Crossing Waters
by Luisa Etxenike
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Pub Date Oct 22 2024 | Archive Date Dec 31 2024
Columbia University Press | Sundial House
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Description
Cruzar el agua / Crossing Waters is a powerful reflection on the need to avoid nostalgia, to move forward, to grow and adapt to new situations and environments. Such impetus dredges up critical elements from the past of each of the three main characters that cannot be suppressed. This adds a powerful dimension to the novel. As in other works by Luisa Etxenike, the images are haunting, and the language is poetic, starkly simple, and meticulously chosen to reflect the different voices and registers of her characters. A confrontation between human nature on the one hand and the forces of nature on the other is ever-present, and the relevant issues Etxenike explores in her prose leave her reader with much to consider, and also to relish.
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9798990322400 |
PRICE | $12.00 (USD) |
PAGES | 200 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
In this short but powerful book, we first meet Irene, who is having her daily dip in the ocean in spite of having been blinded in an accident. She used to be a fashion designer and is now coming to grips with her new reality and contemplating her existence. Manuela works for her, doing work around Irene's house and attending a story-sharing group with other immigrants. She considers perhaps writing her story in fictional form one day. She is building a new life, but there is pain in her past life, too, and she is hoping for healing and a fresh start. Manuela's son, Juan/ Juan Camilo, has stopped speaking since he left Columbia. He communicates in writing, does well at school, and gets along with his classmates, but he dares not speak lest he lie or give away a secret that was cruelly thrust upon him. He feels trapped by this secret. All three have experienced trauma.
Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. I was eager to discover if/how each of these characters would move forward in their lives and find healing. I wanted to know what the secrets were and how/if they would be revealed. I wanted them all to be OK.
The book is beautifully written in short chapters, each from the point of view of one of these three. This is more a character-driven book than one that is plot-driven. Even so, it never lagged or got boring. No words were wasted. The bond that formed between the three characters was lovely to read as the book progressed. This is an excellent book and I'm so glad I read it.