Carmen Laforet writes in a way that allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in Andrea’s brutal encounters while simultaneously reminding us how resilient she is. The same resilience is instilled in us, once we recognize that Andrea can handle whatever comes her way! While reading Nada, I could really appreciate the amount of depth the author used to detail and describe Andrea’s surroundings. This style of writing makes a reader want to keep turning the page. Carmen Laforet has created a heroine who has fought for leaving the country to study in Barcelona. She silently stands up to the Angustias and becomes an example of freedom. Despite her apparent apathy, the reader is still able to tell that she is a fighter! This book really reminds us to not be ‘fooled’ by people who may seem to not give a fuss about anything. They usually are people who take their time to make sense of their world. Compared to many others, who can’t stay present in their actions or thoughts. 

Personally, I feel like this allows the reader to feel like they’re a part of the moment. We’ve previously talked about how reading can be a form of escapism. Well, I argue that Carmen Laforet takes the reader on a journey that illustrates the importance of the character’s presence, surroundings and behaviour. It becomes an immersive experience of the character’s feelings and intentions.  For example, the city of Barcelona adds to Andrea’s experience, as well as, the readers. Andrea flees from the house and spends hours wandering in the city’s streets. The architecture and the weather leave marks on her moods. This gives the reader insight into her personhood. The way she chooses to recognize and cope with her troubles bring the reader closer to the trouble. They may relate! They may not. Either way, it’s used as a guide to help us understand the character in a system that reveals to be designed against them. 

1. Did you feel like the writing style brought you closer to the character’s experience or further away? If so, how? 
2. While reading Nada, did the example of Andrea wandering around the city of Barcelona also catch your attention? If so, in what way? 

How much work did you get done last week?

Nada much. (Not that much! aha. 🙂

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