First half of the book

[Melanie]

This month we are reading the Remainder (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...)

First impressions in this section.

[Melanie]

OMG, I absolutely love this book, I am trying to schedule my day so I can finish it this afternoon... I love the two perspectives, love the way it is told and naturally the fact that Iquela is a translator is just perfection for me :)

[Linda]

I find this book fascinating. Iquela may be a translator, but she is not particularly reliable as a narrator. Her view of things seems very narrow.

[Yana]

Linda, how do you know it’s the narrator’s view that’s narrow and not the author’s?

[Melanie]

Linda wrote: "I find this book fascinating. Iquela may be a translator, but she is not particularly reliable as a narrator. Her view of things seems very narrow."

That is so interesting, for me I felt Iquela was trying to repress things in parts (as in some parts of her memories are so painful) and in other parts, she does not understand what is going on. I have not considered her as someone who deliberately withholds and alters.

That's why I like this group! Thanks for making me think a bit harder about this.

[Linda]

You're probably right Mel, she does repress things which are hinted at, but she also seems to have a narrow focus, possibly deliberate, like self-imposed blinders.

[Orgeluse]

I did not intend to pick up this book, but your comments here have made me order it and I will probably read it as soon as I will have finished the one I am currently reading😂😂😂

[Beatrizmallow]

Only about 7% in but the mentions of the October 5th referendum reminded me of a Chilean movie that I really enjoy and thought I'd recommend. The movie is called "No" and it basically tells the story of the referendum campaign and the sociopolitical situation in Chile at the time. Gael Garcia Bernal plays the main character and although he is Argentinian I think he nailed the Chilean accent, it was directed by Chilean director Pablo Larrain in 2013, maybe it will be available for you to watch somewhere.

[Sherri (Harte Reads)]

I'm half-way in and really enjoying it.

[Jo]

Also really enjoying it. There is almost a dystopian or dreamlike feel to the book with the counting of the dead, the ash falling from the sky and the way Felipe views the world but the harsh truth of the dictatorship and it’s effects, the militancy efforts of Paloma and Iquela’s parents underlies it all.

Felipe’s narration is so hypnotic and despite his obsession he seems more present than Iquela at times as she is caught between her mother and Paloma and feels like she is ‘locked inside a dream’ at times. I loved that idea of Iquela’s of only being set a certain number of words you can hear before you die and can see how this appeals to you Mel with the focus on translating and the different ways to say things.

[Ed]

Im exactly at 50% in the book on my Kindle.

I think the double narration break the rythme of the novel. I'm not a huge fan of it.

However, the story and characters are quite good. I love the way the author doesn't explain everything right way, whether it's the plot, the caracter's goals and histories, details are revealed gradually and subtly.

I totally see the dystopian feel to the book now that you mention it.

[Penelope]

I’m a little behind but loving this way of writing. Had forgotten how enticing stream of consciousness can be.

[Penelope]

Just past the 50% mark for this wonderful book full of sly humour and ash.

[Isa]

I'm more or less in the middle of the book. I'm very much enjoying it. The atmosphere, the broken structure, the rhythm that underlines the atmosphere. Just great!

[Amelia]

I'm late to the party here and I'm only a third into the book. So far I couldn't really connect to the book. The story and the background really interest me, but the way it is done, has kept me at a distance from all the characters so far. The most interested parts for me are definitely the ones in Felipe's mind.