Miquel Reina
Catherine E. Nelson (Translator)
AmazonCrossing
ISBN 9781503903203
ASIN B07CWS1F7S
Reading this book, I could not help but think about the works of Jose Saramago, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Paulo Coelho. When I was reading I kept thinking about Saramago's The Tale of an Unknown Island. There is always a different feel when reading a book in translation. This is one of those books that causes a reader to really reflect. Reflect on where they are, how they got there and where they are going. The book is currently available in 4 languages and could become a classic along the lines of Paulo Coelho's Alchemist.
When I was reading this at times it was surreal. As in part the story is. And part of it is the penetrating insights that the book opens up to the readers. This is the story of the Grapes, Mary Rose and Harold Grapes are a retired couple. But in reality, they separated themselves from the world and from each other many year ago. Now on the eve of their eviction from their home because of new governmental safety regulations. Their house is packed. Except for Harold's shop in the basement. As they sleep that night a terrifying storm rages outside. Before bed it reminded Herold of a storm years earlier when their son was lost at sea. The storm dislodges the cliff top they live on, and the Grapes, house and all plunges into the sea. But because of the composition of the rock, the house stays afloat and drifts out to see.
Lost on the ocean with little food, and little hope of survival The Grapes slowly remember their life together. And both have many regrets. They float through storms, through a sea of icebergs, and finally become locked in an ice jam. Soon they must find out of their desire to live outweighs their pain from the past and willingness to give up hope.
This is a story about encounters. Encountering ourselves, encountering tragedy, encountering others, and encountering change. It is a moving story. It is a book that readers will find themselves reflecting upon, and thinking back on, long after they have finished reading it.
This book was a great surprise. It was imaginative, creating, and deeply moving. It is a wonderful read that has the possibility of deeply touching any reader! So give it a read and journey with the Grapes yourself.
Books by Miquel Reina:
Lights on the Sea
Luces en el Mar
La casa in mezzo al mare
Lichter auf dem Meer
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