#junkermann

Hi!

2 -Describe the last scene you read in as few words as possible. No character names or title.

A young buddhist acolyte contemplates the ancient Japanese temple in which he serves in the last days of World War II, and feels a deeper than ever connection to its beauty,now that it’s in danger of destruction by the air raids.

7 - What is the most important part of a book, in your opinion?

If we’re talking about beginning,middle,end, then a strong beginning is a great advantage,but doesn’t make up at all for a weak/bad middle and end. If we’re talking characters,plot, atmosphere,it depends on the subject,but most of the times an incisive and enchanting writing does it for me. It’s great when the author makes you want to read and immerse yourself in what he writes.

13 -What character would be your best friend in real life? 

Ana de Ozores from Leopoldo Alas “Clarin’s” “La regenta” Low-key, romantic,moral,deeply spiritual and artistic, with tendencies towards mysticism and a silent dislike for  social hypocrisy, cruelty and vulgarity. We’re practically twins. I’m not as neurotic as her though, but I can try :)

 Alternately Jo March from “Little Women”. She’s my practical opposite and likes books.

20 - A character you like but you really, really shouldn’t. 

Kirilov, from Dostoevsky’s “Demons”. I admire him not because of his worldview,which I find nihilistic and insane, not because of his actions, which are morally controversial and in vain, but because of his dignity in his beliefs, and thus his independence of mind and spirit.

29 - Favorite female protagonist. 

Not a protagonist, but my favourite female main character is Voula from “Junkermann” by Greek author M.Karagatsis. I like her because she is a plain, uneducated, poor, totally ordinary young woman who commands respect and admiration by her enormous and unguessed willpower, refuses to sacrifice herself or live an untruthful life and determinedly chases her right to happiness if only for a moment.

From a more well-known book, the title character of “Jane Eyre”.

30 - One book everyone should read

I could say “Les Miserables”, the definitive and timeless social gospel, but I think the book for our times is “The Painter of Battles” (El Pintor de Batallas) by Arturo Perez-Reverte. A deeply humane book, examining war in the totality of its experience through the definitive conflicts of the 20th century, as well as themes of trauma,responsibility,guilt,human nature and art. A book that truly makes you think and feel.