Asya is the title of the third story in The Folio Society’s collection of tales of Love and Death.
It tells of how love can be missed for lack of courage to express what one really feels.
Our main protagonist, recovering from having been rejected by a flirt whom he had taken seriously fails to speak his mind to a young woman who, for her own reasons, cannot express what is in hers. During the first half there is a developing mystery concerning Asya’s erratic behaviour until its causes are revealed. Hopes are then raised about a positive outcome, which is not to be.
Once again we have insights into the mind of the narrator, and those of the brother and sister to whom he is drawn.
Descriptions of the countryside; the river Rhine, alternatively with sparkling or dark waves depending on the time of day or the weather; and on the appearance and clothing of the personnel are very well depicted. “The moon, it seemed, would stare down fixedly at [the town] out of a clear sky….and keep still and so quietly exciting to the soul”, while, on another occasion, “The sun had just set and its delicate crimson light rested on the green vines, the tall stems, on the dry earth strewn with large and small stones and on the white wall of a small cottage with sloping black beams and four bright little windows which stood on the very top of the hill we were climbing” show us the effect of differing light and dark. As usual, all the senses are engaged, as in “the delicate smell of resin in the forests, the singing and the tapping of woodpeckers, the inexhaustible babbling of glittering little streams with varicoloured trout on their sandy bottoms….”
Although the ending seems inevitable, we are disappointed when it arrives.
Elisa Trimby’s illustrations are as faithful as ever.
This evening we all dined on tender roast lamb; crisp roast potatoes and parsnips, Yorkshire pudding; firm cauliflower and broccoli; crunchy carrots; and tasty gravy, with which I finished the merlot.
Hi Derrick, I’m really intrigued by this story description. These illustrations make me wish we hadn’t gotten away from this format.
I agree, Barbara, that illustrations do add something to the reader experience of fiction.
Thank you very much, Barbara
Another superb review, illustrations and dinner.
Thank you very much, Pat
An interesting story that I can relate to.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
This is some beautiful writing.
Your dinner sounds divine!
Thank you very much, Dale
It sounds as though the descriptions of nature as should be contrasts with the characters’ inner states?
Absolutely right, Liz. I almost added that. Thanks very much
You’re welcome, Derrick!
Thank you for this great review, Derrick! What a vividly descriptive story, with a powerful, important message, and such superb illustrations! The illustrations so add much to the reader’s experience as they get “lost” in the story. 🙂 I do love a book with illustrations! 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you very much, Carolyn XX
This sounds like a particularly poignant story. I agree with others above about the illustrations.
Thank you very much, Merril
I prefer stories with happy endings Derrick …
Thanks very much, Ivor
The illustrations are incredibly striking!
Thanks very much, Donna
Time passes and humans beings are the same
Thank you very much, Sylvie
Interesting review Derrick.
I am disappointed, too, and I haven’t even read the story. Heartbreaking.
Thank you very much, Laurie
It sounds an interesting and well constructed story.
Thank you very much, John
“It tells of how love can be missed for lack of courage to express what one really feels.” This is what lies at the bottom of some long-term sadness expressed by people who have experienced just that.
Thank you so much, Anne
The illustrations are perfect.
Thank you very much, Sue.
Hi Derrick, this sounds like a beautifully written, albeit sad, story.
Thanks very much, Robbie. That’s right
I admire your ability to sum up a story with a compassionate eye. The illustrations are lovely.
Thank you so much, Alys
A story with a sad outcome that is inevitable. Those can be hard to read. I can feel the emotion through your review. The author’s descriptors adorn this tale like jewels.
It’s always a blessing to read words so very eloquently written. Thanks for sharing some quotes with us, Derrick. Delightful prose and drawings!
Thank you very much, Jan
Your reviews compliment any story, whether poignant or joyful. You are quite gifted in writing reviews, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Beautiful illustrations and an interesting book!
Thank you very much, Riba
New to me but much appreciated. Her images of pain remind me a little of Kollwitz