First things first, this book was strangely comforting to read. I enjoyed how the Rodoreda’s writing was smooth and simple just a description of Camila’s day to day life, raw and human, I guess it just felt relaxing the way it was so familiar. Now onto the actual story, the progression from seeing the relationship formed and carried on with kids, war and death was oddly sentimental to me which is strange because books don’t always send a message of appreciation for me.

I didn’t consider this novel a love story between Natalia and Quimet from the beginning. If anything maybe it peaked through more at the end of the book when he passed then it ever did during the mist of their relationship. For starters, nothing was romantic. I actually kinda appreciated the downplay of ‘love’ at first it was refreshing but I couldn’t help but think something was missing, that passion of ‘cliche’ emotions and descriptions of what is to be fall in love. The only semi romantic thing was the nickname “Colometa” and it really doesn’t even count because it went from what could’ve been an enduring nickname for your partner into him never calling Natalia her name and essentially taking away her identity for a long time. I think from the start I knew things weren’t going to end up well for them, Quimet was possessive and traditional with Natalia, I really hated how he acted and don’t get me started on his phantom leg pain? He was selfish – only caring about things that benefited him and throwing away people like objects and this affected his family heavily.

This thought carries into the whole dove situation. holy crap. How does one even get that far deep into that situation, I’m suprised Natalia didn’t start plotting earlier because the descriptions of the whole house being covered in bird materials and smelling like doves too would drive me nuts.

Something to point out was how CUTE AND SWEET Senyora Enriqueta and Natalias relationship to me. With every negative thing going on in Natalias life I feel like she provided her a safe space and a breather to remind herself of peace. She was truly a mentor, helped her to find jobs when times were tough and darn was she good at advice, I think we all need a friend like Senyora Enriqueta!

I also appreciated how this book portrayed war and how it can really change you as a person, for me this was significant when Natalia said she had decided to kill her son and daughter.  I was entirely taken back because you can either see this in two ways – a psycho who has gone crazy or a mother who would do anything to make sure her kids didn’t suffer.

Question: do you think Natalia and Quimet’s relationship ever really felt like love?