Review by Sandra_99 -- Andalusian in Jerusalem
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Review by Sandra_99 -- Andalusian in Jerusalem
[Following is a volunteer review of "Andalusian in Jerusalem" by Mois benarroch.]
3 out of 4 stars
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Andalusian in Jerusalem by Mois Benarroch is an intriguing book in the way it plays with reality and fiction as well as history and narratives. It seems to bring together elements of realistic fiction, magical realism, historical fiction and travelogue. The story is primarily about a writer who arrives in Jerusalem and goes through bizarre experiences. He is friends with an eccentric writer, experiences Jerusalem syndrome, finds unbelievable workings of the city, gets kidnapped etc. The synopsis of the book fairly gives the backbone of the story.
While the story plot makes the book slightly suspenseful in a unique way, it is the manuscript (that comes less than halfway into the book and also spans nearly half of the book) that is beautiful. It is so exquisitely written that it makes us wonder about ancestry, roots, belonging and communities- “those who have no past have no future”. The outer plotline does revolve around cities and people especially Jewish but the manuscript is a beautiful rendition of the various journeys of the Jew. Although not a neat narration (in the manuscript), Benarroch has captivatingly connected each fragment.
“What does a writer have that’s better than his imagination and if he can create worlds within his books, he can create new realities within reality”. Benarroch writes quite a few memorable and thought-provoking lines like these. It blurs the division of reality and fiction within his story. He reverses the implicating of the famous saying ‘what’s in a name’ when he writes- “that gives me much Joy. To return, to be one’s own Name again”. The narrative of many histories, not just one, given by the interesting character in the manuscript is very touching. It also encapsulates various commentaries on the political and social realities as well as tensions of our times and previous times.
I would rate the book 3 out of 4 stars. It is a rich book, which is worth more than one reading. However, the narration is not easily accessible to the reader. Sometimes, it becomes oddly confusing. The outer plotline does resolve all the sudden, unfit turns but there remains a slight obscurity around specific events. It possibly adds to the aura and life that Benarroch gives to the city of Jerusalem. But I prefer a smoother and simpler flow in a narration.
The book brings attention to many beliefs and realities surrounding the Jews. At times, it becomes compelling enough to look more into Jewish history (for those unfamiliar with it) and even makes us think about our histories. The protagonist is a pleasant and amusing narrator and therefore, the book does not drag. But it is not a quick read either. It may raise more questions than what it answers. Being a book about lands and its people, it can probably be best enjoyed on a trip to Jerusalem. However, it offers much more for any reader.
******
Andalusian in Jerusalem
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3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Andalusian in Jerusalem by Mois Benarroch is an intriguing book in the way it plays with reality and fiction as well as history and narratives. It seems to bring together elements of realistic fiction, magical realism, historical fiction and travelogue. The story is primarily about a writer who arrives in Jerusalem and goes through bizarre experiences. He is friends with an eccentric writer, experiences Jerusalem syndrome, finds unbelievable workings of the city, gets kidnapped etc. The synopsis of the book fairly gives the backbone of the story.
While the story plot makes the book slightly suspenseful in a unique way, it is the manuscript (that comes less than halfway into the book and also spans nearly half of the book) that is beautiful. It is so exquisitely written that it makes us wonder about ancestry, roots, belonging and communities- “those who have no past have no future”. The outer plotline does revolve around cities and people especially Jewish but the manuscript is a beautiful rendition of the various journeys of the Jew. Although not a neat narration (in the manuscript), Benarroch has captivatingly connected each fragment.
“What does a writer have that’s better than his imagination and if he can create worlds within his books, he can create new realities within reality”. Benarroch writes quite a few memorable and thought-provoking lines like these. It blurs the division of reality and fiction within his story. He reverses the implicating of the famous saying ‘what’s in a name’ when he writes- “that gives me much Joy. To return, to be one’s own Name again”. The narrative of many histories, not just one, given by the interesting character in the manuscript is very touching. It also encapsulates various commentaries on the political and social realities as well as tensions of our times and previous times.
I would rate the book 3 out of 4 stars. It is a rich book, which is worth more than one reading. However, the narration is not easily accessible to the reader. Sometimes, it becomes oddly confusing. The outer plotline does resolve all the sudden, unfit turns but there remains a slight obscurity around specific events. It possibly adds to the aura and life that Benarroch gives to the city of Jerusalem. But I prefer a smoother and simpler flow in a narration.
The book brings attention to many beliefs and realities surrounding the Jews. At times, it becomes compelling enough to look more into Jewish history (for those unfamiliar with it) and even makes us think about our histories. The protagonist is a pleasant and amusing narrator and therefore, the book does not drag. But it is not a quick read either. It may raise more questions than what it answers. Being a book about lands and its people, it can probably be best enjoyed on a trip to Jerusalem. However, it offers much more for any reader.
******
Andalusian in Jerusalem
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes
Like Sandra_99's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren
