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3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
Incredible.
I was first introduced to Goldman's writing a number of years ago when reading The Art of Political Murder: Who Killed the Bishop?, a non-fiction/journalistic look at the murder of Bishop Juan Gerardi. I was struck by how beautifully it was written and kept thinking, "Who writes non-fiction like this? This is gorgeous."
Not long afterwards, I had heard of this book coming out. When it first came out, I had leafed through it. It wasn't the season for me to read it. So I waited.
A month ago, I picked it up. Although it states quite plainly that the book has to do with the death of his wife a brief stint of time after they were married, the book is not "a downer" or something that will throw you into paranoia of losing the people in your life that you love. It is an exploration of timing, love, chance and connection, and is, without question, worth a slow and attentive read.
I was first introduced to Goldman's writing a number of years ago when reading The Art of Political Murder: Who Killed the Bishop?, a non-fiction/journalistic look at the murder of Bishop Juan Gerardi. I was struck by how beautifully it was written and kept thinking, "Who writes non-fiction like this? This is gorgeous."
Not long afterwards, I had heard of this book coming out. When it first came out, I had leafed through it. It wasn't the season for me to read it. So I waited.
A month ago, I picked it up. Although it states quite plainly that the book has to do with the death of his wife a brief stint of time after they were married, the book is not "a downer" or something that will throw you into paranoia of losing the people in your life that you love. It is an exploration of timing, love, chance and connection, and is, without question, worth a slow and attentive read.
This book is more than just a book about grief and love. It is a tribute to an intelligent, talented, and beautiful woman who lived her life in a way that eludes most of humankind. Francisco Goldman offers a raw portrait of his own short-lived time with Aura Estrada...one full of a man who did quite well to notice all the little things about someone and attempt to love them with a love that defies, at some moments, language. She is love. She is laughter. She is life. I thought the prose poignant and beautiful. Short chapters punctuate long memories, which are then further set apart by Aura's own words. As C.S. Lewis does in A Grief Observed, Goldman offers us a testament to love in a time/culture that does not often produce such magnificent stories of love and loss. I was reminded of the bold and patient love of GGM's Florentino Ariza as well as the seemingly Spanish talent for prose and ability to set people in specific places and times while feeling the full extent of their emotion. One cannot love this book, but one cannot help but be emboldened to love more because of this book.
An interesting insight into a man's process of grieving.
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Sometimes touching, sometimes aggravating. A shortened version would have had more impact; I ended up not really liking anyone.
A brilliant, beautiful book that I read from start-to-finish in just 30 hours. If you knew Aura, this book will make you grateful for Francisco Goldman's ability to bring her back to life on these pages. And if you didn't know her, your heart will ache for her and for Goldman anyway. While Goldman's feelings of loss are palpable, this is not a book that ever falls into self-pity or that plays with the reader's emotions. It is, quite simply, a very vivid portrayal of an incredible woman, the circumstances that fed her creative ambitions and endeavors and of her relationship with Francisco Goldman.
I wanted to feel something while reading this, but Goldman's obnoxious mix of over sentimentality and misplaced bravado got in the way. I completely understand that he went through something very traumatic and obviously loved Aura a great deal, but I couldn't get past his hang ups about their age difference, and his man child ways of dealing with his past, present and future. Also, a bit of me worries that what he missed wasn't his deceased wife, but rather the economic and social stability that she afforded him (he loses his swank Mexico City apartment after she passes and then is only able to sustain himself after being hit by a car and winning $17000 in insurance money).
All of this is to say that I think this book fell flat-- flatter than flat, and even his descriptions of Mexico City and the Oaxaca coast (two places I have traveled to and hold dear in my heart) couldn't save this from being a long caterwaul. Save your self the trouble.
All of this is to say that I think this book fell flat-- flatter than flat, and even his descriptions of Mexico City and the Oaxaca coast (two places I have traveled to and hold dear in my heart) couldn't save this from being a long caterwaul. Save your self the trouble.
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
After reading "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion, I swore any book about mourning the loss of a loved one would bring be to tears. Though "Say Her Name" is incredibly sad, I managed to maintain composure (unlike while reading Didion). I could quibble over a few small details and narrative turns, but I enjoyed "Say Her Name". The ending really won me over. If you don't take to it quickly, have some patience. The last 50 pages are heart wrenching.
I was really shocked and amazed by this book. In the first 20 pages I considered not reading more because it was just so emotionally charged. I can't conceive of how he was able to write it, but I'm glad he did. He truly brought his experience with Aura to life - the good and the bad. Most of the time, I think, fiction writers have a lot to say, and they make up characters and situations to express that. Here, the author already had the characters and situations from real life - he just had to organize what he wanted to say. I was not expecting anything so well done given the extreme emotion behind it , but it was easily one of the best written books I've ever read.
I think it has so much value, so much to say about life and love and relationships - all kinds of relationships. It also, to me, had a "carpe diem" message to it. Especially when Aura risked her phd for an MFA.
I think it has so much value, so much to say about life and love and relationships - all kinds of relationships. It also, to me, had a "carpe diem" message to it. Especially when Aura risked her phd for an MFA.