Scan barcode
A review by book_concierge
The Old Man Who Read Love Stories by Luis Sepúlveda
4.0
From the book jacket: An old man lives in a village on the Nangaritza River. The village is so small the dentist comes only twice a year, to pull teeth and bring books to the old man – love stories, the kind with maximum heartache. This is a story of the jungle, green hell and Eden; of the Shuar Indians, who know how to live in harmony with it; of the machines and settlers and gold prospectors and gringos who have invaded it. Nature, out of balance, becomes vengeful and violent.
My reactions:
What a beautifully written story. I couldn’t help but think of my father – the way he knew the land and respected the animals who made it their home. There is a certain amount of philosophy expressed here – respect for nature, the foolishly aggressive humans making a mess out of paradise. The old man wants only to live in harmony with the jungle, not to conquer it.
The writing is poetic and atmospheric, with a great sense of place. I felt the heat and humidity of the rainy season. Felt my skin crawl with insects. Heard the sounds of the jungle – the splash of a fish jumping out of the water, the whoosh of wings as a bird or bat took flight, the rustle of leaves made by a large animal moving through the undergrowth. Felt both the peace and terror of a pitch black night.
My reactions:
What a beautifully written story. I couldn’t help but think of my father – the way he knew the land and respected the animals who made it their home. There is a certain amount of philosophy expressed here – respect for nature, the foolishly aggressive humans making a mess out of paradise. The old man wants only to live in harmony with the jungle, not to conquer it.
The writing is poetic and atmospheric, with a great sense of place. I felt the heat and humidity of the rainy season. Felt my skin crawl with insects. Heard the sounds of the jungle – the splash of a fish jumping out of the water, the whoosh of wings as a bird or bat took flight, the rustle of leaves made by a large animal moving through the undergrowth. Felt both the peace and terror of a pitch black night.