The Read Around The World Book Club discussion

First thoughts

I dont often read short story collections, so I am extra glad about this month's pick.

I've read the first three stories (plus the three vignettes) and I loved them, especially the first story (Chinese Apples) and the third (The Diary). They are so atmsopheric (for lack of a better word) and beautifully crafted. And I agree with you, Illka, the stories feel like ther is a 'deep' wisdom hidden underneath the surface. So I will probably re-read those three before continuing on.

I agree with you that there is something deeper about these stories. Some elements remind me of Middle Eastern fairy tales, i am also struck by the normality of life, often such a different picture than the one we have of that part of the world.

Well guys, I am struggling a bit with this one. I absolutely loved the first story, but got bogged down by the second one and haven’t wanted to pick it back up. I’ll read the third story today and see how it goes. Glad others are connecting! I hope the rest of the stories will grab me.

Stacey (wanderlustforwords67) wrote: "Well guys, I am struggling a bit with this one. I absolutely loved the first story, but got bogged down by the second one and haven’t wanted to pick it back up. I’ll read the third story today and ..."

There are not easy to read, I recommend to let the story just wash over you rather than trying to understand it :)

I found Bear pretty much unreadable. That was such a disappointment. Anyone else?

I just finished “Bear” and style wise the story was definitely a departure from the beautiful language the author used in the other stories. I really enjoy the book so far. I enjoy the writing and thow she is revisiting some concepts and anecdotes and therefore loosely links otherwise unrelated stories. It’s also interesting how she is often indirectly referring to the First Gulf War, not really talking about it, but keeping it in the peripheral vision of the reader.

Really enjoying this collection, the way the stories deal with reality but, as Mel said, have that fairytale aspect to them, Echo twins in particular felt very much like that. They are very well paced and don’t leave ends undone like so many short stories do; it’s isn't as though everything is resolved but there’s a natural rhythm and conclusion to them.
I appreciate how she intertwines the first gulf war and the way oil exploration has changed the country and that Playing with bombs focuses on Palestine.
The vignettes threw me at the beginning but I likethe small introductions they make to each story and I think she just writes really well although Bear is easily the weakest story with its staccato rhythm and short lines.

Melanie wrote: "I found Bear pretty much unreadable. That was such a disappointment. Anyone else?"

I am completely with you on that one!

My library doesn't own a copy and Amazon says it wouldn't be sent until last week of April! I've been MIA in the group but hope to pop in again with the May read!

Melanie wrote: "I found Bear pretty much unreadable. That was such a disappointment. Anyone else?"

Why Mel? I felt it was luke warm. I do love the quote, "There are days when the pouch opens. A tear in the constellation letting old light in..."

Melanie wrote: "I found Bear pretty much unreadable. That was such a disappointment. Anyone else?"

It screamed dysfunction to me. The aloof behavior of Jonas and yet her insistence on following him until he submitted. However, as I replied to Mel's comment, I neither liked nor was bothered by it- luke warm.

Melanie wrote: "I agree with you that there is something deeper about these stories. Some elements remind me of Middle Eastern fairy tales, i am also struck by the normality of life, often such a different picture..."

She has deep insight. I don't think I've experienced this in a person or author unless they have dealt with hardships in life. I haven't looked up Al-Nakib's story. Anyone have any insight? Does this theory hold any truth?

Hmmm...I’m not sure about this collection and I seem to be on my own....the stories seem forgettable to me and I don’t really get them so far. I feel like each story had a message I’ve missed x

So got up to Bear and I don’t really get this collection, I feel like I’m missing something. So far for me all the stories have been forgettable. My favourite story so far was playing with bombs and I wish all the stories could be like this, I’m not enjoying the vignettes and would rather they were not there.

I enjoyed most of the stories except The Bear but it was nice how it tied the stories together. I’m also not usually a short story fan but do like these. I’m not quite sure what I think of the vignettes. ‘Playing With Bombs’ was quite heart breaking.