Anyone have any leads on where to pick up a physical copy of Blinding. I'd love to have it in my collection as Cartarescu has become one of my all time favorites. Solenoid being a novel that completely changed my life. Thanks for any potential leads
Several people have contacted me about this issue. Word from Archipelago is that they're working on another print run. I hate that a physical copy is so hard to get right now. But I echo your call for any leads whatsoever!
It is an honor to have you grace the channel! Imagine my excitement when I found that you are translating Solenoid. Great, great work. Thank you for what you have done for literature.
I consider this a major accomplishment, as I normally struggle with pronunciations! And now I get to read _Solenoid_ in English thanks to Deep Vellum Press! All my best to you and your country!
Ooo, Bogdan, salut. 😀 Hai că asta-i bună... să găsesc în lista de comentarii a unei persoane pe care o urmăresc, un comentariu de la altă persoană pe care urmăresc, și să se mai și afle pe parți diferite ale lumii, și să mai și vorbească 2 limbi diferite... ;D adooor internetul pentru că face posibil așa gen de situații! Succese la ambii! Mulțumesc pentru ceea ce faceți. Thanks from Republic of Moldova!🥰
It is so great to listen to your enthusiasm for this masterpiece, Chris! I am so pleased that you enjoyed so much this book! I agree with you on the unbelievable talent of Cartarescu in making literature out of science! I do believe this is one direction that contemporary literature should explore: scientific knowledge and literary creativity seem often to be separated, but science is part of us and our lives, makes us what we are and so it should become a literary material... Who will be a great author able to write significant literature about this pandemic, for example? The Body and The Right Wing are checks as big as The Left Wing, keep pushing to have them translated in English! Reading all three books of Blinding is a subliminal experience, more than a thousand pages of powerful and visionary literature that shakes up the reader from inside. Kudos for this great video and for promoting this author to readers in the US! Now we will wait together for Solenoid! (Italian translation supposedly coming jn 2021)...
Great point. You get some of this with, say, Richard Powers--the blending of science and literature--but not to the degree that I think you and I wish. I cannot wait to be able to read all the volumes of Blinding! If you have any more suggestions, please bring them to my attention. With this one, you have become a gold-star recommender in my eyes!
I am so thrilled you finally did this review. I actually read the romanian version and it is as good as the english one. Hope you will be doing more reviews of romanian writers
This makes me happy. Not only that you loved it as much as I expected, but also that so many more people are going to be able to enjoy this sublime work of art through the English language. I am currently reading the last part of the second volume (the body). I had a brief conversation with Cărtărescu a couple of years ago (he is humble and kind as only a genius can be) and he told me that he thought the second volume was even better. This was before the Spanish translation was out. Now that I’m almost done with it, I couldn’t say if the second volume is indeed better, as the whole is so organic. I can only say it is more of the same: pure magic.
Several people who have read all the parts have said the same--the whole set is sublime. I cannot wait to have the body of the right wing in English. Until this I have Nostalgia to read and Solenoid coming out next year!
I am so glad to find such an enthusiastic review of Blinding, which blew my mind permanently. He is criminally under-read in the English sphere--they'd better hurry up and award him the Nobel Prize already, just so people get turned onto him. I have personally recommended him to almost everyone I know who reads, but most people seemed to find him too much, too complicated, too ornate. For me, though, reading and rereading Blinding is the purest pleasure.
"It is one of the greatest pleasures I have ever had". I can relate to that, truly. My first attempt to read it was at 20, when my intellectual background simply couldn't fully bare the effect of the book. It was a strange feeling, that I couldn't grasp it all, yet there was some magic from it I could still touch. Now at 28, I can blend in with more of it, and that same feeling from all those years ago came back stronger once I started reading the first chapters. He definitely created one of the greatest masterpieces in the modern culture.
Ahhhh, what a beautiful experience that is also especially unique to the life of a reader. It's so wonderful to have books that we can visit throughout or lives, the magic of each visit compounding successively!
@@LeafbyLeaf Let me share you something about Solenoid too. In an interview, Cărtărescu said he would recommend Solenoid even to those in the last years of high school. It takes place in a reality when he's a school teacher in Colentina, a neighbourhood of Bucharest. From my experience with it, Solenoid's vibe isn't as melancholic and apocalyptic as Blinding. It does have it's night of the soul there too, but it's altogether different. A small spoiler, if I may, one of the darkest experiences in the early chapters of Solenoid is when he remembers writing some poetry for a school contest, and in spite of him putting his heart into it, the reaction of the crowd, untouched by his creation, is described so real and dark. Also, his way to his workplace at the school in Colentina, with the bus, has a very soothing vibration to it. However, The Visitiors, appearing often in his works, are described in a much darker way in Solenoid, as well as the Statued Gods, which leave him in an experience similar to the lost sailor's in Lovecraft's Dagon, although there is no evidence he inspired from there.
