Some more impressions of the books I've read over the past year or so.
Duende and Other Essays - Federico García Lorca:
A short collection of essays on the “Power of Duende” in Spanish music, art and literature. Always a pleasure to read one of the poetic masters of the 20th century.
Rating: * * * * *
Office Poems - Mario Benedetti:
One of Uruguay’s (and Latin America’s in general) greatest poets, at least to me. This is a very slim collection of poems, written mostly in the 1950s. Heartfelt, powerful and always amazing. Sadly, we lost Benedetti recently. But his work lives on and is always highly recommended for poetry lovers.
Rating: * * * * *
The Universal History of The Destruction of Books - Fernando Baez:
A fascinating account of how when one culture dominates another, the first thing they usually go after is their books. This is a very informative and interesting volume that describes such cultural crimes from ancient Samaria to modern Iraq. A truly amazing work and essential for students of history.
Rating: * * * * *
A Hermit in Paris - Italo Calvino:
A collection of essays and journal entries from one of Italy’s (by way of Cuba) most renowned writers. I would say this one is more for fans than the general reader. For the general reader, I would start with something else first. But this is a very good book.
Rating: * * * * 1/2
God’s Crucible - David Levering Lewis:
A history book about the “clash of civilizations” between Christianity, Judaism and Islam during the Middle Ages and how the seeds of today’s conflicts were firmly planted back then. Also a great source of information on all three religious ideas and political ideologies.
Rating: * * * *
Sicilian Summer - Brian Johnston:
A travelouge for the most part, about a man in search of “the perfect cassatta”, a deeply Sicilian pastry but the book is more of an exploration of Sicilian culture and history, written from a deeply personal point of view. Gives good insight on Sicilian culture and mores and reading it, you feel as if you are there right along with the author. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Rating: * * * *
Ariel - José Enrique Rodó:
A classic of Latin American literature, written in the 19th century from one of Uruguay’s leading thinkers and philosophers. A bit opaque at times but that was the times. Readers of Jose Martí may find this book interesting. A political and philosophical tract about liberation from the North and Latin America finding it’s own way forward into the 20th century.
Rating: * * * *
Medocentric - Cristogianni Borsella:
Poet and historian Cristogianni Borsella’s first collection of poetry and I have to say it is an amazing work, exploring issues of identity and culture, specifically Mediterranean and Italian culture. A truly powerful collection of poetry written by one of the foremost writers of Italian/Italian-American history and culture.
Rating: * * * * *
Selected Writings - José Martí:
A collection of essays and newspaper articles by the 19th century Cuban revolutionary and freedom fighter. All of these works are powerful calls to freedom, most of them written while he was exiled in New York City. Essential for anyone who wants a more rounded view of the Spanish-American War.
Rating: * * * *
The Quest for the Kasbah - Richard Bangs:
Another travelogue, this one based in North Africa and the author’s search for the authentic “Kasbahs” throughout Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. Gives wonderful insights into Arab and Berber culture and customs.
Rating: * * * *
The Existential Jesus - John Carroll:
One of the more fascinating books I’ve read this year. It is a re-interpretation of the Gospel of Mark, being that it is the oldest of the 4 canonized gospels. It gives a highly innovative look at the last days of Jesus from an Existentialist point of view, turning the more traditional interpretations on it’s head. This is not an anti-religious book by any means but it does get into the more “human” aspects of Jesus and his worldview, offering a much more tragic and bleak story than one may have ever imagined. This one had a very big impact on me after reading this.
Rating: * * * * *
The Muslim Jesus - Tarif Kalidi:
A collection of sayings and stories attributed to Jesus from Islamic sources, most of which were written long after the crucifixion. Still, a fascinating look on how Islam viewed Jesus and his place in the human story.
Rating: * * * 1/2
The Pillars of Hercules - Paul Theroux:
A travelogue: The author making his way around the entire Mediterranean basin, beginning in Gibraltar and working his way around the entire region until coming full circle, beginning across the Straits of Gibraltar on the Moroccan side and all the way around, chronicling his adventures, meetings and experiences along the way. A great, great book.
