Bookreview: Out Of Mind - J. Bernlef

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Title: Hersenschimmen (Out Of Mind*)
Author: J. Bernlef
Genre: Stream of consciousness
Publisher: Querido 1984
Pages: 160
Language: Dutch
Rating: 9/10

Summary: This story is told from the perspective of Maarten Klein, 72 year old pensioner, who moved from the Netherlands to the U.S.A. after WorldWar II. He lives with his wife Vera in small seatown Gloucester, Massachusetts. Maarten doesn't realize he is suffering from Alzheimer. He does initially manage to cover up his forgetfullnes and messy mind. It takes his wife and his doctor some time to figure out what the problem is. Eventually they hire a nurse to keep an eye on Maarten, but changes from his daily routine make him even more confused and scared. He doesn't understand what's going on and is afraid his wife will leave him.

( Spoilerfree Review )

*The title translates literally to 'Brain shadows', but is available in English as 'Out Of Mind', which somehow feels a little disrespectful to me.

Bookreview: Snow - J. Bernlef

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Title: Sneeuw (Snow)
Author: J. Bernlef
Genre: Family saga
Publisher: Salamander 1973
Pages: Paperback, 126
Language: Dutch
Rating: 7,5/10

Summary: Jan Razelius is lying in the hospital after barely surviving a car-crash in which his wife died. He doesn't remember what happened, although every time he comes near the place of the accident memories come floating back. But he still can't make sense of it even after he is discharged and gets back home in care of his daughter An and nurse Margaretha. Jan tries to go on living as best as he can, he even starts a physical -but not emotional- relationship with Margaretha. She stays with him after he is healthy again. But Jan never really gets over his wife. Daughter An is the spitting image of her mom and he gets more and more confused about his feelings for her.

( Spoilerfree and therefore slightly cryptic review )