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Jola's Reviews > Minor Detail
Minor Detail
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MAJOR REASONS FOR LOVING MINOR DETAIL
Contrary to the cake and the potion with encouraging inscriptions found by Alice on her way to Wonderland, The Minor Detail (2020) by Adania Shibli was shouting to me: Don’t read me! The words from the blurb: war, rape, kill, bury flashed like warning signals, given my current state of mind. Nonetheless, Roman Clodia’s excellent review helped me to get my courage up to do a bungee jump far out of my reader’s comfort zone. I survived.
All the horrid things from the blurb do happen in the novella but the way Adania Shibli tells her story is incomparable to any books about war I have already read. She proves that you do not have to massacre readers� senses to deliver an impactful pacifist message. An emotional punch can be packed with delicate touches. The subtlety of The Minor Detail� The poetry of things you would never suspect to be lyrical� The strange sensation when you feel the story getting under your skin and you can’t help it� The beat your heart skips when you read the last page of The Minor Detail... The time you need to return to reality� The feeling of calm completeness and intangible, untouchable literary magic at the same time...
The structure of this novella is based on dichotomy and contrast. To my mind, the conflict in the book should not be limited to Israel and Palestine only, although it is the easiest and most obvious interpretation. The crime described by Adania Shibli could have happened - and happened - and still happens - in different places, at different times. Besides, there are more ‘wars� going on in this book: people-nature, men-women, history-present, minor-major.
If you compare the two parts of the novella, you will find the difference in style striking. The first part with a male protagonist is factual, concrete, naturalist, devoid of emotions, cold. The second one with a female protagonist and narrator is passionate, oneiric, chaotic, confusing. The narrator mentions her inability to identify borders between things, and evaluate situations rationally and logically. Maybe the 'military' part was supposed to show what war does to people: it turns soldiers into automats, incapable of any feelings aside from physical pain? The connection between the two parts is built on recurring symbols which appear like rhythmical mirror reflections: for example a dog, a hose, camels, a girl. The symmetry of Minor Detail left me speechless.
If I had to select one painting, which encapsulates my emotions and thoughts provoked by this book, so hard to express with mere words, it would be The Wounded Angel (1903) by Hugo Simberg. There are many images that portray the duel: truth, goodness and beauty versus violence but this one speaks straight to my heart. Just like Minor Detail.
The Wounded Angel (1903), Hugo Simberg.
Contrary to the cake and the potion with encouraging inscriptions found by Alice on her way to Wonderland, The Minor Detail (2020) by Adania Shibli was shouting to me: Don’t read me! The words from the blurb: war, rape, kill, bury flashed like warning signals, given my current state of mind. Nonetheless, Roman Clodia’s excellent review helped me to get my courage up to do a bungee jump far out of my reader’s comfort zone. I survived.
All the horrid things from the blurb do happen in the novella but the way Adania Shibli tells her story is incomparable to any books about war I have already read. She proves that you do not have to massacre readers� senses to deliver an impactful pacifist message. An emotional punch can be packed with delicate touches. The subtlety of The Minor Detail� The poetry of things you would never suspect to be lyrical� The strange sensation when you feel the story getting under your skin and you can’t help it� The beat your heart skips when you read the last page of The Minor Detail... The time you need to return to reality� The feeling of calm completeness and intangible, untouchable literary magic at the same time...
The structure of this novella is based on dichotomy and contrast. To my mind, the conflict in the book should not be limited to Israel and Palestine only, although it is the easiest and most obvious interpretation. The crime described by Adania Shibli could have happened - and happened - and still happens - in different places, at different times. Besides, there are more ‘wars� going on in this book: people-nature, men-women, history-present, minor-major.
If you compare the two parts of the novella, you will find the difference in style striking. The first part with a male protagonist is factual, concrete, naturalist, devoid of emotions, cold. The second one with a female protagonist and narrator is passionate, oneiric, chaotic, confusing. The narrator mentions her inability to identify borders between things, and evaluate situations rationally and logically. Maybe the 'military' part was supposed to show what war does to people: it turns soldiers into automats, incapable of any feelings aside from physical pain? The connection between the two parts is built on recurring symbols which appear like rhythmical mirror reflections: for example a dog, a hose, camels, a girl. The symmetry of Minor Detail left me speechless.
