Profound Review on Human Nature

Reflection, Relationships, Romance

Book Review:

Watercolors and Tears by Jose Orlando Castaneda

My review follows a request by the author who gifted me with a digital copy of Watercolors and Tears.

My Thoughts:

It was a moving tale that I did not want to rush. The observations by the author on human nature were evocative, made poignant by the fact that they were based on real situations told to the author. I truly wanted to absorb the resonance of the main characters portrayed. 

Manuel and Elvira started their lives together full of promise and soon wanted more for themselves and their family. This resulted in separate quests for a decade; what follows, is a story of deep self-reflection, resilience, tenuous relationship longevity.

What I loved about the book:

I have many highlights to share with you from the story, first and foremost was Elvira's depth of knowledge as she grew into womanhood searching for a meaningful life. She falls under the guidance of Sister Felisa where she is entrusted with a basement of ancient books. She feeds her love of reading there: The scents trapped in the room accentuated the ancient age of the books and, like the bouquet of aged wine, aroused interest in savoring their contents. It is her love of books that sets her path in a shocking trajectory later in the story.

Sister Felisa further entices Elvira by thumbing a stack of pages under her thumb, then releasing them rapidly next to Elvira's ear: Listen to this lovely purr. If you're a booklover like me, then you'll understand the emotions these actions evoked. Such is the author's rich storytelling.

Favourite Quotes:

Books and more books, inviting guests to sail through their seas of knowledge.

That is exactly what it feels like when the reader is swept away to other lands by the pen of the author.

It would be even more tragic to remain stagnant and not venture out to find my future. In the gamble of life, one can either win or lose; as for me, at least I want to be able to play.

This, from a side character on a treacherous journey in the bowels of a ship hoping to forge a better life.

It's never too late for anything; hear me well, young man; it's never too late.

This quote hit hard. It is aimed at Manuel from his mentor, as he grapples with the inner turmoil of  leaving the safety of what is known, for the uncertainty of the unknown.

My Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Elvira and Manuel are the main characters who fall for each other over his watercolor paintings that depict the depth of his feelings for all that he sees around him. Elvira is so taken with his emotional expression.

Over the decade that they are separated seeking fortune for their own home and children, both become employed in the lives of other children, enriching their lives at the peril of their own children's lives. Both are enticed by the lives full of passion that are at their fingertips. But Elvira wants to nurture her own children before it is too late. She goes through harsh realisations of the potential life she could have with the same emotional intelligence and love of ancient books she shares with a friend, and what she has given up.

She is devastated to find that Manuel does not share her feelings about going home, with the same urgency. However, on discovering his watercolor paintings that he had done over the decade they were separated, she is overcome with affection for him as she learns that his emotions, while not expressed in the same way, shine through with fullness in his paintings. His love and emotional intelligence is revealed in the solitude of his craft, full circle to what she fell in love with from the beginning.

Can they resurrect the love they once shared? Or will their unique journeys draw them even further apart?

The reason I gave four stars:

I'll admit that while it was a story I wanted to take my time over, I did at times find it drawn out. But I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it because it is a tome for life; for love; for family, and self.

Book Link: Watercolors and Tears