Benny and Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti, an international bestseller, hits the US market today (Penguin Books). I was fortunate to receive an advance copy from Caitlin Price @ FSB Associates. Thanks Caitlin
Benny & Shrimp is the story of two thirty-something misfits. Benny is a Swedish cow milk farmer who has never married. Desiree, A.K.A. Shrimp is a thirty-something, plain Jane librarian who dresses in beige and lives an organized life in her sterile apartment. She is a widow of two years.
Benny and Shrimp meet in the cemetery where they go each day to visit their dearly departed --Benny his parents, and Shrimp, her late husband, Orjan. When they first notice each other, their private thoughts about each other are less than flattering.
(Benny)...(p. 6-7)..."And then she's there. Faded, like some old color photo that's been on display for years. Dried-out blond hair, a pale face, white eyebrows and lashes, wishy-washy pastel clothes, always something vaguely blue or beige".
(Benny)...(p.35)..."Suppose I've spent too long with just cows for company.....At the cemetery gates I ran into the beige woman. I thought she'd be looking at me warily, afraid smarmy Benny might fire off his lunatic smile at her again, so I knitted my brow and gave her a curt nod as I passed her".
(Shrimp)...(p.9)..." It was a clear, cold autumn day and I took my usual walk to the grave on my lunch break. The Forest Owner was sitting there on the bench; he glowered at me, as if I were trespassing in his own private cemetery. His paws were all soily; he'd probably just got the day's gardening stint out of the way. Wonder why he's only got three fingers".
A quirky, but down-to-earth story that will make you smile and laugh, and perhaps even renew your belief in the fact that, if your eyes and heart are open, there is someone out there for most everyone.
A satisfying read with a ending that left me wondering if a sequel, might not be in the works. Give Benny & Shrimp a try. I think you will be pleased you did.
RATING - 4/5; COMPLETED 7/27/09; Review Book
It sounds very good. Is it on a blog tour at the moment, as I keep seeing it around. It reminds me of the film 'Frankie and Johnie' a bit from the description.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds like it has a wonderful message. Thanks for a thoughtful review.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your review. It sounds like a book I may enjoy, I'll keep my eye out for it.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an unusual little book, and I think it would be a great read. I am going to put this one on my wish list and try and grab myself a copy. Thanks for the heads up on this one!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't certain I'd like this book, but after reading your review, I think it's worth checking out.
ReplyDelete--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric