3 out of 4 stars
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RAQUEL SAYS (Something entirely unexpected)
By Mois benarroch
Raquel says (Something entirely unexpected) is a very unique book whose author Mois benarroch expresses himself in a poetic manner with a novel-like structure. The book is basically an autobiography of the author capturing different stages of his life. He likens the creation of the world to an author’s creation of a world of characters in their books. My understanding of this book is that Just as woman was created from Adam and they became one, and he refers to them as Adams, so does an author become one with his characters. The author creates these characters and thinks what their names should be and he also pens down what he thinks they should say or do. This relationship where the author controls his characters in his imagination and writing creates a special bond of oneness with his characters. Here, the author absorbs imagination. The author admits in this book that he likes the word ‘absorbed’ which he calls ensimismado in Spanish. This word summarizes the interaction that brings oneness between author and characters. His closest character is Raquel and he feels he has known her since he was a child because they share same birthdays.
At the beginning, the author portrays desperation and anger which leaves him with lack of interest on anything worldly. He realizes that this changes when he gets engrossed in writing words to form a book. His idea is that when you pen your thoughts, you become the person you are writing about. In writing, he is able to experience love and also criticize people's beliefs and attitude towards others. He mentions how Israeli are anti Jewish and how being a Tetouan surprises people who believe that Jewish Tetouan no longer exists.
What I like most about this book is that it puts us in a unique dimension of how we can see ourselves. It portrays one person living different lives at the same time. What I liked least was the confusion experienced at the beginning of the book before one gets to understand the dimensions.
I give this book the rating of 3 out of 4 stars. I could not give it 2 or below because it is interesting, unique and it's message well passed on. I did not give it 4 because it requires some editing. The abbreviated sentences in Chapter 3, page 11 should appear in separate lines instead of being clamped together. There are many typos on different pages. There are misspellings and repetition of words.
This book is for poetry lovers. Those who do not appreciate poetry might not find this book interesting. This book is also for those who have patience. At the beginning, the reader might get confused by what the author is talking about but as one reads on, it gets clear and it starts to flow. This book gives hope to those who are depressed by what is going on around them especially when they cannot fit in society. To handle this, they may get themselves busy by writing and having a chance to create characters whom they can communicate with, love and relate to as they get absorbed in this world of characters they have created.
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Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected)
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