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My list for May #bookspin @TheAromaofBooks

Realistic writing to describe things exactly as they look. Surrealistic writing describe things not the way they look but the way they actually are.

Beautiful novel centred on the legacies of attempts to hide Jewish children during the #Holocaust

Past & present blur in this excellent novel about a Jewish Israeli writer who comes to terms with family secrets when he visits Amsterdam, the city where he was born. I felt transported to a city I love, wandering & viewing art with the main protagonist through all the museums that I also love, which was the respite I needed from the tragic passages set during the Nazi occupation. #translation by Anthony Berris & Linda Yechiel

Avant-garde, schmavant-garde, said Bat-Ami, wrinkling her forehead as she pondered the scattering of geometric shapes through which the Russian artist had chosen to express himself. But Yoel stood before the piece ‘Black‘ and knew that this is the way he yearns to write.
(Internet photo of painting by Kazimir Malevich)

All these painted and sculpted mothers and infants of course depict Jesus and his mother, Mary, but before they depict Jesus and Mary they are first and foremost real infants in the arms of real mothers, and it is not difficult to see how each of the real mothers loves her infant with real love and keeps them close to her real heart, even though some of the painted infants look less like infants and more like miniaturized old men.
(Internet image)

Sonia goes into the house without treading on the red autumn leaves piled in the doorway. Eddy had smiled when he noticed it this morning & suggested he get a broom from their apartment & clear the way for her. But Sonia, also smiling, asked him to leave the leaves, & her, alone. This autumnal message makes me happy, she told him. And fallen leaves aren‘t dirt, Edika. You have to admit that the threshold looks much lovelier.

This is an intimate look at a man trying to discover his identity, combined with a poignant story of a people whose rights and security are being incrementally eroded in a time of war. Beautifully written, with a main character who‘s a bit distant but also compelling, and very atmospheric set in Amsterdam in both timelines.

Told in two timelines (past and present), the story of the Dutch Jews during the Nazi occupation through the eyes of one survivor. Slowly Jews were stripped of their rights, their property, their dignity, their identity and finally even their children.

This book was 💯 up my street. Set in Amsterdam, ite tells the story of an Israeli writer who uncovers family secrets stemming from WWII. The author plays with time in an interesting way. I loved it.

I haven‘t read much this week, but each time I have I‘ve been instantly transported to Amsterdam.

Glorious #historicalfiction #bookmail today and a card from #poutinepenpals Thank you @ShelleyBooksie for making my day

This is exquisitely written, imo. Although I visited the Anne Frank house years ago, were I to go again I would see it all with different eyes. This is about generational trauma, family secrets, the ways adverse childhood experiences affect long term health, and so much more. Having been so moved by The Cut Out Girl: A Story of War and Family, Lost and Found by Bart van Es, I was primed for this one.

This started out really strong but then somewhere along the way it took a nose-dive for me. It was okay.

Just finished one library book and another shows up. Didn't notice this was a 7-day loan only though!

Never go back to Amsterdam were words Yoel‘s mother drilled into him, but she would never tell why.

The writing and story line are absolutely mesmerizing and beautiful as well as heartbreaking.

HOUSE ON ENDLESS WATERS is a book that will stay with me because of its haunting beauty and its profound, thought-provoking story line. 5/5

FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/ygy8tpxu

@EMUNAELON
@atriabooks

FULL REVIEW 1/6/20

Never go back to Amsterdam were words Yoel‘s mother drilled into him, but she would never tell why.

We follow Yoel in hopes of finding anything that will help him discover who he is.

The writing and story line are absolutely mesmerizing and beautiful as well as heartbreaking.

HOUSE ON ENDLESS WATERS is a book that will stay with me because of its haunting beauty and its profound, thought-provoking story line. 5/5

I'm really enjoying this book from #netgalley