2 out of 4 stars
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This is a review of the book 'Raquel says' written by Mois Benarroch.
In the author's words 'This is a book, not a novel', seems clearly believable as one goes on with the chapters. The book doesn't seem to narrate a story, it narrates a journey of two people living in a parallel universe - Mois and Raquel. They seem like soulmates in an urge to find each other - a long lost memory. They are two people with the same soul.
The author beautifully enhances the different stages of his life, and how it connects to Raquel. He walks down the memory lane again with Raquel. The book is somewhat political as well as religious, giving out the view point of the author in regards to certain social factors. The book, although, wanted to reflect the lime-light on Raquel and Mois' relation, it somehow got diverted to the religious factors and loss of identity.
Technically, the chapters are set with a motive. The first line very intelligently sums up the entire chapter, making it warm enough for the readers to dive into. It makes the reader think, and comprehend the book.
But even with so many advantages, the book doesn't seem to connect well. It might have lost it true essence due to translation, which made it less desirable. The connection of the book to a different faith and upbringing seems confusing to someone who doesn't know much about it. The author uses captivating lines; and although the general situation connects to you at some point, it gets lost much quicker.
The book is well edited, as there aren't many noticeable mistakes which succeeds in capturing the readers attention, making up for the loss in the connectivity within the book to some extent, but due to the low standard of literary usage it just kept on losing its gravity.
It is interesting to witness how the author rediscovers himself through the eyes of his long lost bounded love. Their love is pure and strong, the bound of soul mates. The purity between them gets reflected as to how they know each other, even without meeting each other ever. They know what the other think, and no emotions are left untouched.
Although they met through emails and letters, they relives each other's life through their works. Both of them find solace in their works, words are their life and they are the characters.
I love how towards the end, its raquel who narrates her side of the story which justifies the name of the book - raquel says.
The cover of the book is poorly set, and isn't the one that would attract readers who judge a book by its cover.
I would rate the book 2 out of 4. This book seems ideal for readers who has a mature understanding of the society (mainly, Jewish); its a good book for a serious read, and not really the best type for a light headed reading. Its not meant for readers who likes to read only stories, its more like a documentary- an insight into the author's personal life.
-Shruti
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Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected)
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