Review by Ana Maria Codescu, translated by me.
Please make sure to spend a minimum of 30 seconds reading my story.
I truly cherish the interaction of authentic readers. Thank you very much!
I decided to talk about these two volumes together because that’s how they
were launched, even though they can be read separately, in any order.
I attended their launch on November 9th, 2023, at the Eminescu Bookstore,
during the INTEGRAL FESTIVAL organized by the publishing house, where
we could also admire a small exhibition of art objects designed to bring a
sense of wonder, created by artist Dan Botezan.
I’d struggle to describe them, but if I tried, I’d say they are unique pairings
of beloved objects from which you can’t part, perfume bottles, seashells,
with metal wings and legs.
You can see them on the covers of both volumes, but I’ll also leave another
picture below.
Now, back to the books, the reading order I chose was first Lies in Free Flow,
then The Book of Love and Gossip.
The reason was the same as why I used to save the best piece for last at the
table when I was little.
I don’t like lies, in fact, I hate them passionately, but I’m drawn to love and,
a bit, to gossip, like any woman (and even some men, although they
wouldn’t admit it).
Both books contain pieces of short prose, which often end abruptly, to
continue in the next sequence (or not).
They are written in a technique called free flow, which means emptying
your mind of thoughts, then putting words on paper as they come, even if
you get stuck or repeat a word endlessly.
I’d say it’s the opposite of what I do when I write blog posts and erase and
then rewrite a word until it’s correct, and I’m still not satisfied even after
that.
Julia managed this exercise without hiccups, and the technique lends a
lightness to the writing, without making it facile.
The Lies includes thirty short texts, some of which are inspired by the
horrors of the communist period, and “Dolls at the Slaughterhouse” seems
to me among the darkest, but also the most successful.
The Lies is like a pilgrimage of a demimondaine (OMG!!!) who, in the end,
doesn’t take anything too seriously, not even herself, in a world that is
sometimes horrifyingly dark.
Sometimes you can see a table lamp or a lantern flickering, like in Lynch’s
films, a sign of danger coming from another world.
Other lies that I liked: “… nothing tastier” — a journal from a post
apocalyptic desert; “No” — the realm of stories and childhood; “he has
calmed down” — text that ends the volume and is also inscribed on the last
cover; “The Kiss” — for humor and lovers.
If we’ve managed to get over the lies without leaving scars, now we can
savor love.
The Book of Love and Gossip is divided into two parts, the first of Japanese
inspiration, the second taking place in old Europe.
Japan fits these types of texts like a glove, which seem like haikus.
“The Screaming Deer of Heartbreak Island” is my favorite text from the first
part, about what happens when you enter a Japanese forest (and you
already know from many movies that things can go crazy).
From the European journey, “The Duchess” attracted me, erotic and
gourmand.
And since a new year has just begun and I know you all make
resolutions, try to read more Romanian writers.
Much appreciation to Ana Maria Codescu, the reviewer, for the text and photos. Heartfelt thanks to Luna Popescu for the photographs. I welcome you to read the review on the original blog in Romanian, which is available here.
Please, clap, engage, and… stay tuned for the next story…! But, most importantly, a profound thank you to each one of you. Your unwavering support has been invaluable.
Julia Kalman 