Book Review: ‘The Hour of the Star’ by Clarice Lispector

Book Review: ‘The Hour of the Star’ by Clarice Lispector
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Updated 12 December 2024
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Book Review: ‘The Hour of the Star’ by Clarice Lispector

Book Review: ‘The Hour of the Star’ by Clarice Lispector

“The Hour of the Star” is a profound novella, published in 1977, which was Clarice Lispector’s final work before her death. 

This slim but powerful book, originally titled “A Hora da Estrela” in Portuguese, has become one of Brazil’s most significant literary works. 

The narrative follows Macabea, a poor, malnourished typist from northeast Brazil who lives in the slums of Rio de Janeiro.

She is 19, orphaned, and works as a typist despite making constant errors. Macabea’s life is marked by simple pleasures and an almost complete unawareness of her own marginalization.

Through her story, the writer explores poverty, identity and existential questioning themes. 

As the story unfolds, we witness Macabea’s simple existence through the lens of a male narrator, Rodrigo S.M., who serves as both storyteller and character. The narrative structure is unconventional, frequently interrupted by the narrator’s musings and metaphysical digressions.

The narrator struggles with telling Macabea’s story, constantly questioning his ability to represent a poor, uneducated woman from his privileged male perspective. 

His presence adds layers of complexity to the narrative as he grapples with his own role in the story and his responsibility to his subject.

Rodrigo S.M.’s self-conscious narration and failed attempts at emotional distance highlight broader issues of power, representation and authenticity in storytelling. 

The book challenges readers to consider how stories of marginalized people are told, who has the right to tell them, and what it means to truly see and understand another human being. 

The novella is notable for its experimental structure, its mix of social commentary and metaphysical reflection, and its unique approach to character development.

Lispector is considered one of Brazil’s greatest writers, known for works that blend philosophical insight with psychological depth. 

Her other notable works include “Near to the Wild Heart” and “The Passion According to G.H.”


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Truth About Everything’

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Updated 10 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Truth About Everything’

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  • Wiest wants to remind people of the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance in today’s often superficial, fast-paced world

Published in 2013, “The Truth About Everything” is a collection of personal experiences by Brianna Wiest which attempts to provide an understanding of love, loss and self-discovery.

One of the strengths of the publication is the author’s writing style. Wiest adopts a tone that provides a reflection of her views without lecturing.

Her straightforward language makes her insights digestible, offering the chance to connect with her, while encouraging personal introspection and growth.

Another fascinating aspect of the book is Wiest’s attempts to motivate readers to acknowledge their deepest feelings and imperfections. She considers this attitude critical to establishing genuine connections and achieve eventual healing.

Wiest wants to remind people of the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance in today’s often superficial, fast-paced world.

Judging from the online reviews, some readers prefer the structure of the book, with its short chapters and quotes.

Other reviewers were more critical and stated that some ideas were repeated or not grouped thematically.

Wiest challenges readers to re-examine what they thought to be true, and urges them to embark on their own spiritual journeys so that they can find their own truths to share with the world.

 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Life’s Devices’ by Steven Vogel

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Life’s Devices’ by Steven Vogel
Updated 10 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Life’s Devices’ by Steven Vogel

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Life’s Devices’ by Steven Vogel

Life on Earth is subject to the pull of gravity, the properties of air and water, and the behavior of diffusing molecules, yet such physical factors are constraints that drive evolution and offer untold opportunities to creatures of all sizes.

In this lively introduction to the science of biomechanics, Steven Vogel invites you to wonder about the design of the plants and animals around us.

You will learn why a fish swims more rapidly than a duck can paddle, and why healthy trees more commonly uproot than break, among others. 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Mystery of the Mind’

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Updated 09 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Mystery of the Mind’

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Author: Wilder Penfield

Can the mind be explained by what we know about the brain? Is a person’s being determined by their body alone or by their mind and body as separate elements?
With a foreword by Charles W. Hendel, an introduction by William Feindel, and reflections by Sir Charles Symonds, “The Mystery of the Mind” is Penfield’s compelling personal account of his experiences as a neurosurgeon and scientist observing the inner workings of the brain in conscious
patients.

 


What We Are Reading Today: The Age of Choice

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Updated 08 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: The Age of Choice

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Author: Sophia Rosenfeld

Choice touches virtually every aspect of our lives, from what to buy and where to live to whom to love, what profession to practice, and even what to believe. But the option to choose in such matters was not something we always possessed or even aspired to. It turns out that not only are we not very good at realizing our personal desires, we are also overwhelmed with too many possibilities and anxious about what best to select. There are social costs too. ‘The Age of Choice’ tells the long history of the invention of choice as the defining feature of modern freedom.

 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Future We Choose’

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Updated 08 February 2025
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Future We Choose’

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  • The book outlines two possible scenarios for the future

Authors: Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac

Published in 2020, “The Future We Choose: Surviving the Climate Crisis” by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac climate change and what could happen in the future based on mankind’s actions.

As two leading individuals in international climate policy, the authors’ insights are a result of extensive experience and profound commitment to addressing one of the most critical challenges mankind has ever faced.

The book outlines two possible scenarios for the future. In the first, humanity takes decisive action to mitigate climate change, in the second, we do not.

These two different hypotheses serve not only as a reminder of the stakes involved but also as a call to arms for individuals, communities, and nations alike.

The authors stress that the choices people make right now will determine how future generations will live, and whether the planet as we know it will survive.

One of the great strengths of this book is the authors’ ability to combine personal thoughts with vivid imagery, making the information easy to understand and relatable for their readers.

In addition, they highlight the connection between climate action, social justice, economic stability, and public health to deliver a critical message: namely that a sustainable future is not just possible but vital.

Figueres and Rivett-Carnac advocate for policy changes to adopt sustainable lifestyle choices, reminding readers that collective action can lead to actual change.

They also challenge readers to reevaluate their relationship with the planet, as its future rests not just on reducing emissions, but on fostering a sense of responsibility. This mindset is key to creating a culture that prioritizes sustainability and the health of human beings in the future.