Review by czarmaineam -- Raquel Says (Something Entirely...

[Czarmaine AM]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected)" by Mois benarroch.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected) is one of the seven novels in a cyclical work written by Mois Benarroch called “Love and Exile”. It was published in 2010 and was originally written in Spanish. To be honest, I did not know what to anticipate in this book. I decided to read this just because its title sparked up my curiosity. What is that unexpected thing Raquel said?

This book was written in a first person point of view in a haphazard manner. To my surprise, reading this felt like trespassing one’s raw, unfiltered and unorganized thoughts. I felt unwelcomed in this territory and had to dig my way into understanding the nature of the protagonist.

The story started in a dark light. The narrator was straight forward in saying that he wants to die. He felt alone and he no longer had the motivation to live. It was not clearly described how, but there was like a tiny voice inside his head telling him the need to create a person he likes, to create a “Raquel.” He was visualizing her living in a world he dreams of having. He started to define her personality and to imagine how she might look like. However, upon trying to create that person, he realized that Raquel already existed in this reality. It was like they were in the same moment, but never had the opportunity to actually meet.

Moving on, the chapters were not chronologically arranged but the first parts of the book showed that the protagonist found the real-life Raquel and they started conversing through emails. The story went on by going back and forth in different timelines trying to explain the circumstances that have gotten the main characters in their present position.

“Curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back.” This proverb was the first thing that crossed my mind after finishing this book.

It was nothing like the usual stories I drown myself in. For one, as I have mentioned, the chapters were unorganized and incoherent. Some scenes were kind of repetitive and it seemed like that the chapters were written in a way that can stand on its own. In fact, even though this book is only 150 pages, it took me almost 5 days to finish reading it. Also, there were parts that can be confusing to the reader. There is a chapter wherein the narrator’s young, teen, and adult self was talking to each other. I had to read the whole chapter twice.

Ironically, those weaknesses I pointed out are the same things I liked about this book. Its disorganized chapters somehow shaped a soul to this piece. I have always believed that humans are complicated beings in nature. We daydream about a lot of things, we do things we thought is impossible and our imagination is endless. At some point, I could relate to the confused thoughts of the main characters in terms of dealing with the unfairness of life.

Overall, I am giving this book a 3 out of 4 rating. I have always liked stories that speak to my soul, and this is what I experienced in reading this book. I am hesitant to give a full rating because I think that this book is poorly edited. I took note of excessive spaces in some chapters and other minor concerns such as the unappealing cover of this book. I recommend this to mature audience who wants a challenging and soulful read.

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Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected)
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Like czarmaineam's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Jaime Lync]

Wow, this is a really great review. The way you opened it giving us so much information about the book - great. I can speak and read Spanish so I'm thinking about readings his novels in Spansih.

[Czarmaine AM]

I hope that the Spanish version is more enjoyable. If given a chance, I'd want to read his original works too. Gracias for commenting, Mi Amigo. (Yup, that's the only extent of my spanish haha)

[EMoffat]

“Curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back." Loved that you used this to describe the book - so accurate! I read it as well, and couldn't agree more. I found it confusing but still engaging. Good review, really well written.

[Czarmaine AM]

I'm glad that you also found this book engaging. It's a good thing that this is just short though. I don't think I'd still like this if it's made longer. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, EMoffat!

[Heidi M Simone]

Great review! I wasn't sure about this read, but it looks like it could be a good one! I think it's partly because the cover is not very appealing to me, which I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I'm guilty of doing this. I think it's awesome that this book has spoken to your soul - that says a lot about the quality of the writing. Glad you enjoyed it!

[Czarmaine AM]

Thank you for your kind words, hsimone. I am also guilty of sometimes judging the book by its cover. Often, by its title.

[juliusotinyo]

I've read some of the books in this author's series. Though his style is unique, i find his works confusing. Except for "Gates to Tangier" I've ignored the rest including this one. Great review.

[Czarmaine AM]

I've read some of the books in this author's series. Though his style is unique, i find his works confusing. Except for "Gates to Tangier" I've ignored the rest including this one. Great review.

Yes, I agree that it can be confusing at times. I guess his works are for poetry fans. Thanks you for commenting!

[juliusotinyo]

I actually have a copy of this book, but couldn't go past the first chapter.