Readers of Europe 2022 – Latvian recommendation

 

Library blog Friday 15 July 2022

● General Secretariat of the Council   Readers of Europe 2022 – Latvian recommendation   This summer the Council Library will shine a light on new and emerging European literary talent, with the third instalment of our Readers of Europe initiative. Through books recommended by the Brussels-based permanent representations to the EU, the literary pit-stops on this tour will unearth some of Europe’s exciting new talent. Today’s selection is by the Permanent Representation of Latvia to the EU - Kalendārs mani sauc by Andris Kalnozols.

Readers of Europe 2022 – Latvian recommendation

• 15 July 2022
 
• Reading suggestion
 
• gsclibrary

EU member states Culture

© Taylor Deas Melesh / Unsplash / Edited

Recommendation by the Permanent Representation of Latvia to the EU

Book selected:  Kalendārs mani sauc by Andris Kalnozols

Sometimes the world can be a very dark place.

Wars and pandemics, hunger and injustice can intensify shades of black and grey. But the world is not always shrouded by these colours. There are other prisms where the light shines through. Other instruments that radiate warmth and hope and inspire real positive change.

People like Oscar, the main protagonist of Andris Kalnozol’s achingly beautiful novel, Kalendārs mani sauc.

Welcome to Oscar’s world. His world is a bit different from other people’s world for several reasons. Oscar is special. Like a Latvian Forrest Gump, he illuminates the light inside of all, seeing only the good in people. The embodiment of honesty.

He gently lets you into the routine of his daily life. He says little and is friends with people who don’t have many others left to talk to.  People like pastor Arvīds and scientist Otto, aunt Janine and other elderly people.

And then he meets a girl.

Because of the girl, Oscar’s world is turned upside down. He does not know her name. Nor does he want to know it. He wants to get close to her and yet he wants to continue with his life the way it is. This drives an existential need to learn by heart the name day celebrated on each calendar date, in order to "get closer" to  her.

The book is written in the form of a diary, structured around letters Oscar writes to the pastor telling him about his life and his surroundings.   

Philosophical and tender, this is a novel that pulls at the heartstrings throughout.

Andris Kalnozols (1983) is a Latvian writer, director and actor. Kalendārs mani sauc is his first novel. In 2020 it was awarded the Literatūras gada balvu for best debut novel. 

If you’re looking to unearth Latvian literary gems, discover more via Eureka, the online catalogue of the Council libraries.

• Latvian literature in Eureka

About the Readers of Europe campaign

2022 has been designated the European Year of Youth. That being so, the Council Library has chosen to devote its annual Readers of Europe initiative to youth, putting the focus squarely on new and emerging European literary talent.

The permanent representations to the EU have once again been invited to recommend books from their countries to read over the summer, with the third edition of our Readers of Europe campaign. The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘Discover something new’, the idea being that every permanent representation selects a book from their country by an author who has published their first work within the last five years. We will then promote these selections over the summer on the Council Library blog.

Europe is awash with exciting young authors. Dive into this selection and discover stories that hum with fresh ideas and luminous prose. Novels that ask piercing questions about humanity. Stories that are edgy and beautiful, gripping and unsettling. Stories worthy of a place in any library.

So find a comfy place to sit back and relax as we showcase some of Europe’s promising literary talent. Join us as we once again encounter the Readers of Europe.

• European Year of Youth (background information)