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A review by dianahincureads
What You Can See from Here by Mariana Leky
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Everything is set in motion when Selma dreams of an okapi. Whenever this unusual mammal appears in her dreams, someone inevitably dies in the next 24 hours. Taking place in a small German village in 1983, the first part of the book deals with the aftermath of the dream told from the perspective of Luisa, Selma's 10-year-old granddaughter.
Selma's dream spreads like wildfire and frightens the community. Who is going to die? Superstitions prevail in the village and nobody doubts that Death will come. The close-knit community is like a family. They rely on each other, look out for each other. When Death comes, there is a strong sense of solidarity and support within the village. Nobody is left behind.
The second part follows Luisa as she enters adulthood and falls in love for the first time. She remains attached to the village and continues to be an active part of the community. In the third part, time is condensed. The novel starts slow. During childhood, time stretches lazily. It continues to build up speed until it's racing through the years towards the end. The reader senses the urgency, the impossibility of stopping time.
The novel is funny, playful, and creative both through language and imagery.
It's a Bildungsroman, Luisa's coming of age in a loving, small community.
It's an exploration of grief, love, and the meaning of life.
It's the story of an okapi, an omen of death in Selma's dreams.
Ultimately, it's the story of a community so beautifully brought to life that the characters feel like real people. It made me think of Anne of Green Gables and her beautiful village, Avonlea.
Selma's dream spreads like wildfire and frightens the community. Who is going to die? Superstitions prevail in the village and nobody doubts that Death will come. The close-knit community is like a family. They rely on each other, look out for each other. When Death comes, there is a strong sense of solidarity and support within the village. Nobody is left behind.
The second part follows Luisa as she enters adulthood and falls in love for the first time. She remains attached to the village and continues to be an active part of the community. In the third part, time is condensed. The novel starts slow. During childhood, time stretches lazily. It continues to build up speed until it's racing through the years towards the end. The reader senses the urgency, the impossibility of stopping time.
The novel is funny, playful, and creative both through language and imagery.
It's a Bildungsroman, Luisa's coming of age in a loving, small community.
It's an exploration of grief, love, and the meaning of life.
It's the story of an okapi, an omen of death in Selma's dreams.
Ultimately, it's the story of a community so beautifully brought to life that the characters feel like real people. It made me think of Anne of Green Gables and her beautiful village, Avonlea.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Grief