Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Elena Knows
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
53 posts | 43 read | 59 to read
In a single day, a journey across Buenos Aires reveals a daughter to her mother, a mother to herself, and the oppressive weight of received ideas to women connected by a fleeting encounter, twenty years before.
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
blurb
Tamra
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

Book mail! 😁 I haven‘t been able to get the tagged book out of my mind since I read it earlier this year. I had to have a copy to reread.

The Bowring is for #Europacollective 🎉

BarbaraBB Her newest is even better! 2mo
Tamra @BarbaraBB I‘m hoarding it on my shelf! 😅😅 2mo
LeahBergen What pretty pottery! 2mo
Tamra @LeahBergen thank you - I pick up pieces on trips. I‘m always afraid to use them though, so they gather dust on the counter. 😏 2mo
60 likes4 comments
blurb
Dilara
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

That book packs a punch! I'll need some time to recover.

Photo of Las Nereidas by Argentine female sculptor Lola Mora (1866-1936), from Wikipedia

batsy Yes! That's how I felt after I finished it. 3mo
Dilara @batsy I looked at the other posts about the book on Litsy, and it seems we're not the only ones! 3mo
34 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
Floresj
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

The 1st 1/2 is a build up, and the second 1/2 is excellent. In this short work of fiction, a mother with Parkinson‘s who “knows her daughter” sets out to find her daughter‘s killer- though the death is currently ruled a suicide. Very well written and one that will sit with me for awhile- for a variety of reasons.

Tamra I have to get a print copy because the audio has haunted me since I listened to it! 5mo
18 likes1 comment
review
merelybookish
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

Girls' weekend shared read was challenging and made for a great discussion. Experiencing life in Elena's disabled body (she has Parkinson's) is uncomfortable. Her search for help seems futile. And yet, it is also riveting. This is a book about bodies and who has control of them. It makes you think and Pineiro's skill is undeniable. Also points to Charco Press for an aesthetically pleasing book design!

sarahbarnes I loved this book so much! It‘s a great one for discussion! 6mo
Suet624 I'm so glad that people are reading this book. Such a haunting read. 6mo
See All 6 Comments
BarbaraBB A fantastic book. Glad you felt so too. 6mo
merelybookish @sarahbarnes @Suet624 @tamra @barbaràbb It's so gratifying to see you all loved it too!! 6mo
Tamra It‘s actually rather haunting. I‘ve thought about it several times since I read it. I think I need to purchase a copy for my shelves. 6mo
69 likes1 stack add6 comments
blurb
erzascarletbookgasm
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

I‘ve stacked this on my tbr wish list after seeing so many positive reviews here. A copy came in the mail today 😃💃🏻. I think this is from you, Cathy? @Cathythoughts Thank you!
#bookmail ❤️

Tamra Enjoy! 7mo
Cathythoughts It is from me , I hope you will love it as much as I did. Happy Belated Birthday Jessie 💕💕🥳 7mo
erzascarletbookgasm Thank you Cathy, I really appreciate it. ❤️ @Cathythoughts 7mo
51 likes3 comments
review
ashw21
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

Such a visceral and poignant read on what life looks like living with Parkinson‘s disease. Elena‘s life is dictated by the timings of her pills as she can only move for a few hours after that.. A story of how parent- child relationships evolve over time and the complexities of it. Despite her physical limitations, Elena js a determined and strong character whom I loved .. a wonderful book, highly recommend!

jlhammar Such a good book! Glad you enjoyed. 7mo
sarahbarnes I loved this one too! 💙 7mo
BookwormM Amazing book 7mo
See All 6 Comments
ashw21 @jlhammar I know ! Thank you 🙏 7mo
ashw21 @sarahbarnes such a great book! 7mo
ashw21 @BookwormM yes! Glad I finally read it 7mo
21 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
BekaReid
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
Pickpick

With a recurring theme of what we know (or think we know), this incredibly well crafted book asks the reader to put themselves in Elena‘s unenviable place of infirmity. It results in a slow, painful read but also gripping in how it challenges fixed ideas about disability and abortion and deals with universal, complex issues: i.e., obstacles to a woman‘s right to control her own body, myths and realities of motherhood, challenges of an ill body.

blurb
Liz_M
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

Weekly Report

I've finished The Silence and the Roar and read Elena Knows. The Rainbow and Clarissa continue and I also started A World of Love.

BarbaraBB Hope you‘ll enjoy Elena! 9mo
Liz_M @BarbaraBB I did enjoy it! 😊 9mo
24 likes2 comments
review
rachaich
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

Goodness, that was a different book.
I read it in three chunks, purely as I had time today. Its resonated a fair bit as I supported people with neurological conditions during the pandemic.
I'd say it's a good depiction of the illness, and makes it uncomfortable to read, as it should be.

