Edie Meidav Livres

A lyric novel about the play of grief, empathy, new and old love, and the quest to overcome blindness in human relations. Caught in the cross-currents of a fraught divorce and a new love, the death of her mother, and a global pandemic, a writer plunges into an obsession with the work of 1960s French philosopher Roland Barthes. Her struggles to make sense of his work and life—and of what can happen to a woman's settled life in a single harrowing year—result in an engrossing, funny, earthy, and innovative lyric work. The quest for authenticity in motherhood, sexuality, and tenancy on the earth and in the home, as well as the unusual lyric form, make the novel unified in spirit yet transdisciplinary in approach.

Celebrated for its captivating narrative, this award-winning novel explores complex themes of identity and belonging. Through richly developed characters, it delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the challenges of self-discovery. The author masterfully weaves together personal and cultural histories, creating a poignant reflection on the impact of the past on the present. With its engaging prose and thought-provoking insights, this book offers a profound reading experience that resonates with a diverse audience.

Set against the backdrop of 2008 California, the narrative follows Vic Mahler, a death row inmate, and his estranged daughter, Lana, who has been in hiding. With the help of her determined friend Rose, a lawyer, they confront their painful past and attempt to reconcile before Vic's impending execution. The story weaves together themes of memory, family, and redemption, blending humor with deep emotional insight, ultimately leading to a suspenseful and compelling conclusion.

Set against the backdrop of 1930s Ceylon, the story follows Henry Fyre Gould, an anti-missionary from New York City, who attempts to create a utopian society rooted in Buddhism. However, his idealism clashes with the harsh realities of caste struggles, political unrest, and personal conflicts within the village of Rajottama. The narrative delves into the complexities of Western fascination with Eastern philosophies, while examining themes of faith, love, and the unintended consequences of one's beliefs.

Ein Roman in der Tradition der großen epischen Romane Amerikas: Voller Idealismus und Hochmut ist Henry Gould besessen von der Idee, eine vollkommene Gesellschaft zu errichten. Im Ceylon der 30er Jahre scheint er den idealen Ort für seine Vision gefunden zu haben. Henry Gould kehrt New York mit seinen Salons und religiösen Zirkeln den Rücken und macht sich nach Ceylon auf. Beflügelt von seinem überheblichen Glauben an die Richtigkeit seiner Ideale und überzeugt davon, für ein besonderes Schicksal bestimmt zu sein, lässt er sich in einem kleinen ceylonesischen Dorf nieder. Dort will er eine Gesellschaft nach buddhistischen Vorstellungen errichten. Doch die fremde Kultur, das Klima und die völlig andere Denkweise der Einheimischen machen Henry ebenso zu schaffen wie Nani, Henrys schöne wie geheimnisvolle Hausangestellte, der er leidenschaftlich verfällt.