(reviewed by JD Jung)
“I don’t even think I want to flee anymore. I thought that was what I wanted, but I think more so I wanted to disappear. I wanted to become so unburdened that I would actually become invisible. And at the same time, I wanted desperately to be seen. “
Yes, Linda is confused. She just lost her job and is unhappy in her marriage of seven years. However, she doesn’t know what she actually wants. Her husband, Dennis was just offered a year-long teaching residency at the University of São Paulo, and upon arriving and living in Brazil, Linda’s feelings come to a head.
The story is not just about Linda though. Marta, the maid who came along with the apartment tells her own story. Linda doesn’t like the idea of having a maid, not just for lack of privacy concerns, but because of the inherent class distinction that it implies. Except for the chapter on Marta’ s story, the novel is told in the second person, Linda speaking to her husband.
There’s also Celia, who is central to the story. She’s an artist who Linda meets and envies her free nature. They, along with a host of supporting characters make for an enjoyable journey through the streets of São Paulo. They also assist the story’s exploration of sex, race, class, wealth, and entitlement.
It Is Wood, It Is Stone provides engaging prose and complex characters. In spite of the plot, it’s a rather light read. In fact, I read it in one sitting. This short novel makes for the perfect summer read.
