An Apple a Day

The Taste of Apple Seeds by Kathatina Hagena
Published: February 4, 2014 by William Morrow & Company
Originally Published: 2008
Iris has just inherited her grandmother's house, but before she can decide what to do with it she has to comes to terms with what happened there. While Iris is our narrator, this books is really the story of the house instead; from Iris' experiences there, then her mother's and her aunts', and finally her grandmother's and great-aunt's.

Back in high school I remember telling a teacher, "I only read for fun, and can't imagine anyone actually wants to analyze a book for deeper meaning." Till now that has largely been the case. Except with this book, this is the first time I've read something where I've thought, "I need someone to help me through this." There is so much symbolism, and so much hidden meaning with each and every anecdote. I do think I was able to get some of them, but I know I could spend far more time thinking about this and still not quite discovering all the hidden meanings.

This book doesn't have very many pages, and it didn't take me that long to read, yet I feel like I was reading it forever. The book kind of meanders along, at times even seeming to go backwards. You do eventually reach your final destination, but it's quite a journey to get there.

In a way the book reminds me of the magical realism of Like Water for Chocolate, except instead of a Mexican background the book is very firmly set in the Germany countryside. It is an interesting perspective, one I haven't read before. Looking back on the book, it feels almost like a long summer day, and now that it's over I'm ready for a good night's sleep to be able to dream and reflect on it.

4/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

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