Book 36 - Leo Tolstoy "A Confession"

Leo Tolstoy "A Confession" (Hesperus Claasics)




This a fascinating account of Tolstoys search for answers to the basic existential questions - who am I, and what is the meaning of my life?

He was depressed for a long time as he rejected science and philosophy to answer his search for truth and meaning. Also, leaving a lot of orthodox beliefs and church dogmatic but finding an answer in the simple life of faith that the peasants and poor people display.

Book 37 - Selva Almada "Not A River"

Selva Almada "Not A River"(Charco Press)





This novella was completely engrossing and although at first I thought I would read it in several stages, I found myself reading it in a single sitting. This was especially after a gut-punch twist reveal that comes along at about the 2/3rds mark (no spoiler here from me).

The story is simple enough. A trio of men, two elder ones along with the son of their deceased companion from a tragedy 20 years ago, are fishing on an island set in a river in rural Argentina. It becomes evident that they have little respect for the fishing and the catch. They capture a ray by shooting it with a gun, and later, having gotten bored with it, throw the carcass away. The local inhabitants don't take kindly to this disrespect for their resources and plan revenge. Meanwhile, a sister duo of temptresses may be luring the trio to their comeuppance.

Thoroughly enjoyed this, hence I highly recommend it.