Thanks for letting me know about Cartarescu. I read the first two volumes last year and I'm currently reading the third one. Definitely one of the great discovieries of 2021 for me.
Thank you so so much for turning me on to cartarescu! Blinding is indeed one of the best books I’ve ever read and I can’t wait to read Solenoid next. I hope the other two volumes in this trilogy are translated soon. I’m literally begging everyone I know to read Blinding.
Oh, my sincere pleasure! I am dying for the "Right Wing" and the "Body" of the _Blinding_ trilogy in English. But, for now, and like you said, I've got this shiny new copy of _Solenoid_ waiting for me. :)
I purchased ' Blinding ' after seeing your review on UA-cam. I'm about half way through now. Thank you so very much for your wonderful recommendation. I'm certain this will be a book I read and re-read. Your review was spot-on. I have already ordered more translated works by Cartarescu.
I spent many months trying to find a physical copy of this book and managed to find an obscure one from the website used. The book arrived to my house yesterday evening and upon opening it it appears to he a signed copy, im still speechless as solenoid has caused this author to probably be my most sought after and favorite writer. Every word is poetry.
I’m in the middle of another of Cartarescu’s works, Solenoid, and everything you said applies to it as well. It’s being an experience that I don’t know yet where it will take me, but surely it will be worth it.
Unfortunately I am not. But I’m reading a great Spanish translation; most of Cartarescu’s books are being published by Impedimenta, and I must say their editing is fantastic and the covers are beautiful.
@@cristinaa3186 I am Romanian and I know that the translations of his books into Spanish are excellent (haven't read them, but I know that Hispanic people are his biggest fans).
@@LeafbyLeaf I am so glad you like the English translations. I know Sean and he is a great translator. And, needless to say, Cartarescu isn't easy to translate. Sean is now doing the translation of Solenoid, which will be published by Deep Vellum in 2022. Solenoid is Cartarescu's masterpiece.
Hello, I'm from Romania. Mircea Cărtărescu is a treasure of romanian culture. He write in a way that you are able to understand and not in the same time. Like always is something that follow you behind shadows of time. You are right with the fact that his tehnically like Proust but in the other sense. PS: I also love Proust, I don't read all masterpiece but his quotes and just few pages mesmerise all my mind and heart. Great video!!! PS: Wait for ,,Solenoide", I fell looky because in Romania is available and it's totally undinable.
@@LeafbyLeaf I send this video to mr. Mircea Cărtărescu at fb messenger, I wish from all my heart to watch your video and comment something... or just fell your kind and pure admiration. If he will answer me, I will tell you in a comment. Keep up the noble work, you are great!!! ♥️♥️👍👍
Hello, I just finished Solenoid and was completely mesmerised by the beautiful writing. What prose and equally important, what a translation! Thank you for this great discussion, I hope to read The Blinding soon.
I just finished _Solenoid_ a week ago, myself! I’ve spent the last 7 days or so gathering my thoughts and trying to organize and cohere my notes. What a book! 🙌🙌🙌
@@LeafbyLeaf There were some exquisite passages which just shook me to the core. It is almost indescribable but I very much look forward to your discussion of this unique book.
Seeing (and catching) someone else's passion for reading is what changed me, so to think that I can share the same experience with others is a real joy. All my best to you, my friend!
Have you heard of a book called Sironia, Texas? Its supposed to be the longest american novel written, and apparently has some literary value, from what Ive read. Like Darconville’s Cat, its been out of print for ages, so finding a copy is hard and pricey. But I figured if anyone would know about it, itd be you. Or if not, something you may be interested in.
I shall add it to the list of books to get on my next Archipelago order. I’m currently reading The First Wife by Paulina Chiziane from Archipelago, and so far it is absolutely brilliant. The language takes my breath away. Archipelago just never seems to publish a mediocre title.
Wonderful! Nostalgia will be my first read seeing as I own it already, but Blinding will be next in preparation also for the epic Solenoide translation. Can't wait for this Collidescope project. Ooohhrahh!!!
