theisland #anamariamatute
Set during the Spanish civil war on Mallorca, this coming of age novel is dark and oppressive.
Cousins Matia and Borja live on the island with their tyrannical grandmother, aunt, housekeeper and their tutor, who has a racist nickname. They’re constantly trying to escape the oppressive house and run wild near the sea and down the Slope. They steal cigarettes and alcohol and smoke and drink together. But neither one is happy. And neither one really likes the other. Then Matia learns of the mistreatment of the Jewish people in fifteenth century and witnesses anti Semitic actions in the present day. She befriends a young Jewish boy to whom she is drawn, but her life becomes more tense as she learns more and more about the world she inhabits.
Compared to a ‘lost Eden and a Neverland combined, where ancient hatred and present-day passions collide.’
A difficult, but worthwhile read.
Perfect reading scenario would be on a beach in a hot country, where the days seem endless and the heat almost unbearable. Take me there now!
#book #bookstagram #womenintranslation #witmonth #womenintranslationmonth #bookstagrammer #booklover #bookrecommendations #bookreview #bookreviewer #theisland #anamariamatute