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Marlene and Sofia: A Double Love Story
A writer struggles to finish a book that someone else started writing, battling to weave his own characters and plot into the pre-existing manuscript.
A group of well-off old people in a retirement home seek relief from boredom by using an internet service which allows them to live out their fantasies virtually. Two working-class men, one young and disenfranchised, one a lifelong Communist, discuss their differing world views. An unstable computer genius and a control freak banker form an uneasy alliance to launch a new internet sensation, while the free-spirited girlfriend of one of them, Marlene, wreaks havoc wherever she goes. In the midst of this confusion, her best friend Sofia searches for a kinder, simpler way of life.
All these stories gradually interconnect in the most unexpected ways…
By turns cynical and romantic, satirical and unexpectedly sweet, "Marlene and Sofia – A Double Love Story" reflects the sexual and political contradictions of contemporary living.
A group of well-off old people in a retirement home seek relief from boredom by using an internet service which allows them to live out their fantasies virtually. Two working-class men, one young and disenfranchised, one a lifelong Communist, discuss their differing world views. An unstable computer genius and a control freak banker form an uneasy alliance to launch a new internet sensation, while the free-spirited girlfriend of one of them, Marlene, wreaks havoc wherever she goes. In the midst of this confusion, her best friend Sofia searches for a kinder, simpler way of life.
All these stories gradually interconnect in the most unexpected ways…
By turns cynical and romantic, satirical and unexpectedly sweet, "Marlene and Sofia – A Double Love Story" reflects the sexual and political contradictions of contemporary living.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
33 people are currently reading
674 people want to read
About the author
Pedro Barrento
5 books75 followersPedro Barrento was born in Mozambique in 1961. He has published two books: "The Prince and the Singularity - A Circular Tale" and "Marlene and Sofia - A Double Love Story". His third book "The Algorithm of Power" will see the light of day on January 2, 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 2, 2014
A classic in the making, this wonderful book is literary fiction at its finest. In the neatly double-layered story, which deals on one level with the writer and on another with the characters, we are treated to a rich tapestry of human life and of humanity's great preoccupations, including themes of love, death, politics and sex. It is the kind of book that one can read again and again, each time taking away something different from it.
That said, Marlene and Sofia is far from being the kind of self-consciously intellectual work that appeals only to the literary snob. Its earthy humour and finely drawn characters, and the farcical situations in which those characters are combined, are vastly entertaining at any level, and taken as pure entertainment the work perhaps shines even more brightly. There will be many hearty belly laughs for the lucky reader who ventures upon this work, and more than likely a few tears as well.
All in all, a deeply satisfying book, and a must-read for 2014.
That said, Marlene and Sofia is far from being the kind of self-consciously intellectual work that appeals only to the literary snob. Its earthy humour and finely drawn characters, and the farcical situations in which those characters are combined, are vastly entertaining at any level, and taken as pure entertainment the work perhaps shines even more brightly. There will be many hearty belly laughs for the lucky reader who ventures upon this work, and more than likely a few tears as well.
All in all, a deeply satisfying book, and a must-read for 2014.
July 28, 2014
"Marlene and Sofia - A Double Love Story," the latest from Portuguese author Pedro Barrento (author of the whimsical-yet-deep Prince and the Singularity) is an ambitious novel.
Complex and thought-provoking, it can be hard to follow the various plots and diaries and takes a while to understand how this would considered be a love story. Characters introduced in separate storylines are slowly developed and then interact with each other, as the reader discovers their connections – be it by relatives or online interaction. The title characters Marlene and Sofia themselves take a while to appear. Then there is Joaquim, Manual who is father to Sofia, and the fling with Tiago. Some chapters are flashbacks to an earlier time as well. Pasts, from the sordid to the innocent, are revealed.
Right from the beginning, there is a clever metatextual section about how best-selling authors the world over secretly being assigned settings and characters by a mysterious imposing body. It is satirical and amusing, and oddly enough it rather fits with regards to Hollywood-style rules in the Writer’s Guild.
