Just... incredible, Silvio. I feel with each piece you are mastering the art of the sentence more and more. I could quote the whole thing and its weaving passages, the way the words flow and connect and how somehow, through some process only a writer truly understands, you are able to keep a sentence going with meaning and choice and the reader, still perched there atop the page, is able to understand and be pulled and tugged, like a small boat caught by the tide, all until they reach the end and they gasp and take a breath and are left amazed once more.
Seriously, Nathan, these are some of the most beautiful words (if not the most beautiful) that anyone has ever written about a piece of my work. It's such a great honor to have you as a reader and to see all these marvelous comments -- so punctual, so opportune, so well thought out, with such a masterful choice of words. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart!
As for me, I've been studying Roberto Bolaño's writing, and there's a lot of influence from him in the development of a voice that I find myself more and more comfortable in. I told you about him -- he could be compared to Cartarescu, in a sense (or the other way around). And by the way, speaking of Cartarescu, Solenoid is still there, unfinished, alas, and it will be a top priority for the first weeks of '25. :)
I wrote those words after a drink early on NYE and I can't help but feel the subtle hit of alcohol helped with the expression of how this piece made me feel. Lovely to hear that the words resonated with you. I love what you're doing with taking the inspiration from Bolaño. I'm excited to read some soon. I'm 20 pages from finishing Murakami's latest, then I've got a book of short stories from Mircea that I've already read one of (fantastic, of course), and then I'd like to get to some Bolaño.
The collection is called "Nostalgia". The second story has the narrator referred to as Mircea, so it is possibly semi-autobiographical of something from his childhood, although the tale is quite fantastical so it is perhaps auto-fictional, much like Solenoid. In fact, I can see many parallels with Solenoid, meaning the latter was perhaps inspired by the former short story (the collection is from quite some years ago).
Being caught on the tide is the perfect metaphor for how it felt to read this piece, not just in the way Nathan describes, but also the way in which we are delivered to the conclusion. The details of Berlin would differ, but it already feels inevitable that it would be subject to the same tidal forces, that the start of a new cycle—a new dream in a new city—awaits. Excellent work, Silvio. Really enjoyable.
It very much did resonate. For me, there was also an extra frisson of resonance, since I happened to be reading it in Berlin, having moved there myself last year (although sans surgery)!
I often dream of escaping with a Chevy truck with my small house attached; to go wherever I want at the press of peddle. Can live without the face lift as I love me as I am (most days ;) )
I love the way your mind works
Thank you, Ellen.
Just... incredible, Silvio. I feel with each piece you are mastering the art of the sentence more and more. I could quote the whole thing and its weaving passages, the way the words flow and connect and how somehow, through some process only a writer truly understands, you are able to keep a sentence going with meaning and choice and the reader, still perched there atop the page, is able to understand and be pulled and tugged, like a small boat caught by the tide, all until they reach the end and they gasp and take a breath and are left amazed once more.
Seriously, Nathan, these are some of the most beautiful words (if not the most beautiful) that anyone has ever written about a piece of my work. It's such a great honor to have you as a reader and to see all these marvelous comments -- so punctual, so opportune, so well thought out, with such a masterful choice of words. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart!
As for me, I've been studying Roberto Bolaño's writing, and there's a lot of influence from him in the development of a voice that I find myself more and more comfortable in. I told you about him -- he could be compared to Cartarescu, in a sense (or the other way around). And by the way, speaking of Cartarescu, Solenoid is still there, unfinished, alas, and it will be a top priority for the first weeks of '25. :)
I wrote those words after a drink early on NYE and I can't help but feel the subtle hit of alcohol helped with the expression of how this piece made me feel. Lovely to hear that the words resonated with you. I love what you're doing with taking the inspiration from Bolaño. I'm excited to read some soon. I'm 20 pages from finishing Murakami's latest, then I've got a book of short stories from Mircea that I've already read one of (fantastic, of course), and then I'd like to get to some Bolaño.
I’m waiting for the last Murakami to come out in paperback, and then I’ll tackle it too. What’s the title of Mircea’s book of short stories?
Ah, good plan.
The collection is called "Nostalgia". The second story has the narrator referred to as Mircea, so it is possibly semi-autobiographical of something from his childhood, although the tale is quite fantastical so it is perhaps auto-fictional, much like Solenoid. In fact, I can see many parallels with Solenoid, meaning the latter was perhaps inspired by the former short story (the collection is from quite some years ago).
Thank you! It sounds super intriguing! I'll look for it. :)
Being caught on the tide is the perfect metaphor for how it felt to read this piece, not just in the way Nathan describes, but also the way in which we are delivered to the conclusion. The details of Berlin would differ, but it already feels inevitable that it would be subject to the same tidal forces, that the start of a new cycle—a new dream in a new city—awaits. Excellent work, Silvio. Really enjoyable.
Thank you so much, Jamie! These are super kind words. So glad you liked this and that it resonates. :)
It very much did resonate. For me, there was also an extra frisson of resonance, since I happened to be reading it in Berlin, having moved there myself last year (although sans surgery)!
Beautiful! (LOL to the sans surgery)
A lovely vignette of how life sometimes is like a glimpse into escapism.
You got it, Eric. Thank you!
Adding to Ellen's comment...and your carefully crafted words.
Thank you, Boustan. :)
the sentences in this are, for me, just sublime.
Thank you so much, Clancy, for these super kind words! So glad you liked this.
Reading this, more than once, I thought "Oh! Me too!" What a perfect little bonbon.
Thank you, Troy! Glad it resonated! :)
I often dream of escaping with a Chevy truck with my small house attached; to go wherever I want at the press of peddle. Can live without the face lift as I love me as I am (most days ;) )
Yes! Thank you for sharing that, Pamela! :)
A perfect time of the year for the perfect escape.
Love it!
I dream a little dream....
Thank you so much, Susan!
I have no idea what it would feel like to enter a worm hole, but now I do.
LOL, precisely, Kimberly! That's what it should feel like, if I've done my job (mostly) right here. Thank you so much!
Will she meet the detective in Berlin as well?
It’s a loop. We’re all in a gigantic loop. :)
🤔😳😵💫 got to sleep on this one…
No matter the gender, status or circumstances of your characters I always seem to identify with them. Always so human.
Thank you my friend. Much appreciated!
Lovely
Thank you, Karolyn.