TrishB Very uncomfortable, but riveting. 9mo
21 likes1 comment
blurb
rachaich
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

The boyfriend bought me this for my birthday.
It's a slim book, translated. There are rather mixed reviews so I'm in two minds already!

Cathythoughts I loved it 💔 9mo
Tamra I loved it too! 9mo
Anna40 Happy belated birthday 🎂 9mo
See All 8 Comments
BarbaraBB Mixed reviews? Don‘t believe them 😉 the book is great! 9mo
BookwormM I loved it 9mo
jlhammar One of my favorites from last year. Hope you enjoy! 9mo
rachaich It's quite different but yes, halfway through and very good :) 9mo
rachaich @Anna40 thank you:) 9mo
19 likes8 comments
review
RaeLovesToRead
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

#TBRtarot - yellow cover
#pop23 - takes place in a single day

This book was painful to read, because it paints such a vivid picture of what it is like to live with advanced Parkinsons' disease. Through the characters Elena, Rita and Isobel, this book confronts topics of religion, reproductive rights, illness and disability, bodily autonomy, and motherhood.

A short, compelling, difficult read that got somewhat under my skin.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ruthiella Great review! And a twofer for prompts! 👍 10mo
CBee 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 10mo
See All 12 Comments
Cortg This one sounds really good. My mom has Parkinson‘s, so I‘m wondering, do I really want to know?! 😬 10mo
RaeLovesToRead @Ruthiella @CBee I picked it as a yellow book read without realising it also fitted pop23! Woo! 😊😁 10mo
RaeLovesToRead @Cortg If you do read it, just remember, not everyone who has Parkinsons will be affected in the same way. The MC in this book has very severe, advanced disease. Most people won't suffer to this extent. The portrayal is very scary and difficult to read, but overall the book was really effective. 10mo
CBee @Cortg I‘m sorry about your mom. My mom had it too, as well as dementia. I decided not to read this right now (maybe eventually). Sending ♥️ 10mo
CBee @RaeLovesToRead that‘s great! 10mo
Cortg @CBee I can see why you wouldn‘t want to read this right now. I‘m sorry you lost her and under those painful circumstances. We‘re at the early stages but we see it more and more with each visit. 💔 10mo
jlhammar Great review! So much packed into such a slim novel. I agree, it is one that really gets under your skin. 10mo
CBee @Cortg it‘ll be 3 years in May but seriously feels like yesterday sometimes. I understand how hard it is to watch 😔 Thanks for your kind words ♥️ 10mo
Cortg @RaeLovesToRead Thank you. I do like to have insight when I can and then take things day by day. It‘ll help going into a book knowing it will be difficult. 10mo
75 likes2 stack adds12 comments
review
squirrelbrain
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

What a fascinating if not very pleasant read. The description of Elena‘s illness were so well done and although both Elena and Rita were unlikeable characters, you really felt for them both - heartbreaking, really.

And then the wonder of why Elena was so desperate to make the difficult trip across town to find Isabel, changing the narrative entirely towards the end.

I‘m going for all of the prompts on this one ⬇️

See All 15 Comments
TrishB Well played 👍🏻 10mo
TrishB And yes, not an easy or pleasant read. 10mo
Librarybelle Look at all of those challenge prompts completed! Yay! 10mo
Cortg You are crushing the challenges this year! Go YOU! 🙌🏼 10mo
Cinfhen Well done 👍🏽🥰 10mo
LaraReads Very nice with the prompts! And great review! 10mo
rmaclean4 You are right, not an easy read but so well done. I am so glad I read this. Almost made my top of 2022. 10mo
Tamra The end was a revelation! So well tied into the theme of women‘s autonomy (lack thereof). 10mo
Ruthiella I love how you hit so many prompts! I might just have to borrow one. I admire writers who write unlikable characters in a compelling way. 10mo
BookwormM Loved this book so well done 10mo
Megabooks Quad play!! Awesome!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 10mo
92 likes2 stack adds15 comments
review
TrishB
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

I don‘t think there‘s much I can say about this book that hasn‘t already been said here. It‘s sort of wrung me out. These 3 women will be circulating in my brain for a while.
Hard hitting, realistic look at three women‘s lives. Not an easy read and I‘m glad it was only short.
Using for #aboutreproductiverights #booked2023

squirrelbrain Ooh, good prompt choice! 10mo
batsy Great review! I read it awhile back and still think about it often. 10mo
BarbaraBB Good prompt choice indeed. I can‘t think of one for that prompt (edited) 10mo
See All 13 Comments
TrishB @squirrelbrain @BarbaraBB I didn‘t intend to use it- so a good surprise 👍🏻 10mo
TrishB @batsy yes I can see it definitely having that impact! 10mo
Tamra So good! I keep thinking about it periodically. 10mo
TrishB @Tamra yes I think I probably will too. 10mo
Tamra @TrishB it really is about women trying to control or direct their bodies, minds, destinies etc. So powerful! 💙 10mo
Cinfhen Great use of prompt ❤️ 10mo
TrishB @Tamra yes agreed- packed so much into a short novel- and excellent translation. 10mo
LeeRHarry Ooh I have this on my shelves and was struggling to decide what to pick for this prompt - decision made 😊 10mo
TrishB @LeeRHarry fits well 👍🏻 10mo
Cathythoughts It‘s one to remember 💔 10mo
95 likes5 stack adds13 comments
review
lauraisntwilder
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

I've read a lot of good Litsy reviews of this already, so I think I'll just mention how interesting it was reading about the deterioration of Elena's body and realizing that I don't think I liked her as a person. Or Rita either. They both seem unpleasant (especially to Isabel!), but you can't help but feel empathy for them.

