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When Patrick Chamoiseau, Martinican author of the brilliant, magical novel Texaco, turns his hand to writing a police procedural, you can be sure that the "usual suspects" won't be usual at all. In Solibo Magnificent the title character, a master storyteller, dies on the first page, having uttered the mysterious phrase patat'-si ("this potato"). Though it is evident to his Creole audience that Solibo's throat was "snickt by the Word," to the Fort-de-France police department it's a clear case of murder. Before you can say patat'-si, all the witnesses are in custody, where they are brutally mistreated in an attempt to wrest confessions from them.
The first thing any reader notices about a Chamoiseau novel is the language (beautifully translated from the French by Rose-Myriam Réjouis and Val Vinokurov), which tends to tumble in cataracts of vivid imagery, almost as if it were being spoken instead of written. And given that this novel is really about the slow death of an oral tradition at the hands of a culture of literacy, the hurly-burly style is singularly appropriate. Though Solibo Magnificent can certainly be enjoyed simply as a tragicomic tale of mysterious death and police bungling, readers with even a superficial knowledge of Martinique's history as a French colony (and now departement) will find plenty of philosophical gold in the deeper veins of meaning that lie beneath the surface of the novel. There is, for example, the conflict between the deeply rooted Creole culture--an orally transmitted tradition of stories, demons, magic, and community--and the imposed colonial system of logic, scientific proof, the written word, and French as the dominant language. In such a world, Solibo the storyteller cannot live, and Chamoiseau--himself a character in the novel--is fully aware of the irony of committing his tale to the page. As he says at the end of the novel,
"I understood that to write down the word was nothing but betrayal, you lost the intonations, the parody, the storyteller's gestures.... I decided to squeeze out a reduced, organized, written version, a kind of ersatz of what the Master had been that night: it was clear now that his words, his true words, all of his words, were lost for all of us--and forever."
Solibo's throat might be "snickt by the word," his "true words" lost forever, but fortunately Patrick Chamoiseau, the "word-scratcher," is still here to remind us of just how much we've lost.
Customer Reviews:
For those who love language.......2006-07-19
An incredibly readable story of an endangered species: the oral tradition. That the telling of this small epic is done with adding both French and Creole phrases (translated in a glossary) is *essential* to understanding the people living in Fort-de-France. There are broad hints at Césaire's ideas of negritude and many of Fanon's racially-charged concepts from his "Black Skin, White Masks." Chamoiseau even puts himself in the tale as the character of the "word scratcher," someone who makes a pitiful attempt to put down in words what the oral tradition is all about.
This book is a true gem.
Chamoiseau deserves a wider audience!.......2002-07-26
Patrick Chamoiseau's Solibo Magnificent is a powerful novel, both hilarious and tragic at once. In Fort-de-France, Martinique, Solibo (a Creole nickname meaning somersault or pirouette) has dropped dead in front of some of his followers after uttering a non-sequitor, "That potato!" His band of listeners, believing this to be a part of Solibo's act, wait patiently for the great man to rouse himself. When he doesn't, the police are brought in, and they at once suspect the witnesses , which include the character of the author, of having murdered Solibo. What follows is part slapstick, part theater of the absurb, part philosophy, part tragedy, part magic, all poetry. Somehow Chamoiseaux manages to meld these elements into a coherent whole that makes this novel an extraordinary experience.
As other reviewers have noted, this story is not only about the death and murder investigation of a beloved storyteller, but about the death of the oral tradition in general. Chamoiseau leaves no doubt that he intends the reader to walk away with this notion. Written words are inadequate to describe the power of the spoken; one has only to read the reconstructed version of Solibo's last words at the end of the book to understand this. Despite the somewhat heavy-handed approach to his theme, Chamoiseau tells a riveting story with natural lyricism. (Kudos to the translators!)
This author deserves a much wider readership (or is it audience?)
