I admit to feelings of confusion, bewilderment and frustration upon finishing Haruki Murakami’s The Strange Library. I shut the book and thought to myself, “What the hell was that?” Not an altogether unusual reaction to reading his fiction, or so I hear from people who dislike his novels. But there is a raving fan for every critic, and I decided to sit with it after a – perhaps premature – rating of 2-stars on Goodreads and reflect a bit more. Visually, it is an attractive book, with arresting illustrations and an allegoric, almost fable-like, quality to the language, making it ‘simple’ enough for Riley to pick up and read; but he didn’t finish, and perhaps it’s just as well, for the ending was upsetting.
It has stayed with me though, like a splinter in my imagination, long enough for me to *think* I’ve interpreted it correctly. I won’t post any spoilers here, but if you want to talk to me about it – let me know!
If I wasn’t already a subscriber to Island, I would’ve become one, or tracked down a copy in a stockist, for this edition for the profile of Marina Abramović. You might think you’re unfamiliar with her work, but her exhibition at MoMA in 2010 was extraordinarily high-profile, especially after a clip of her reunion with ex-lover Ulay went viral.
It prompted many people – myself included – to find out more about her extraordinary legacy of ground-breaking work. So anytime I can learn more, I do.
I also enjoyed Rebecca Harkins-Cross’s essay on the lasting effect and appeal of Hanging Rock on Australian culture – in particular, the movie Picnic at Hanging Rock, adapted from the excellent novel. If you recall, I wrote about our journey out there because I was one of those fans who longed to discover its mysteries first-hand.
And last, I’ve got Richard Flanagan’s Death of a River Guide to get started on.
What are you reading this month?
