I knew throughout the book that Ana Maria was dead. Yet, I was left wanting more when I finished reading. I wanted to continue to learn about her life, even though she felt that it was small and did not amount to much. Knowing that she was dead did not lighten the emotional response I had to reading about her final moments before her stroke.
I think that those final few pages, where the perspective slightly switches, and we see Ana-Maria through the eyes of Father Carlos was so profound. It was intriguing to see read about his descriptions of her as a child, and to see what an external perspective thought about her. I think that up until this section, we only learn about Ana-Maria through her own reflections on herself. Thus, I found this to be a very interesting brief change in the narrative voice.
Beyond this, I enjoyed learning about the different people in her life in the order that they came to visit her after her death. I found her recounting of her first love, Ricardo to be really well written. She was able to really clearly present the feelings of first love, such as initial elation and heart break, where she did literally everything else *but* die following Ricardo’s disappearance. Next, I found that Maria Griselda’s beauty reminded me of the Snow White fairytale. Nature (such as the doves) seemed to literally cave at her beauty. Similarly, Silvia’s need for Fred to assure her of her superior beauty to that of Maria Griselda’s reminded me of the popular question: “Mirror Mirror on the Wall, who’s the prettiest of them all”. It was so interesting how her beauty was so great that it even soothed Ana Maria’s hatred of her. I’ve never thought that beauty could be a burden, but through this section I recognize it now.
To me, the most profound part of this book was when she visited Sofia’s dreams. I think that there is something to be said about the fact that she was truly seen by Sofia. I think that Sofie is the only one who she identifies to be a true friend to her, and I loved that she was able to have a final moment with her. Their connection was just so strong. I respected how she was used this time to reflect on what she could have done better. I loved that she recognized that she should have given Sofia the chance to explain herself as someone who she claimed to love.
In all, I appreciated finally getting the female perspective after the first two books that we covered.
My question would be: Do you think this book can be read backwards?
4 replies on “Who’s the fairest of them all?”
Hi Tolu! I agree with you about the Snow White analogy. This book emphasizes a lot on the beauty of women, even at the beginning when Ana is portrayed.
Hi Tolu! I wanted to say my favorite part was also the Sofia moments, however, I had not even realized that she was visting people’s dreams. I thought of it more as if those were memories, and I thought of it as maybe she didnt know Sofia didnt betray her, but still decided to forgive her. To answer your question, I think this book cannot be read backwards. I think all these revelations lead to the final moment.
Hi Tolu, I really like your question. I personally think that reading the back book backwards would mitigate the emotional affection that Ana Maria had for Ricardo, and would make her seem like a more dislikable character if that makes sense?
Hi Tolu, interesting reflections! They show a deep analysis of the novel.
Interesting your reflection about being seen, perspectives and beauty.
Good job!
If you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to make two comments on your classmates’ blogs.
See you tomorrow!
Julián.