BookwormM Fantastic book 10mo
lauraisntwilder @BookwormM Completely agree! 10mo
21 likes2 comments
review
Tamra
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

A lot to think about here and none of it comfortable. Highly recommend!

One striking aspect I noted is Elena refers to her Parkinson‘s in derogatory feminine terms. Weakness of mind & body and lack of control is the condition imposed on women in Elena‘s world.

Suet624 I think of this book often. 10mo
Tamra @Suet624 it‘s going to stay with me for sure! 10mo
Tamra @Cathythoughts I‘m so glad it got on my radar via your review. 😘 10mo
See All 7 Comments
BookwormM One of the best books I read last year 10mo
Tamra @BookwormM I completely understand why 10mo
batsy What @Suet624 said! 10mo
Cathythoughts @Tamra Oh good 😘. It‘s a memorable one. 10mo
68 likes7 comments
blurb
Tamra
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

Only a third into this slim novel and it‘s quite thought provoking. The pace suits the main character!

It‘s been 2 weeks in 1 here. Plus I caught my first cold since before Covid. 😩 Whine & wine.

Ruthiella Hope you get well soon! 🤒❤️ 10mo
Tamra @Ruthiella thank you! I‘m hoping it will be mild. 🤞🏾 10mo
batsy Feel better! That's an excellent book 10mo
See All 6 Comments
squirrelbrain Hope you feel better soon. 10mo
Tamra @batsy 😌thank you - ‘tis the season. 10mo
Gissy I hope you get well soon too! ❤️ 10mo
65 likes6 comments
blurb
Cathythoughts
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

#BookReport
I am happy to report that I read - Elena Knows - 👍🏻♥️
- Magpie Lane - very good !

And I‘ve only a half hour left on the audio of - Dinosaurs - ( which I‘ll wrap up on my morning walk ) really enjoying it too.

Hi Cindy ! ♥️

TrishB Great week! Seen a lot of good reviews for Dinosaurs too. Elena is in my Amazon basket as we speak… 11mo
BarbaraBB Two favorites of mine! I haven‘t read Magpie! 11mo
BarbaraBB @TrishB Just click ‘Order‘ 😉 11mo
See All 15 Comments
Cathythoughts @TrishB Thanks Trish, that‘s a lot of books for me in a week 😁. And I really enjoyed them all 👍🏻♥️ 11mo
Cathythoughts @BarbaraBB Magpie is an easy read… it‘s good ! (edited) 11mo
TrishB @BarbaraBB 😂😂 and say well Barbara said. 11mo
squirrelbrain Want a fab week! 11mo
Cathythoughts @squirrelbrain Thanks Helen X 11mo
Cinfhen Yay❣️glad you enjoyed all your books, Cathy. I read both Dinosaurs and Elena and found them very engaging 😄 11mo
Cathythoughts @Cinfhen Dinosaurs and Elena ! Engaging ! Cindy ! Isn‘t it a great result 👍🏻👍🏻 11mo
LeahBergen A great week! 11mo
BarbaraBB @TrishB Exactly 😂 and while you‘re at it, add Dinosaurs 💃 11mo
Tamra I have ordered Elena Knows from the library based on your review, but I think I‘m going to like it so much I really should just purchase it because I‘m betting I‘ll want to know it‘s on my shelves after I read it. #firstworldproblem 11mo
Cathythoughts @Tamra I‘m looking forward to your thoughts 👍🏻❤️ 11mo
TrishB @BarbaraBB I‘ve gone for Elena for now 😁 11mo
58 likes15 comments
review
Cathythoughts
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

I couldn‘t put this down. The impact this novel had on me shocked me. So brilliantly done. It‘s like she squeezes these three womens lives into a ball and rolls it to us ( towards some ‘overwhelming question‘ , Eliots words came back to me ).
It‘s like she rolls the ball to us and leaves us with a bang, asking .. ‘ so what do you make of all that ? ‘
Which is a question I will be thinking about.
Powerful book.
All the stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

