Your Sad Eyes and Unforgettable Mouth, by Edeet Ravel (2008)
I've been a big fan of Edeet Ravel and thoroughly enjoyed her trilogy on Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Her latest book, Your Sad Eyes, is a departure in themes but not a departure in style.
Set in Montreal in modern times, the book follows Maya from her present day struggles with relationships back to her teenage years as she searches for identity. Maya is part of a small circle of friends; the uniting factor is their parents' survival of the concentration camps of World War II. Ravel offers a point of view for the children of survivors, who struggle with guilt at surviving, fear of governments, ill health, and other life long consequences of being over "there" (which is how the parents refer to their war-time experience).
Children of survivors grow up with a lot of unbearable stories and unshared secrets. Some try to be "perfect" children so their parents need never be sad again. Others rebel and distance themselves. How do these children thrive when so much of their lives are tied to the past? When Maya and her best friend Rosie become involved with two older brothers, their world and their futures are irrevocably altered.
Ravel's writing style is beautiful. I often found myself rereading a sentence simply to enjoy her choice of words. While the subject matter is a serious one, Maya's life is full of hope and humour.
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