TLDR/OPinion: 6/10
Hosseini's harrowing microcosmic tale of ​the wider degeneration of his native country, Afghanistan, tells the story of its oppression and corruption at the hands of other nations and terrorists groups from the unique perspective of 2 children. The book travels through history and across countries, a tale of betrayal, heartbreak, inequality and redemption.
Book Reviews and Analysis
miguel de cervantes:
1547-1616
About the author:
Best known for Don Quixote, De Cervantes was a phenomenal Spanish writer and poet, setting the bar for many of his peers and successors.
his works:
1. la fuerza de la sangre/
The force of the blood:
A short story part of the Novelas Ejemplares collection published in 1612.
predominant themes:
blurb:
1.
Accountability
2.
Stereotypes/Expectations
3.
Marital Dynamic
4.
Sexual Assault/Consent
5.
Inequality
*I read this book in Spanish so apologies if I lost anything in translation
De Cervantes describes a tale of a hidalgo and his family going for a walk in Toledo when they are come upon by miscreants namely their leader Rodolfo - an illustrious bachelor. Upon seeing the beautiful daughter of the family, Rodolfo sets his sights on her, encouraging his comrades to aid him in her abduction later raping her. What follows is a tale of her coping with the aftermath and a string of coincidences leading to a disquieting ending.
opinion:
Tremendously ironic, De Cervantes' novella definitely gives a brutally prosaic indication of the hypocrisy of such an era where such a cycle is possible - a victim has to marry her rapist for the sake of appearances. Somewhat infuriating, De Cervantes' realistic portrayal of the disequilibrium within Spanish society leaves a bitter taste in a reader's mouth due to the utter powerlessness, classism and sexism shown throughout and the futility of denying a very matter-of-fact event.
analysis (SPOiLERS):
Written in an era where the importance of the nobility was extreme, the nobles were very much at a point where work was unfashionable hence Rodolfo's stint to Italy presumably for leisure and the lack of mentioning of work.
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Despite the appearance of a happy ending - it is far from it and particularly modern audiences are left with a sense of disquiet and the fact that Rodolfo, his parents and her relatives all see this as an act of benevolence for him to return her honour to her - it is clearly just a way to but a face to her rapist and put a 'knot she cant untie' on her ring finger. Cloyingly sweet ending left with an ominous note of the true depths of her marital entrapment.
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The irony in Rodolfo's claims of being trapped with an ugly wife being the epitome of catastrophes whereas for Leocadia, this marriage is much worse than just facing an ugly man every day.
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Reminiscent of Twelfth Night in his mother's plan for his schadenfreude - however much less satisfying in that he does not feel any shame or guilt it seems but is rather gifted Leocadia in exchange and receives no form of punishment.
Talks of the stereotypical expectations of a wife - almost like a checklist for a successful marital transaction. She must fulfil the criteria otherwise she is deemed less valuable.
Describes realistically the antiquated marital dynamic where a woman pleases her husband and entertains him much like Nora must entertain Helmer in Ibsen's A Doll's House
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Interestingly, verb positioning is different in that it comes at the start of the sentence and adjectives come before their noun(s) - perhaps this is a sign of the time or is emphatic.
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Still - at the end when she has fainted again - there is a complete lack of consent as he kisses her again. This marriage - seemingly in recompense or retrieval of her honour is seen as a gift/miracle yet she is marrying her rapist.
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