Another great recommendation. I've heard of Cartarescu, and I've seen his books in stores(im from Argentina). But after this I'm definitely going to read him. Im torn between am english translation or a spanish translation. I guess spanish is closer to rumanian than english. Any suggestions? Quick question: have you read Juan José Saer, he is considered the best writer from Argentina after Borges?
I cannot really make an authoritative recommendation between the English or Spanish translations, but several people have praised both! I have not read José Saer. With which book should I start?
@@LeafbyLeaf I don't know how many of his books are translated. But generally "The witness" is a good place to start, and also his marvelous short story " Shadows on a Jeweled glass". Sorry to pile on the recommendations, but there are so many talented latin american authors that are unknown in America. I also recommend "A brief life" by Onetti, another great river plate writer.
I will of course return with more substantive remarks after watching. But I love that your intro music reminds me of something from the Silent Hill 2 soundtrack! Also: looking forward to Sean Cotter’s upcoming translation of Mateiu Caragiale’s Rakes of the Old Court from Northwestern University Press.
You nailed this review! I’m halfway through it “waiting for the magic to stop” after every chapter, but it never relents. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite books. Nostalgia is coming in the mail, and I’m curious how his work will hold up with a different translator.
Is so good-right?! I also snatched up Nostalgia, but I’m not sure when I’ll read it. I’m really looking forward to Solenoid (also translated by Sean Cotter) from Deep Vellum in 2022. Many have told me it’s even better than Blinding!
@@LeafbyLeaf 2022!! I’ve been all over the internet and couldn’t find any info on its release. Thanks for the 2022 update. It’s amazing he’s not more known in the US.
I found out because Will Evans of Deep Vellum contacted me after the Blinding video was posted. Cotter is at work on translating Solenoid! It IS crazy he’s not more well known-but I can understand why. He’s not going to be on the NYT best seller list, alas.
I love that I found this video. this is the first time I been this excited to read another Romania book since I read Tranquility by Attila Bartis a year ago. 😍
@@LeafbyLeaf, Attila Bartis is a Romanian-born Hungarian writer, so I would consider it both Romania and Hungarian, that's why I referred to him as a Romanian Author, but tranquility is set in Hungarian and involves a lot of discussion about the political environment of Hungarian. So, view it how you want to.
Mircea cartarescu is the greatest romanian author. Blinding is the first book of a trilogy that-believe it or not- has been translated in italian. I think that only the first book has been translated in English. All the complete trilogy is amazing, outstanding! Never read anything so unbelievably good !
I agree (though I’ve got no other Romanians with whom to compare)! Yes, it’s only the first volume in English (I talk about that in the video). And it was in fact an Italian guy who recommended this book to me!
@@LeafbyLeaf , there are no other romanians to compare cartarescu with! I've only read 3 other romanians: herta Muller(Nobel prize winner that I dislike), panait istrati (kyra kyralina) and vintila horia (dio è in esilio. Diario di Ovidio a tomi). This last one is great but nothing compare to cartarescu!
I could see that but I think it’s pretty accessible. Not sure how one could prepare for this. He does ease you into it before turning on the pyrotechnics. It’s more poetry than opaque prose. It provokes feelings more than presenting complex problems. I think you’d be surprised.
I've been sitting on this book for a year now. I think it's time to read it finally. I'm romanian myself and I'm glad to see romanian literature reach outside of the country, which rarely happens. I only read Solenoid by Cartarescu and I absolutely loved it. Highly recommend it when the english translation gets out. Great review man! Most other famous romanian writers are Emil Cioran (he wrote in romanian and french), Tristan Tzara (mostly french), Paul Celan (mostly german). These you might find to be translated.
Thanks for dropping a note here. I love hearing from citizens of the culture in which the books were written! I cannot wait for Solenoid! As another Romanian pointed out to me--I realize now that I have read Cioran, Eliade, and Celan, but I guess I was thinking in terms of novels only when I said I had not read other Romanians. Haven't read Tzara though, so thanks for that!
Chris, thanks for the Blinding by Mircea Cartarescu, got the (Kindle Edition) today. Yesterday I received Darconville’s Cat SIGNED, 1st Edition/First Printing by Alexander Theroux to complete the set. I first read this on Kindle.
Well, I have not read him yet. I was just assigned that forthcoming posthumous novel to review for Rain Taxi, so I’ve started looking into him. Some affinities with Pancake (southern writer) made me think of you. I’ll let you know what I make of it!