Rating: * * * * *
Mirrors - Eduardo Galeano:
The latest collection of writings from one of Uruguay’s leading authors/journalists. A collection of nearly a thousand vignettes chronicling the history of mankind from the Garden of Eden to the present day but told from the point of view of the marginalized and the forgotten. One of Galeano’s best works and any fan of him will thoroughly enjoy this.
Rating: * * * * *
Beyond The Rivers - Various
A collection of poetry by poets from Paraguay, most of whom, if not all, are largely unknown in the United States and North America in general. Great works by some very innovative and creative poets. The only criticism I have of this collection is that it is way too short. Barely 100 pages but a good window into the creative writing of a country and culture not often written about or explored.
Rating: * * * 1/2
How To Travel With A Salmon and Other Essays - Umberto Eco:
One of Italy’s Grand Masters. Insightful, witty and very entertaining. Eco at his best. It’s pages are filled with intellect as well as humor. Writing that makes you re-think many things while simultaneously entertaining you without the heavy “intellectualism” one would expect from such a brilliant mind.
Rating: * * * * *
Shadows of The Pomegranate Tree - Tariq Ali:
Part of Tariq Ali’s “Islam Quintet”: A novel of the last days of Islamic Sicily, told from the point of view of the Muslims who occupied and ruled the island for nearly 300 years. It is the story of how a brief interchange of cultures came to an abrupt end; how Islam, Christianity and Judaism co-existed relatively peacefully until one fateful day with the arrival of a new Christian king.
Rating: * * * * 1/2
Los Compeñeros - Antonio Marcos Flores:
A novel by one of Guatemala’s most revered writers. Written in the 1970s, this novel was part of a “revolutionary” movement in Guatemalan literature. The story of a revolutionary gone underground during a very tumultuous time in Central America. A fast paced, highly experimental novel, influenced by the Latin American “Boom” writers of the late 50’s and 1960s.
Rating: * * * *
Rhetoric for Radicals - Various
A “guidebook” of sorts on how to achieve change through “radical” means. I did not enjoy this book all that much. Most of it seemed silly to me: more of how to create PR stunts than anything else. Written from a totally “Utopian” point of view and silly from my vantage point. More American silliness coming from the American Left in a time when any serious change needed in our culture is best left without “street theater” theatrics and silly “hipster-esque” platitudes. Everything I hate about the American Left is encouraged in this book. Best to avoid at all costs unless you want to amuse yourself.
Rating: * * 1/2
Free Women of Spain - Martha Ackelsberg:
A chronicle of the “Free Women of Spain” Anarchist movement during the Spanish Civil War. A highly feminist book, with interviews with the surviving women of the movement who talk of their struggles against the Fascist rebellion as well as their roles within the Republican/Revolutionary movement throughout Spain during this horrible conflict. Definitely an eye opener and essential for a more insightful study of the Spanish Civil War.
Rating: * * *
Latin America at The Crossroads - Roberto Regalado:
A look at where Latin America stands in the 21st century world, where globalization and, “Neo-Liberal” policies continues to ignore the poor, oppressed and marginalized in this region of the world.
Rating: * * * *
Colonial Dilemmas - Various:
A collection of essays on the state of Puerto Rico in the current day: essays range from political to artistic to worker issues to identity issues. Also touches on the Puerto Rican Diaspora and it’s effect on the lives of those on the island itself. Interesting reading and an interesting debate to be sure.
Rating: * * * 1/2
Free Pages and Hard Times - Manuel Gonzalez Prada:
Essays by the Peruvian Anarchist, most of which were written in the late 19th century. An interesting look into Peruvian politics and identity shortly after the liberation movements from Spain and their new found place in the wider world.
Rating: * * * 1/2
That Fine Italian Hand - Paul Hoffman:
A lighthearted, entertaining book about the culture of Italians, ranging from Roman times to the modern day.
Rating: * * * 1/2
Guernica and Other Plays - Fernando Arribal:
Wildly experimental plays from the renowned Spanish playwright. Not everything here was my cup of tea. Perhaps it’s best to see these plays performed rather than being read, I don’t know. But highly experimental in the sense that it leaves you scratching your head wondering what the hell is going on.
