I might have to go out there and just say it: Carmen Rodríguez’ work has been my favourite of the course selections. It kept my attention easily riveted and provided much insight into a country’s political struggle of which I was largely ignorant. More importantly than this, I found her style of writing very conducive to emotional connection with the pain felt by her characters. Interestingly, what a lot of other students expressed as frustrating or confusing aspects of the book, were part of what intrigued me so. I wasn’t bothered by the apparent overlaps in the accounts or of the characters, and didn’t try to cling to a linear storyline, nor attempt to guess how much of the narrative was her own. Simply knowing (or feeling) that the events described happened to someone, somewhere, was more than enough to captivate, shock, and at times repel but ultimately attract me to the stories.
Of course, the identity of a political activist in Chile exiled to Vancouver, is a fairly unique experience, and the details are what make it so striking, but as I mentioned in class, I don’t think that too much import should be placed on setting. As far as I’m concerned, one of the great things about the book is that it does allow many different people from many different origins to relate to the basic human struggle of going through political turmoil at home and then having to face emotional estrangement in a new environment amid a new language. The detailed account of “her” story is a great vehicle for the message, and will certainly educate many a reader on the situation in Chile, but I think her work goes far beyond the boundaries of a Chilean woman living in Vancouver.
Anyone who has been forced to leave their home, and even some of us who have done so willingly, understands the anguish of inescapable memories. Some you hold on to for dear life, some you would much rather leave behind, but ultimately, the sum of your personal experience rests inside you forever. Whether you actively recall history or not, it will never cease to exist, and whether through your mind or your body, it will manifest itself in your actions and personality for as long as you live.
3 comments:
Bella,
I agree with a lot of what you said. When I started this book, I wasn't convinced, but by the second or third chapter I couldn't put it down. She has a captivating way of expressing strong emotion and a creative way of layering her stories which are effective in getting the feeling of collective experience across to the reader. I see where you are coming from with location not being as important as content, but it is a unique experience to read a book where you can relate to the location to such a degree and I think that having a clear idea of setting inevitably changes the way we all probably read the story.
Bella Bella,
Your comments I think are actually more eloquent than the book itself! I'm content that you were able to gain so much from the book, and you recognized many motifs I overlooked. Still, I think they are less striking than you let on. God I'm insensitive. For sure though, she did a good job informing us of the political and social struggles of Chile at the time, of which I was also ignorant. My word verification below is "elephat" Way cool!
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