Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

In January, we will be reading and discussing the novella The Tunnel. Published in 1948, it is a dark, psychological novel, written by Argentine writer Ernesto Sabato, about a deranged painter, Juan Pablo Castel, and his obsession with a woman. Castel tells his story from his jail cell. The story's title refers to the symbol for his emotional and physical isolation from society.

Anyone joining us in this read?

Sounds like something for me, I think I will join you

Ewa_ wrote: "Sounds like something for me, I think I will join you"

Great! I have to wait for my library hold to come in but, hopefully, it will be in soon!

I hope it won't be a problem to get it here, but I will do my best :)

Pam wrote: "Ewa_ wrote: "Sounds like something for me, I think I will join you"

Great! I have to wait for my library hold to come in but, hopefully, it will be in soon!"

I hope I could contribute.

It's a good one!

I'll be joining in.

Kathy - Glad to see you will be joining in!

Ewa- The book is available on Open Library, which is a free library archive. I haven’t used it but others in the group have mentioned it.

It's so nice of you, Thank you! I forget about this option

I ordered the book from my library. I hope to be able to join soon.

Awesome! Glad to hear you will be joining in the discussion Lorraine. My library book is coming from the University of NM and they are closed during the winter break so that’s why it’s taking so long!

My ILL copy just came in and I’m going to start reading today! It should be a quick read since it’s only 140 pages.

I will be joining as well. My copy should be with me tomorrow.

Glad you will be joining us Guillermo!

I've got 300 pages my last book and I'm going to start it, but I'm also wondering is it possible to get the audiobook? I'm going to work, it takes me about 40 minutes it's great opportunity to listen to it

Ewa - I don’t know if there is an audiobook edition. I didn’t see one listed on the GR editions.

I've already found one but it's hard to understand, so I kept and found pdf in Polish, as far as I will finish this book, I will be able to start the Tunnel. Although, thank you for the information, Pam :)

I started the book this week and am on page 47, chapter 13 (very short chapters). I like the psychological aspect - being inside the mind of Juan Pablo Castel before he was a killer. (The first sentence introduces the fact that he killed María.) Here’s an example, which isn’t a spoiler, that gives you an idea of the narrator’s state of mind. “My brain was in pandemonium, swarming ideas, emotions of love and loathing, questions, resentment, and memories all blended together or flashed by in rapid succession.” I feel like there’s constant tension on every page! The writing is really good. I think that after I read it in English, I will read the Spanish edition and then not worry about what I am missing since I already know the story.

I've just started it, and I have to tell you that I already like it, the way the painter's presentation makes me want more and more. His stream of consciousness is similar to the book You, which is pretty popular here. I like it when we have psychological reasons for the things people do.

Ewa_ wrote: "I've just started it, and I have to tell you that I already like it, the way the painter's presentation makes me want more and more. His stream of consciousness is similar to the book You, which is..."

Great! I'm glad that you've started it and like it! I finished it earlier this week. I found the story compelling but not necessarily "enjoyable" because of its dark content. It is a really good psychological story! Scary, though, that there are people like Castel - so obsessive and paranoid. I didn't understand why Maria had any remote interest in him. He seemed off from the very beginning.

I would consider reading another of Sabato's books, after finishing the rest of the books on this year's schedule!

I have just started reading the Sabato. I put it off so late because there were so many others on the list that I did read! I'm in no hurry, which is a good thing, because the only copy I got hold of is in Spanish. And though I read Spanish, obviously my reading speed comes down. So -- a hundred and thirty pages: even if I can't join the discussions here, I hope to finish by the end of April!

The days are longer, too...

Mbuye- I’m glad you found a copy and I understand how much longer it takes to read in a second language. The thread will stay open so take as long as you need! I started El túnel (in Spanish) last year but didn’t have the patience to stick with it so I found an English copy through the library’s ILL system.

Do you have a strategy for learning vocab? I’ve tried writing down new vocab as I go but that really slows my reading down! It’s probably the best way to actually learn the words and phrases but it’s difficult. Another way I’ve seen suggested is to not worry about understanding every word. Just get the general meaning. I can do that with podcasts but with books, I feel like I’m missing out on important details. Good luck and enjoy!

Hi, Pam.

Surprisingly, the little I've got through so far is fairly simple. Also, my way of reading is the one you suggest -- not to worry about each word. That was the way my Spanish teachers also drummed into my head.

My only reservation is, if the language is so simple, the thought behind it must be weighty indeed!

Hi Pam,

I'm reading the Sabato, and I think it's great (maybe because I'm so pleased with myself?😊). I'm truly glad I made the effort.

Mbuye- Congrats on reading the book in Spanish! We have other members in this group that read in more than one language but, for me at least, the prospect is daunting! I remember once looking up a Spanish word (in a classic) and then I also had to look up the English word since I had no idea what a “blunderbuss” was!

