Translated from Spanish by Anne McLean
It’s one of the most frequent topics for discussion at book group: Can a man write a convincingly from a women’s point-of-view? Well, let’s take that to a whole new level: can a man offer convincing advice to a melancholy woman? Is any woman going to accept a man’s wisdom? Hhhm, thorny subject.
In this unorthodox book offering short pieces of philosophical advice (with the occasional recipe) to deal with the joys and sorrows that life sends our way, Hector Abad successfully manoeuvers round those thorns by employing lots of (very attractive) humour. Sometimes the humour is dry: dinosaur steak is guaranteed to cure sadness by inducing an immediate fit of the giggles. Sometimes it is dubious: using scripture to defend adultery. Now and again an indisputable but previously unrecognised truth suddenly shines out brightly. Ever been heartbroken?
Because there is an inescapable rule, which now that you hear it will make you even sadder – with the passing of time you will no longer suffer so; …. Even him, yes, him, you’ll eventually forget. Sorrow as you must and whatever happens – if after thirty-six months you are still suffering as you are now, you’ll not be suffering for him, you’ll be suffering for your guilt at not still suffering. Even if the love you felt was boundless, pain is miserly, it doesn’t last as long.
Now ladies, I would love your comments on Abad’s advice on how to find the best harmony in a relationship. This is achieved by sharing the kitchen and teaching your partner to cook. The day will come says Abad when you’re going to see him reading a recipe and finally giving you a surprise. He must mean a heart-attack. Has he seen the state of the kitchen and the mountains of washing-up that remain when hubby has been sous-cheffing?
I read this book with a smile on a face. A cynical smile at first. Then I found myself being vastly entertained. Of course, some of these snippets of wisdom are to be taken with a liberal pinch of salt. Others rang true and then, quite unexpectedly I found a couple which gave me a more positive outlook on certain aspects of my own life. Let’s just call that the icing on the cake.
I’d like to get around to this at some point. It sounds like a lovely book.
wordsofmercury, I can email you a PDF tomorrow, if you like!
we’d like to follow you on Twitter, Lizzie, what’s your tag?
@lizzysiddal
I’ve just received a copy of this in the post – a unique, aesthetic object it is too! Looking forward to reading it even more after your review
These little square Pushkins are gorgeous. I have a full collection of the Stefan Zweigs which I drool over (and read) frequently!
Oh, this sounds lovely
I love the image of you reading it with a smile on your face.
What an interesting selection of books they have, and they look so good. This one sounds wonderful. I’d love to read it… though I’m not at all sure about the cookery advice! I don’t think my husband has progressed beyond frozen pizzas, reheated pies, chips and boiled potatoes (not all together, of course). But perhaps I haven’t taught him properly.