April 11, 2014
“I passed the wine bottle, and
Raul said he was looking forward to the skinning and butchering of
our bounty. In all the excitement, we didn't notice that the sky had
gone dark until the wind and rain suddenly started hammering the car.
Before long, we were merely crawling along, very much like we are
now. The car started shuddering, and Salvador said the engine was no
good in the wet. A while later, we noticed that people were staring
at us, some even blowing their horns. Raul told Salvador not to take
any notice of the people, just drive. It was only when the tape
finished playing and the rain eased that we heard the sheep bleating
in the boot.” (Alfonso, pp.58 -59).
Félix Calvino takes the everyday and
blends it with humour, nostalgia and meaning. The protagonist Alfonso
is a strong, engaging character who will stay with you long after you
finish this fluid novella. By following his journey from Spain to
Australia, and subsequent life there, you will catch glimpses of the
two countries and the interesting space that Alfonso occupies. By the
time he holds his house-warming party, you will ache to be amongst
the aromas and laughter emanating from the place. But despite the
distraction, Alfonso’s loneliness will seep into your pores and
make you wonder what it means to be at home and to have a home.
Jacqueline SKLAVOS
France