It is in this section of the book that the pace really begins to pick up for me...revealing more depth to, and indeed even difference between, Paloma and Renee.
To begin with though, I also wanted to comment on the lovely choice to use a different type-face for each characters voice, or part...I agree with Lisa, that is hugely helpful to me in keeping the two separate and knowing exactly where I am. I wonder how deeply one could analyse the font....slightly more classic and complex for Renee....more simple, straight-forward {new} for Paloma?
For me, these chapters begin to set the two ladies in our story apart somewhat.....I feel that Renee has a deep appreciation for the beauty in life, for the simplicity....of good food, beautiful tea, films, culture....special moments. In spite of her obvious, and extreme intelligence and ability to appreciate things that pass most her age by {high end literature, music, cross-cultural 'Culture'}, something is revealed to me here about Paloma - that she hasn't really seen the beauty of life, the little things....and that for all her intelligence, she is still young and angry at the world - the same way a lot of young teenagers are. In short....all the intellectualisation in the world cannot give you an emotional maturity that comes with age. It's just something that has occurred to me....creeping in through the voices of each character - I wonder if others feel this too? One is playing at appreciating the finer things, walking the higher plane....and the other really does.....
Perhaps they are the same person at different junctures in life.....how Paloma would be if she grows old...how Renee might have been when she was young?
Another thing I find fascinating about this book is the strong Japanese references. Having spent a lot of time in France - I know how highly Japanese culture is revered there, how highly respected and appreciated it is....not only is it fashionable {sushi, manga, film, art}....it is deeply ingrained in the older established 'France' too......the importance and appreciation of tea, Japonisme ,for example...and so, in the part where we see the introduction of Mr. Ozu - this all falls into place and instantly bolsters his character with an air of interest, and importance. His presence provokes great curiosity within both Paloma and Renee, but for very different reasons. Renee seems almost terrified to be 'found out' as Mr. Ozu seems to be able to read her like a book and see beneath her 'work facade' right away....instantly making her uneasy with the connection between her cat's name {Leo} and his quoting Anna Karenina...he singles out Renee in the same way he goes on to single out Paloma. I feel Mr.Ozu is going to be a wonderful, and very important character as our tale continues...
Old world France...new world France. Bourgeoisie versus the working class.....it's a story, I think, that might only be possible in the place where it is set. It has a uniqueness about it, culturally. I too would love to be able to read this in the native French....it's popularity, despite what the book clearly has a 'pop at' {about a culture and class} says huge amounts for Muriel Barberys' wonderful story telling....
Some favourite quotes from this section ::
The white pearls
Fallen on my sleeves with heart still full
We parted
I take them with me
As a memory of you
{Kokinshu} Page 108
....I am not usually a poetry lover {as many of you know ;)}...but this, I love...this sings to me. So beautiful....
Language is a bountiful gift and it's usage, an elaboration of community and society, is a sacred work. Language and usage evolve over time: elements change, are forgotten or reborn...page 106
I am so intrigued by just how dear Renee holds language and words - her sense of marvel and complete understanding and mastery of grammar and usage is a joy to see be revealed in her character...
I cannot wait to see how this part will lead to the next. How the 'key' that is Mr. Ozu will serve to unlock something in both our heroines......will Mr. Ozu be connected to Ozu the director? Will he manage to capture enough of Paloma to stop her going ahead with her plans....??
I hope you have all enjoyed this section as much as me. There was so much to cover, and I know I have only scratched the surface......what were your favourite parts?? Favourite lines or quotes???
{photo taken one rainy, misty, afternoon in Paris, looking towards the Pantheon.....}
Over to you bookclubbers!
xo
