Learning to Talk to Plants

A journey through love, loss, and rediscovery

Marta Orriols author Mara Faye Lethem translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Pushkin Press

Published:3rd Sep '20

Currently unavailable, our supplier has not provided us a restock date

Learning to Talk to Plants cover

This novel offers a heartfelt exploration of grief as a woman navigates her life after her boyfriend's tragic death, revealing deep emotional truths.

In Learning to Talk to Plants, the story unfolds around Paula, a woman grappling with profound grief after the sudden death of her boyfriend, Mauro. Just hours before his tragic accident, Mauro revealed that he was leaving her for another woman, a truth that Paula keeps buried deep within her. As a paediatrician in Barcelona, she tries to carry on with her daily life, but the weight of her secret and sorrow makes it nearly impossible to find solace. The once vibrant plants in her home begin to wither, mirroring her internal struggle, while the fridge becomes a testament to her neglect, filled only with expired yogurt.

As time goes on, Paula embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing. The narrative artfully balances moments of devastation with dark humor, allowing readers to witness her gradual return to life. Through her interactions with the world around her, Paula learns to cope with her loss and, in the process, begins to reconnect with herself. The novel explores the complexities of grief and the often-overlooked ways in which we can lose those we love, not just through death but through emotional distance.

Learning to Talk to Plants is a poignant exploration of what it means to grieve and the unexpected paths toward healing. It captures the essence of loss and resilience, making it a relatable and deeply moving read for anyone who has faced similar challenges in their own lives.

Marta Orriols debuts with a brilliant novel * Time Out *
Catalan writer Orriols takes us through the complicated journey of grief and the beautiful juxtaposition of death and new life. She masterfully explores the different ways people can experience loss and grief, and her lyrical prose and introspective storytelling make this an engaging read * Booklist *
Marta Orriols is an exceptional writer * El Periódico *
Marta Orriols has the ability to put into words the brevity and the unforeseen circumstances of everyday life * El País *
Finely written... deeply interesting * Àrtic, Betevé *
Between rage and sadness, Orriols presents a journey towards maturity in a story full of hilarious moments and tenderness * Diari Ara *
Learning to Talk to Plants is a novel that succeeds by its frankness, by its tenderness and by the subtlety that Marta Orriols demonstrates by giving words to that which in itself lacks them * ABC *

ISBN: 9781782275770

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

256 pages