Snow

I always entertained a deep interest in Nobel prize winners because I am curious to know why they were given such a prestigious award. Snow, by Turkish author Orhan Pamuk, is one of them. This beautifully crafted story in a remote Turkish town of Kars is as much about politics as it is about love. What sets this book apart is the author's ability to mold his characters and make them likeable even if they are antagonists. The precision with which he details their gestures, actions, and interactions can only be envied. It makes the reader feel like they are in Kars, experiencing everything first hand. There are many symbolic references, such as the snowflake, which adds to the mysticism of the journey.

The novel follows an exhiled Turkish poet named Ka who returns to Kars to write about suicide girls and more importantly, to reunite with beautiful Ipek. During his stay, Ka ponders about the existence of God and the meaning of happiness. This makes the readers think about the same things throughout the book. I believe the author wanted to emphasize how little people need to be happy. Happiness is not found in freedom, in achievements, in expression, or in money, but the ability to share all those things with the loved ones. Everyone needs to find what makes them truly happy, at peace, and go after it.

The book seems to have an even more profound meaning - it has been written for both the Western world and the Turkish people. On one hand, it wants to show the Westerners that people even at the most remote corners of corrupt countries have great ideas and artistic talents that should not be ignored and undermined. On the other hand, the book attempts to explain to Turkish people the reasons behind the revolution and progress. This books is for anyone who enjoys debates, well-rounded characters, poetic tone, plot twists, and learning about another culture. I give it an A+.

Sylvanus Now

After reading 'Downhill Chance' by one of Atlantic Canada's best authors, Donna Morrissey, I was left pondering the novel for quite some time. A couple of years later, I ran into 'Sylvanus Now', her third book, by pure accident. Knowing how thoroughly she crafts her characters, I was convinced this book would live up to my expectations. Once again, my instinct proved me right.

Set in the 1950's fishing community of Atlantic Canada, the story is an unlikely one. It follows the lives of a young couple, Sylvanus and Adelaide, who, engulfed with sadness of tragic losses, yearn for a happier life. The intricate details of their relationship, namely what they thought of one another, the intense conversations, the simple acts of heed - all in the name of love - were masterfully described by the author. With so much sorrow and communication barriers that resulted from it, the reader is left wondering whether there is any hope for the young couple.

The fact that the characters were so deeply portrayed, almost as if they really existed, made the reading very enjoyable. It also made it possible to relate to a lot of them, especially Eva (Sylvanus' mother) and Florry (Adelaide's mother). Even though the book is named after Sylvanus, I got a feeling that his wife Adelaide was the main character, that the story revolved around her, her ability to regain strength to move on with life and support her husband's wishes even though they may not be her own.

The nature surrounding the fishing outpost is immensely beautiful. The sea serves as a metaphor for both danger and hope. The neighbouring forest is so vivid in imagination, you can almost smell the pine trees and see them swaying in the wind. I hope that one day this novel will be adapted into a film because it would be fulfilling to see the characters and the nature come alive on screen.