Read Around The World

[JoanP]

A site where we find books and films   in all the corners of the world, created by those who have lived there.  IMPAC International Literary Awards Independent Foreign Fiction Prize 2009    Words Without Borders 2009 Best Translated Book Award Winners Academy Award Winning International Films 100 Greatest Foreign Films Discussion Leader:    Pedln Several months ago we had a vote for Individual Book Discussion Titles - and you all voted for Dickens'  Mystery of Edwin Drood, which we hope to discuss in September - and Geraldine Brooks'  People of the Book, which starts - TODAY! Hope you didn't forget - we're waiting to hear what you think of Brooks'  protagonist - Hanna Heath.  If you haven't started the book yet, that's okay too.  The author is travelling abroad on an international book tour this month, but promises to try to respond to your questions via email if she can.  Please do come  over and say hello -     People of the Book.

[mrssherlock]

Funny how we can wind up in a career we had no thought of pursuing when we began our college education.  Many choices arise when we are exposed to new ideas and ways of thinking.  I would have been a librarian if I hadn't taken that sociology class and how different my life would have been I can only conjecture.  Immersing myself in social research I learned how much I love ccomputers and data analysis.  "And that has made all the difference . . ."

[JoanK]

Jackie: me too! Data about people is sometimes the only way we will know their story. Every data set has stories to tell: finding those stories and getting them out there was my way of giving a voice to people who often don't have a voice in our society.

[pedln]

Hmmm --interesting.  Jackie, it was after I became a librarian and began to learn more about the role of computers in that field, that I fell in love with them.

The other night I watched a terrific German film, Beyond Silence, nominated in 1996 for best Foreign Film, but did not win an Oscar.  The focus is on a hearing child of deaf parents who is given a clarinet by aunt, her dad's sister, but the issues involved are many -- and timeless.  Here's a link to one of the reviews -- not a spoiler.  What I did not realize while watching is that the actors who played the parents are deaf -- one an American, the other French.

Beyond Silence

"The most impressive portrayal is split between Sylvie Testud and Tatjana Trieb, both of whom play Lara. [at 8 and at 18] Not only are the actresses singularly effective, but they fit together so well that the viewer never loses sight of the character, not even for a moment, when the changeover occurs. Mannerisms, facial expressions, and even vocal inflections transfer from one actress to the other. Testud and Trieb immerse themselves in this role with astonishing results. Apparently, several hundred girls auditioned before Link settled on Trieb, who is making her feature debut. Testud, a theatrically-trained French actress, is appearing in her second film."

That was truly amazing.  You had to look twice before your realized the change.  Netflix has it.  I'll give it a 5 (out of 5).

[Babi]

I'm sold, PEDLN.  I'm going to put 'Beyond Silence' on my Netflex queue.  With a subject like that, it must have CC, right?

[pedln]

Actually, English subtitles, as the spoken dialog is in German.  And so is the sign language -- German.

Babi, I'm finding that many DVDs, instead of having the CC on their lable (for closed captions), now have SDH (Subtitles for Deaf and Hard of Hearing.)  I don't know if this is a different process or not.  I have a very crummy DVD player that doesn't always do well with CC (my computers do CC beautifully), but works fine with subtitles.

[Babi]

 I've been curious to know how, exactly, CC works.  On some stations the
CC will be clear, on others it will be chopped up so badly it's illegible. Or
maybe it's the time of day, rather than the station. I have to assume the
problems arise at least partly during transmittion, but it's aggravating when
it happens. 
  Since words are often misspelled, or homophonic words misapplied, I
suspect some form of mechanical sound recognition is used.  I find myself
often 'correcting' the spelling or the choice of words (ie., 'here' when it should have been 'hear').  Silly of me, but I seem to be on automatic with that sort
of thing.

[MarjV]

Ihaven't been to this page in awhile because no one was posting.   Now you are. 

Have read a couple of Alan Furst's spy novels set in wartime in Europe.   The first one I liked, the 2nd one not.   And the titles have escaped my mind.

Couple pages into "Rooftops of Tehran"  - I think it will keep me interested.