If I had to select one painting, which encapsulates my emotions and thoughts provoked by this book, so hard to express with mere words, it would be The Wounded Angel (1903) by Hugo Simberg. There are many images that portray the duel: truth, goodness and beauty versus violence but this one speaks straight to my heart. Just like Minor Detail.
The Wounded Angel (1903), Hugo Simberg.
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Katia
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Apr 19, 2021 11:56AM
I will come back to your review again, dear Jola. I was about to skip this one though I have got it for a long time. But you’ve picked my interest! And I like that sad angel:-)
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Dear Katia, on the one hand, I'm thrilled that you've decided to read Minor Detail but on the other hand, I recall our famous Iranian ghosts discrepancy so it can go either way! 😀 My only consolation is the minimalistic length of this book: even if you are totally disappointed (which I doubt), you might forgive me. 😀
I will also return to your review, dear Jola, because this book is one of the many Fitzcarraldos waiting on my shelves and vying for my attention for the longest time. I'm thrilled that you liked it so much!
Dear Elena, it will sound weird, but I envy you not having read it yet - the experience is really special. I have a hunch Minor Detail might appeal to you also.
I bought it a couple months ago to read it after I finish the big family saga by Amos Oz I have on the go, as I can only read about that conflict in small doses. I'll be thinking of your Wounded Angel when I pick it up!
Dear Paula, I hope you will find it beautiful also. The topic is disquieting and emotionally challenging but in my opinion, Adania Shibli does a great job. So happy to know Hugo Simberg's painting appeals to you too.
Fabulous write-up on what sounds an intricately composed novella, dear Jola. It might sound weird, but I have suddenly found myself reading war-related books this year so I might continue by reading this novella as well. You made me curious about Hugo Simberg and what brought him to create that moving painting..
Thanks so much, dear Ilse! I hope you will find this novella unforgettable too if you decide to read it. As for the war-related books and our current situation, I think there are quite a few similarities, unfortunately. As for Hugo Simberg's painting, I was fortunate to see the original in Atheneum Museum in Helsinki during an Erasmus+ trip with my pupils a few years ago and it's really impressive, the reproductions don't give it justice. I find Hugo Simberg's paintings both intriguing and unsettling.
What a beautiful review, dear Jola. Heartbreaking picture of the wounded angel!
I love the way you describe the many ways this book affects its eager readers and weaves its magic around the lesser so. Wonderful write-up Jola!
I appreciate your kindness, dear Hanneke! So glad to know that one of my absolute favourite paintings appeals to you too.
Dear Violeta, it's a multifaceted novella and I tried to express an array of feelings it provoked in me. I'm happy to know you liked my attempt!
Wow, Jola! You sure have made my curiosity about the book turn into a real longing to read it - and soon! I'm pleased that you've gone out of your comfort zone as well, and found a real gem in the process. A superb review, my friend :)
Dear Candi, I'm so happy I piqued your interest and hope you won't be disappointed if you decide to reach for this book in the future. It took a bit of courage from my side but I'm glad I mustered it, as the novella is truly rewarding. Thanks for your generous compliment, my friend! 🙂
Wonderful review, Jola. Somehow it bypassed my updates, but I’m glad that I found it. Thanks for doing that bungee jump!
So glad you found it worthwhile, dear TBV! The bungee jump turned out to be worth the effort. 🙂
Thanks for your kind words, dear Fran!
Jola, what an image that Angel. It speaks so loudly. I can’t get it out of my mind at the moment. I wasn’t sure I could handle this book. I’m glad you found the courage to read this fine book and grateful you offered us your wonderful review.
How kind of you, dear Q! Thanks so much. Hugo Simberg's painting has a special place in my heart and I'm so happy it appeals to you also. As for Minor Detail, it is emotionally draining indeed but worth the effort in my opinion. I'd love to read your impressions if you decide to read it.
Beautiful review Jola!
Hi, Joanna, thanks so much for stopping by. I appreciate your kindness a lot. It's one of the best books I've ever read and I'm so glad you feel enthusiastic about it also.
