Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Book recommendation

Right now, I'm about a third of the way through Everything Is Illuminated, by Jonathan Safran Foer, and so far, I love it. The story is about an American who travels to the Ukraine to search for the woman who saved his grandfather from the Nazis, and ends up traveling with a young Ukrainian translator and his grandfather. Every other chapter is written by the translator, whose English is flawed and hilarious. Parts of the story reminds me a little of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, one of my favorite books, but the sections written in the voice of the Ukrainian character flat out kill me. I was laughing out loud on the bus this morning. Here's an excerpt:

Father purchased a new bicycle for Little Igor for his birthday, which is a
superior present, because I know that Father does not possess enough currency
for presents such as bicycles. "The poor Clumsy One," he said, extending to put
his hand on Little Igor's shoulder, "he should be happy on his birthday." I have
girdled a picture of the bicycle in the envelope. Tell me if it is awesome.
Please, be truthful. I will not be angry if you tell me that it is not awesome.

Everything is Illuminated has been made into a movie, with everyone's favorite hobbit playing the main character. Speaking of Elijah, pretty please click on this website if you're in the mood for a laugh. You will thank me later.

4 comments:

tara d. said...

eileen! i am a third of the way through his other book, extremely loud and incredibly close. it is great so far. i bought everything is illuminated with it. can't wait to read.

awesome.

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