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A review by theboundless_bookworm
The Magpie Funeral by Adam Galanski-De León
4.0
In this lush novella, a man’s quest for his grandfather underscores the human need for closure — seeking answers to the 'whys' yet bearing the inability to handle the truths. Set in Zakopane, the center of Goral culture, the novella begins with an unnamed narrator dreaming of a dead magpie in a garden of purple crocuses. Before the impending grimness (as foreshadowed), the author's vivid sensory descriptions set the stage for an intriguing atmosphere.
There's a distinct folkloric quality, drawing in readers who've never set foot in Zakopane, luring them into the beauty of its cultural mundanity. Despite the confusing timeline shift, the author's poetic language delighted me with its palpable essence. The author's use of parallelism heightened the coherence of the narrative structure, echoing the characters’ individual choices while mirroring one another.
The story prioritizes sensory descriptions over deep character exploration. The characters are meant to convey prejudices and illustrate how their viewpoints drive the storyline. Themes encompass family dynamics, employment, gender expectations, and the contrast between aspiring for greatness and finding comfort in the familiar.
But the narrative's strength lies in its symbolism, transcending specificities. The fusion of cultural superstition and science illuminates the symbolic significance of magpies, depicting them as both mourners of death and bearers of luck. The allusion to the "thieving magpie" is also worth noting, but I'll refrain from discussing it to avoid spoiling the readers. I'd like to bring it up to emphasize the author's adeptness in using symbolism.
In its entirety, “The Magpie Funeral” presents an astute storyline, employing literary elements that encourage deep thinking. While the slow burn may cause readers to lose interest at first, its poetic approach deftly alters seemingly matter-of-fact details. It holds a poignant blend of tragedy and catharsis, offering profound insights into the power and magic held within this sleepy town.
I'd like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and Querencia Press for providing this book for review. All thoughts shared are solely my own.
#TheMagpieFuneral #NetGalley
There's a distinct folkloric quality, drawing in readers who've never set foot in Zakopane, luring them into the beauty of its cultural mundanity. Despite the confusing timeline shift, the author's poetic language delighted me with its palpable essence. The author's use of parallelism heightened the coherence of the narrative structure, echoing the characters’ individual choices while mirroring one another.
The story prioritizes sensory descriptions over deep character exploration. The characters are meant to convey prejudices and illustrate how their viewpoints drive the storyline. Themes encompass family dynamics, employment, gender expectations, and the contrast between aspiring for greatness and finding comfort in the familiar.
But the narrative's strength lies in its symbolism, transcending specificities. The fusion of cultural superstition and science illuminates the symbolic significance of magpies, depicting them as both mourners of death and bearers of luck. The allusion to the "thieving magpie" is also worth noting, but I'll refrain from discussing it to avoid spoiling the readers. I'd like to bring it up to emphasize the author's adeptness in using symbolism.
In its entirety, “The Magpie Funeral” presents an astute storyline, employing literary elements that encourage deep thinking. While the slow burn may cause readers to lose interest at first, its poetic approach deftly alters seemingly matter-of-fact details. It holds a poignant blend of tragedy and catharsis, offering profound insights into the power and magic held within this sleepy town.
I'd like to express my gratitude to NetGalley and Querencia Press for providing this book for review. All thoughts shared are solely my own.
#TheMagpieFuneral #NetGalley