My Rating - 4 out of 5 stars
Publisher - CorvusPublishing year - 2019
Language - English
ISBN - 978-1-78649-530-3
Pages - 410
Book Review -
Elizabeth Buchan's The Museum of Broken Promises is a profound exploration of love, loss, and the enduring impact of political oppression. The narrative seamlessly intertwines two timelines: Paris in the present day and Prague in 1985, offering readers a rich tapestry of historical and emotional depth.
In the mid-1980s, following her father's untimely death, young Laure Carlyle relocates from Paris to Prague to serve as an au pair for the Kobes family. The family comprises Petr, a dedicated pharmaceutical company official; his wife, Eva; and their children, Maria and Jan. Initially intended as a summer sojourn, their stay was extended due to Petr's so-called "professional" obligations.
Prague, during this era, is depicted as a city under the shadow of communist rule, where artistic expression is stifled, and unorthodoxy is met with severe repercussions. Laure becomes acquainted with a group of dissident artists and musicians, notably the charismatic Tomas.
Their clandestine performances serve as acts of resistance against the oppressive regime. Amidst this backdrop of political tension, Laure and Tomas's relationship blossoms, leading to unforeseen betrayals and heartaches.
Fast forward to present-day Paris, where Laure is the curator of the Museum—a sanctuary for objects symbolizing unfulfilled vows and shattered dreams. Despite providing solace to others, Laure remains haunted by her past, particularly her unresolved feelings for Tomas. The narrative also touches upon a pivotal period in Berlin in 1996, shedding light on Laure's motivations for establishing the gallery.
Elizabeth Buchan masterfully delves into themes of grief, trust, and the lingering scars of political turmoil. Laure's experiences in Prague—marked by personal loss, and emotional and physical trauma—render her a solitary figure, wary of forming new connections. The introduction of May, a character probing into Laure's history, propels the story forward, unravelling layers of the protagonist's guarded psyche.
I learned a lot through this book, and after reading many works on similar themes, one undeniable truth emerges: war, in any form, is destructive. Whether it’s fascism or communism, both systems stifle freedom and individuality.
This theme struck a chord, reminding me of the precarious state of Indian stand-up comics and content creators, who often live under the shadow of censorship. The fear of content being removed or legal action being taken against them looms large, reflecting a troubling trend. It’s a sobering reminder of Winston Churchill’s words: "Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
While the novel centres on personal narratives, it subtly underscores the broader historical context of Czechoslovakia's struggles under communist rule. For readers unfamiliar with this chapter of European history, the book offers insights into the challenges faced by artists and citizens yearning for freedom. The suppression of artistic expression emerges as a poignant theme, resonating with contemporary issues surrounding freedom of speech and censorship.
Drawing parallels to works like The Book Thief and The Diary of a Young Girl, the author’s novel emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity. The narrative serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of history and the imperative to learn from past injustices to prevent their recurrence.
In conclusion, it is a compelling read that intertwines historical events with personal tales of love and betrayal. Elizabeth Buchan’s evocative storytelling invites readers to reflect on the enduring impact of broken promises, both on an individual and societal level.
The novel is highly recommended for those interested in historical fiction that delves into the complexities of human emotions set against significant political backdrops.
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