Death in Montmartre – Claude Izner
Written under the nom-de-plume Izner by two sisters who were booksellers, film directors and authors. Part of a series set in late 19th century Paris, where a group of booksellers investigate crimes, pursue love affairs and generally roam Paris during the belle-epoque. Hugely fun though sometimes so true to history, with footnotes, that it can be hard to follow. Fun twisty plot and lovely peeks into cabaret’s origins. Included this fabulous line:
“He ambled past cafes, where artists and revellers celebrated their common victory over ennui with vast quantities of beer and absinthe.”
The Shadow Girls – Henning Mankell
I continue on my journey of reading everything else Mankell wrote. In this novel Mankell explores the experiences of refugees coming to Europe whilst using dark humour to send up the publishing industry and crime writing. It’s a clever approach to explore the horrors of what so many people go through in search of a better life. A very good book.
Italian Shoes – Henning Mankell
This is such a wonderful novel. I loved it when I read it the first time, long ago. I cherished it even more this time. There’s even a lovely call-back to The Shadow Girls characters including the gloriously named ‘Tea Bag’, which I wouldn’t have realised last time. The narrator is a lonely and selfish man who comes to see his flaws, and isolation, once people from his past come to confront him. It is strange and beautiful, filled with deep truths about life. Masterful.
After the Fire – Henning Mankell
Is reading and re-reading books from the same author the literary equivalent to always returning on holiday to the same spot? Perhaps. I am gaining great satisfaction in spotting new details and uncovering connections I previously hadn’t made.
Reading After the Fire in close succession after Italian Shoes worked well, given they are about the same main characters. Bookmunch called it “Scandi Murakami” which I think is really a rather good description. There is no doubt that Mankell’s ultimately fatal cancer diagnosis during the writing of this book had an impact on the mood. There are also some clearly autobiographical elements e.g. Stories of the narrator’s time in Paris repairing clarinets and visiting jazz clubs mirror those in Mankell’s memoir Quicksand.
This is a gentle, thoughtful book on loneliness, aging, community and whether we ever truly know people. It also is filled with hope, and appreciation for the healing power of nature. Being outside, connected with the seasons, helps. Family matters. Humanity continues. It is classic Mankell. What a writer.
“I’m afraid I am hopelessly, furiously envious of all those who will continue to live when I am dead. I am equally embarrassed and terrified by the thought. I try to deny it, but it recurs with increasing frequency the older I get.”
