To be honest, I wasn't such a big fun of the book when we voted... I don't know if it was the title, the fact that it was long and french... But right after I opened it and read the title of the first part, I was intrigued "children for the cannibals"? What is he talking about? And since then, I have been hooked! Old style adventures, and that I felt like reading!
If you haven't finished the first part, what are you waiting for?
Do you identify yourself with the children Colombe and Just? What is the best element in their characters so far? Do you like the excuse the author finds to put them on the ship, to be translators? And finally, did you expect that their father was dead? That was quite a surprise element for me at the end of part one... Any other thoughts?
Rocío.
First of all, I would like to thank Jorge for keeping us fit carrying this big book around :-)
ReplyDeleteUnlike Rocio, the description of the book sounded interesting to me. When I started reading the book, I found it hard to get hooked to it. Still, being half way through, I am not hooked to it at all. I find it slow and uninteresting most of the time. Maybe I am not interested in the subject; maybe I expected more from the author, whose life sounds so amazing.
I will give it another chance and continue with the second half…
The description of the book looked good to me too. I felt like reading adventures, learning something about Brazil on the way, and I was curious about the author. And, so far, the reading is fulfilling my expectations.
ReplyDeleteThough it is not the best adventures' book I have ever read, and despite I do not have that much time or energy in this moment of my life, I feel like keep turning the pages to see what is going to happen next.
Regarding the "excuse" of boarding kids to be translators, it is certainly strange, but I was wondering if it was what really happened. I have not found the time to do some historical research, but I guess I will in the next days, unless some of you can tell me some history about that.
Is it going to be that sad that the dad will be really dead?…
Looking forward to seeing if the next part will change Arantxa's impressions :-)
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteIt seems that only the core of the club is reading the book so far... too bad! :)
I am late in the schedule, as in most of the books, but after the pressure I have put on you I can promise that I will finish it!
My first impressions are more on Macarena's side: I am not hooked but I like the book, it is entertaining and interesting. I find the voyage in the boat quite similar as they used to be and the story attractive and well documented...
I am not sure if the version in English is different to that in French but... is the father dead? my impression is that something has happened to him, but we still don't know what happened. Maybe in prison and dishonored? maybe mutilated? I think that the author is hiding something regarding that issue...
Well, I am going to continue with the reading!
Arantxa, it's my pleasure to make all of you to look more cultivated carrying a Goncourt prize under your arm ;)
ReplyDeleteRocio, I am happy that you have changed your mind, I hope you will vote my book proposals from now on...
Bon courage to all the readers!
J
In fact, there are three other members that have told us that they are reading the book.
ReplyDeleteIf we will be lucky enough to read their comments and impressions, who knows. Still, it is great to have them there and, for sure, they will be reading yours! So keep sharing :-)
Thanks!
I am reading the book in Spanish: I read the original version when possible, but if it is a language I don't know, I choose Spanish.
ReplyDeleteAt some point, they say the father is dead. But I suspect that the father will come up when we least expect it...
Hey, Jorge, don't put pressure on Rocio to vote on your books from now on... she should be free to choose!! ;-)
Looking forward to other opinions!!
Umm, I am late I know but I wanted to share some short thoughts about the book. In fact I'm on the second part but I don't want to read the comments till I finish. I must say I like it! It starts like a tale with its chevaliers, a beautiful lady and a wicked witch. Then it turns to a travel novel with the long cruise across the Atlantic. I've liked reading how it was to be embarked in such an adventure.
ReplyDeleteBe prepare to know the Goncourt winner of this year! It'll be revealed very soon : )
Hi, Mónica, we are glad you are "there" and liking the book.
ReplyDeleteMany of the comments written have too much information, so you have made a good decision about not reading them until you finish each part.
Looking forward to keep reading your thoughts! And your news about the Goncourt winner :-)