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This week I chose to read the time of the doves. When I first began to read this novel, it was definitely a bit more difficult for me to engage myself. I found it more challenging and less of a page turner in comparison to Agostino or Bonjour Tristesse. Thankfully it was ‘reading’ week, because it ended up taking me the whole week on/off with splitting up the text. But overall, I found the storyline to be a bit more depressing for sure, which could partially explain why it took me longer than normal. 

What stood out the most to me was the relationship between the characters Quimet and Natalia. It was definitely frustrating to read their relationship and to see the type of power he held over her. From the start, he was following his own agenda and would not be considerate for the time she spent waiting for him, his schedule and orders,. Not only that, but he was disrespectful towards his mother which in turn makes sense in regards to his aggressive nature towards Natalia as well if he was somehow able to get away with it towards her. This is an unfortunate dynamic in relationships when one individual is overly apologetic and forgiving, while the partner remains strictly focused on themselves. Moreover, when someone in Natalia’s life comes along who is genuinely more positive for her, she is so emotionally wrapped up with Quimet that she chooses to stay. I think this really stood out to me because I think that Quimet is an excellent example of many types of men in this world that are often in relationships with women similar to Natalia. (but definitely a bit more extreme). This unhealthy and abusive dynamic between the two keeps one another attached, but thankfully not forever. Additionally, I find it very unfortunate that Natalia is unable to find the strength within herself to leave a man this toxic for her. This is something that now that I have gotten older, I have watched others around me experience and it is simply awful, with either Quimet or Natalia’s role in it. 

Overall, it was not my favourite read in comparison to the previous two novels, but I am excited to discuss and listen further in class. My question for this novel is whether Natalia should've taken it upon herself to remove herself sooner from her relationship with Quimet? 

This week I chose to read the time of the doves. When I first began to read this novel, it was definitely a bit more difficult for me to engage myself. I found it more challenging and less of a page turner in comparison to Agostino or Bonjour Tristesse. Thankfully it was ‘reading’ week, because it ended up taking me the whole week on/off with splitting up the text. But overall, I found the storyline to be a bit more depressing for sure, which could partially explain why it took me longer than normal. 

What stood out the most to me was the relationship between the characters Quimet and Natalia. It was definitely frustrating to read their relationship and to see the type of power he held over her. From the start, he was following his own agenda and would not be considerate for the time she spent waiting for him, his schedule and orders,. Not only that, but he was disrespectful towards his mother which in turn makes sense in regards to his aggressive nature towards Natalia as well if he was somehow able to get away with it towards her. This is an unfortunate dynamic in relationships when one individual is overly apologetic and forgiving, while the partner remains strictly focused on themselves. Moreover, when someone in Natalia’s life comes along who is genuinely more positive for her, she is so emotionally wrapped up with Quimet that she chooses to stay. I think this really stood out to me because I think that Quimet is an excellent example of many types of men in this world that are often in relationships with women similar to Natalia. (but definitely a bit more extreme). This unhealthy and abusive dynamic between the two keeps one another attached, but thankfully not forever. Additionally, I find it very unfortunate that Natalia is unable to find the strength within herself to leave a man this toxic for her. This is something that now that I have gotten older, I have watched others around me experience and it is simply awful, with either Quimet or Natalia’s role in it. 

Overall, it was not my favourite read in comparison to the previous two novels, but I am excited to discuss and listen further in class. My question for this novel is whether Natalia should've taken it upon herself to remove herself sooner from her relationship with Quimet?