The death of oral tradition.......1999-02-24
What a great novel! Chamoiseau manages to create both a rich alleghory on the death of oral tradition, and a keystone cops-style farce. The style and language that Chamoiseau plays with here is a delight to read, and takes on an added weight considering the setting. It's reminiscent of Rushdie's mishmash of Indian and English to make a point in Midnight's Children. Kudos to the translator for not attempting to translate everything in the text. There are footnotes to a glossary, which at first seems daunting, but is very rewarding - I never thought footnotes could lead to so much laughter (I take that back, D.F. Wallace). Ultimately, this book is a love affair of language. Enjoy!
Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Review of Contemporary Fiction, published by Review of Contemporary Fiction on June 22, 1998. The length of the article is 3141 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Solibo Magnificent.(Review) (book reviews)
Author: Marc Lowenthal
Publication:
The Review of Contemporary Fiction (Refereed)
Date: June 22, 1998
Publisher: Review of Contemporary Fiction
Volume: 18
Issue: 2
Page: 237
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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Solibo Magnificent.: An article from: World Literature Today
Juris Silenieks
Manufacturer: University of Oklahoma
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
 General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| Classics
| Comic
| Contemporary
| Literary
General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| e-Docs
| Formats
| Books
ASIN: B00098CC3Q
Release Date: 2005-07-28 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from World Literature Today, published by University of Oklahoma on June 22, 1998. The length of the article is 498 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Solibo Magnificent.
Author: Juris Silenieks
Publication:
World Literature Today (Refereed)
Date: June 22, 1998
Publisher: University of Oklahoma
Volume: v72
Issue: n3
Page: p669(2)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Average customer rating:
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Solibo Magnificent
Manufacturer: Pantheon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GLSB4U |
Book Description
Following on the heels of Men: Some Assembly Required, his instruction manual on men written for women, popular author and speaker Chuck Snyder comes full circle with a much-needed book that explains the mysteries of women to men. Speaking in a man's language, from an unashamedly male viewpoint, Snyder cleverly interweaves humor and insight to teach what wives need ... and what it means for husbands to "die" for their wives on an everyday basis. Acknowledging that men want to meet women's needs but often don't know how, Snyder effectively teaches husbands how to love their wives in ways that will make them truly feel loved.
Customer Reviews:
Great if you do not have the time to read the book.......2002-09-17
His thoughts are good and well presented. You will be challenged by what you are asked to do. But the outcome will be well worth the efforts. Let's face it gentlemen we need to as the Bible teaches die to self and become a servant leader to our wives...The tapes do not have all that the book has but they are still good.
A Christian Perspective.......2000-06-14
The premise of this book is that if you want a successful marriage, you should love your wife as Christ loved the church. As the author points out on page 233, "If we nourish and cherish [our wives] as the Bible tells us to, they grow and blossom and bloom and get perfume all over us. They radiate back to us exactly what we are giving them. If you see a happy wife, you can assume the husband is doing a good job of cherishing her. If you see a sad wife, you can bet the husband's priorites are out of whack and he is failing to provide the nurture she needs." My daughter is getting married this summer, and I intend to give the bride and groom two books. One will be Gary Chapman's "The Five Love Languages" which should be read by both. The other will be this one, which is intended for the husband. Unlike the first reviewer, I found this book to be a very worthwhile read, and I probably will also give copies to the husbands of a number of couples I know who are struggling in their marriage. Whether you need to develop a new approach to relating to your wife or would just like to reinforce the good habits you already have, I think you will find this book of value.
Disappointment.......2000-03-09
Mr. Snyder has written in a style that includes sarcasm and exageration. This is aimed to be humor, but I find makes it difficult to perceive what the true point really is. He includes many personal experiences that do not correlate his main points and seem often foolish.
Customer Reviews:
Useful advice for improving any relationship.......2002-04-22
The premise behind LOVE TUNE-UPS by Matthew McKay,
Carole Honeychurch and Angela Watrous is simple; i.e., there
are simple things we can all do to improve any
relationship . . . however, that is often easier said than done.
Yet the authors make it seem doable and present (using the
subtitle): "52 Fun Ways to Open Your Heart & Make Sparks
Fly."
I view the book as a cookbook of sorts . . . that is, you can
pick and choose what you wanted to try from such sections as
Show Me Love, Get a Little Closer, Work Out the Kinks, Add
Some Sizzle, and The Best of Times.