And let's see - Almost finished with the 2nd of Nino Ricci's trilogy - he is Canadian.  "Lives of the Saints" set in Italy until the last couple pages .  "The Glass House" set in Ontario Canada farm area where many Italians had immigrated including the young man who tells the story in both novels.   Explores the immigrants life, rural small town life in Italy ;' much culture.   

   http://www.ninoricci.com/

Thanks for the movie hint - I'll add it to my Netflix list.

[MarjV]

Link to the Rooftops of Tehran; so looking forward to getting into it.  I see there are discussion questions for a bookclug on one of the pages; and an invited from the author to write him!

http://www.rooftopsoftehran.com/

"In writing Rooftops of Tehran, I wanted to acquaint readers with Iran, and bring to life a small part of the centuries-old Persian culture. At a time when the country of my birth is often portrayed in the news media as “the enemy,” I chose to tell a story about friendship and humor, love and hope, universal experiences valued by people in all times and places. I wanted to show a side of Iran that’s usually hidden from view—its warm, funny, generous people. Perhaps as you read the novel, as you meet Pasha’s friends Ahmed, Faheemeh, Doctor, Iraj and Zari; as you accompany Pasha down the alleys of his neighborhood; as you spend a night on his roof, peek into his neighbor’s window, and fall in love with the girl next door, you’ll understand my affection for Iran and its people. And you will see why the flame of hope for Iran still burns so fiercely in my heart, and in the hearts of so many Iranians at home and abroad."

[pedln]

Marj, while browsing the bookstores of Seattle I noticed that many were promoting Alan Furst's Spies of Warsaw, which had just come out in paperback.  Is that one of the ones you read?  His name sounded very familiar to me, but I don't think I've read any of his.  Are they all WWII spy novels?  I used to love the spy novels of Helen McInnes and Ann Bridge.  Which Furst would you recommend?

I see that the Nino Ricci trilogy has been made into a miniseries.  Netflix has it.

Re: Rooftops of Tehran.  It sounds interesting.  I like coming of age novels.  I looked over the bio of the author -- is this his first/only?  He is still in the consulting business -- worked for Arthur Anderson. I wonder if it was actually Anderson Consulting (now Accenture), which divorced itself from the parent after the Enron debacle.  That's off-topic; a family member works there.

I noticed that Rooftops had received an "Indie next best" award.  Does anyone know anything about the "Indie Next Best List?"

[pedln]

So now I'll answer my own question, and here's the link.

Indie Next List

Books recommended by booksellers ("you trust").  I'm not sure if that means independent booksellers or includes chains or what. It's sponsored by the American Booksellers Assoc.

[MarjV]

Spies of Warsaw is the Furst novel I liked.   The second I can't remember the title.  I think, if I remember the book flap, that Furst bases his spy novels on WWII. I presume they are all set in Europe.

PS - just now read this on wikipedia:

Alan Furst (born February 20, 1941) is an American author of historical spy novels set just prior to and during the Second World War.

Looked at the Indie link - didin't realize there was such a list, however, it makes sense that independents would keep a contact like that.

[Babi]

 I read Helen McInnes, but I've never heard of Ann Bridges before.  Are her novels set in the same period?
I find that when I read a spy novel set in the Nazi/WWII period they now seem so dated.  Haven't there been
any more contemporary stories of that genre?  The only ones I know of just now are found in a TV series called
the Unit.   Some of those have been so 'contemporary' they may touch on last weeks news.

[pedln]

Babi, here's a link to books by Ann Bridge.  They'll probably seem outdated, also.  My library appears to have weeded them from its collection.

Spy novels by Ann Bridge

[Persian]

MARJ - many thanks for the info RE Rooftops of Tehran and its author.  I appreciated reading of his experiences in university and the financial struggles he encountered.
I recall knowing several Iranian students at the University of Maryland (and a couple at other academic institutions in Washington DC) who encountered similar financial challenges.  Some approached those challenges with strength and determination and a couple of others simply fell apart emotionally.

Indeed there is an aspect to Persian culture in Tehran (and other cities throughout Iran) which bring to mind the beauty and positive aspects of the country and its people - quite in contrast with the political info which appears so regularly in the Western press.  Persians are often joyous, family-oriented people, quick to offer friendship to newcomers, delicious meals, a sense of the fun and joy of togetherness.  And they are a compassionate people (aside from the ugliness of politics), often bringing a high level of intelligence and willingness to approach (and overcome) life's difficulties.

