What to Read if You Don’t Have Much Time, Meanwhile Appreciate Deep Reflection

If I had chosen a catchy clickbait headline inspired by ads in free applications, it would look like this: ‘How to finish a book in less than 15 minutes,’ ‘Short Life Philosophy from Nobel Prize-Winning Novelist,’ or ‘Your Friend Will Appreciate This Gift.’ Though I prefer mine, and reckon the same from webmasters. 

However, all these sentences are true. And yes, it’s all about one book. Beautifully illustrated with heartwarming pen-and-ink drawings and different page techniques, it has a nostalgic and cozy look. Please, notice I’m talking about the printed copy by Seven Stories Press, not the ebook version. 

So, let me recommend ‘The Lost Soul’ by Olga Tokarczuk.

I have no intention of spoiling the plot or ending, only to say that it’s a nice, compelling fable or even parable about humanity. We have so many things to do and so much less time for being present in our lives. Trying to get everything done, important or not, we’re taking the risk of missing something.

Anyway, if you’ve ever thought about slow living, this sign is for you.

Actually, if you have some more time for reading, you can dive deep into other novels by the Polish writer. As for me, I read ‘Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead,’ and you’ll be surprised by what hides behind this headline. At first glance, the story seems an example of magical realism, full of quotes and references to William Blake, and here I need to stop. I’m concerned you’ll find something for yourself while reading it, or other books by Olga Tokarczuk.