Hello Gentle Reader
Great literature stays in one’s mind far after the last page has been read; and the book has been closed and shelved. A wonderful book is the kind of book that you think of you while you lay in bed at night. It’s mentioned in passing to yourself while you are walking. And in the odd case; you think of a scene from a book; and try to remember where you had done that; only to realize it was from a book you read. The sign of a good book is you enjoyed it while you read it. The realization that something is a great book is that you continually think about it; and have a desire to read it again. The book that haunts despite the books that have been read after it is a book worth keeping.
Today while skipping through the internet – in particular facebook; I noticed on my newsfeed, that there was an interesting article by “The Paris Review,”. This article stated with a picture: “The cult of the bearded female saint, Wilgefortis.” My brow furrowed, and without hesitation I clicked the link that was offered to read the entire article. It is a short article and does not make any mention of what initially drew me to this particular piece; but I knew from what I was reading that it was discussing the same Saint that Olga Tokarczuk had written about in “House of Day, House of Night.”
Admittedly I did think “Primeval and Other Times,” was more ambitious then “House of Day, House of Night,” and was successful in its execution, and more streamlined then “House of Day, House of Night.” That being said “House of Day, House of Night,” had its own merits, and moments where it had accomplished what it was written to do. It is by far, a more personal book for Tokarczuk, as it is written about the area in which the author lives in – a place that is on the Polish and Czech border. There were numerous interesting parts of this book. It is a novel that celebrates the smallness of the world; but is a grand novel all the same. The book is filled with dangerous mushroom recipes; and the tales that circulate the town. One of the more interesting ones is the story of Saint Kummernis.
My knowledge of the theological and religious is best described as vitriolic and acerbic. To me it is something that I do not have time to waste with; nor do I have the patience or syllables to spend arguing or debating about it. Theology, religion, personal beliefs; it is all something that one should keep to themselves, and believe on a personal level. However, there are moments, where the religious can find itself into someone’s life, on an unbiased term or matter, and an interesting story can be told. Much like that of Wilgefortis (or Saint Kummernis). When I read the quick vignettes of Saint Kummernis in “House of Day, House of Night,” I had thought the saint might be something of a invention of the author; and I thought nothing more of it, but some literary invention, being treated with tenderness and love. To my surprise Saint Kummernis does actually exist, and has been revered and celebrated for many centuries; and continuous to be celebrated. Though Wilgefortis had her commemoration removed in nineteen-sixty nine, her feast day July 20th is still, commemorated by those who know of her and seek her patronage. She is the patron of saint of tribulations – especially women who wish to leave their abusive spouses. As Wilgefortis (as the legend goes) was defaced with a beard in order to escape marrying a pagan. Her father enraged by this had his daughter crucified (again as the story goes).
Still it was an interesting article. Lately as Summer has reached its most mature points, and the evenings are, a blaze of colour before their eventual twilight and dusk; I’ve been thinking of Tokarczuk lately and her novel “Primeval and Other Times,” with its bright and baroque summer beginning. To stumble across the tale of Saint Kummernis or Wilgefortis once again – after first being introduced by Tokarczuk it left me with renewed appreciation for “House of Day, House of Night,” and to realize that Saint Kummernis or Wilgefortis, is not a literary invention but an obscure ex- commemorated saint; showcases the many layers of Tokarczuk’s literary output and knowledge of the arcane and obscure histories.
If you have the chance read one of Tokarczuk’s novels translated into English: “House of Day, House of Night,” or “Primeval and Other Times” They are unique novels, that are engaging and not forbiddingly inaccessible; but welcoming like a kitchen with the scent of melted butter and frying mushrooms.
To Read the article follow the link:
http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2014/07/21/beards/
[ On a Side Note: ]
“The Paris Review,” also did justice to the obscure, but talented and entertaining writer, poet, playwright, actor and performer Edgar Oliver with their article written by Edgar, discussing Edgar Oliver’s mother Louise Oliver, and showcasing her drawings.
http://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2014/07/22/the-greatest-artist-in-the-whole-wide-world/
Thank-you For Reading Gentle Reader
Take Care
And As Always
Stay Well Read
*And Remember: Downloading Books Illegally is Thievery and Wrong.*
M. Mary
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