I read Nostalgia last year and its neo-romanticism was too maudlin for me. The only signals of it being written in the 80s was its too timid touches of metafiction and an old-fashioned, uninteresting magical realism that seemed to me very, very maudlin. I've stayed away from Cartarescu since. Would you say this is more in touch with the literary experimentation of the last 60 years or so? (I ask because I decided I would not read any more Cartarescu after Nostalgia.)
I wish I had read Nostalgia so I could be on equal and more confident footing here, but I definitely wouldn’t consider Blinding maudlin. As for it being “more in touch with the literary experimentation of the last 60 years or so”-give me a little more detail as to what you mean. I want to answer you accurately. I will say that several people have said it is the best of his works. Hopefully I will get around to Nostalgia soon, then get back to you with a comparison. Take care!
@@LeafbyLeaf I meant that it was written as if modernism and postmodernism had never happened. I don’t remember the book so well (I remember how annoying it seemed to me compared to Wallace, whose work I had recently been reading), but I remember having read Unamuno’s Fog (Niebla, in spanish) some time before it and, despite its early-century spanish sentimentalism, it seemed much more daring and bold than Nostalgia. In fact, Fog can be read as a parody (avant la lettre) of the kind of coy metafiction Cartarescu tries in some of the stories in Nostalgia (which he labelled as a novel in what I thought was another coy signal of the experimentation he didn’t dare to embrace; he links a couple of stories, but just superficially, as the links aren’t thematized nor given any meaning)
I see now. I recently read both IJ and Blinding and they were both excellent in their own ways. I never really thought to compare this book with Wallace, et al. My approach to reading is a little different.
I am eagerly anticipating the first English translation of Solenoide, set to come out from Deep Vellum this year! I will definitely be doing a video on it.
this enthusiastic review is quite contagious. I am happy to purchase this intriguing work and demonstrate the demand for translations of the rest of the series!
Anyone have any leads on where to pick up a physical copy of Blinding.
I'd love to have it in my collection as Cartarescu has become one of my all time favorites. Solenoid being a novel that completely changed my life. Thanks for any potential leads
Several people have contacted me about this issue. Word from Archipelago is that they're working on another print run. I hate that a physical copy is so hard to get right now. But I echo your call for any leads whatsoever!
It's terrific to hear how taken you are with Cartarescu. I'm honored by your appreciation for the translation.
It is an honor to have you grace the channel! Imagine my excitement when I found that you are translating Solenoid. Great, great work. Thank you for what you have done for literature.
Are there any plans to translate Theodorous? Wonderful work.
Your pronunciation of Mircea Cartarescu was spot on! What a wonderful review! Thank you and greetings from Romania! ❤
I consider this a major accomplishment, as I normally struggle with pronunciations! And now I get to read _Solenoid_ in English thanks to Deep Vellum Press! All my best to you and your country!
Ooo, Bogdan, salut. 😀
Hai că asta-i bună... să găsesc în lista de comentarii a unei persoane pe care o urmăresc, un comentariu de la altă persoană pe care urmăresc, și să se mai și afle pe parți diferite ale lumii, și să mai și vorbească 2 limbi diferite... ;D adooor internetul pentru că face posibil așa gen de situații! Succese la ambii! Mulțumesc pentru ceea ce faceți.
Thanks from Republic of Moldova!🥰
It is so great to listen to your enthusiasm for this masterpiece, Chris! I am so pleased that you enjoyed so much this book!
I agree with you on the unbelievable talent of Cartarescu in making literature out of science! I do believe this is one direction that contemporary literature should explore: scientific knowledge and literary creativity seem often to be separated, but science is part of us and our lives, makes us what we are and so it should become a literary material... Who will be a great author able to write significant literature about this pandemic, for example?
The Body and The Right Wing are checks as big as The Left Wing, keep pushing to have them translated in English!
Reading all three books of Blinding is a subliminal experience, more than a thousand pages of powerful and visionary literature that shakes up the reader from inside. Kudos for this great video and for promoting this author to readers in the US!
Now we will wait together for Solenoid! (Italian translation supposedly coming jn 2021)...
Great point. You get some of this with, say, Richard Powers--the blending of science and literature--but not to the degree that I think you and I wish.
I cannot wait to be able to read all the volumes of Blinding!
If you have any more suggestions, please bring them to my attention. With this one, you have become a gold-star recommender in my eyes!
Nice, just bought this recently and have been wanting to read it for a while. The few Cartarescu talk/interview videos on youtube are awesome too.
Hey, man! I linked the talk at BU in the video. I’m really looking forward to Solenoid.
