I just finished reading this book. First of all, I’m quite proud of having been able to read it all without looking at the dictionary!
I picked it up in my library, attracted by the wilderness and remoteness of the Halligen, small islands in the North Sea, near the coasts of Germany and Denmark. The story of the city-dweller who leaves the busy streets for a remote, natural environment invariably fascinates every human heart.
Katja Just’s journey from Munich to Hooge is however not so close to a dream. She had hard times, not only because of the trying living conditions on the island, but, according to my impression, the deeper cause was her approach to those hardships. She does an amazing journey of introspection and acceptance, of herself, of the life on Hooge, that is unique and brave. This makes me think that just following her example and move to Hooge myself would not necessarily be a good decision: my starting point and my mindset are different. Nevertheless, the lessons I wish to learn from her experience are:
- observe, assuming that the information is out there and deserves to be noticed
- learn more about myself through the analysis of my reactions – being honest and open, rather than intolerant to my weaknesses
- be ready to stand for my ideas, firmly and politely
I hope there will be soon an English translation, so that more readers can have access to the book. I’ll update the post accordingly.
Until next time, good reads everyone!
aghisla draws 