Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead - Olga Tocarczuk - 4 stars

[Robin P]

I decided this book belongs here, although I'm not sure anyone else shelved it this way. The story takes place in an isolated area with a series of unusual deaths. There seems to be a supernatural element, as if nature itself was taking revenge on some rather nasty people. The whole thing is tempered by the narrator, a curmudgeonly older woman, which gives it a certain dark humor. I had no idea what to expect from this Polish author and I enjoyed it. The weird title actually comes from the English poet William Blake.

[Joanne]

This is one I looked so forward to reading. However, I could not get through it. I cannot remember why, perhaps the quirkiness of it just sit well with me? Or it could have just been my mood. I just don't know. I do have it on my "give it another try" list, we will see if that happens.

[Peacejanz]

Thanks for posting a great review. I loved this book. peace, janz

[NancyJ]

Robin, I definitely agree that it has a gothic feel, even though the setting is very different. I really liked the setting and I can't think of any other characters like her. She has a very distinctive voice and personality. I loved some of her ideas - Testosterone Autism - it makes sense doesn't it? I even liked the astrology bits. I used to know what it means when Mercury is in retrograde or in opposition to saturn.

I'm finding that many of the translated books (on the Warwick award lists) don't feel comfortable at first, but I think that's what makes them so interesting. It makes me realize that we've become accustomed to certain types of stories and tropes, and ways of communicating.

I read it months ago, and even the location stuck in my head -- a plateau in Poland near a part of the Czech Republic that is always sunny. It made me want to read something set in the Czech Republic.

[Robin P]

NancyJ wrote: "Robin, I definitely agree that it has a gothic feel, even though the setting is very different. I really liked the setting and I can't think of any other characters like her. She has a very distinc..."

It reminds me a bit of some of the Scandinavian writers, a little like Fredrik Backman but darker. As a literature major, i like unusual styles and methods of narration.

[NancyJ]

Robin P wrote: "NancyJ wrote: "Robin, I definitely agree that it has a gothic feel, even though the setting is very different. I really liked the setting and I can't think of any other characters like her. She has..."

Or like Jo Nesbo? That's another author that I haven't read yet.

[Nicole R]

I remember this book being reviewed by other PBT members, but suddenly I am seeing it popping up everywhere! I may have to give it a closer look.

That title turns me off though....why so long?! lol