RESENHA: O dia do Curinga, de Jostein Gaarder | por Ana Lis Soares

Summary

In this video, Ana Soares reviews *O Dia do Coringa* by Jostein Gaarder, a Norwegian author known for *Sophie's World*. She shares her long-awaited experience with this book, which combines a fantastical journey with philosophical and mythological themes. The story follows Hans Thomas and his father as they travel across Europe to find Hans' mother, intertwining their adventure with lessons about destiny, choices, and self-discovery. Ana discusses how the book blends humor with deeper reflections on life, while also touching on more serious themes like alcoholism and the complexity of familial relationships.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker introduces the book *O Dia do Coringa* by Jostein Gaarder, a Norwegian author, highlighting its youthful appeal and philosophical themes.
• 😀 The speaker shares their personal connection with the author’s previous book, *The World of Sofia*, which left a lasting impression due to its blend of philosophy and engaging storytelling.
• 😀 The book was purchased by the speaker in 2015 but was only read years later, a reflection on how certain books align with different life stages.
• 😀 The story follows Hans Thomas and his father on a road trip across Europe to find his mother, who left them years earlier to discover herself in Greece.
• 😀 A mysterious dwarf gives Hans Thomas a magnifying glass and suggests they visit a village, setting off a series of curious events and encounters.
• 😀 The father’s alcoholism is a key subplot, showing how Hans attempts to help him quit drinking while navigating their travels.
• 😀 Hans finds a tiny book with stories inside a bakery, which he reads with the magnifying glass, leading to the unfolding of two parallel narratives.
• 😀 One narrative follows Hans’s journey, while the other explores fantastical tales within the book, told by a mysterious baker, intertwining with Hans’s own experiences.
• 😀 The story blends elements of fantasy with deep philosophical and psychological questions, including themes like destiny, free will, and the consequences of choices.
• 😀 The book presents the Joker as a significant figure representing those who question authority and accepted truths, which adds a layer of introspective humor to the story.
• 😀 Despite the adventure and philosophical depth, the speaker notes a lack of the mother's voice in the story, suggesting that her character could have been more fully explored.
• 😀 The book is recommended for young readers and families, particularly for those interested in philosophy and mythology, and it could make for an engaging family read.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Ana Soares' video?

The main focus of Ana Soares' video is a discussion about the book 'The Day of the Joker' ('O Dia do Coringa') by Norwegian author Jostein Gaarder. She talks about her personal experience with the book and its themes, providing insights into its plot and philosophical elements.

How did Ana first encounter the works of Jostein Gaarder?

Ana first encountered the works of Jostein Gaarder during her teenage years when she read his more famous book, 'Sophie's World' ('O Mundo de Sofia'). This book had a significant impact on her, which led her to seek out more of his works, including 'The Day of the Joker'.

Why did Ana wait almost 10 years before reading 'The Day of the Joker'?

Ana mentions that she had 'The Day of the Joker' in her library for almost 10 years before reading it. She describes how sometimes books sit on a shelf until the right time comes in life for the reader to connect with them, which in her case happened when she was looking for a more light and enjoyable read.

What is the main theme of 'The Day of the Joker'?

The main theme of 'The Day of the Joker' revolves around the journey of Hans Thomas and his father as they travel through Europe in search of Hans' mother. The book touches on philosophical themes such as destiny, choices, and the impact of one's actions, all framed within a story filled with adventure and fantasy.

How does the book blend philosophy and fantasy?

The book intertwines philosophical concepts with elements of fantasy by using a parallel story within a small book Hans Thomas finds during his journey. The fantasy elements, such as talking playing cards and magical characters, are used to present philosophical questions and life lessons in a more engaging and accessible way.

What role does the 'Joker' play in the book?

In the book, the 'Joker' represents the character who questions authority, challenges accepted truths, and encourages deeper reflection about life. This character is crucial in inspiring both the protagonists and the readers to think critically and question the world around them.

What personal challenges does Hans' father face?

Hans' father struggles with alcoholism, which is a significant subplot in the story. Hans tries to find ways to help his father overcome this addiction, which adds an emotional depth to the narrative as they journey together.

What kind of relationship do Hans and his father have?

Hans and his father have a complex relationship. While they share a close bond, the father's alcoholism creates tension and presents challenges. Hans is deeply concerned about his father's well-being and tries to come up with strategies to help him, showcasing the father's vulnerability and Hans' maturity.

What kind of philosophical and mythological elements are present in the story?

The story incorporates philosophical and mythological elements subtly throughout the narrative. For instance, the book references the concept of fate, the consequences of choices, and introduces characters from mythology. The protagonist, Hans Thomas, is drawn into these philosophical reflections through his journey and the fantasy story within the book he reads.

What did Ana feel was missing from the character of the mother?

Ana felt that the character of the mother in the story was underdeveloped. Although she plays a significant role in the plot, Ana found her voice and perspective missing, and would have liked more explanation from the mother's side of the story regarding her decision to leave and her experiences in Greece.