Book Review: The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

My friend Millie recently created a book club.  Avid readers both, when we worked together, we were constantly recommending books to each other and our colleagues.  It turned out we had very similar tastes and were really excited to have conversations about our readings. Both of us had been in book clubs before, but hadn't stuck with it because of the restraints determined by the groups (not wanting to read the books suggested, not having time to read the book suggested, havin trouble finding dates that worked for everyone).

This month, we chose a book I had on my "to-read" list, which was exciting.  It was The History of Love by Nicole Krauss.

Set in New York City, it tells the story of two seemingly unrelated characters: Leo Gursky, a retired locksmith who emigrated from Poland during World War II and Alma Singer, a 14 year-old looking to find happiness for her lonely mother. What these characters share, along with their feelings of isolation and yearning to find their place in the world is the novel The History of Love. As their lives intertwine, the books takes us to Poland, Israel and South America, before and after the war.

As the tale unwinds, it explains the circumstances that led each character to the place they are now. How lives that seem so unconnected and unparalleled are actually part of the same story. Beautiful and poetic, it asks the reader to look beyond the surface of people.

I found this book poetic, beautiful and bitter-sweet. At first, these two main characters really seem to be completely unrelated. As the story progresses, they not only complement each other, but also echo the others sentiments. Toward the end, in ways unexpected, they share the same experiences. The final culmination is so satisfying.