AshleyHoss820 Nice imagery! ☺️🧡 11mo
TrishB Very powerful review! I have it stacked 👍🏻 11mo
Cathythoughts @AshleyHoss820 Thankyou ♥️ 11mo
See All 26 Comments
Cathythoughts @TrishB I‘ll look forward to your thoughts whenever you may get there 👍🏻 11mo
MaureenMc Excellent review! 11mo
batsy Brilliant review, Cathy! This book broke my heart. That Eliot quote is perfect... ❤️ 11mo
Tamra Oh, I need to bump this one up the list! I‘m inspired to read it. 😊 11mo
Cathythoughts @MaureenMc Thanks Maureen X 11mo
Cathythoughts @batsy it‘s a heartbreaker ! Isn‘t the writing and the whole construction of the book brilliant! 11mo
Cathythoughts @Tamra I‘ll be looking forward to your thoughts on it. X 11mo
jlhammar I couldn‘t agree more. Loved this one. Fantastic review! 11mo
Cathythoughts @jlhammar Thanks so much 👍🏻♥️ 11mo
LeahBergen Wonderful review, Cathy! ❤️ 11mo
BarbaraBB So true! Great review 🤍🤍 11mo
erzascarletbookgasm Wow 5 stars! I hope to read this. Great review Cathy! 11mo
Reggie Stacked! Great review, Cathy! 11mo
Cathythoughts @LeahBergen Thanks Leah😘 11mo
Cathythoughts @BarbaraBB Thanks 🤍 11mo
Cathythoughts @erzascarletbookgasm I look forward to your thoughts 👍🏻♥️ 11mo
Cathythoughts @Reggie Thanks Reggie ! 11mo
CarolynM Wonderful review! Stacked for sure! 11mo
Cathythoughts @CarolynM Thanks Carolyn. And I was just considering what to put in a little parcel for you … so you‘ve given me an idea 👍🏻😉 11mo
Lindy Excellent review! Elena Knows is one of my favourite books of 2022. 11mo
TrishB I‘ve come back to read your review as just finished. I think that ball has rolled me over. What a powerful, not necessarily nice, book this is. 10mo
Cathythoughts @TrishB Powerful is the word for this one alright, and it‘s so brilliantly crafted. ❤️💔 10mo
TrishB Yes, definitely in awe of the author, and translator. 10mo
62 likes1 stack add26 comments
review
Mitch
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

Wow - this book is simple in construction and super intense with emotion. It‘s amazing! I felt I was experiencing the world anew through the pained eyes of a mother suffering from advanced Parkinson‘s. It‘s the tiny details of how she sees the world, navigates some independence and manages her body and the illness. Along side that there is a strong thread around abortion and a woman‘s right to choose - echoing the authors political activism.

Mitch This was my first 5 ⭐️ read of 2023! And this is why I love @monalyisha and her book matching magic - because I would never have found this book and picked it up if it wasn‘t for @rockpools and #auldlangspine. So thank you for extending my brain, my horizon and my whole reading experience! 11mo
rockpools Oh fantastic! I‘m so pleased! It‘s quite deceptive this one, isn‘t it? It looks like one thing and actually is quite another. But such a kicker! And I do love Elena. I got Belle Greene and A Line in the World for Christmas, which I‘m enormously excited about! I‘m kind of holding fire a little longer til I start them tho - I don‘t want to waste them while I still only have half a brain cell. 11mo
Mitch @rockpools hope you start to feel better soon xxx 11mo
BookwormM Brilliant book so powerful 11mo
81 likes2 stack adds4 comments
blurb
Mitch
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

Starting this tonight #2 of my #auldlangspine list from @rockpools Excited to discover a new author, a new imprint and I think it‘s also my first Brazilian read. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

HardcoverHearts This one packs quite a punch, for so slim a book. I hope you love it as much as I did! 11mo
MrsV I absolutely adored this book! 11mo
rockpools I hope you like it. You may need a strong cup of something to go with it tho - it‘s not the easiest read😔. 11mo
rockpools Also, maybe double check if it‘s Brazilian? In my head it‘s Argentina, but my South American geography needs work. Or an extended visit, perhaps… 11mo
Mitch @rockpools you‘re right! My first Argentinian book! 11mo
85 likes2 stack adds5 comments
blurb
BarbaraBB
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

#12booksof2022

My April favorite was undoubtedly this one. A unique book about the relationship between a mother and daughter, navigating between dependence, hate and love, but also about aging and Parkinson‘s disease. A very sad and beautiful story.

Cathythoughts Very good. I see I have this one stacked already. 11mo
batsy Excellent choice. Definitely one of my top reads this year! 11mo
rockpools I still think about Elena. 11mo
Andrew65 Sounds an impactful read. 11mo
jlhammar Great choice! This will be on my tops for the year as well. 11mo
66 likes1 stack add5 comments
blurb
Mitch
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

Starting off my #auldlangspine stack ready for January 1! Still have three more books to add to the stack - but a fab reading month is starting to take shape! You‘ve picked me so FAB ones @rockpools

sarahbarnes Elena Knows!! 😍😍 12mo
rockpools Oh, I‘m so pleased! And I‘m beyond happy you‘re going to give Tomb of Sand a go. It‘s joyful. And heartbreaking. And a little bit out-there. I do hope you enjoy them. I think I‘ll try and pick 5 as well - can‘t wait to see what others you choose! 😊 12mo
BarbaraBB Elena Knows is soooo good! 12mo
61 likes3 comments
review
rmaclean4
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

5 🌟 Exquisite writing. A story of mothers and daughters, and how we deal with what life hands us. Highly recommend!