Rating: * * * *
Don Quixote’s Delusions - Miranda France:
A travelogue: the author’s experiences as a student in Madrid and looking for “Quixote” within the society at large as well as her experiences with fellow students and other colorful characters. A very entertaining book.
Rating: * * * 1/2
Italian Poetry: 1950-2000 - Various:
A great collection of contemporary Italian poetry.
Rating: * * * * *
Stolen Figs - Mark Rotella:
A Travelogue: the author returns to the region of Calabria where his father’s family had come from in a search for his roots. A wonderful book on Calabrian culture and mores. Brings the region to life in such a way, you feel you are right there with him. Highly recommended for anyone into Southern Italian culture.
Rating: * * * * *
The Dark Heart of Italy - Tobias Jones:
A look at what lies underneath the surface in Italian society. Really a critique and condemnation of Berlusconi’s Italy for the most part, but a good read for anyone who wants to get a sense of what modern Italian society is. A great read.
Rating: * * * *
On Persephone’s Island - Mary Taylor Simeti:
A travelogue: the author spends a year in Sicily, writing about it’s people and culture. A nice read but a bit too “flowery” at times. Considered a classic but I’ve read better books than this. Still, it comes recommended.
Rating: * * *
The View from Vesuvius - Nelson Moe:
A history of Southern Italy and “The Southern Question”; how the south is often viewed by it’s northern neighbors. Truly fascinating.
Rating: * * * *
Five Moral Pieces - Umberto Eco:
Five really amazing essays from the Italian master.
Rating: * * * * *
The Italian Difference - Various:
A collection of philosophical writings from Italy’s contemporary/post-modern philosophers. A bit “heady” at times, but well worth struggling through the more obtuse pieces to get a sense of contemporary Italian thought.
Rating: * * * 1/2
Misreadings - Umberto Eco:
More essays from Eco, these from Italian journals and newspaper articles from the early 1960s.
Rating: * * * * *
Fleeting Rome - Carlo Levi:
One of Italy’s most renowned writers/artists. A search for “La Dolce Vita” in Italian society in the 1950s. Though dated today, still a great read. Highly literary and entertaining from the author of “Christ Stopped at Eboli”.
Rating: * * * * 1/2
In Arabian Nights and The Caliph’s House - Tahir Shah:
These two books go hand in hand. An amazing and highly entertaining account of a British born writer who buys an old, crumbling mansion in Casablanca and his attempts to renovate it. It is set in the heart of a shantytown and the author’s experiences with the locals and Moroccan culture is not to be missed. The Caliph’s house is the first part of this wonderful story; the trials and tribulations of trying to get the house done while working within the cultural constructs of Moroccan culture, simultaneously modern and ancient; In Arabian Nights is the author’s search for “the story within him”, telling tales of the ancient tradition of Berber storytelling and it’s impact on the culture at large. HIGHLY recommended.
Rating: * * * * *
The Olive Tree - Carol Drinkwater:
Sort of a travelogue but more of an agricultural/history book of the olive tree and it’s relation to Mediterranean culture in general. Her search for the “oldest olive tree” still standing, which turns out to be on in Lebanon that is 6,000 years old and still producing fruit; wild observations that the olive trees now standing in the garden of Gesthsemane are the SAME trees that were there when Jesus spent his harrowing night of doubt there. It is also another fine look at Mediterranean culture in general, from Spain to Italy to North Africa. A wonderful book and very well written.
Rating: * * * * *
Sadder Than Water - Samih Al-Qasim:
A powerful collection of poetry from one of Palestine’s leading writers. Amazing work.
Rating: * * * * *
Pushing Past The Night - Mario Calabresi:
A chronicle of Italy’s “Years of Lead”, the terrorism years of the 60s, 70s and 80s, written by the son of a police officer who was killed by the Red Brigades in the 1970s. A chronicle of these dark times in modern Italian history.
Rating: * * * * 1/2
Hope there is something here you may find interesting as well.
Onward...
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