But this is no Hollywood formulaic story. It has more depth than that. There are treatises and quips on freedom, sexuality, family, and youth. Observations on the advantages of a simpler authoritarian past versus a bureaucratic modern democracy. Conversations about Marxism. Cynical takes on how men and women treat each other. Tragic short stories that are harsh critiques on sexist conservative 1940s culture, contrasted with the burgeoning sexuality of other character's histories. Hints of supernatural forces at play. Digital futurism, and more.
In one early scene, an old man walks a dog and the narration describes the differing sensory perception of each species, and then states “they walked along together, but in two distinct universes.” It’s a nice line, and upon reflection it’s also just might explain more to what this story really means…
Halfway through the story becomes extremely intriguing, and gets into more science-fiction cyberpunk elements. Profound questions on the nature of experience and reality arise. Re: worldfromyoursofa.com (Not a real site, yet.)
And, inevitably, as we all know, the uses of the latest digital technology tend to immediately be co-opted by humanity’s baser sexual instincts. As even the most proper old lady users end up paying an online service to see the world through another’s eyes, it quickly escalates to something explicit. And what of those providing the online services, how do they process what they have done?
There are many surprises as the story goes on, and you’ll have to read for yourself to understand the rest. It’s always charming, always makes you think, this double love story. "Marlene and Sofia" is a unique novel unlike anything else out there.
Complex and thought-provoking, it can be hard to follow the various plots and diaries and takes a while to understand how this would considered be a love story. Characters introduced in separate storylines are slowly developed and then interact with each other, as the reader discovers their connections – be it by relatives or online interaction. The title characters Marlene and Sofia themselves take a while to appear. Then there is Joaquim, Manual who is father to Sofia, and the fling with Tiago. Some chapters are flashbacks to an earlier time as well. Pasts, from the sordid to the innocent, are revealed.
Right from the beginning, there is a clever metatextual section about how best-selling authors the world over secretly being assigned settings and characters by a mysterious imposing body. It is satirical and amusing, and oddly enough it rather fits with regards to Hollywood-style rules in the Writer’s Guild.
But this is no Hollywood formulaic story. It has more depth than that. There are treatises and quips on freedom, sexuality, family, and youth. Observations on the advantages of a simpler authoritarian past versus a bureaucratic modern democracy. Conversations about Marxism. Cynical takes on how men and women treat each other. Tragic short stories that are harsh critiques on sexist conservative 1940s culture, contrasted with the burgeoning sexuality of other character's histories. Hints of supernatural forces at play. Digital futurism, and more.
In one early scene, an old man walks a dog and the narration describes the differing sensory perception of each species, and then states “they walked along together, but in two distinct universes.” It’s a nice line, and upon reflection it’s also just might explain more to what this story really means…
Halfway through the story becomes extremely intriguing, and gets into more science-fiction cyberpunk elements. Profound questions on the nature of experience and reality arise. Re: worldfromyoursofa.com (Not a real site, yet.)
And, inevitably, as we all know, the uses of the latest digital technology tend to immediately be co-opted by humanity’s baser sexual instincts. As even the most proper old lady users end up paying an online service to see the world through another’s eyes, it quickly escalates to something explicit. And what of those providing the online services, how do they process what they have done?
There are many surprises as the story goes on, and you’ll have to read for yourself to understand the rest. It’s always charming, always makes you think, this double love story. "Marlene and Sofia" is a unique novel unlike anything else out there.