I am so thrilled you finally did this review. I actually read the romanian version and it is as good as the english one. Hope you will be doing more reviews of romanian writers
Thanks! This was a brilliant book. Any recommendations you have are welcome!
Is this the only volume published in English from the Trilogy?
Sadly, yes.
Check out Nostalgia - different translator, same magic.
Nostalgia stares at me from the shelf, wooing me with its promises…
This makes me happy. Not only that you loved it as much as I expected, but also that so many more people are going to be able to enjoy this sublime work of art through the English language. I am currently reading the last part of the second volume (the body). I had a brief conversation with Cărtărescu a couple of years ago (he is humble and kind as only a genius can be) and he told me that he thought the second volume was even better. This was before the Spanish translation was out. Now that I’m almost done with it, I couldn’t say if the second volume is indeed better, as the whole is so organic. I can only say it is more of the same: pure magic.
Several people who have read all the parts have said the same--the whole set is sublime. I cannot wait to have the body of the right wing in English. Until this I have Nostalgia to read and Solenoid coming out next year!
Mircea Cărtărescu rocks :) did you know that his last name actually means books?
Oh, really?!
I am so glad to find such an enthusiastic review of Blinding, which blew my mind permanently. He is criminally under-read in the English sphere--they'd better hurry up and award him the Nobel Prize already, just so people get turned onto him. I have personally recommended him to almost everyone I know who reads, but most people seemed to find him too much, too complicated, too ornate. For me, though, reading and rereading Blinding is the purest pleasure.
Yes. Yes. Yes. And-yes. I look forward to making videos on Nostalgia and (next year) Solenoid!
You need to read another romanian / another Mircea : Mircea Eliade
I realized after making this video that I had indeed already read Mircea Eliade. But I've only read The Sacred and the Profane. Need to read more!
I still can’t find a copy. Somebody please help me.
"It is one of the greatest pleasures I have ever had". I can relate to that, truly. My first attempt to read it was at 20, when my intellectual background simply couldn't fully bare the effect of the book. It was a strange feeling, that I couldn't grasp it all, yet there was some magic from it I could still touch.
Now at 28, I can blend in with more of it, and that same feeling from all those years ago came back stronger once I started reading the first chapters.
He definitely created one of the greatest masterpieces in the modern culture.
Ahhhh, what a beautiful experience that is also especially unique to the life of a reader. It's so wonderful to have books that we can visit throughout or lives, the magic of each visit compounding successively!
@@LeafbyLeaf Let me share you something about Solenoid too. In an interview, Cărtărescu said he would recommend Solenoid even to those in the last years of high school.
It takes place in a reality when he's a school teacher in Colentina, a neighbourhood of Bucharest.
From my experience with it, Solenoid's vibe isn't as melancholic and apocalyptic as Blinding. It does have it's night of the soul there too, but it's altogether different.
A small spoiler, if I may, one of the darkest experiences in the early chapters of Solenoid is when he remembers writing some poetry for a school contest, and in spite of him putting his heart into it, the reaction of the crowd, untouched by his creation, is described so real and dark. Also, his way to his workplace at the school in Colentina, with the bus, has a very soothing vibration to it.
However, The Visitiors, appearing often in his works, are described in a much darker way in Solenoid, as well as the Statued Gods, which leave him in an experience similar to the lost sailor's in Lovecraft's Dagon, although there is no evidence he inspired from there.
Thanks for letting me know about Cartarescu. I read the first two volumes last year and I'm currently reading the third one. Definitely one of the great discovieries of 2021 for me.
Same here! I'm so looking forward to the English translation of Solenoid this year!
@@LeafbyLeaf The Swedish translation has been out for a year or two. But I will likely move on to the poems or his journal.
Thank you so so much for turning me on to cartarescu! Blinding is indeed one of the best books I’ve ever read and I can’t wait to read Solenoid next. I hope the other two volumes in this trilogy are translated soon. I’m literally begging everyone I know to read Blinding.
Oh, my sincere pleasure! I am dying for the "Right Wing" and the "Body" of the _Blinding_ trilogy in English. But, for now, and like you said, I've got this shiny new copy of _Solenoid_ waiting for me. :)
I purchased ' Blinding ' after seeing your review on UA-cam. I'm about half way through now. Thank you so very much for your wonderful recommendation. I'm certain this will be a book I read and re-read. Your review was spot-on. I have already ordered more translated works by Cartarescu.
So glad to hear it worked for you, too! I can’t wait for Solenoid from Deep Vellum in 2022!