BarbaraBB Such a good book! 13mo
batsy So good. And devastating 💔 13mo
rmaclean4 @batsy a top read for me this year! 13mo
See All 6 Comments
rmaclean4 @BarbaraBB so glad I got around to reading it. It has been on my monthly TBR for ages. 13mo
Tamra Need to get to this one! 13mo
rmaclean4 @Tamra it is worth it! 13mo
22 likes1 stack add6 comments
review
tellmesomething2read
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

a sandwich with mayonnaise. this is not pure story. tied up with advocacy. doesn‘t completely ruin it. bleak faux mystery.

10:30 on a Summer Night
Happening
Swallow

3.5 stars

blurb
squirrelbrain
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

A wonderful gift from Jess! @jhod 😘

I‘ve been wanting to read this book for ages, as so many of my favourite people here on Litsy have read it and loved it. And isn‘t the Charco Press tote bag lovely?!

jhod Happy belated birthday 😘! 1y
jlhammar What a great gift! Fantastic book. I‘m interested in trying more titles from Charco Press. 1y
BarbaraBB Wonderful gift! 1y
Megabooks Enjoy! It was great! 1y
68 likes4 comments
review
Megabooks
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

This was a tough read because, as the primary caretaker of a disabled parent, I‘ve often wondered what would happen if I died. I ached at the loneliness and frustration Elena felt, and I feared for her future.

Elena has Parkinson‘s. Her daughter was found dead in the church belfry of an apparent suicide, but Elena knows that couldn‘t be the case. She heads on a perilous journey across Buenos Aries to the one woman who can help.

BarbaraBB I can se why it touches you especially . I loved this book too. ❤️ 1y
batsy Lovely review. This book definitely hits home if you're caring for an elderly parent ❤️ 1y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB it was great. It‘s interesting that she‘s known for crime fiction in Argentina, too. I‘d be interested to read more by her, especially if they have such compelling characters. (edited) 1y
Megabooks @batsy thanks! It really did. 💜 1y
BarbaraBB @Megabooks Yes, me too! 1y
76 likes5 comments
review
MinnieTimperley
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

Read for Women in Translation month. Wow. So much is achieved in this short novel. Wonderfully crafted and rich in it's messaging and thought provoking observation. I certainly want to read more of Pineiro's work and from Charco Press if this is the caliber of work produced.

blurb
Lindy
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

#alphabetgame #letterE
Two of the 5-star books that I‘ve read in 2022 start with the letter E.
Debbie, thanks for tagging me. 🤗

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 📚🙌🏻📚thanks for playing! 1y
Lindy @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks it‘s a pleasure 😊 1y
batsy Elena Knows ❤️ 1y
BarbaraBB Such a good choice!! 1y
31 likes4 comments
blurb
Megabooks
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

Dammit Amazon. Get your sh!t together! I only ordered two books on Prime Day and there‘s an issue. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick Almost everyone I know that ordered stuff on a Prime Day has delayed deliveries. I don't think they can physically handle the workload. 1y
Megabooks @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick so far this is my only one running behind. I do feel bad for the overtaxed workers at both the warehouses and USPS. I don‘t particularly mind them being slow, but last time this happened the package was lost, and I‘d like to still get the good price. For some reason they offer refunds and not replacements, which I‘d prefer. 1y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick 🤞 that they get to you safely. 1y
See All 11 Comments
sarahbarnes Elena Knows is so good!! 1y
Megabooks @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick it showed up today along with another I thought was coming tomorrow, so I guess they split the difference! 1y
Megabooks @sarahbarnes I couldn‘t pass it up after all the amazing review! 1y
BarbaraBB Two of my most favorite books most recently. Fresh Water was another. 5⭐️ for me, Elena came close! 1y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB yes, all my literary fiction friends have loved both, so I‘m really looking forward to them! 1y
Suet624 I was so excited to see these two books in the same post. (edited) 10mo
Megabooks @Suet624 😂 yes, and both were fantastic!! 10mo
64 likes11 comments
review
Suet624
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

So much of this book sneaks up on you. So short and yet so impactful. You start off introduced to Elena, a mother trying to determine who killed her daughter, even though it was clearly a suicide. You then begin to feel you‘re living in Elena‘s body as she navigates the world with Parkinson‘s. The writing puts you squarely in her body. And then … you learn the rest. A five-star read for me.