January 27, 2015
This is a 5* modern day love story with twists and turns keeping you captivated and enthralled. The back story is of a writer who's moral fibre is pulled taut by an opportunity but at what cost? The Guild have plans for him; a demand that has never been made before. Pedro skilfully interweaves his tale from this platform to introduce of a group of elderly residents at a retirement home. Restrained by their frailty this eclectic group seize the evolution of the internet to expand their horizons and live out their fantasies in virtual time. Alongside this story we have two working class men. Manuel is elderly and a communist, his political views well known befriends a younger man that is hard working, honest but disenfranchised; their friendship so different from that of the unstable computer genius and the manipulative and controlling banker. Step in their girlfriends; Marlene, wild and free, she takes what she wants, when she wants it without a care for anyone else. Then there is Sofia, a gentle innocent. Reality says that life can be good to people and then again it can be just as cruel. Each one of our characters lives the highs and lows of relationships won and lost and Pedro Barrento has pulled all these characters together into one fantastic tale. A gripping read that I thoroughly recommend.
June 4, 2014
** I was sent an advance review copy of this book **
Having read this author's previous novel, The Prince and the Singularity, I knew I was in for an unusual and imaginative read with this one, and I wasn't disappointed.
The book begins with a marvellous piece of meta-fiction. The author has been given characters and settings for his next novel. Trouble is, they're not quite what he wanted, and it seems he's not at liberty to write his own book using them, anyway. He's got to bow down and do what the all-powerful literary guild tell him.
But he gets on with writing his own book anyway, starting with the chapters the guild sent him (people with colourful pasts in an old folks home, taking virtual tours (and more!) of Lisbon) and moving on to the title characters, two very different but equally beautiful young ladies.
There are a lot of characters in the early part of this book, but it all comes together soon, and from that point on it's hard to put the book down. The characters are brilliantly drawn, the writing style is simple and elegant, and the plot is intricate, layered and thoughtful.
Highly recommended. I really hope we see more from this author.
Having read this author's previous novel, The Prince and the Singularity, I knew I was in for an unusual and imaginative read with this one, and I wasn't disappointed.
The book begins with a marvellous piece of meta-fiction. The author has been given characters and settings for his next novel. Trouble is, they're not quite what he wanted, and it seems he's not at liberty to write his own book using them, anyway. He's got to bow down and do what the all-powerful literary guild tell him.
But he gets on with writing his own book anyway, starting with the chapters the guild sent him (people with colourful pasts in an old folks home, taking virtual tours (and more!) of Lisbon) and moving on to the title characters, two very different but equally beautiful young ladies.
There are a lot of characters in the early part of this book, but it all comes together soon, and from that point on it's hard to put the book down. The characters are brilliantly drawn, the writing style is simple and elegant, and the plot is intricate, layered and thoughtful.
Highly recommended. I really hope we see more from this author.
July 20, 2014
Contemporary fiction MARLENE AND SOFIA – A DOUBLE LOVE STORY by PEDRO BARRENTO follows two main characters – friends, Marlene and Sofia and their lives on the background of events that create unexpected coincidences, leading to the interpolated independent stories within contents.
This book could be situated to any place, but PEDRO BARRENTO used his own Portugal territory, a place which he knows and loves, hence adding the sense of discovery and another credit to his work. He didn’t submit to the pulls of actual short-termed trends; PEDRO BARENTO stayed himself and maintained his freedom of expression.
What I like to stress is his exact description of the female character, especially within the relationship with other female. There are so many books written about relationship between man and woman, but to bring to the foe a common interplay between two females is not very easy task.
However, PEDRO BARRENTO showed it exactly as it is with the pairs Teresa/Patricia and Marlene/Sofia: always two opposites, one "attractive and successful" biding with one "ordinary and simple". This is a common trait in female friendship and what not many people understand is that the "attractive" one uses the "less successful" partner to increase her own self-confidence while simultaneously lowering the self-confidence of her supposed friend.
I was positively surprised to see a man writing about that from such a “neutral” position, but with unusual mastery.
PEDRO BARRENTO incorporated to MARLENE AND SOFIA- A DOUBLE LOVE STORY certain realities from the daily lives of “ordinary” people, brought to the reader “alternative” point of view, intertwined the story lines in nice and realistic manner, promoted “own” place and used satirical expression of the present social flaws without being judgmental.
In addition the “conspiracy” behind the book business, sightseeing, modern technology, love and sex, romance, magic in practice and the touch of supernatural, keep the attention on.
All in all is wrapped as a lively and enjoyable “package” which can take readers away and keep them engaged.
On the end I had an “uplifting” feeling, which is the “bonus” of every good book.
MARLENE AND SOFIA - A DOUBLE LOVE STORY by PEDRO BARRENTO proudly belongs to a contemporary fiction on the international level.
See the source of the review:
http://publishingunbound.wix.com/here...
This book could be situated to any place, but PEDRO BARRENTO used his own Portugal territory, a place which he knows and loves, hence adding the sense of discovery and another credit to his work. He didn’t submit to the pulls of actual short-termed trends; PEDRO BARENTO stayed himself and maintained his freedom of expression.
What I like to stress is his exact description of the female character, especially within the relationship with other female. There are so many books written about relationship between man and woman, but to bring to the foe a common interplay between two females is not very easy task.
However, PEDRO BARRENTO showed it exactly as it is with the pairs Teresa/Patricia and Marlene/Sofia: always two opposites, one "attractive and successful" biding with one "ordinary and simple". This is a common trait in female friendship and what not many people understand is that the "attractive" one uses the "less successful" partner to increase her own self-confidence while simultaneously lowering the self-confidence of her supposed friend.
I was positively surprised to see a man writing about that from such a “neutral” position, but with unusual mastery.
PEDRO BARRENTO incorporated to MARLENE AND SOFIA- A DOUBLE LOVE STORY certain realities from the daily lives of “ordinary” people, brought to the reader “alternative” point of view, intertwined the story lines in nice and realistic manner, promoted “own” place and used satirical expression of the present social flaws without being judgmental.
In addition the “conspiracy” behind the book business, sightseeing, modern technology, love and sex, romance, magic in practice and the touch of supernatural, keep the attention on.
All in all is wrapped as a lively and enjoyable “package” which can take readers away and keep them engaged.
On the end I had an “uplifting” feeling, which is the “bonus” of every good book.
MARLENE AND SOFIA - A DOUBLE LOVE STORY by PEDRO BARRENTO proudly belongs to a contemporary fiction on the international level.
See the source of the review:
http://publishingunbound.wix.com/here...
April 29, 2020
Agradeço ao autor por me ter enviado este livro em formato digital, antes de ter sido lançado, para que eu o lesse. Peço desculpas pela demora em escrever esta opinião. Realmente tudo se atrasou na minha vida… Mas não temos controlo sobre tudo…
Confesso que nem sei bem como falar e o que falar deste livro. Foi melhor que o outro que li do mesmo autor (para o meu gosto, claro está…) e foi melhor do que estava à espera. A história não me estava a convencer e pensei que era apenas uma confusão de ideias. Como estava enganada! Este livro é surpreendentemente original e a sua história é muito bem construída. Tudo o que nos parece irrelevante e típica palha, não o é! Tudo tem importância, todos os pormenores são relevantes! É brilhante a forma como tudo é feito para que todas as personagens e suas histórias estejam ligadas em momentos indescritivelmente espantosos. Fiquei completamente viciada a partir de metade do livro.
Ponto negativo: algumas cenas têm tanta informação que se torna confuso… No início, principalmente, é bastante complicado compreender o que se está a passar.
Recomendo imenso que deem uma oportunidade a este autor. Não se vão arrepender! Além disso, é NACIONAL! (Apesar de escrito em Inglês…)
Confesso que nem sei bem como falar e o que falar deste livro. Foi melhor que o outro que li do mesmo autor (para o meu gosto, claro está…) e foi melhor do que estava à espera. A história não me estava a convencer e pensei que era apenas uma confusão de ideias. Como estava enganada! Este livro é surpreendentemente original e a sua história é muito bem construída. Tudo o que nos parece irrelevante e típica palha, não o é! Tudo tem importância, todos os pormenores são relevantes! É brilhante a forma como tudo é feito para que todas as personagens e suas histórias estejam ligadas em momentos indescritivelmente espantosos. Fiquei completamente viciada a partir de metade do livro.
