“Hey, do you know this author Alice Munro,” my husband asked. “She’s Canadian. Did you ever read any of her books?” I woke up at five fifteen this morning to the news of my beloved author’s Nobel prize. What a glorious day! It’s been too long since I’ve actually jumped up and down over the announcement. The last time was in 1995 when Seamus Heaney (1939-2013), another good shepherd, received the award.
I’ve devoured every word Munro has ever written and reread her books when I miss her. Her stories come in teaspoons to be read and savored, page by slow page. To choose a favorite would be like finding one child more enchanting than the other. She taught me that all stories are right here in our backyards, laying low, subversive, unassuming as leaves, if only you bend down to examine them. I learned that a leaf lives an interesting life if you care to look closely and trace its veins like a palm reader to find the miracle of economy. Your entire world is there like an only child.
“Do I know her?” “I worship her!” How had he missed that?
I just finished reading Maman's Homesick Pie, that is the book I have picked as my choice for Bookclub in 2017 and I enjoyed it very much. There is a feeling, a lovely storytelling quiet flow in the writing and I could not quite put my finger on why it has so much appealed for me. Now I know! Alice Munroe, one of my favourite authors has a similar cadence in many of her stories. I love cooking and I learned many of my skills from my mother. There are several recipes in this book that I will try. Thank you Ms. Bijan.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ms. Dextras for taking the time to write such a kind note. So wonderful to hear from an Alice Munro fan! I hope you will enjoy my new novel that will be out in spring. With gratitude, Donia
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