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blogiary, Book, books, Literature, moods, Reading Groups, reminiscence, Susan Lewis, viewpoint
Unknowingly, I picked the wrong book to read. It’s been so long since I read a book for time pass, for the sheer enjoyment of just reading and losing myself in fiction. The last I recall was Samira & Samir, in November 2011. That is long!!!
I have been reading nonetheless, but not paperback. And nothing of this length. So, with the resolution to stay away from my pathetic soul and its cravings I dived into the most hefty book in my book cupboard. Yes! I collect books to read on a continuous basis. It’s just that I have been negligent in following it up. In other words I have been online too much, chatting too much, and basically fixated on a dream too much.
Back to the now and here! I started this book, A French Affair by Susan Lewis, a few days ago. The first couple of chapters were slow. Then it took up speed. From the moment Jessica and Luc met, it was déjà vu all over again . Their guilty pleasures that they entertained in their minds and hearts at first, not able to resist the mutual feelings, and yet resisting to no end given what was to be lost otherwise, the hurt it will cause to loved ones – they stopped themselves and not actually able to stop.
I couldn’t put the book down. Kept on reading for two days during every moment I got. The book is pretty long with 567 pages. But pretty well written. The suspense built cleverly, the story weaved with care, the characters came alive with the writers superb descriptions of their emotions, their demeanor, and their surroundings. The book is about love, sacrifice, family, understanding, lies, deceptions, forgiveness, betrayal, lust, friendship, career, fame, and a lot more.
I am happy, that even with all the agonizing tormenting moments, in the end there was a happy ending. Too bad real life is not like that. Or maybe it is! Maybe we just don’t have the patience to see things through. Or maybe it really depends on the destiny and fate and all the bullshit.
Anyway, the point is – I was doing alright for the last few days. But having gone through all those emotions in this book, having been in the heads of all the characters – there is again a yearning, a need, a want.
This surely has not been the best book for the moment. But in a way I am happy I read it. The dull pain will go away, I am sure.
————– Now just some extracts from the book:
The patriotic citizen I am, could not help but smile 
to see the sheer mention of Maldives.
Jessica nodded. ‘Of course,’ she said quietly, not sure how much of the diatribe she believed, even though she could think of no reason for Melissa to lie…
…Those moments at the lake and amongst the vines felt almost like a dream now, or a game, where they’d teased one another, showing their attraction, even their desire, with no real understanding yet of what it was going to mean.
…Though her tone had remained light, he knew she was hurt, so he quickly said,’I was just thinking of somewhere we could go. The Maldives? Sri Lanka? What about Sicily? We had a wonderful time there on one of our anniversaries, do you remember?’
…Jessica turned to him in surprise. ‘Does that mean a new sculpture has arrived?’ she asked.
He shot her a glance, then steering the care into the vineyard he said, ‘It’s of Lilian.’
At the mention of Lilian’s name the light in her eyes dimmed – with guilt, and with jealousy that made her feel more wretched than ever. She tried to shut it from her mind, to pretend it wasn’t real, and thought instead of last night, and how hard it had been to say goodbye to him at the door of Daniella’s apartment. They had come so close, so very close to kissing, but somehow she’d made herself turn away, all the time wanting him to pull her back, to persuade her that just one night would be acceptable, as long as no-one eve found out. It hadn’t happened though, he’d let her go, which had made her realize how very much he loved Lilian, for he had the will power to stop himself betraying her. She could only feel ashamed of how willing she would have been, had he given her just one sign.
P.S.
I have been meaning to write a book myself. Fiction. An idea has been there for some time. Just don’t know where to begin. And reading this book and her style has rekindled the thought.
And here I am, posting this on a day that marks 18 years of togetherness (not much of a celebration though). And I couldn’t help associate the characters in that book to the characters around me 
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Another good thing Amira.
Writing fiction is a superb idea. please start promptly on this blog…
Aahista aahista book complete hojaayegii…
thanks for the encouragement.
I guess on of these days I will sit down and write and write.
I am debating whether to do it in English or in our local language. Maybe English …
Ok…shall look into this book! About time I take hiatus from ‘heavy-duty’ literature and philosophy, politics! yaar, a girl needs some fun and I ought to live up a lil’ more in 2013.
Similarly, I read Graham Green’s, ‘ The End of an Affair” – see if you can find this book in Male’ (the mullah’s would say “lahola”! lol), it’s a great book and also good literature as Graham Greene is known for his unique style of writing!
