calsemplowski 's review for:

The Fig Eater by Jody Shields

4.5

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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The language is luscious. The story indulges deeply in its turn-of-the-1900's atmosphere. I enjoyed the meditative way it slowly exposed facets of its characters in powerful glimpses. The grounded, low key magical realism recalls Isabelle Allende's The House of the Spirits.

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Content Warnings

While depicting Hungarian folk culture favorably, the story refers to the Romani by the slur "gypsy." Though the book is 20 years old, the depth of research behind it and frequent use of native languages left me uncertain why a native term wasn't chosen. Spoilers with relevant details:

The Romani men in the story are presented as no more or less "superstitious" than the ethnically Hungarian lead, Erszebet, within a story with elements of magical realism. The book dwells briefly on the possible involvement of a Romani gardener, but he is not the perpetrator. The inspector character is firmly aware Romani men are frequently unfairly maligned.