Why can't everyone be normal?

The Shrouded Woman - Maria Luisa Bombal

This week's book was such a fun read, it felt like a breath of fresh air after the last 2! It was super simple and entertaining. I would not wish the amount of shit she goes through on anyone.

The book starts off immediately at her funeral and throughout the book we follow Ana as she recounts her life and various significant moments in her life concerning the people around her. We start off with her first love Ricardo, I honestly thought the memories between the two of them were sort of cute and intimate! Compared to the rest of the people that Ana Maria will meet throughout her life, I don’t think he’s a bad guy. Also I just want to express my deepest love and admiration to Zoila throughout the book. She was truly Ana’s rock throughout the entirety of her life! From raising her to supporting her through the turbulent times in her life. Shoutout to Zoila! 

Everyone in this book was weird. Why can’t these people be normal? The chapter surrounding her children and Maria Griselda was so off-putting and strange. Why can’t anyone be normal about her! Also like her kids kind of suck. Alberto sucks because he mistreats his wife because of his own insecurities. Fred sucks because he can’t fucking lie to his wife. Anita, I am just disappointed because girl, please do better. I know that she’s like an otherworldly beauty and it’s borderline magical, but like Fred, you can lie to protect your wife’s feelings. It's okay. ALSO just the concept of writing poems about your brother’s wife is so messy. I just feel so bad for the women, they deserve so much better! Especially Maria Griselda, being held captive because of your own husband is horrible.

Speaking of husbands being horrible Antonio, at first It was just unfortunate what happened between the two of them. Poor timing all around, but as the book progresses on, this guy is actually just the worst. The way he talked about Marta??? Pack it up buddy. The way he and Sofia went behind her back! Honestly, I quite like Sofia. I thought she was super funny, I’m not gonna justify anything she’s done. However, to frame it like that was so funny. “No bestie, I didn’t betray you! Kissing and hanging out with him felt like it was an extension of your company!” Which first of all if that’s true, that’s gay as hell. Second, what sort of mental gymnastics did you do to get to that rationalisation. I had high hopes when I started that part, but good things never last😭.

When Ana Maria talks about Antonio, she says to herself “One must be wise in matters of love.” I think that is a lesson that everyone in this book needs to learn like right now.

Has anyone ever been wise when it comes to love? To me love isn't something you can calculate and be prepared for. It's always raw and passionate.💓