The Book of Illusions

Paul Auster, the author of innumerable literary works of fiction and non-fiction, winner of multiple awards, presents us in this book with a highly unusual novel. A story within a story.

When I first started reading this ‘Book of Illusions’, I was not sure of what I would find within. I picked it randomly out of many in my parents-in-law’s library and gave it a try. It was interesting, well written, but didn’t seem like the kind of book that’d keep me in a chair for hours on end.

The first pages tell us such a sad story, that it almost makes us feel bad just for knowing about it. “It’s not fair” might be the first thing that comes into your mind. But then, that really sad and destroyed man starts to react in his own weird way and at some point, you’ll be so interested as he is, in his new obsession.

You’ll follow his story, as well as the story of the man he wants to meet, with the same eagerness and, somewhere along the way you’ll look at the clock and realize that you’ve been reading for hours and forgot about everything else. The best kind of book, right?

The book can seem difficult to read, thanks to some of the big paragraphs and endless chapters, however, the interest of the intricate story helps to grow pass that.

It’s easy to create empathy for the protagonist and his feelings. At some point, you’ll see it as the regular story of a widower that met an incredible woman, who seems to fit perfectly with him. But you’ll quickly realize there’s more to it than that.

The end is as surprising as it is perfect. A bit dramatic maybe, but it will definitely leave you breathless.

Comments

Young Sheldon – A Heartfelt and Hilarious Journey

Young Sheldon is a delightful surprise, blending humor, heart, and a touch of nostalgia. As a prequel to The Big Bang Theory , the show offers insight into the childhood of Sheldon Cooper, one of the most iconic characters in modern TV. A Show That Grows Beyond Sheldon While you may start watching due to curiosity about Sheldon's early years, it soon becomes clear that this is not just about his childhood. The show includes an incredible variety of characters with their own charm and depth. Mary (Sheldon's religious yet compassionate mother), George (his often misunderstood father), and his siblings, Missy and Georgie, are all given their own moments to shine. The cast and their chemistry make this show stand out. You start to care about each character's struggles and triumphs. This show quickly stands on its own as a heartfelt, family-driven sitcom. Especially in its last seasons, the show becomes a touching portrayal of small-town life, family dynamics, and persona...

Emily in Paris 3: The Good, the Bad, and the Unrealistic

The third season of Emily in Paris got a lot of hate and love among the viewers. People can’t decide if it was the best season or the worst of all. And I understand why. We start the season with Emily’s life in perfect chaos, and she doesn’t seem to know what she wants. She never does… Is this good for the plot? Maybe. Is this annoying? Sometimes. So… why can’t we stop watching it? Are you feeling frustrated? Me too. She doesn’t know what she wants. She can’t make a decision, not in her love life, not in her job… And it is not because she wants it all. She is not mature enough to say no and own her decision and its consequences. Emily comes across as a spoiled little girl. The problem is that she is the main character, yet, Mindy starts to feel way more interesting than her. Also, any other character on the show is funnier than Emily, namely her co-workers, who apparently are very bad at their jobs and need her to save them with every single client… How did they keep the company...

Gender, Power, and Cigarettes: Why 'Mad Men' Still Resonates

Mad Men is a masterpiece of television that blends sharp storytelling with striking period detail, offering a reflective glimpse into the 1960s. The series follows Don Draper and the high-stakes world of Madison Avenue advertising, all while painting a vivid picture of the era's societal norms, especially the rampant sexism and rigid gender roles. It's both mesmerizing and infuriating, particularly in its honest depiction of how women were treated. Strong Emotions The show’s brilliance lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions—its subtlety, exceptional writing, and rich characters draw you into a world that feels both foreign and disturbingly recent. The meticulously crafted period aesthetics are complemented by historical undercurrents, from civil rights to cultural shifts, which remain integral yet never overshadow the deeply personal dramas of the characters. Wait For the Impact Mad Men doesn’t rely on flashy plot twists; instead, it uses nuanced storyte...

All Forms of Art

Search This Blog