Gabriela and The Widow is the story of Gabriela, a 19 year old Mexican woman who migrates north (to El Norte) where she meets a dying 92 year old woman, The Widow. The novel is their story.
About the Book:
Through
the intimate bond of a companion and benefactor, Gabriela
reconciles the painful experiences of her youth as she is reshaped by the
Widow, La Viuda. Together, day after day, night after night, La Viuda immerses
Gabriela in lists, boxes, places, times, objects, photos, and stories,
captivating and life-changing stories. It seems Gabriela is not just
hired to cook and clean; she has been chosen to curate La Viuda’s mementos
while taking care of the old woman’s failing health. “As you grow thick, I
grow thin,” says the widow, portending the secret of immortality that will
overtake both women.
Overall Thoughts:
Normally I'm one to point out
too much narrative in a manuscript when critiquing a fellow writer's work, but this
is due to the details and imagery not moving the story forward and slowing down
the pacing. In Gabriela and the Widow, Jack Remick uses the narrative scene
details to not only draw the reader deeper into Gabriela's world, but also as
an external character...an antagonist. The world (everyday life) setting
becomes part of the story instead of just a backdrop like so many books I've
read. The reader needs to see, feel, taste, touch and understand this world on
all levels, from narrative details given through the book's voice to Gabriela’s
point of view through internal thought and body language.
Each character in the story feels
real, even the ones we only meet for a short time. You can hear, see and feel
them moving about as Gabriela slowly finds her way, both in life and
internally. You will feel the deepness of this young girl and her desire to find
a place to call home. A safe place she can finally put down roots and build a
future. The widow also has deepness to her. She draws you in and as this happens,
you feel her arms encircling you, comforting you just as a grandmother would.
However, you can feel through this wisdom a sadness. Maybe it is her desire to
pass down her life, strength and memories...or maybe it is a slight weakness
knowing her life is coming to the end. I really can't say as each reader will
see and feel something different depending on their own life's journey.
I can tell you for me it was
as if I was reading about the bond I have with my own grandmother (my mother's
mom). The widow reminds me so much of her and the conversations a lot like ones
I've had throughout my life when I've felt lost, unsure or sadness around me.
Any woman reading this book will understand the importance of such a lady in
their life, a confidante, mentor, a shoulder to lean on.
For women reading this book,
you will also find it to be a coming of age story about Gabriela, a passing of the
mantel for the widow. A truly remarkable novel on many deep levels with symbols to bring you back around full circle.
Places available for sale:
Gabriela and The Widow
is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.com. After January 15, 2013,
it will also be available in multiple eBook and 6x9 trade paperback editions on
BN.com, the European Amazons and Amazon Japan.
Wholesale orders can be placed through info@coffeetownpress.com Baker & Taylor or Ingram. Libraries can
also purchase books through Follett Library Resources or Midwest Library
Service.
ISBN: 978-1-60381-147-7
Publication Date: January 15, 2013
About the Author:
Jack Remick is a poet, short story writer and novelist. In
2012, Coffeetown Press published the first two volumes of Jack’s California
Quartet series, The Deification and Valley Boy. The final two volumes will
be released in 2013: The Book of Changes
and Trio of Lost Souls. Blood, A Novel was published by Camel
Press, an imprint of Coffeetown Press, in 2011. You can find Jack online at http://jackremick.com
You can find out more about Jack Remick, his books and World
of Ink Author/Book Tour at http://tinyurl.com/akw7kk6
Follow Jack Remick at
Author page: http://jackremick.com
Twitter: @jackremick
Publisher Website: http://CoffeetownPress.com
Virginia: you see so much of the novel in this writing. Thank you for taking the time to dive into the depth of La Viuda's relationship with Gabriela and to return with the symbolism of regeneration.
ReplyDelete