A review by robertrivasplata
Too Loud a Solitude by Bohumil Hrabal

challenging emotional funny sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Love letter to old books, old Prague, & that old time drinking on the job. Explains the joys & risks of extreme tsundoku, with occasional views from insect & rodent perspectives. References various works of art, philosophy, & religion. Follows a guy who works as a paper recycler for the purpose of scavenging from the books people throw away. Introduces the idea of books that are published solely to be sent straight to the pulping plant, which is a plant whose sole purpose is to recycle newly printed books that no one has read. Contrasts the old-style workingman who is drinking pitchers of beer to get through the workday with the socialist youth who get through their days by thinking about their vacation time, & who drink milk & eat actual solid food on their lunch breaks. Work-life balance, retirement, & nostalgia also figure heavily. Thank you Tom for recommending this!