A complicated story, but therefore not uninteresting. Mocking with the reader's expectations, a punch line only comes at the end. Something like 'got you, didn't I'. And it worked out well, even after reading the interview, I was misled.
An interesting structure, layer on layer in layer, which made me feel like I got lost in the story while traveling.

I usually avoid reading comments or reviews before I take a book. I limit myself to the back of the book that I have in my hands.
But, while searching for Gorthoem and Neccor, I came across an interview with the writer.
Very interesting! https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2009/04/03/het-moest-als-vogelgezang-zijn-11707839-a25... ( )

After having spent a while living on the streets, a young man travels to the village of his youth to come to terms with a recent drama. Whilst living in his father's old home, he gains the strength to write the story of two friends he lost.

A very short novel, but a pleasant read.
The descriptions of the narrator's old home and village are lovely and the warm welcome he receives is touching. He struggles with the past but finally manages to tell us the story of a love affair that was bound to end in tragedy.
I very much like Bouazza's use of language - in many parts the writing is poetic and a real pleasure to read.
I do feel Bouazza could have expanded the story. The situation of the narrator remains rather vague, and could have been worked out further. ( )

uitgeleend aan Francesca Popa, 28.05.2022