Jas16 You made me want to read this one even more. Great review. 1y
Suet624 @Jas16 I don‘t want to oversell it, but after reading some so-so books in a row, this was a meaty and meaningful read. 1y
batsy Lovely review. How this book sneaks up on you! So elegantly constructed yet devastating. 1y
BookwormM Brilliant book 1y
52 likes3 stack adds4 comments
blurb
jlhammar
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

🌿 Harvard (The Idiot by Elif Batuman)
🌿🌿 Tagged. So good and a perfect book club choice. Mine met last night and we had such a great discussion.
🌿🌿🌿 Upgrade by Blake Crouch

#wondrouswednesday
@Eggs

Eggs Thanks for joining in 🤗📚 1y
31 likes1 comment
review
jlhammar
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

Phenomenal. Incredibly poignant. A powerful examination of women‘s autonomy and one of the most effective portraits of living with a debilitating disease (Parkinson‘s in this case) that I‘ve ever read.

I‘ll be discussing this one with my IRL book club this week. Our first meeting since the pandemic! Should be a good one. Lots to unpack.

BookwormM I loved this one so powerful 1y
53 likes2 stack adds1 comment
review
Cinfhen
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

Don‘t let the sparse page count fool you. This is a powerful story expertly written & translated. Elena, a middle age woman suffering from advanced Parkinson‘s Disease is barely able to move without her daily pills. When her only child is found dead in the church belfry, Elena knows it had to be foul play and not suicide like the police ruled. Determined to solve the murder, Elena sets out across the city to visit a woman whom she 👇🏽

Cinfhen believes can help her solve the case. This is not a murder mystery. It‘s a character study about motherhood, ableism, societal expectations, aging, illnesses and caregiving. A lot to ponder in so few pages. 1y
Cinfhen This was wonderful @BarbaraBB thank you so much for sharing it with me💕💕 1y
TalesandTexts What a lovely book. In my stack. Thanks for sharing! 1y
See All 13 Comments
Cinfhen @nishaagni be prepared to have your heart broken 💔 1y
vlwelser I thought this was incredibly well done. And even more so because of the length. 1y
Cinfhen Agreed @vlwelser I love when an author can say so much in so few pages ❣️🙌🏻 1y
BarbaraBB Wonderful review Cindy! 🤍 1y
jlhammar Great review! I just finished this last night and wow! For being only 143 pages it really packs a punch. I'll be thinking about Elena and Rita and Isabel for a long time to come. 1y
batsy Great review. It's a book that will stay with me 💔 Addresses so many relevant issues wrt care work, aging, & the ethics of living, & all in such a concise, elegant way. 1y
Cinfhen Thanks @BarbaraBB @jlhammar @batsy this was such a thought provoking story!! I‘m definitely suggesting it for my IRL bookclub 😍📖 1y
Megabooks Love this review! I stacked it earlier and definitely want to get to it! 1y
BookwormM I loved this one such a powerful read 1y
Cinfhen It really was impressive @BookwormM I think you‘d like it @Megabooks but reading about Elena‘s debilitating illness is very upsetting. I didn‘t realize the extent of Parkinson‘s- how little movement you are left with. 💔 1y
66 likes4 stack adds13 comments
blurb
Cinfhen
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

#SaturdayStats I think I‘ll pick this one up today, it under 150 pages and then I plan on starting #CampLitsy #TrueBiz
What are your reading plans for today??

Cinfhen Another gift from my lovely friend @BarbaraBB 😘🙌🏻💗 1y
BarbaraBB I hope you‘ll enjoy it as much as I did! I‘ll start True Biz too this weekend. 1y
thereadingpal I plan to finish reading Writers on Writing by Chip Scanlan, then keep reading How High We Go In the Dark 1y
See All 9 Comments
TrishB Hopefully finishing this one today but got a lot of adulting to do 1y
AnneCecilie I‘ll start on and maybe finish this since it‘s short 1y
Cinfhen I really enjoyed How High @thereadingpal I hope you will as well. Ugh to adulting @TrishB I‘m not familiar with your book @AnneCecilie what‘s it about??? 1y
Cinfhen I‘m loving Elena @BarbaraBB she‘s a great writer and im definitely getting a feel for the place, which is credit to a good translator. I hope you‘re alright during this difficult time. Thinking of you and the family - sending love ❤️ (edited) 1y
AnneCecilie @Cinfhen I‘m not sure. So far everyday life. Not much is happening, but I think that‘s the point. 1y
Cinfhen I‘ll await your final review @AnneCecilie 💖 1y
60 likes9 comments
blurb
MrsV
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

Books read this month. Favorite is tagged.

blurb
Cinfhen
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

Look at this wonderful #BookMail 😍Thank you so much for all the goodies and the surprise book @BarbaraBB ❣️❣️❣️Excited to read BOTH books. I really appreciate your friendship & generosity xx