Ponto negativo: algumas cenas têm tanta informação que se torna confuso… No início, principalmente, é bastante complicado compreender o que se está a passar.
Recomendo imenso que deem uma oportunidade a este autor. Não se vão arrepender! Além disso, é NACIONAL! (Apesar de escrito em Inglês…)
September 7, 2016
I really like how there are foreign words interspersed so that we learn what they mean by context. We get just enough to really feel immersed in the area. The level of description is wonderful too.
The story did not go how I expected when I first opened it up to read. When it was talked about as a double love story I was imagining two younger couples on the journey simultaneously, one setting off the other or something similar. Instead the book is a story within a story, which is something difficult to pull off but always a fun read.
Then we get to the old folks. It's nice to see the older set represented in ways other than just rotting away. It is nice to see their dramas represented too. I am afraid to say too much and spoil the story, but the old folks lives are as complex as the generation below them.
There are several romances all intertwined, far more than just Marlene and Sofia's. This is not the typical love story by any stretch of the imagination, but something much deeper and richer. I'd recommend this to any picky reader, because it meets and exceeds what I look for in a book worthy to be read more than once.
The story did not go how I expected when I first opened it up to read. When it was talked about as a double love story I was imagining two younger couples on the journey simultaneously, one setting off the other or something similar. Instead the book is a story within a story, which is something difficult to pull off but always a fun read.
Then we get to the old folks. It's nice to see the older set represented in ways other than just rotting away. It is nice to see their dramas represented too. I am afraid to say too much and spoil the story, but the old folks lives are as complex as the generation below them.
There are several romances all intertwined, far more than just Marlene and Sofia's. This is not the typical love story by any stretch of the imagination, but something much deeper and richer. I'd recommend this to any picky reader, because it meets and exceeds what I look for in a book worthy to be read more than once.
July 29, 2014
If Woody Allen wrote books this is what he would write....
After reading Pedro Barrento debut novel 'The Prince and the Singularity', I was surprised to receive an advance review copy of 'Marlene and Sofia- A Double Love Story' and discover it veers in the opposite direction.
In Marlene and Sofia, we find that Pedro has woven himself in the story and is in a predicament that is set by The Guild. As he explores different avenues on writing his story we are then met by not just one or two characters but many characters from a assorted backgrounds. You have the elderly communist, the young male, Marlene and Sofia and each go through various stages in their relationships which makes for very interesting reading.
Now I will admit (and this is the only reason why I gave it four stars) because of the complexity of the way the story is put together and because it is multilayered, I know some will find it to be difficult to finish. I, on the other hand, did finish it and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you have time, patience and love Woody Allen movies and wish he wrote a book, then I highly recommend Marlene and Sofia - A Double Love Story to you.
After reading Pedro Barrento debut novel 'The Prince and the Singularity', I was surprised to receive an advance review copy of 'Marlene and Sofia- A Double Love Story' and discover it veers in the opposite direction.
In Marlene and Sofia, we find that Pedro has woven himself in the story and is in a predicament that is set by The Guild. As he explores different avenues on writing his story we are then met by not just one or two characters but many characters from a assorted backgrounds. You have the elderly communist, the young male, Marlene and Sofia and each go through various stages in their relationships which makes for very interesting reading.
Now I will admit (and this is the only reason why I gave it four stars) because of the complexity of the way the story is put together and because it is multilayered, I know some will find it to be difficult to finish. I, on the other hand, did finish it and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you have time, patience and love Woody Allen movies and wish he wrote a book, then I highly recommend Marlene and Sofia - A Double Love Story to you.
September 20, 2014
Wasn't sure what to expect, this was a total on a whim read that turned out to be quite good. Don't know if I've ever read a Portuguese book before o at least one set in Portugal, international stories are always a plus, educational. But the story itself is quite international and relatable worldwide, it is after all a love story. Double as the title suggests, but there is much more going on. Various storylines and timelines interweave cleverly under a major plot premise of a writer struggling to finish an assigned story in a society where it's the only way to get published. Elements are thrown together and it is up to the writers to turn them into a cohesive narrative, in this case the author becomes too involved and art begins to imitate life and vise versa. Overall this was a very enjoyable engaging read with complex interesting compelling characters driving the narrative. Recommended.
June 19, 2014
Most people shoot with one string to their bow. Pedro has an intricate 3 string bow for his story. As the story progressed I felt that I was reading three separate story lines and couldn't figure out how this was going to tie up. And then the weaving started! First 2 story lines began to intermingle and then finally all was woven into a solid 3 string bow. Well done Pedro. A thoroughly enjoyable novel. I have come to realise that one must expect the unexpected with Pedro!
September 29, 2014
I wish I could read this in the original language, since word choice and sentence structure are important to appreciating (or not) the style of the story-within-a-story. After some pretty twisted shit, it ends a on a sweet message about doing what you do, despite how popular it is.
March 12, 2019
I'm really not sure how I felt about this book. I think the whole Writer's Guild portion felt very contrived and not needed for the Marlene and Sofia part of the book. It was okay, just didn't wow me much.
October 15, 2014
Awesome read!
Admittedly, I had a little trouble starting this book, but then, I do that frequently, I'm ashamed to admit! Once I starts it, however, I really didn't want to put it down. great characters, awesome plot twists, just an all around great read!!!
Admittedly, I had a little trouble starting this book, but then, I do that frequently, I'm ashamed to admit! Once I starts it, however, I really didn't want to put it down. great characters, awesome plot twists, just an all around great read!!!
September 15, 2014
I enjoyed this book, and the way the story lines are presented is definitely different. However, it didn't draw me in the way some books can, where you just can't stop reading.
March 7, 2019
There are a number of different stories going on here, and that's something that I really like in a book, however the story that I felt was the most compelling was barely touched upon.
I really found it interesting that there is a world where writers don't write what they want to write about but are given characters and plot lines by a guild. The best stories are handed out to the people the guild feels are the best writers and the obscure things that no one reads are handed to the least popular ones. This is the plot line that I thought could be a whole book in itself. It completely sucked me in. Unfortunately, it seems it's the catalyst for the story within a story and this line only touched upon and resolved clumsily.
The rest of the book is the book within a book, using chapters created by the guild and added to by the writer. I couldn't relate to these characters or their scattered actions. I found myself waiting for these parts of the book to be over so I could find out more about the writer.
I wouldn't rule out reading more of Barrento, as he obviously has a brain that thinks outside of the box, and probably has some very interesting stories to tell.
I really found it interesting that there is a world where writers don't write what they want to write about but are given characters and plot lines by a guild. The best stories are handed out to the people the guild feels are the best writers and the obscure things that no one reads are handed to the least popular ones. This is the plot line that I thought could be a whole book in itself. It completely sucked me in. Unfortunately, it seems it's the catalyst for the story within a story and this line only touched upon and resolved clumsily.
The rest of the book is the book within a book, using chapters created by the guild and added to by the writer. I couldn't relate to these characters or their scattered actions. I found myself waiting for these parts of the book to be over so I could find out more about the writer.
I wouldn't rule out reading more of Barrento, as he obviously has a brain that thinks outside of the box, and probably has some very interesting stories to tell.
August 5, 2018
I don't know how to review this?
It was very weird?
I don't even know why I got it -- wait, I do. It was probably free and I was probably attracted by the writer writing about writing thing. Which was a cool concept. Well at least one that I like. Most of the time.
But the actual story within the story was still very weird. And involved. And a bit gross (okay, let's just say 'overly sexual' cos I'm a prude). I probably liked the first chapter and the last chapter best. Almost stopped reading at about 38% and thought okay, maybe just a little bit more. Then almost stopped reading at 43% and thought wth I only have an hour left, let's speed read through this.