I spent many months trying to find a physical copy of this book and managed to find an obscure one from the website used. The book arrived to my house yesterday evening and upon opening it it appears to he a signed copy, im still speechless as solenoid has caused this author to probably be my most sought after and favorite writer. Every word is poetry.
I’m in the middle of another of Cartarescu’s works, Solenoid, and everything you said applies to it as well. It’s being an experience that I don’t know yet where it will take me, but surely it will be worth it.
I envy your being able to read that one in its original language. But I shall patiently await the forthcoming translation of it!
Unfortunately I am not. But I’m reading a great Spanish translation; most of Cartarescu’s books are being published by Impedimenta, and I must say their editing is fantastic and the covers are beautiful.
Ahhhh, of course. If only I spoke Spanish or Italian. His books are getting those translations ahead of English. Thanks for stoking my anticipation!
@@cristinaa3186 I am Romanian and I know that the translations of his books into Spanish are excellent (haven't read them, but I know that Hispanic people are his biggest fans).
@@LeafbyLeaf I am so glad you like the English translations. I know Sean and he is a great translator. And, needless to say, Cartarescu isn't easy to translate. Sean is now doing the translation of Solenoid, which will be published by Deep Vellum in 2022. Solenoid is Cartarescu's masterpiece.
After watching this video I feel like I’m not gonna be able to function until I have a copy of Blinding in my hands. Thank you 🙏🏻
I didn't want to gush and plead but I couldn't help it. This book needs more visibility! And--you're welcome!
You're a huge inspiration. Please continue to bless us with your book tastes.
You're too generous!
I've been on a Borges kick, this may be up next 😎
Honestly, this is like Borges and Proust decided to have peyote-infused writing sessions!
@@LeafbyLeaf sounds awesome 😍
I usually try not to gush over a book, but with this one I can’t help it.
Hello, I'm from Romania. Mircea Cărtărescu is a treasure of romanian culture. He write in a way that you are able to understand and not in the same time. Like always is something that follow you behind shadows of time. You are right with the fact that his tehnically like Proust but in the other sense. PS: I also love Proust, I don't read all masterpiece but his quotes and just few pages mesmerise all my mind and heart. Great video!!! PS: Wait for ,,Solenoide", I fell looky because in Romania is available and it's totally undinable.
Hey there! Thanks for commenting to me. This is indeed something to be culturally treasured. I cannot wait to read Solenoid next year!
@@LeafbyLeaf I send this video to mr. Mircea Cărtărescu at fb messenger, I wish from all my heart to watch your video and comment something... or just fell your kind and pure admiration. If he will answer me, I will tell you in a comment. Keep up the noble work, you are great!!! ♥️♥️👍👍
Wow! Thanks for doing that! It would be such a thrill for the author to see my video and know once more how great his work is.
Hello, I just finished Solenoid and was completely mesmerised by the beautiful writing. What prose and equally important, what a translation!
Thank you for this great discussion, I hope to read The Blinding soon.
I just finished _Solenoid_ a week ago, myself! I’ve spent the last 7 days or so gathering my thoughts and trying to organize and cohere my notes. What a book! 🙌🙌🙌
@@LeafbyLeaf There were some exquisite passages which just shook me to the core. It is almost indescribable but I very much look forward to your discussion of this unique book.
I totally agree. I can tell you how much I’ve battled with the despair of trying to find a suitable way to talk about this book.
Man I love your passion. Just gets me going and back to reading haha love ya Chris!
Seeing (and catching) someone else's passion for reading is what changed me, so to think that I can share the same experience with others is a real joy. All my best to you, my friend!
Have you heard of a book called Sironia, Texas? Its supposed to be the longest american novel written, and apparently has some literary value, from what Ive read. Like Darconville’s Cat, its been out of print for ages, so finding a copy is hard and pricey. But I figured if anyone would know about it, itd be you. Or if not, something you may be interested in.
Nope-never heard of it! The hunt begins!
Your Proust reference makes this an immediate purchase for me. Thanks for spreading your passion for mind-expanding books.
Happy to have been of service!
I shall add it to the list of books to get on my next Archipelago order.
I’m currently reading The First Wife by Paulina Chiziane from Archipelago, and so far it is absolutely brilliant. The language takes my breath away. Archipelago just never seems to publish a mediocre title.
I know! Between Archipelago and NYRB Classics, I'm set for life!
Damn. Another I have to get, and just a few minutes in...
There is no doubt in my mind you would savor this one, Rick!
would've more fitting if right wing was the past and left wing the future. politically speaking of course. Great video!
