The Remains

Nora Garca travels to her past Mexican village after her ex-husband's death, reflecting on their life together through art and music. Glantz's novel explores the themes of love, loss, and identity, using music and art to express emotions that words cannot.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 134 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: Charco Press

After her ex-husband's unexpected passing, Nora García embarks on a journey back to the Mexican village of her past, reliving the memories and art that shaped her life together with him. The funeral serves as a poignant reminder of their shared experiences, encompassing the delicate handling of a cello, the captivating beauty of Caravaggio's paintings, and the unique musicality of the castrati. Throughout the procession, Nora's thoughts wander, intertwining with conversations about art, music, and history that have unfolded throughout their lifetime.

As the crowd gathers to bid farewell to Juan, Nora reflects on their life together, a symphony of themes, repetitions, and contrapuntal notes. She traverses back and forth between her time with Juan, a renowned pianist and composer, and the present day, where she finds herself surrounded by his familiar belongings, his coffin looming nearby. The scent of mildew and lilies fills the air, mingling with her emotions and thoughts.

In the skilled hands of the author, music and art become powerful tools for self-expression, illuminating and shaping our identities. They offer a means to convey emotions that words alone cannot fully capture, such as love, loss, and bewilderment. Nora's words resonate with a sense of absurdity, as she acknowledges the pain of her loss and yearns for condolences to heal her wounded heart.

Through this poignant narrative, the author invites us to explore the profound connection between music, art, and personal identity. They remind us that life is a complex tapestry of experiences, and that the arts can provide solace, healing, and a means to navigate the depths of human emotion. As Nora reflects on her life with Juan, she realizes that their love and shared passion for the arts have left an indelible mark on her soul, shaping her identity and offering her a sense of belonging.

In the end, Nora's journey back to the Mexican village serves as a testament to the enduring power of love, memory, and the arts. It reminds us that even in the face of loss, we can find solace and meaning through the beauty and creativity that surrounds us. As Nora bids farewell to her ex-husband, she carries with her the memories and the art that have shaped her life, ready to embrace the future with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for the treasures that life has to offer.

Weight: 204g
Dimension: 198 x 132 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913867478