I'm confident that for individuals who are NOT familiar with Persian culture , Rooftops of Tehran will be an interesting and enlightening opportunity to learn more about Persian culture and its vibrant history of many decades.

Mahlia

[Babi]

 That's quite a number of books, PEDLN.  I'm surprised I seem to have missed her entirely. But then, as I recall, that was an extremely busy time in my life, where keeping an eye on toddlers cut rather sharply into my reading speed. 

[MarjV]

I see our local lib doesn't have anything by Bridge.   Our Michigan Elec. Lib has quite a number available to request.

Thanks for your comment, Persian, on Rooftops.   Looking forward to getting into it more.

[Donnie]

Hi
I am new to this site.  I latched onto it when I went to see what was going on in book discussions after being away for a long period of time.  I have signed onto a couple of discussion groups so that I have only read the latest posts; therefore, I don't know all the foreign movies that have already been discussed.  I do watch a number of foreign movies.  The last comic film was Only Human, a simple plot line that has been done a million times in a million ways but for me the setting were unique so that I laughed myself sick.  The last memorable drama I viewed was Gloomy Sunday, it was totally depressing.  But the reason I am posting at this time is because I hope someone can help me.

Sometime ago I watched a film that took place in Iran.  It was about a very young girl (maybe 5 or 6 years old) who is given a sum of money to buy a fish for New Years.  However on the way she loses the money and dares not return home without the fish.  Before the story is over, her brother and several in the community get involved with her loss of money and her fish.  I cried my eyes out as I watched.  The whole thing was so beautiful.  The young girl was superb in acting the innocent child.   Also I watched the film at the time when Iran was viewed as somewhat a villain nation by some of our leading statesmen.  I couldn't help thinking how in congruent the political situation is from mainstream society.  I forgot the title of the movie so I would appreciate anyone who knows what movie I am remembering and if that person could supply the title.

[JoanK]

HI, DONNIE: WELCOME!! I'm not familiar with your movie but have seen other good Iranian movies. I wish we could see more of them and get to know the Iranian people better.

[pedln]

Hi Donnie, we're glad you found us here.  We  hang kind of loose at this site and talk about a lot of books with links to the international arena, either by author or setting or what have you. And likewise, we include films also.

I don't know the name of the film you were asking about.  It sounds like it should be a good one.  One of my favorite foreign films is Children of Heaven, directed by the Iranian director Majid Majidi.  In this film it's a shoe that gets lost.  Majidi is apparently an outstanding director, has put forth many films, and a link to his work is below.  Perhaps you will find your film there.  Good luck.

Films of Majid Majidi

Marj, are you saying that you have a statewide source for electronic books?  That sounds like a good idea, and one way of making available books that otherwise might not be available to the reading public. Most libraries do not have an infinite amount of space. (Might this be the State Kindle     )

[MarjV]

Pedlin. Sorry if I mislead.      It's real books that we get that we can request from our very own computers from all over the state; then sent to our loca library.    It is called MelCat (Michigan Electronic Catalog).   E-books might be available also but I don't use them.

You can see it here:     http://elibrary.mel.org/search

[MarjV]

"The White Balloon" might be the film Donnie is remembering.

The White Balloon

[Donnie]

I thank everyone for the responses I got regarding my inquiry.  I did see Children of Heaven and liked it a lot so much so that I rented it a couple of times.  I will look up The White Balloon.

[pedln]

MarjV,  thanks for the link.  The White Balloon director,  Jafar Panahi, sounds like another esteemed Iranian director.  I just added his “Offside” to my Netflix queue.  It’s about a group of Iranian girls who dressed as boys, so they could watch a football game.  His works have won several awards.   I don’t know why “Offside” got only 2 ½ Netflix stars after winning the Berlin Festival, but Netflix offers a preview and it looks good to me.

(Babi, that's the first preview I've seen with subtitles.)

[Babi]

(Babi, that's the first preview I've seen with subtitles.)

 We're gaining on 'em, PEDLN.  Now, when BBC starts including CC with their
films, I'll know we have arrived!   