But it was still very weird.
If this counts as general fiction/literary fiction, I'm heading back to fantasy, thanks.
It was very weird?
I don't even know why I got it -- wait, I do. It was probably free and I was probably attracted by the writer writing about writing thing. Which was a cool concept. Well at least one that I like. Most of the time.
But the actual story within the story was still very weird. And involved. And a bit gross (okay, let's just say 'overly sexual' cos I'm a prude). I probably liked the first chapter and the last chapter best. Almost stopped reading at about 38% and thought okay, maybe just a little bit more. Then almost stopped reading at 43% and thought wth I only have an hour left, let's speed read through this.
But it was still very weird.
If this counts as general fiction/literary fiction, I'm heading back to fantasy, thanks.
March 29, 2018
Pedro Barrento consistently writes five star stories. Unfortunately I deducted one point from Marlene and Sophia because some of the sex scenes were more graphic than the story demands. Others may add an extra point for same. There is a third bonus love story hidden between the covers of this clever page turner. I just cannot talk about. Doing so would be a spoiler. Read this book and you will find it too.
March 4, 2019
Good book
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma
You people should just read this novel yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourselves and I really enjoyed reading this novel very much so. Shelley Ma
January 24, 2022
Couldn't make it through it.😐
November 19, 2014
In some ways this is a ground breaking and highly interesting novel. It explores concepts of perception and reality, but at no time does it get bogged down in deep philosophical rants, or endless discourse on the 'meaning' of this or that. Instead, we are treated to a premise whereby a writer has to make a decision on whether or not he will 'play ball' with the powers that be, of if he will be true to himself. This is a theme that is echoed by the story within the story, and Marlene and Sofia, the writer's protagonists, come to life and explore their own destinies, often clashing with each other, circumstances and life in general.
Starting slowly, the story builds to a number of surprising twists, which carry the reader to a very satisfactory conclusion. All in all, Marlene and Sofia surprised me, pleased me, and impressed me again and again. It is cross genre, and is a difficult book to 'label', so I will not try. But I can recommend it, and heartily.
Pedro Barrento dares to be different, and this is reflected in a novel encompasses a great many emotions.
Starting slowly, the story builds to a number of surprising twists, which carry the reader to a very satisfactory conclusion. All in all, Marlene and Sofia surprised me, pleased me, and impressed me again and again. It is cross genre, and is a difficult book to 'label', so I will not try. But I can recommend it, and heartily.
Pedro Barrento dares to be different, and this is reflected in a novel encompasses a great many emotions.
September 12, 2014
s a reader of the first book by the same author, I must admit I was expecting something more in the fantasy gender. However, this came as a very good surprise. The books starts slowly, with many seemingly unrelated character threads being woven and intertwined by the author, but as the two stories unfold (the one of the Pedro Barrento character, who is a writer, and the one this writer is creating), you become more and more interested to know what is going to happen.
One of the great things about this book is the fact that Pedro makes us think about how our lives influence what we write, and the Pedro Barreto character shows us that in the Diary chapters.
If you haven't read Pedro Barrento yet, make sure you read this book and the first one. His books are great if you want to read something that makes you think, with stories that have as many layers as an onion, as Shrek would say ;)
One of the great things about this book is the fact that Pedro makes us think about how our lives influence what we write, and the Pedro Barreto character shows us that in the Diary chapters.
If you haven't read Pedro Barrento yet, make sure you read this book and the first one. His books are great if you want to read something that makes you think, with stories that have as many layers as an onion, as Shrek would say ;)
August 8, 2014
Review by Clair View on Amazon USA (July 25, 2014)
A book that reconciles the irreconcilable...there are so many story elements at work here it's hard to see how the author will manage to bring them all together. It is a testament to his off-the-wall approach to writing fiction that he manages to break all the narrative rules and simultaneously present five or six compelling storylines as well as an audacious metatextual satire on the pubishing industry. High points for me were the very clear-eyed handling of female cruelty, and the tender way in which he presents an unlikely friendship between an old-school Communist and a much younger man who finds hard-won modern democracy a form of covert repression. Much to enjoy while you're reading this, and much to think about after you have finished it. In other words, a good book.