😜 thanks!
Wonderful! Nostalgia will be my first read seeing as I own it already, but Blinding will be next in preparation also for the epic Solenoide translation. Can't wait for this Collidescope project. Ooohhrahh!!!
Likewise, Nostalgia will be my next Cartarescu! I look forward to the day you announce your interview with this genius!
I picked up this book because of this review! Looking forward to delving into it!
You won’t regret it!
Hi! What's the name of the author he mentions at 05:55 thanks!
Rikki Ducornet!
Another great recommendation. I've heard of Cartarescu, and I've seen his books in stores(im from Argentina). But after this I'm definitely going to read him. Im torn between am english translation or a spanish translation. I guess spanish is closer to rumanian than english. Any suggestions? Quick question: have you read Juan José Saer, he is considered the best writer from Argentina after Borges?
I cannot really make an authoritative recommendation between the English or Spanish translations, but several people have praised both!
I have not read José Saer. With which book should I start?
@@LeafbyLeaf I don't know how many of his books are translated. But generally "The witness" is a good place to start, and also his marvelous short story " Shadows on a Jeweled glass". Sorry to pile on the recommendations, but there are so many talented latin american authors that are unknown in America. I also recommend "A brief life" by Onetti, another great river plate writer.
I've been meaning to read this for ages! This might be the push I need...
Do it!
I will of course return with more substantive remarks after watching. But I love that your intro music reminds me of something from the Silent Hill 2 soundtrack!
Also: looking forward to Sean Cotter’s upcoming translation of Mateiu Caragiale’s Rakes of the Old Court from Northwestern University Press.
I’ll have to familiarize myself with that soundtrack.
Cotter’s artistic prowess is on full tilt here. Can’t wait for his translation of Solenoid too!
Oh nice, I had no idea a new translation of that book was coming out. Thanks for the heads up
You nailed this review! I’m halfway through it “waiting for the magic to stop” after every chapter, but it never relents. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite books. Nostalgia is coming in the mail, and I’m curious how his work will hold up with a different translator.
Is so good-right?! I also snatched up Nostalgia, but I’m not sure when I’ll read it. I’m really looking forward to Solenoid (also translated by Sean Cotter) from Deep Vellum in 2022. Many have told me it’s even better than Blinding!
@@LeafbyLeaf 2022!! I’ve been all over the internet and couldn’t find any info on its release. Thanks for the 2022 update. It’s amazing he’s not more known in the US.
I found out because Will Evans of Deep Vellum contacted me after the Blinding video was posted. Cotter is at work on translating Solenoid! It IS crazy he’s not more well known-but I can understand why. He’s not going to be on the NYT best seller list, alas.
I just finished reading Solenoid one hour ago... Buy it as soon as the English translation comes out!
I am already on Deep Vellum's list to receive an ARC! I can't wait!
@@LeafbyLeaf Yes!!! I can't wait to hear your opinion on it!
If Blinding is any indication, I will exhaust my superlatives on Solenoid.
I love that I found this video. this is the first time I been this excited to read another Romania book since I read Tranquility by Attila Bartis a year ago. 😍
Is that one Romanian or Hungarian?
@@LeafbyLeaf, Attila Bartis is a Romanian-born Hungarian writer, so I would consider it both Romania and Hungarian, that's why I referred to him as a Romanian Author, but tranquility is set in Hungarian and involves a lot of discussion about the political environment of Hungarian. So, view it how you want to.
Ahhh, gotcha. Sort of like Cioran writing in French.
Mircea cartarescu is the greatest romanian author. Blinding is the first book of a trilogy that-believe it or not- has been translated in italian. I think that only the first book has been translated in English. All the complete trilogy is amazing, outstanding! Never read anything so unbelievably good !
I agree (though I’ve got no other Romanians with whom to compare)! Yes, it’s only the first volume in English (I talk about that in the video). And it was in fact an Italian guy who recommended this book to me!
@@LeafbyLeaf , there are no other romanians to compare cartarescu with! I've only read 3 other romanians: herta Muller(Nobel prize winner that I dislike), panait istrati (kyra kyralina) and vintila horia (dio è in esilio. Diario di Ovidio a tomi). This last one is great but nothing compare to cartarescu!
😁
@Marina, what's a good book to start with?
@@liquidpebbles7475 , blindness by cartarescu. Definitely!
I wouldn't feel prepared to jump right into something like this. Seems like a lot would go over my head.
