Superb, but tricky.

I may look for another translation and read it again. Duras has a slippery way with pronouns that sometimes causes me to lose my sense of direction in the middle of a paragraph and have to go back and reread. That effect is even more pronounced in this book, but I'm not sure if it's the author's intent or the result of a rocky translation.

I read another Goodreads review recently that described reading Duras as a slow drug, and I don't think I can improve on that for this book. It's a winding, soporific lariat of seduction by repetition and subtle shifts until it cinches on you in the final moment. Love, death, boredom, water, heat, heat, heat and the thousand tiny changes of mind and heart and mood that make up every day and every close relationship.

The quotes in this book are also quite profound. For example, "Yes, the heat lacerated the heart. And alone she resisted it, entire, virgin, the envy of the sea." This description of heat and a woman's resistance to it is both powerful and evocative. Another quote that stands out is "This man had a fluid body, even a little fragile, and brown, made for the sea. He was still alone with this boat. Then, two days before, brutally, he had perceived the existence of Sara. He continued that morning to perceive it." The imagery here is vivid, painting a picture of a man and a woman and their evolving relationship.

Overall, this book is a complex and challenging read, but one that is well worth the effort. It explores themes of love, desire, and the human condition in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging.

Whenever someone had asked what was going on, I didn't know what to say because I thought "nothing is happening". Truly, nothing is happening, and I think that's what it's about, but I have understood it, I think.

Boredom and complacency, I suppose, the habit idkkkk and I liked it, the truth!! Mediterranean vibes, metaphors, relationships, all in!!!!!!

Sometimes, in our daily lives, we find ourselves in a state where we feel that there is no significant event or excitement. We might be going through the motions, day after day, without much change. This can lead to a sense of boredom and complacency. We get used to the routine, and although it might seem uneventful, there is a certain comfort in it.

The mention of "Mediterranean vibes" could perhaps suggest a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, which might contribute to this feeling of contentment. Metaphors can add depth and meaning to our experiences, helping us to understand and express our emotions in a more creative way. And relationships play a crucial role in our lives, whether they are with family, friends, or significant others.

All in all, this short piece seems to capture a moment of self-reflection and acceptance of the current state of affairs. It shows that even in the midst of what might seem like nothing happening, there can be value and beauty to be found.