Feels like eating black beans

What is revenge? Is it ever right? How right can self-defense be? And how can unbalanced power dynamics affect a kind mind?

The old man who is the main character of the story had lead a full and meaningful life. He has not experienced much passion, but he knows of joy and belonging and grief. He had lived in different communities and was forced to leave due to tragedies each time. Now, he escapes reality through romance novels. I adore the way that Sepúlveda describes the words - how the old man savors each syllable individually, before tasting the word several times, out loud. Sentences are slow to be completely, but no part of them goes unappreciated. I admire that portrayal of literature.

What is most intriguing about the book, however, is the reflection of revenge and power dynamics. It tests the limits of what is "fair", and discussed the themes of fear and conscience. As human beings, we have incredible power at our hands - especially with the new weapons provided to us by technological developments. What does this type of power mean for the balance we have with nature? How does it upset it? We have been given the power to kill - and we make us of it thoughtlessly. When these actions upset others, we tend to then practice "self-defense" against completely valid grief and want for revenge. We never stop fighting, do we?

I guess this is not so much of a review rather than a thoughtless ramble of reflection sparked by this book. I liked reading it. It was a beautiful book, with authentic writing and beautifully portrayed feelings and human struggles. It is very connected with nature and reminds me a lot of the type of books we would read in English class in high school.