10 Aug Book Review of Borges and Me
My Journey with Borges and Me: A Literary Road Trip
When I first stumbled upon Borges and Me by Jay Parini, the premise captured my imagination instantly: a 22-year-old student embarking on a road trip with the legendary blind writer Jorge Luis Borges through the picturesque Scottish Highlands. This seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—both a literal voyage across breathtaking landscapes and a deep, metaphorical exploration of literature and life. As someone who loves both road trips and literary discussions, I simply had to dive into this memoir.
Parini’s narrative is a delightful blend of humor and poignancy, illustrating not just a remarkable relationship between mentor and mentee but also the contrasts of youth and experience. Jay, with his youthful insecurities and aspirations of becoming a poet, constantly finds himself in awe of Borges, who, despite his blindness, sees the world through a lens of erudition and wisdom. The duo’s dynamic is both playful and enlightening, and it’s this interplay that makes the book resonate so deeply.
The story unfolds in 1971, as Borges and Jay cruise around in a clapped-out Morris Minor, a vehicle that very much symbolizes their journey: a mix of charm, fragility, and unpredictability. During their travels, Borges expresses a desire to be immersed in the sights he can no longer see. “Description is revelation,” he tells Jay, a notion that serves as a beautiful parallel to the act of writing itself—and a reminder to readers that storytelling reveals deeper truths. The vivid, evocative language Parini employs captures the sensory experiences of their surroundings while also framing Borges’ philosophical musings.
One of the standout moments in the book is Borges’ quizzical nature mixed with mischievous spirit, as portrayed through humorous anecdotes. For instance, he whimsically recounts his love for “foot music” while walking on gravel, a reflection of how he interprets the world with a poet’s heart. It’s fascinating how Parini encourages us to see the world through Borges’ eyes, emphasizing not just the physical landscapes but also the literary and historical echoes surrounding them.
I couldn’t help but smile as I read something Borges shares: “Writers are always pirates… they invent their precursors.” Parini weaves this idea throughout the memoir, hinting at how our influences shape who we are as creators. This book is a well-crafted palimpsest of memory and nostalgia—each layer bringing us closer to understanding not just Borges the man, but Jay the young poet finding his voice in a turbulent time.
Borges and Me is an in-depth exploration that speaks to both Borges aficionados and those unfamiliar with his work. It’s a reminder that literature is as much about discovery as it is about the journeys we undertake—both external and internal. I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt out of place yet eager to learn, or to those who appreciate the intertwining of literary legacy and personal growth.
In the end, spending a week with Jay and Borges felt like an invitation into a world where literature and life collide, where we find ourselves in the playful yet profound exchange of thoughts and ideas. Parini’s memoir is not just an ode to Borges; it’s an exploration of friendship, curiosity, and the quest for understanding in a world rich with stories waiting to be told.
