In the seventh century a Benedictine monk on the orders of Pope collected several volumes on the ancient astrological knowledge. After years of searching, finds a mysterious book written in a pre-runic alphabet linking astronomical events with the evolution of different life forms.
years pass and successive generations will cross the path of the mysterious book, from all men and women who are big troubles with the manuscript. In the second half of the twentieth century all the different branches of the descendants of those who owned the book lead to two young men who end up knowing in Pontevedra: Simon and Annabel.
I doubted whether or not this book comment on this blog because it it written in Galician and, to my knowledge, not been published yet in Castilian (the language "that falls into my hands.") However, I decided to comment because I do not doubt that it will be translated and published in Castilian sooner or later.
The novel was awarded the prize for novels in Galician Xerais 2008 and I think deservedly so.
First, thanks a novel that escapes from the topics. Although the main plot itself runs in Galicia, the essence of the story is universal.
Throughout the story, from beginning to end, a series of coincidences leads to Simon and Anabel come to meet, as if a universal plan had been drawn and everything was interconnected millimeter as postulated by the mysterious book. This leads to the first part of the novel becomes quite confusing, as the reader is not able to retain such number of names and personal stories that do not often spend more than a couple of pages. When it comes to the twentieth century, the reader mix names, families and stories. Fortunately, you get to the heart of the book, where Simon tells the personal story from his own first-person view.
portion of the protagonist's childhood is the most endearing, and came to move me at various times, especially its relationship with the man of the people "or fields." Child's questions about why all and can only answer his friend, a fellow of the village where his mother taught, I found the best of the book.
Then comes the strange friendship with Anabel, as a teenager, and a dramatic twist in the plot and an ending that explains everything from another point of view and close the narrative.
The language is simple and accessible, though perhaps too "academic" no doubt reflects the author's professional activities.
Ultimately, the novel has surprised me and I liked it. I found reflections of Garcia Marquez, Poe, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, ... and I think the author has produced a work more than worthy.
My Rating: good.
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