The Last Brother by Natacha Appanah, trans. by Geoffrey Strachan (Graywolf)
This is one of the most beautiful, contained portrayals of devastating loss and profound longing that this reader has ever encountered. An older man gives voice and remembrance to his younger self, bringing to vivid life a childhood marked by brutality, separation, and death, but also cunning, connection, and survival. It’s based on a historical incident—a ship of captured Jewish exiles imprisoned on the island of Mauritius during World War II. With the lightest of touches, the author movingly conveys a child discovering his own mysteries, then navigating those of a baffling, larger world. -Rick
BOOKNOTES, the book review of THE ELLIOTT BAY BOOK COMPANY, is written entirely by bookstore staff. It represents a sampling of recently published and forthcoming books that we have enjoyed reading. We appreciate every opportunity to assist in finding books to meet your interests.
