Two great, magical scenes in chapter two. Grandfather brings Natalia out at night to watch an elephant being coaxed across town in the dark. Grandfather describes to Natalia a strange encounter with a man who could not die. Village hit by TB. The man is drowned by villagers, but sits up in coffin and asks for water. He's then shot in the head twice. Grandfather (a doctor) arrives. Man is in coffin (again) and sits up again. Tells GF all about his inability to die. Challenges GF skepticism. GF, in melancholy, dark place, agrees to a test. Man puts stones around his feet and walks into lake. GF has a rope. The man is to tug when he needs help. No tug. GF distraught. A man is not a porpoise. After an hour, the man emerges on the opposite side of the lake and walks into the woods.
Right out of Murakami, and every bit as good
Right out of Murakami, and every bit as good
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