Review by Vallen Kale -- Raquel Says (Something Entirely...

[Vallen Kale]

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

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2 out of 4 stars

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Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected) was a novella wrote by Mois Benarroch and translated in English by Sally Seward. The work was published in 2015 by Babelcube Inc. It is a work of fiction within the Romance category.

This novella sees the forty-year old writer and poet, Moshe (or Moisito, Mois and Moise) who finds himself struggling with his existential crisis as a writer and the sense of alienation as a person. He seeks to fill in the void that exists in his writing career with meaning and above all, he seeks the only thing that alienation has taken away from him: love. His salvation lies in Raquel. A woman of his age and also a writer. Yet things are not easy. There is a thin, fine line separating their realities. And when parallel realities meet, complication arises. We have seen Shakespeare’s ‘star-crossed lovers’ in Romeo and Juliet. Now, Benarroch has introduced us a new couple. They are only fingers away, yet are realities apart.

Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected) is more than a tale of romance. It is a story about the value of human connection and the importance of words. How can we connect each other through the barriers between us? The novella also touches upon the issues of racial identity and discrimination, and the scope also includes the crisis of individual identity: the prospect of trying to cope with your existence when culture and traditions (namely religious ones) demand you to agree with and practice a certain line of thinking that you are not familiar with.

When it comes to a life facing difficult choices, another aspect of the story presents itself in the form of individual choices. We all have made choices in our lives but have you ever consider what would happen if you choose a different path instead of the one you are walking on right now? This in turn leads us to a journey through time. The past, the present and the future have all suddenly become a space where layers of the reality and those that of possibilities blended together. Regardless of the various themes contained within this novella, the very essence of the story is the fragility of human nature. Readers will discover through the eyes of Moshe that as human beings we are all vulnerable and volatile. With this vulnerability and fragility, it is up to us to keep on struggling through certain means such as creating a meaningful life or seeking the love we deserve.

When I first selected this book, I admit I found its name to be unusual. It became even more confusing when I read the first three introduction chapters. Yet as I scrolled from one page to another, I discovered that I was ensnared by the words. It was a strange sensation when I read this book and after having finished it for the second time, I know the reason: this novella is both a poem and a narrative story. Mois Benarroch is an award-winning poet and therefore, it is not a surprise why the structure of this story (not of the novella physically) is incredibly poetic. If there is something to be said about this novella, it would be the words contained within each page. They are simple words but unbelievably resonant and profound. They are powerful in a way I cannot explain and they are somewhat addictive. It is quite a surprise from such a small book.

There are a lot of aspects I would like to discuss about this novella and I would like to begin with the translation of this work. Sally Seward did a splendid job with the English translation. The sentences and the words are simple and easy to read. The translation itself creates a flow and consistency, taking the readers’ mind through a smooth literary journey from the beginning to the end despite the complicated messages behind these words. In addition to the translation, I have found the poetic nature of the story compelling and beautiful. Benarroch have created something unique in this story: the fusion between a narrative story-telling and poetry, reflecting the story’s concept of connected parallel realities. Another aspect that I have found appealing is the controversial nature of the novella itself. It is full of conflicts. It is both a poetry and a normal story. It is both simple and complex. Lastly, it is both surreal and grounded at the same time. I believe some readers might find this experience intriguing. Yet many will find it uncomfortable.

What will the readers feel uncomfortable about? First of all, while the poetic nature of the story is the highlight of this novella, it is also a giant loophole as well. Poetry requires understanding and contemplation. When poetry has been infused with the traditional narrative story-telling style, it can be really difficult to follow. Many readers might feel a great deal of frustration with the stream of consciousness narrative style as well, and the fact that the story itself have a surreal feel about it may only make it worse. Another weakness that should be taken into consideration is the story itself. The flow of the story has no definite ending. It is truly a stream of consciousness and it keeps going on and on. In other words, this novella has a thin plot. Readers who love substantial, complex plot may find this novella immensely unsatisfying.

