During my long, and merry, life, in the library world, I met a lot of archivists. So, I have more awareness than many of what the work of one entails. And that knowledge helped me get through Valeria Luiselli's "Lost Children Archive," because its form, and structure is that of an archival box. I recommend this book to archivists in particular, as they will catch on right away. And to those who do not, it is a challenging, stimulating read.
This is a multi-layered tale of an American family, present day, seeking out American Indian material, in Arizona. As the story unfolds, the reader gets to know them, and sees, through the children's eyes, that the parents' marriage is showing cracks, if not falling apart. For one thing, the parents seem more interested in archiving than their children, which is part of the reason for the books' title. The book also references the Children's Crusade in Europe, back in 1212, and the Orphans Train movement of the 1800's. And when the children get lost--or do they flee? I leave that to you--their journey is as thrilling as anything in the book. As is their capacity of resiliency and survival.
The structure is very academic--sections are in boxes, and details are in order, like files kept inside those archival boxes. If this book were twice the length, it might get tedious, told this way, but at 382 pages, and accompanying photos, each layer is blended together compellingly.
The perfect novel for those craving literary stimulation.
And a reminder to always carry a watch, or a compass, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!
Haven’t read the book but I did read some about the author.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds neat; she even wrote a ballet libretto!
ReplyDeleteVictoria,
The book is challenging,
but I am curious to read
more of her fiction. Had
no idea she wrote a ballet
libretto. Talented, indeed!