It's not me
It's not me is the Spanish translation of an anthology of short stories called Ez naiz ni, written by the Basque journalist and author Karmele Jaio, highly recognized in the literary world thanks to titles such as Father's house (2020). The work was published by the Destino publishing house in 2012, with which it obtained very positive reviews, especially from its more mature readers.
Being an edition of a book written several years ago, Karmele Jaio decided to reconsider some ideas present in the texts to bring them a little closer to the present. Likewise, he added some stories that were not included in the previous version, and that have to do with the days of confinement that occurred between 2020 and 2022.
Synopsis of It's not me
the common thread
It's not me runs through the lives of women who are often rendered inviable for a society that exalts the most hegemonic beauty, understood by perfect bodies, lush youth and certain specific tastes. The ages of the Ladies protagonists of these stories are understood between the 40 and 50 years, which is very important, because it is precisely during this period of a woman's life that certain doubts regarding her physique appear.
Most of the situations to which women of It's not me they are small daily dramas that remain a bit in suspense. This happens either because the author wants to leave some details in the shadows for the benefit of the reader, or because the plot simply turns towards non-resolution, as in many cases in real life. Regardless of the reason, the events emphasized by Karmele Jaio are realistic.
From day to day
Through It's not me, Karmele Jaio highlights -no exaggeration intended- conflicts that any mature woman can identify with, since they are extracted from generational anecdotes. These are small and deep traumas that begin to appear as you get older. In general, the male population could also go through some of them —such as the fear of old age and the changes it brings, for example.
However, the fear of aging suffered by women could lead, if possible, to a little more serious problems on a day-to-day basis. Even so, the author de It's not meOften addresses these issues through irony and humor, since he confesses that it is an interesting resource that allows him to have a greater perspective on the subject.
The passage of time
The passage of time and its consequences is a constant in It's not me. Women between 40 and 50 years appearing on this book begin to wonder what they have done with their livesWhat will they do now, after so much time, when they are no longer so young, when they are the same as actresses who are no longer even offered leading roles because they are considered inadequate.
A particular story that uses the passage of time He also talks about the time of confinement and verbal and physical aggression towards women. Jaio draws, then, a picture that, although it is a bit terrifying, is an inescapable current reality, experiences that, unfortunately, were pigeonholed in the marital bosom before, but not now.
of forgotten women
Do women feel invisible after a certain age? This is a question that Karmele Jaio answers through her stories. The answer is a resounding yes". This fact is seasoned with what society expects of ladies, and with the value that is given to them. And it is not uncommon for it to happen, since women often feel overwhelmed by the changes that occur in their face, body and aesthetics in general. And yes, this situation affects them more than the male gender.
Karmele Jaio it also talks about the idealization of the past, how we are able to fantasize about certain things, and when we finally get them, they are much less perfect than they first seemed. In this case, it is better not to return to past places, people or situations that we remembered as ideal, because perhaps we have changed so much that we will not perceive them in the same way again.
Of the deceptions
jaio He talks about how human beings tend to invent paradises that don't exist. So, when a certain age reaches us, and we begin to wonder what would become of us if we had chosen a different path than the one we traced, we feel a little empty, far from the world we created to go and populate cities of smoke. This dissatisfaction is common in people who reach middle age.
the portrait of laughter
Despite the dramatic tone present in most of the stories —more than stories, anecdotes—, the author never loses sight of humor. In the midst of their respective tribulations, the characters are able to laugh at themselvesof their sorrows and their problems. Likewise, the situations in which they are immersed these women They are a call to reflection for all readers.
About the author, Karmele Jaio
Karmele Jaio
Karmele Jaio was born in 1970, in Vitoria, Spain. Jaio He did a degree in Information Sciences from the University of the Basque Country. Since graduating, he has collaborated in some companies dedicated to communication. During her career, she has been responsible for the Euskalgintza Elkarlanean Foundation, a Basque institution dedicated to women. Likewise, the author herself usually publishes columns in newspapers such as the Álava Newspaper.
Since its inception it has published poetry, novels, stories. On many occasions, his stories have been taken to the performing arts. For example, in 2010, the theater director Ramón Barea staged a play entitled Ultrasounds, homonymous name of one of Karmele Jaio's works. The writer is one of the most beloved in the Basque Country, and her books have been translated into several languages.
Other books by Karmele Jaio
- Hamabost zauri — Chronic Wounds (2004);
- Amaren eskuak — My mother's hands (2006);
- zu bezain ahul (2007);
- Musika air — Music in the air (2010);
- Ez naiz ni (2012);
- orain hilak ditugu (2015)
The topic covered is very interesting. Thank you for giving birth to the invisibility that withers behind the smile.