A book that reconciles the irreconcilable...there are so many story elements at work here it's hard to see how the author will manage to bring them all together. It is a testament to his off-the-wall approach to writing fiction that he manages to break all the narrative rules and simultaneously present five or six compelling storylines as well as an audacious metatextual satire on the pubishing industry. High points for me were the very clear-eyed handling of female cruelty, and the tender way in which he presents an unlikely friendship between an old-school Communist and a much younger man who finds hard-won modern democracy a form of covert repression. Much to enjoy while you're reading this, and much to think about after you have finished it. In other words, a good book.
November 29, 2014
"Marlene and Sofia" started out as an interesting read -- I loved the idea of a writers guild being responsible for an author's angst and didn't mind the diary entries interspersed with chapters of the "novel."
However the story took a number of odd twists and turns, and ended up turning quite dark towards the middle and end. The "redemption" plot of the last chapters felt out of place and cliche (though I'll allow this was perhaps on purpose). The characters ended up falling flat for me and what started as an intriguing story became much less so by the end.
Overall, I don't ever feel the need to read it again. 3/5 stars, by virtue of the fact that the beginning was so striking.
However the story took a number of odd twists and turns, and ended up turning quite dark towards the middle and end. The "redemption" plot of the last chapters felt out of place and cliche (though I'll allow this was perhaps on purpose). The characters ended up falling flat for me and what started as an intriguing story became much less so by the end.
Overall, I don't ever feel the need to read it again. 3/5 stars, by virtue of the fact that the beginning was so striking.
February 12, 2015
Marlene and Sofia is Pedro Barrento's second novel, but the first of his I've read. This was a most interesting and unique story, set in Portugal, with well-drawn characters and an unexpected plot that eventually connects some separate storylines very well. I had a little trouble getting into it, then suddenly couldn't wait to continue reading. Some of the characters behave in surprising, even shocking, ways; some are so chauvinistic; yet they work together to make a story that I found well worth reading. Very creative!
September 16, 2014
The opening chapters on The Guild are very strong but after that it goes down. The characters of the second layer story are painful stereotypes. Unfortunately we get to see more of them than the ones in the first layer. And with all these different layers of authors, it is difficult to know who to blame: the real Pedro, the Pedro of the story, Simone, ... Maybe this is really not a novel but just what it pretends to be: a diary of the real Pedro who had to struggle with bad chapters and mix it with his own writing. Why then didn't he scratch them and just publish his diary?
September 23, 2014
Marlene and Sofia - A Double Love Story is so much more than what the title implies. The opening chapter’s concept is genius and the lives introduced in the book are captivating. The book grabbed my attention from the start, and although I find it hard to see the “love story,” I love this book. This book is different, unique and an interesting read. A thought provoking book that I can easily recommend.
February 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. Its start is interesting and it continues to evolve the story much like those stories we made as children when you each wrote a sentence based on the last word of the person before you. It brought a smile to my face and I thought it was fun as an idea to evolve multiple stories and give the writters story along.
August 24, 2014
I won this as a first reads. I enjoyed how the author blended his diary entries to give insight on how he received the chapters as well as the characters which added to the story. The twists of the two stories made for a great lead up to the surprise love story that was unexpected and gave it a happy ending.
March 24, 2016
A writer's novel, this contemporary romp through a contrived plot displays the brilliance of Pedro Barrento's talent. He combines scathing commentary on the business of publishing while at the same time reminding the reader what a skillful writer can accomplish. I very much enjoyed it.
September 24, 2014
what a great book and loved the ending..the love story is about the author and his life and the other love story is his characters..I could read this book again..
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