Nowadays, I watching more films than reading – ah, that reminds me, do watch some films by Aparna Sen – 36 Chowrangee Lane, Mr & Mrs Iyer, Sathi, et al… She is a brilliant filmmaker – learnt her art from the evergreen Satyajit Ray – whom I aspire to one day make his type of films (hope this lifetime!).
Cheers Amira!
p.s. do write your book ! I shall be delighted to read your characters. My pursue is in filming now.
I have read Graham Greene earlier. Not sure if I read that particular book. Sounds like an interesting one. I was such an avid reader earlier. But work and family and the hectic schedule just played havoc with my leisure reading. I guess in the midst of it all I forgot how to balance my life.
Anyways, thanks for the recommendation on movies. I don’t recall watching any on that list. I just did a google search and I am liking it. Sounds like my kind of movies that she has directed. It’s a pity we don’t have a good movie vender here in Male’. I will have to try and see if I can find downloadable copies of these.
I enjoyed watching Deepa Mehta’s movies. I accidentally came across Fire while studying in Australia. And I followed up on her movies and rented out all the others that I could get hold of including Water, Bollywood/Hollywood, Sam & Me. I have been meaning to watch Heaven on Earth but haven’t got hold of it yet as I returned to Maldives before I could watch it.
These kind of movies and books inspire me to write. I guess one of these days I will start on my book in sha Allah I guess I still don’t have the confidence it takes to see it through.
Thank you Shaheen for the lovely encouragement though.
I didn’t realize you were into film making. Do share a bit more on that. And all the best to you.
Ah, yes, Deepa Mehta (who actually resides here in Toronto!), has made interesting films. And, her film – ‘Fire’ was the first one I saw following ‘Earth, Water’. Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das were brilliant in that film, albeit the subject caused havoc in India and other parts, but, it was a great film to bring to light of lifestyles. ‘Earth’ was my favourite of her films – the partition subject was balanced very well and soundtrack a superb one!
I have always loved performing arts – theatre and film. Though, I am (now) slowly getting my feet wet in taking a chance to make a film, insha’Allah, in the near future – I have been saying and postponing this dream for years. A friend and I have begun to build the characters and screen-write – a process that is rather interesting. Shall keep you posted as I go along the initial process path first…
if there is a film you cannot find in Male’, let me know, I could post mail the dvd from here to you !
As for you balancing life – my dear friend, that, in itself is a lifetime of the solitary performance. You have a talent to pen – just start…..don’t make the mistake of doubting your writing style and/or literary lateral thinking, just pen. You may find yourself shedding parts of you that no longer matter whilst the process of writing — it is the first step to any kind of art. The end result should NEVER matter in the PROCESS of doing something you are passionate about — best part is the process, remember my humble words, always.
You have my most best wishes and support. (I am a nobody, but, somebody who relates to your creative pulse!).
xx
happy to hear about the progress in fulfilling your dream in film making. all the best wishes are with you.
And thank you for the lovely encouragement for my writing.
I loved the review you wrote! I haven’t read that book.. (nor Samir and Samira as yet, but I so so so want to read it..) Tell me the ending of this one!!
But really, the excerpts show the writing style is beautiful indeed!
the story actually revolves around their middle child dying in an accident at home. The mother was lied to about how it happened. The mother’s instinct told her something was amiss and she was following it up. the husband was lying all along. and the husband was having an affair with Jessica’s best friend Lilian. In the end she learns the truth. and this eventually leads to a separation and then her following up a craving.
Oh.. Its depressive. But its read-worthy. Thanks for sharing!
How could you read such a boring books.
Not at all boring. I am assuming you haven’t read it.
the small passages I have shared does not tell the whole story. After half way I did nothing but read. It was that good.
Give it a try
I love Susan lewis. Her books are so my type, a bit far fetched and away from reality but they sure get you dreaming. My mother thinks I’m stuck in a fantasy world, waiting for a prince charming who will never come. Maybe I am, but who knows..
Enjoyed your post!
This one I think is not that far fetched. True, things don’t work out so neatly in real life. but still the possibility is there
Don’t give up on a prince charming. settle only for the best or you will regret later.
I wonder… I wonder if I mention Maldives in my novel when it’s done, if it will sell better… hee hee.
I love a book you ‘can’t put down’. It’s a real compliment to the author.
I am already loving your novel. When you are done with it I would like to sit with it and read from start to end. Rest assure I will be among the first to order it. Maldives or no Maldives in it