There's nothing overly profound here--or perhaps even
original . . . yet that does not stop me from strongly
recommending it . . . we all need some reminders, from time
to time, and you'll get them here--presented in a loving
and playful fashion.
Among the many memorable passages:
[to get more detail when asking, "How was your day, dear?"]
The next night while they were cooking dinner, Marc
asked Allen how his day went, and Allen replied, "Oh, it was
pretty good, I guess." "What were the best and worst
moments of your day today?" Marc asked, not looking up
from the spinach he was washing. "Oh, I get it. Is this a
new tradition we're starting?" Allen teased, but when Marc
just nodded and smiled, Allen said, "Well, let me think.
The low point was probably when I got stuck in traffic
for an extra forty-five minutes on my way to work,
and I almost missed this really important meeting
and I was all stressed out. . . . And the high point was when
I went to lunch with Sue. She's so funny!"
[steps for accepting behaviors that drive you crazy]
* What things does your partner commonly do that really bug you? What do you try to change about your partner? Choose one.
* Now try to acknowledge that your partner is different from you, and, as a result, will naturally do things differently. Consider that there is no "right" way to do things, just preferences formed by many different factors.
* Finally, make a conscious decision to accept the behavior
that had been bugging you. Acknowledge the difference and
accept it. And, the next time your partner does this behavior,
make an effort to think back to your decision and accept with love.
[making a creativity date]
Many people feel that they do not have enough time for their
relationships or for exploring their creative spirits. Why not combine these two deficits and have time for both by enjoying a creativity date with your partner? You can either do one activity together, or each spend time engaging in a different favorite creative activity side by side. Creating with your partner can make you feel alive, because you're nurturing a part of yourself and your relationship that may often be neglected--the creative side. And as you share the creative part of your relationship, you'll be nurturing your relationship too.
Sweet AND Spicy.......2002-03-24
I just loved this book. I've been with my boyfriend for five years, and our relationship's strong -- but sometimes we get into ruts or start to take each other for granted. This book gave us practical, immediately usable activities to help bring us closer and enjoy time together in new ways. I've been learning stuff about him that I didn't even know! I'm so grateful to the authors for coming up with this idea. Thanks!
Average customer rating:
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Romance Stew: The Way to a Woman's Heart
Becky Ruff
Manufacturer: Dandelion Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Computers & Internet | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Love, Sex & Marriage | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Self-Help & Psychology | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Computers & Internet | Humor | Entertainment | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Love, Sex & Marriage | Humor | Entertainment | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Self-Help & Psychology | Humor | Entertainment | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Parenting & Families | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0978961102 |
Book Description
If you've ever tried to cook up a man or woman in your life, you're going to love Becky Ruff's colorful description of her multiple Cauldron Crashes. Today's excess of Internet "match" websites provides sizzling opportunities for relationships of every flavor. Like any women with a healthy appetite, Ruff decides to taste them all. She regales the reader with her unpredictable Kitchen Capers that keep manifesting the same fatal endings yet leave her feeling far from being a femme fatale. As she continues her pursuit, one day she discovers to her amazement that she has created a dish fit for a queen: herself. Her optimism and self-esteem fall in love with each other and the chemistry and timing prove to be perfect. Life has become a feast of inner wisdom. You will want to keep Becky Ruff's Cookbook by your bedside (or maybe even take it to bed with you). About the Author: Becky Ruff is a professional copywriter and editor as well as an entrepreneur who has founded and managed a variety of companies offering support services to busy professionals and parents. Her latest enterprise, www.ruffpersonalassistant, provides fee-for-service shipping, secretarial, Internet and administrative services. Ruff has two daughters, a son-in-law and two grandchildren, and resides in Montana.
Book Description
We usually express our love through language, as in simply saying "I love you." Other times we express it through the written word, as when penning notes, letters, or poetry to one another. At yet other times love is expressed in gestures, as in the things we do for one another to give shape to and evidence of the true passions of our hearts. Love Signs is about showing our love, those priceless moments and events that tell our loved ones that they are loved.
