Ozy > Recent Status Updates

January was a journey through 8 books across 3 languages. From Gospodinov’s quiet gardens to Kundera’s waltzes and the unsettling world of Han Kang—it was a month of crossing borders.I’ve shared my detailed reflections on each of these reads in my latest Substack post. Check out the full wrap-up here: 👇
https://ozyverse.substack.com/p/janua...

Okay, I admit it's very well written, but the more annoyed I got with Stoner, the more I started to lose focus on the plot.

"The work of literature throws before us a profound veil which we cannot plumb. And we are but votaries before it, helpless in its sway."

Stoner's indifference sometimes drives me crazy.

Cada historia es corta, pero muchas se me quedan dando vueltas en la cabeza. Hay una sensación de soledad y de tiempo que pasa. No es triste, solo un poco melancólico.

Ahora entiendo mejor el libro. Me hace pensar en las vidas que no vivimos y en la gente que pasa desapercibida. Me gusta porque es sencillo y cercano, no intenta impresionar.

Todavía estoy entrando en el libro. Son historias pequeñas, muy del día a día, pero me hacen parar y pensar. No pasa mucho, pero aun así me atrapa. Es un libro para leer con calma.

Llevaba tiempo esperando para leerlo. Lo añadí a mi lista por su aire melancólico y, como hacía tiempo que no leía en español, decidí empezar con este libro.🤓

--ENG--
It had been waiting to be read for a while. I added it because of its melancholic vibe, and since I hadn’t read in Spanish for some time, I decided to start with it.🤓

Kuang probably intended to convey the idea that "there's nothing people won't do for money, fame, and celebrity." We're moving too fast, and instead of questioning anything, I'm just waiting to see how this will all end. I might be getting a little too caught up in the situation😅

I really loved it. I encountered a very fluid storytelling style.

Life unfolds in endless ways, and which would we choose? Sometimes I stop and think, what would I choose? Maybe I'm living the wrong life. I have regrets, mistakes, and successes too. But I don't think that's what matters. Perhaps, because of indecision, my choices have always been the last ones I'd choose. Maybe I'm living options I would never have chosen. I don't know, but this book reminds me that there's so much

Even though I had the flu, it captivated me so much that I kept reading.

The parallel universe theory? OMG! Plus, there are some excellent philosophical quotes in the background. It's definitely very good. 🤓

It's going better than I expected. What attracts me is the way it blends references from physics (as a physicist) like String Theory with philosophical elements.

I can finally start reading it. I'm sad that I kept putting it off, saying I'd read it as soon as possible, and only now am I able to start. I kept squeezing in other books and almost forgot it was waiting to be read on my bookshelf. I hope it lives up to my expectations.

Near the finish line and I’m not ready to say goodbye. Every chapter leaves me thinking, laughing quietly, or shaking my head. Kundera’s writing is like a dance—sometimes graceful, sometimes chaotic, but always unforgettable.🥲

I've really missed reading Kundera.

It's almost over. I'm sorry, Han Kang, but this book subjected me to an extremely disturbing story. I think the reason it took so long is because I lost the desire to read any further.

Okay, I admit it… the characters are officially taking over my thoughts. I catch myself smiling at lines I read hours ago. It’s like Kundera sneaks little jokes and truths into your brain when you’re not looking.

I think the parts I liked most in the book were the older sister's parts. The rest still evokes a feeling of disappointment in me.

I was disappointed at first, but it gradually started to give me a different feeling. As I progressed through the book, it evoked different impressions.

Getting into the groove now. Some parts make me laugh, some make me pause and think, and honestly, I like this emotional rollercoaster more than I expected. Kundera has a way of making even the quietest moments feel... surprisingly dramatic.

Just started Kundera’s world, and wow… my brain is already doing somersaults. Characters feel alive, and the writing has that mix of charm and sly humor I didn’t know I needed. Page 40 and I’m hooked… mostly trying to keep up with all the thoughts flying around!

It didn't start as I expected and I feel a bit disappointed :(

I'm opening the first page with high expectations. I'm also happy to finally be able to start reading.

Nearing the end and every sentence feels like a heavy sigh. This isn't just a story about death; it's a philosophical treatise on memory and the inevitable end of childhood. Truly moving.

Halfway through and I’m struck by how Gospodinov transforms grief into something organic. It’s not just about loss; it’s about the 'botany of sorrow' and what remains when a life fades away.

Just started 'Death and the Gardener' and Gospodinov’s prose is already breaking my heart in the most beautiful way. There’s a certain stillness in his writing that makes you want to hold your breath.