Cinfhen And I love the floral bookplates 😍😍😍 2y
TrishB Very cool ❤️ 2y
Cinfhen It‘s been a good week for me @TrishB 💞💞feeling spoilt 😁 2y
See All 7 Comments
BarbaraBB I am relieved they reached you at last. When I sent them you had just started Sea of Tranquility and was so enthusiastic that I thought I‘d buy you a book from her backlist! And I@hope you‘ll love Elena Knows. Thanks for all xxxx 2y
Cinfhen It was so worth the wait @BarbaraBB I‘m excited to read ESJM debut 2y
Megabooks Lovely gift!! 2y
Cinfhen It really is @Megabooks I love our sisterhood xx 2y
57 likes7 comments
review
Brimful
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

A brilliant and compassionate book about women‘s bodies,women‘s complicity in the ceding of control over those bodies, but also about how we do lose control through ageing and disease. Bodies prevail. I loved how the novel plays with knowledge and perspective through a very simple well told story. And Elena is a remarkable character. I loved it!

18 likes1 stack add
blurb
jlhammar
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

Friday #bookmail! I have high hopes for this one. I‘ve seen so many great reviews of this lately and it sounds fantastic.

sarahbarnes I loved it! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. 2y
48 likes1 comment
review
vlwelser
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

This is a mystery of sorts. It's about Elena and her daughter who died in an apparent suicide. The book is actually more about what Elena doesn't know. This is on the International Booker shortlist.

My first experience with Hoopla. Didn't hate it. Definitely a worthy backup plan.

review
Lesliereadsalot
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

A short book about a mother‘s quest to figure out who murdered her daughter, when the police have determined it to be a suicide. The mom has Parkinson‘s and struggles to even get through her day. Really interesting ending.

charl08 Wasn't it though? Listened to the translator speak about this book - fascinating. 2y
10 likes1 comment
review
sarahbarnes
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

This book broke my heart. 💔 Elena is such an incredible character, and the painstaking account of her physical and emotional journey over the course of a day is why I read books. Based on the books I‘ve read on the Booker shortlist, I‘d love for this one to win.

Megabooks I had apparently already stacked this. I‘m always up for a good character driven novel! 2y
vivastory I'm expecting to receive this one in the mail tomorrow 🙌 2y
vivastory @Megabooks Just a heads up, this is on backorder everywhere but I was able to order it on B&N 2y
See All 8 Comments
Megabooks @vivastory thanks for the heads up! 👍🏻 2y
batsy It's so good ❤️ It's devastating but I love how it doesn't pull any punches. 2y
sarahbarnes @Megabooks @vivastory Looking forward to hearing what you think of it! 2y
sarahbarnes @batsy so good! ❤️ 2y
BookwormM Me too I love this one 2y
35 likes1 stack add8 comments
review
BookwormM
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

#BookerInternationalShortlist2022 Book 3

Wow this book is devastating I love everything about it my favourite from the list so far.

Full review here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4679348071

BarbaraBB Mine too! 2y
sarahbarnes I‘m reading this now and feel the same way! So far I definitely want it to win! 2y
45 likes2 comments
review
rockpools
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

Still catching up with reviews from #InternationalBookerPrize2022. This is the one I came away from with a firm commitment to read everything else the author has in English!

Elena knows that her daughter would never have gone to the church in the rain, would never have taken her own life in that way. So Elena travels acoss Buenos Aires to investigate. Beautiful writing & translation. And yes, I cried.

Full review: https://rb.gy/fkd4xr

TrishB Stacked 👍🏻 great review. 2y
rockpools @TrishB Thanks Trish! It‘s a teensy tiny little novel, but I do think you‘d like it. 2y
TrishB I think this is on my next pay day list- it keeps popping up for me so I guess it‘s a sign! 2y
See All 8 Comments
Cathythoughts Lovely review! I see I have it stacked already 👍🏻♥️ 2y
BookwormM My hold is at the library just need to collect it one downside to bank holidays 🤣🤣 2y
squirrelbrain I have it stacked already too, I think from @BarbaraBB ‘s review, but your review makes me want to read it even more. 2y
squirrelbrain Just found it on Scribd - yay! 2y
BarbaraBB Yes @squirrelbrain I loved it too. Great review. So sad 💔 2y
53 likes2 stack adds8 comments
review
AnneCecilie
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

Elena‘s daughter and caregiver has been found dead in the belfry. The police has ruled it a suicide, but Elena doesn‘t believe them. She decides to visit an old friend, someone she hasn‘t seen in 20 yrs, Isabel.

We follow Elena on her trip across town to visit Isabel, and how Elena has to plan her trip according to her medication. She has Parkinson. It made an impression to read how Elena can‘t move and se beyond a certain point.