"The words 'I love you' are a profound statement," Greg Lang writes. "When coupled with an embrace, walking hand in hand, stealing a kiss, sharing a romantic nuzzle, or a hundred other tender, giving gestures, these words are elevated to an experience, a lasting memory, a delicate, reflective moment—a love sign—that demonstrates that you care for me and I care for you in ways that words alone cannot."
Sometimes showing what's in our heart is something simple, like waking the one we love with a kiss after making coffee the way he or she prefers. Sometimes it is not so simple, like searching for hours for the perfect gift or writing a poem to hide in a place where it will be found later. Love must be expressed to be known, if it is to flourish and come to its full potential.
"I could probably rest assured that my wife will love me always and will stay with me no matter how little I might do to show her that she is the love of my life," Lang writes. "However, because she is the love of my life, I am driven by the desire to reassure her that I love her. So every day I do someething to show her that I care about her. I show her a love sign whenever I can. I want to make it as obvious as possible to her that I love her as much as I do, because I want her to love me as much as she can in return."
Thus, in the end this book is itself a love sign: another way for him to show his wife that he loves her and a reminder to us all that love never takes love for granted but expresses itself in ways that allow it to come to full bloom.
Product Description
A beautiful small hardcover to give that special woman in your life. The book is full of tributes to women with Bible verses to support each one.
Average customer rating:
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From the Heart of a Hurting Woman on Her Way to Wholeness
Kemisha W. Ebron , and
Tasha Scott
Manufacturer: iUniverse.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
20th Century | Poetry | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Poetry | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Inspirational & Religious | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
United States | Single Authors | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Women's Issues | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0595314589 |
Book Description
This book is a book for the hurting woman who is either going through something, has been through something and will go through something. It is to show you that you are not alone and that there were other women before you and other women after you who will or have experienced these same problems. It covers problems with family, friends and lovers to parents, children and spouses. It shows the changes you go through from the beginning of a hurt leading to the recovery of wholeness. Always remember all things through Christ are possible. You just have to hold on to your faith and believe in God, because you are not alone.
Download Description
This book is a book for the hurting woman who is either going through something, has been through something and will go through something. It is to show you that you are not alone and that there were other women before you and other women after you who will or have experienced these same problems. It covers problems with family, friends and lovers to parents, children and spouses. It shows the changes you go through from the beginning of a hurt leading to the recovery of wholeness. Always remember all things through Christ are possible. You just have to hold on to your faith and believe in God, because you are not alone.
Average customer rating:
- Stocking Stuffer
- Great gift idea...
- Make me dinner!
- Wonderful book!
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The Way To A Woman's Heart
Roy Magac
Manufacturer: Salem Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Reference | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Reference | Cooking, Food & Wine | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Parenting & Families | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1594677751 |
Book Description
Women agree, very few things impress them more than a man who can cook! Show her that the real catch of the day is - You! Impress her - cook her dinner.
Customer Reviews:
Stocking Stuffer.......2004-12-03
I'm a cooking freak - bottomline, nothing complicated to make but actually has some solid recipes and good advice. I gave this book as an early Christmas gift to some neighbors and work colleagues, and it seems to be quite the success. Not sure why its geared towards men, I think this is good for anyone trying to impress a date and is fairly new in the kitchen.
Great gift idea..........2004-11-24
This was easy reading and very clever. It included all the key elements for a successful dinner even down to the basics of setting a table. But not only that - the themed dinners were a great addition! A great gift for all men!
Make me dinner!.......2004-11-18
Great book to give as a gift! Perfect for someone not familiar with cooking- not intimidating at all- recipes are quick, easy and fun! Will be appreciated by the man who receives the book, and the woman for whom he cooks dinner! Excellent!
Wonderful book!.......2004-11-07
Clever, funny, easy to learn recipes! This book delivers as promised with great tips and a sense of humor.
Average customer rating:
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The Way To A Woman's Heart (Silhouette Special Edition)
Carol Voss
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
Silhouette Special Edition | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0373246501 |
Book Description
Gentlemen, Start Her Engine--And Keep It Running: 350 Easy Ways to Forever Supercharge Your Lady's Heart is Steven Guerrero's answer to revving up your intimacy engine.