I could see that but I think it’s pretty accessible. Not sure how one could prepare for this. He does ease you into it before turning on the pyrotechnics. It’s more poetry than opaque prose. It provokes feelings more than presenting complex problems. I think you’d be surprised.
@@LeafbyLeaf It definitely sounds lovely from what you read aloud.
The writing crackles with energy. If you press your ear to the book, you can hear it humming.
I've been sitting on this book for a year now. I think it's time to read it finally.
I'm romanian myself and I'm glad to see romanian literature reach outside of the country, which rarely happens.
I only read Solenoid by Cartarescu and I absolutely loved it. Highly recommend it when the english translation gets out.
Great review man!
Most other famous romanian writers are Emil Cioran (he wrote in romanian and french), Tristan Tzara (mostly french), Paul Celan (mostly german). These you might find to be translated.
Thanks for dropping a note here. I love hearing from citizens of the culture in which the books were written!
I cannot wait for Solenoid!
As another Romanian pointed out to me--I realize now that I have read Cioran, Eliade, and Celan, but I guess I was thinking in terms of novels only when I said I had not read other Romanians. Haven't read Tzara though, so thanks for that!
Chris, thanks for the Blinding by Mircea Cartarescu, got the (Kindle Edition) today.
Yesterday I received Darconville’s Cat SIGNED, 1st Edition/First Printing by
Alexander Theroux to complete the set. I first read this on Kindle.
Very nice, Steve!
By the way, are you familiar with William Gay?
@@LeafbyLeaf No will take a look!
@@LeafbyLeaf Fugitives of the Heart Hardcover - 20 Jun. 2021
by William Gay
Chris, which William Gay would you recommend to start with?
Well, I have not read him yet. I was just assigned that forthcoming posthumous novel to review for Rain Taxi, so I’ve started looking into him. Some affinities with Pancake (southern writer) made me think of you. I’ll let you know what I make of it!
Don Quixote part 2 video coming soon?
I am interested too!
Haha! I am thinking early autumn at this rate.
Well, now I've got the Quixote on my mind. Now I'm thinking perhaps May-ish!
@@LeafbyLeaf , yes! I'm looking forward to your skillful review!
@@LeafbyLeaf Whenever it comes out, I'm sure the analysis video will be good.
Dazzling?
Yes.
I read Nostalgia last year and its neo-romanticism was too maudlin for me. The only signals of it being written in the 80s was its too timid touches of metafiction and an old-fashioned, uninteresting magical realism that seemed to me very, very maudlin.
I've stayed away from Cartarescu since. Would you say this is more in touch with the literary experimentation of the last 60 years or so?
(I ask because I decided I would not read any more Cartarescu after Nostalgia.)
I wish I had read Nostalgia so I could be on equal and more confident footing here, but I definitely wouldn’t consider Blinding maudlin. As for it being “more in touch with the literary experimentation of the last 60 years or so”-give me a little more detail as to what you mean. I want to answer you accurately.
I will say that several people have said it is the best of his works.
Hopefully I will get around to Nostalgia soon, then get back to you with a comparison.
Take care!
@@LeafbyLeaf Nostalgia is, indeed, infused with German romanticism, but is far from being maudlin. It is, like all his works, a masterpiece.
@@LeafbyLeaf I meant that it was written as if modernism and postmodernism had never happened. I don’t remember the book so well (I remember how annoying it seemed to me compared to Wallace, whose work I had recently been reading), but I remember having read Unamuno’s Fog (Niebla, in spanish) some time before it and, despite its early-century spanish sentimentalism, it seemed much more daring and bold than Nostalgia. In fact, Fog can be read as a parody (avant la lettre) of the kind of coy metafiction Cartarescu tries in some of the stories in Nostalgia (which he labelled as a novel in what I thought was another coy signal of the experimentation he didn’t dare to embrace; he links a couple of stories, but just superficially, as the links aren’t thematized nor given any meaning)
I see now. I recently read both IJ and Blinding and they were both excellent in their own ways. I never really thought to compare this book with Wallace, et al. My approach to reading is a little different.
I wonder if you read Solenoide and what you thought of it?? Maybe you can make a video about it too.
I am eagerly anticipating the first English translation of Solenoide, set to come out from Deep Vellum this year! I will definitely be doing a video on it.
@@LeafbyLeaf looking forward to that video! :)
this enthusiastic review is quite contagious. I am happy to purchase this intriguing work and demonstrate the demand for translations of the rest of the series!
Thank you! Happy reading!