I can see where this book lent itself well to a psychological thriller movie adaptation. It was a little too dark for me, though. I find it scary that there are people who have these types of obsessive thoughts. It was interesting to experience the main character’s thought process but I couldn’t live like that. I would need medication!

I bought a copy of The Tunnel from AbeBooks. Should be here in a couple weeks.

Hi Pam,
Were you happy with the definition of 'blunderbuss?!'

You are right that this is a dark, creepy and unnerving little book. But it is the main character who needs the medication, not you.

Thanks for your encouragement. It is daunting, as you say, to read in a language unfamiliar to you, but this one, if you put aside the actual content, is written very simply so I have no problem in the reading.

Kathy - Glad to hear your book is on its way!

Mbuye- What I was saying is that if I was this guy, I would have to be medicated. I couldn’t live with those invasive thoughts! Are you using the app? It looks like it cut off one of my words, which changed the meaning of my original sentence! 😂

I understand

It was an exciting adventure over the painter's mind, who directs us through the labyrinth of his obsession over the only woman he believes really understands him. Full of delusions, the mixture of one stream of consciousness, continuous stalking, and plenty of questions without answers. We only know the main character's perspective. It's a novel about the disorder which leads to tragedy.

I just finished 'El Túnel' by Ernesto Sabato. As a study in obsession, it has no equal. As a study of crime, also, it has no equal. I did think of Castel's self-torture with that of Raskolnikov in 'Crime and Punishment' but the great difference is the sense of redemption that flows through C&P.

Here, it was deeply depressing, of course, but I also felt a great sadness for this poor wretch. He had once been a good, possibly great artist: he had had a creative mind and vision; he was sensitive: so what part of his brain gave way?

An unforgettable experience. Incidentally, the edition I read was the Macmillan Modern Spanish American Literature Series, this book edited by Louis C. Pérez.

Mbuye wrote: "I just finished 'El Túnel' by Ernesto Sabato. As a study in obsession, it has no equal. As a study of crime, also, it has no equal. I did think of Castel's self-torture with that of Raskolnikov in ..."

I have yet to read Crime and Punishment but your comment makes sense. There was no redemption with this character. I wonder if, using today's standards, he would be diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenic. What I didn't like about the book is that I never understood/believed the relationship between Juan and Maria. It didn't feel like they were in love. Why would she keep seeing him??

Yes, that bothered me too. Maybe she tried, each time she fled to the ranch, but failed to escape. Maybe Juan was simply too hypnotic. Maybe it was the rabbit before a snake.

Whatever, Pam, I am glad I made the effort, and thank you for helping me keep to it.

Pam wrote: "Mbuye wrote: "I just finished 'El Túnel' by Ernesto Sabato. As a study in obsession, it has no equal. As a study of crime, also, it has no equal. I did think of Castel's self-torture with that of R..."

Incidentally, if you haven't yet read 'Crime and Punishment', don't lose any more time.

"The Tunnel" delves into the harrowing tale of Juan Pablo Castel's obsession with Maria Iribarne, which tragically culminates in her demise. Sabato masterfully navigates themes of destructive jealousy and feminicide, immersing readers in Juan Pablo's descent into paranoia and violence. Through his evocative prose, the author vividly portrays Juan Pablo's relentless quest for control over Maria, offering a chilling portrayal of power dynamics within abusive relationships.
The novel serves as a poignant reflection on the consequences of unchecked obsession and the complex interplay of emotions that drive human behavior. While Sabato's storytelling is undeniably compelling, inviting readers into a world of moral ambiguity and psychological turmoil, it also prompts critical reflection on the nature of obsession and its devastating aftermath.
Overall, "The Tunnel" is a thought-provoking exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, inviting readers to grapple with its unsettling truths long after the final page is turned.

Lorraine wrote: ""The Tunnel" delves into the harrowing tale of Juan Pablo Castel's obsession with Maria Iribarne, which tragically culminates in her demise. Sabato masterfully navigates themes of destructive jealo..."

Thanks Lorraine for your excellent summary! It's a book I will not forget but it made me feel very uncomfortable.

Thanks Pam. I also felt uncomfortable. For me, Juan Pablo’s explanation did not sound regretful…

Lorraine wrote: "Thanks Pam. I also felt uncomfortable. For me, Juan Pablo’s explanation did not sound regretful…"

No, no regret at all. He was too far gone.

I've finished The Tunnel. The writing was so good I gave it 5 stars. Just getting inside the head of Juan Pablo was dizzying and disorienting. He gets so far inside himself that he can't see reality.

But in the writing of his story of the relationship with Maria and why he killed her, he seems to know he was awful and brutal but couldn't help it. He's writing from the prison cell and can explain why he killed her and and even judge his own conduct. but I don't think he has any regrets either. He says "I was suffering the tortures of the damned in my personal hell of analyzing and imagining."