This fun innovative book is jam-packed with simple, powerful, and permanent ways for men to become more romantic, creative, knowledgeable, thoughtful and helpful when it comes to loving the woman in their life. The book also helps women discover the simplest ways to inspire and encourage a man to forever fulfill her every need and desire.
It's the quickest route to Victory Lane in the relationship race!
Customer Reviews:
VaVaVarooom.......2005-03-03
My wife and I read Steve Guerrero's book Gentlemen Start Her Engine and my being a male in my late 40's found it refreshing. My wife considers me "perfect" but after being married three times and now having 3 step children I've learned alot on my own and found Steve's book right on target. There were somethings that refreshed my memory such as walking in the house when my wife is cooking and letting her know how good the cooking smells (and it always does). I'm not a man of many words but for those of you that are like me "perfect" go ahead and pick this book up. You'll get reminded of some things you may have forgotten or just needed a refresher. For those guys that are having even the smallest of problems with your relationship this is the book to study.
Well done Steve
Randy Bornstein
This is a wonderful book. Highly recommend it........2005-02-24
I just finished reading this book. I loved it! It is very well written, and the advice is priceless. I am glad that there is and author out there who really understands women and what we need from our husband/significant other. Mr. Guerrero wrote this in a fun and unique way, that any man will understand. I laughed and almost cried reading this. I think that this book is a must read for any man, young or old currently in a relationship, or just starting one. The woman in their life will benefit from this book in so many ways. I can't wait to share this with my husband. Thank you so much for writing this book. I plan on giving my two boys their own copy when they become young men.
Required Reading.......2005-02-21
OK, guys, it doesn't get better than this! At last, here's a book that actually spells it out for you and makes it so much easier to get along with your mate. As a woman, I can tell you, you will save yourself a lot of grief by taking Steven Guerrero's advice. The best thing is, he's not about telling you that you're doing a bad job. He's passionate about helping you learn about what makes a relationship work. BTW, this is really TWO books in one! He includes an instructional section as well as a workbook. Beautiful!
Women, this is also a great read for you because it helps you understand where men are coming from. Wouldn't you like to know what's going on in their heads? You'll smile and nod as you zip through each chapter, thinking, "Why isn't this required reading for guys in high school?" It should be!
Everyone will walk away with a better understanding of the opposite sex and will thank the author for his unpretentious, humorous, and easy-to-read style. Thanks, Steven!
Amazing Tools and examples!!!.......2005-01-27
This book was a lifesaver! It provided tools and examples and really embraced my partner without putting him on the defensive. I recommend this book whole-heartedly. Thank goodness for authors that care!
This book hits the romance target!!.......2004-09-22
Hey, Guys! Bankrupt in the romance department? 'Gentlemen, Start HER Engine' offers some terrific insight about cashing in on romance! Read it and reap!
Books:
- Staying On: A Novel (Phoenix Fiction Series)
- Tell Me What to Eat If I Have Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Nutrition You Can Live With (Tell Me What to Eat)
- That Hideous Strength (Space Trilogy, Book 3)
- The Body Artist: A Novel
- The Book Borrower: A Novel
- The Bookshop, The Gate of Angels, The Blue Flower (Everyman's Library (Cloth))
- The Bride Stripped Bare: A Novel (P.S.)
- The Carnal Prayer Mat (Wordsworth Classic Erotica)
- The Coal Tattoo
- The Conspirators Hierarchy: The Committee of Three Hundred
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Natural Hormone Balance for Women: Look Younger, Feel Stronger, and Live Life with Exuberance
- History: Fiction or Science
- A Sport and a Pastime: A Novel
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- Chemistry Made Simple
- Emerson: The Mind on Fire
- Film Posters of the 60s: The Essential Movies of the Decade
- A Testament to the Wilderness: Ten Essays on an Address by C. A. Meier
- Beside Me Still: A Memoir of Love and Loss in World War II
Crossing the Mangrove
Texaco: A Novel
Notebook of a Return to the Native Land (Wesleyan Poetry)
The Whistling Bird: Women Writers of the Caribbean (Three Continents Press)
The Drifting of Spirits