AnneCecilie Another thing that made an impression on me was Isabel‘s story both in the past and the present. Maybe there‘s more than one memory and truth to an action? 2y
vivastory I just bought this one & Cursed Bunny. 2y
AnneCecilie @vivastory You have something to look forward to. Interested in reading your thoughts on Cursed Bunny. I haven‘t read that one yet. 2y
See All 6 Comments
EvieBee This sounds fab! 2y
BarbaraBB Great review 2y
batsy I liked the layers that came with Isabel's story, too. And I was impressed that a lot of depth was packed into a slim book. 2y
63 likes6 comments
review
batsy
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

I felt like this book reached into my chest & clutched at my heart. I sat sobbing after I was done. The other Litsy reviews have elegantly summed up what it's about. The force of this book speaks personally to me & I'm sure it will to many others. It's cleverly constructed; the novel is organised according to how Elena's ailing body responds to her meds, & in doing so, reconstructs time. Bodies, carework, mothering as a choice/duty. Unforgettable.

Simona Yes, yes and yes❣️It is incredible touching story. 2y
sarahbarnes Great review! I can‘t wait to get to this one. 2y
See All 18 Comments
batsy @Simona So unsparing and yet so moving ❤️ 2y
batsy @sarahbarnes Thank you! I hope you find it to be a good read. 2y
Cathythoughts How can I not stack after this review ❤️💔 2y
erzascarletbookgasm Stacking! 2y
batsy @Cathythoughts @erzascarletbookgasm I think you'll both appreciate this one! (Or maybe I'm just trying to get everyone to read it 🙂) 2y
BarbaraBB I know what you mean. Such a hard and loving read. It touched my heart too. 2y
Megabooks Stacked!! Fantastic review!! 2y
batsy @BarbaraBB Elena is unforgettable 💔 2y
batsy @Megabooks Thank you! 2y
BarbaraBB Rita too, in her way! 2y
batsy @BarbaraBB Oh yes! That landed hard. 2y
Amiable Excellent review! I‘m intrigued. 2y
batsy @Amiable Thank you! I love discovering books that surprise me. 2y
Centique This sounds amazing! 🙌🙌 2y
batsy @Centique It is; I think you'll appreciate it 💜 2y
99 likes10 stack adds18 comments
review
BarbaraBB
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

Elena has Parkinson's, her daily activities depend on the times when she takes her medicine, and is able to move for a few hours. Elena needs those hours to find out who killed her daughter.
Moving between past and present, Piñeiro not only paints a beautiful portrait of the relationship between mother and daughter, navigating between dependence, hate & love, but also of aging and disease. A sad and beautiful story.
#internationalBookerPrize2022

batsy Lovely review! I just started it today and it's already 💔 2y
Cinfhen Sounds really heartbreaking 💔 gorgeous photo 2y
See All 20 Comments
rockpools I kind of want to read this again already. 2y
BarbaraBB @batsy It is from page 1 indeed. And it keeps that way. But so good! 2y
BarbaraBB @rockpools I can totally see why! 2y
BarbaraBB @Cinfhen It is very good. Shall I send you my copy? 2y
vivastory Terrific review! Looking forward to reading it 2y
BarbaraBB @vivastory It‘s heartbreaking. I hope you‘ll get to it. 2y
squirrelbrain Sounds wonderful - stacked. 2y
sarahbarnes Can‘t wait to get to this one - it‘s on my library pile. Great review. 2y
Cinfhen I‘d love that, Barbara but no need to rush it. Thanks for the offer xx 2y
BarbaraBB @squirrelbrain @sarahbarnes You‘ll both love it too when you get to it. No doubt about it! 🤍 2y
BarbaraBB @Cinfhen I‘m happy to send it! 2y
Cinfhen You‘re the best, thank you!! 2y
Simona I found the structure of this story incredible smart and effective. 2y
Librarybelle Stacking! 2y
Cortg And I just put a library hold on it! 2y
LeeRHarry Have this one on my radar- glad you enjoyed it 😊 2y
Suet624 I was hoping my various libraries would get this book but it doesn‘t look like they will. I‘m gonna have to read this once it‘s available in less expensive options. 💕 sounds quite good. 2y
82 likes6 stack adds20 comments
review
Lindy
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image
Pickpick

Set over the course of one day, a woman severely disabled by Parkinson‘s disease travels across Buenos Aires in order to solve the mystery of her daughter‘s death. Elena is an unforgettable character and this novel is also deeply feminist. Loved it.

sarahbarnes Just got this one from the library - great review. Looking forward to reading it. 2y
Simona Indeed, she is unforgettable character. I loved it too. 2y
Lindy @Simona 👯 2y
39 likes4 comments
quote
Lindy
Elena Knows | Claudia Pieiro
post image

“What‘s wrong Elena, why are you crying?”
“They treated me kindly son,” she said, and couldn‘t say anything more.

Cathythoughts kindness can be heartbreaking 💔 2y
Lindy @Cathythoughts Indeed. I could identify with the character in this passage. 2y
26 likes1 stack add2 comments