[Donnie]

Marjv
The White Balloon was the film I saw on a movie channel some time ago.  I read a couple of reviews last night and what read is what I remembered except I remembered that the older brother of the girl was the one to retrieve the money from the sewer when in fact it was the young Afghan boy with the white balloon that gets it out.  So now I am wondering if the film maker had a purpose for bringing in an Afghan.  At the time of my viewing the thing that caught my attention was the young girl's acting.  The review said she was not a professional.  Her sad face when all seemed hopeless made me cry my eyes out even though she clearly brought on her own troubles.  I would get the movie from netflix but they don't have it.  I may order it.

[pedln]

Donnie, I wonder if the reason Netflix does not have The White Balloon is because it has not been put into  a DVD format.  Who knows why not.

I've been waiting for years for an Eric Rohmer film -- French -- August -- about a widow who raises grapes, but so far no luck.  Saw it in a theatre in San Francisco about 15 years or so ago.  Maybe some day.

Inoticed the White Balloon tapes were pretty inexpensive from 3rd party Amazon sellers.  Good luck.

[MarjV]

Donnie:   Check out half.com for purchasing dvds or books.   I have dealt witih them a lot thru the years.  Reliable.

[MarjV]

Reading the 3rd "Girl" book  by Stieg Larsson.   The Girl Who Played with Fire.     I can hardly put it down!    He sure is good at suspense and character & plot developing.

[pedln]

I'm visiting family in DC this week, and as always, enjoy reading the print copy of the Washington Post.

Sunday’s Post had a Jonathan Yardley review about a recently translated book by a Colombian author,  Juan Gabriel Vásquez – The Informers.   Vasquez has written several books, but this is his first to be published in this country in an English translation. The novel’s main character, Gabriel Santoro is the father of the narrator, esteemed throughout Colombia. But upon his death he is said to have betrayed his family and fellow countrymen.  The betrayal takes place at the beginning of WWII when Santoro is a young man, and one will ponder his motive.  But here’s the link ----

The Informers

Nothing works out quite the way anyone expects, which is just one of the many strengths of this remarkable novel. It deals with big universal themes -- betrayal, the war between fathers and sons, cowardice and valor -- and big particular ones: the mix of peoples and histories that is Latin America, the painful political and social history under which Colombia suffers, the poison that Nazism spread throughout the world. It is the best work of literary fiction to come my way since 2005.

 

[mrssherlock]

About Alan Furst, I have read all of his books and liked each one.  They are not a series so you can pick out any one and get a taste of his writing.  The stories are only dated in that they take place in the 30's, like historical fiction is dated.  His spies are not the flashy James Bonds of spydom and "that makes all the difference."

[MarjV]

Sure do need to add The Informers to my list.   Thanks, Pedlin.     

[Linus]

My latest read has been the 3 volumes "I Am a Cat"  by Soseki Natsume -- Translated by Aiko Ito and Graeme Wilson.

The Cat is the observer of the Japanese household of a teacher in Japan.  The Cat reports the conversation and his observations and comments.  Interesting to read for cat-lovers and others

[JoanK]

That sounds really interesting, Linus. Is it widely available?

[pedln]

Interesting, Linus.  Three volumes?  Does the family age with each one?  It sounds like the Cat is an omnipitent(?) (what word am I searching for?) narrator.

[JoanK]

Omnipresent? Immortal? Nosy?

[pedln]

Thanks JoanK -- omnipresent -- all-knowing, knows everything

[mrssherlock]

That sounds like a book I would enjoy since I am the lifelong slave of cats.  My library, sob, doesn't have it though there are three other books listed by Soseki.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natsume_S%C5%8Dseki 

[pedln]

What an interesting link, Jackie.  I don't know if I'll be reading any of his works, as I tend to be mired in this contemporary era, but I enjoyed reading about his life, and am glad he followed his heart rather than his family's wishes.  Interesting -- his picture on the Japanese banknote.  Do any of our literary persons adorn our money?

[MarjV]

I am a life long cat slave also.   Currently living with 2 brown tabby boys.

Thanks - have to see if I can get "I am a Cat".   Most times I think I am - and I believe my guys thinl I am their pal/mother.