What I like most about this novella is the concept of parallel realities. This is not a sci-fi story nor does it has any scientific element. This is a pure human story about the most complex and fundamental aspect of our existence. It is about love. And unlike other romantic stories, Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected) presents a different kind of barrier that prevents two lovers from becoming one and I think Benarroch has bring it out in a way so unique and profound. Unfortunately, every light casts a shadow. The greater the light, the darker the shadow. The novella, regardless of its intentions and purposes, is a very challenging book to read. Trying to tune and connect yourself with the flow of the story all the time is a herculean task. While it may sounds like this novella is an intellectually stimulating piece of work, readers are very likely to devote most of their energy on concentrating and understanding it than appreciate the beauty of love that every romance has to offer. What is the point of having a sweet juice when it is not sweet?

I would like to rate Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected) a 2 out of 4 stars. Personally, I enjoy reading this book. But it is not for everyone. As I have mentioned earlier, readers who are accustom to stories with layers after layers of plots with a definite beginning and the end will find this book very lacking and unsatisfying. Other readers might find it incredibly frustrating with the pace of the story and this fusion of poetry and stream of consciousness. To whom, then, shall I recommend to? I would like to recommend it to all the struggling and aspiring writers and poets out there. There are various parts within the story that they can relate themselves with on a personal level. Another group of audience that I think will find this story appealing are the poem readers and again, the poets themselves. I believe they will find the ‘words’ used in this novella quite inspiring and moving.

Raquel Says (Something Entirely Unexpected) may not be a story for everyone and that is understandable. However, the themes and the issues it deals with are in fact, universal. My final tribute to this review is an advice: give the book a chance. You may not like it or might find it distasteful. Yet, there is no harm in exploring the unknown. Perhaps you might catch a glimpse of a reality you have never seen before.

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

[Spirit Wandering]

I really enjoyed reading your review. Two concepts in it stood out for me. First, what would happen if you choose a different path instead of the one you are walking on right now? Second, the concept of parallel realities. Said in a different way: do the choices we reject still "exist" as a possibility, in a parallel reality? Or does the field of possibilities evaporate when we make a choice? This reminds me of quantum mechanics, where one's observation causes "wave function collapse" to only one of the previously possible states. Thanks for the thought provoking review!

[Vallen Kale]

I really enjoyed reading your review. Two concepts in it stood out for me. First, what would happen if you choose a different path instead of the one you are walking on right now? Second, the concept of parallel realities. Said in a different way: do the choices we reject still "exist" as a possibility, in a parallel reality? Or does the field of possibilities evaporate when we make a choice? This reminds me of quantum mechanics, where one's observation causes "wave function collapse" to only one of the previously possible states. Thanks for the thought provoking review!

Wow! This is interesting! I have complete zero knowledge on quantim physics but you have made it very clear to me. I like how you suggest the 'choice that may exist as a possibility'. It changes the way I see this book all over again. I think when I'm free I will read this book again. Thank you

[Spirit Wandering]

I really enjoyed reading your review. Two concepts in it stood out for me. First, what would happen if you choose a different path instead of the one you are walking on right now? Second, the concept of parallel realities. Said in a different way: do the choices we reject still "exist" as a possibility, in a parallel reality? Or does the field of possibilities evaporate when we make a choice? This reminds me of quantum mechanics, where one's observation causes "wave function collapse" to only one of the previously possible states. Thanks for the thought provoking review!

Wow! This is interesting! I have complete zero knowledge on quantim physics but you have made it very clear to me. I like how you suggest the 'choice that may exist as a possibility'. It changes the way I see this book all over again. I think when I'm free I will read this book again. Thank you

I'm glad my comment was helpful!

[John Cand]

Your review is really insightful. Thanks for sharing.

[Vallen Kale]

Your review is really insightful. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you so much, John Cand! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

I loved the vulnerabilities of the characters too and yet despite this they are still strong people. Your analysis of this book is really interesting, I agree with you on most things. Thank you for the great review.

[Vallen Kale]

I loved the vulnerabilities of the characters too and yet despite this they are still strong people. Your analysis of this book is really interesting, I agree with you on most things. Thank you for the great review.

Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it