Week 7: The Time of the Doves by Mercè Rodoreda

Hey everyone, whilst reading the novel and even after, it gave me a bitter, heartbroken feeling for Natalia. The novel follows Natalia from her as a working-class girl to her struggles as a wife and mother in a war-torn society. Through Natalia’s eyes, we witness the profound impact of war as she struggles with poverty, violence, and the constant fear of losing her loved ones.

The narrative shows Natalia’s relationships with two men. Her first husband was Quimet, and her second husband was Antoni. Quimet embodies the oppressive forces of patriarchy. Natalia’s marriage to Quimet becomes strained as they struggle to make ends meet and endure the hardships of war. Quimet’s behaviour becomes increasingly erratic and abusive, adding to Natalia’s suffering. His violent behaviour toward Natalia, like slapping her or chasing her down hallways, shows the dark side of their marriage. Rodoreda is able to capture the minimalization of traumatic events through Natalia’s perspective. Even in these moments of physical abuse, her reactions are sort of downplayed, almost as if the violence inflicted upon her has become normalized. While I’ve never experienced abuse before, I felt so much for her as I’ve heard many stories regarding this sort of situation and how difficult it is to get out of an abusive relationship.

I felt some sort of relief after knowing she managed to find and develop an emotional connection with Antoni, a man who can provide comfort and a sense of security for her during such hardships. Unlike Quimet, Antoni treats Natalia with kindness and respect, valuing her as a person rather than a possession or subordinate. Although Antoni wasn’t perfect, as his morality could be questioned due to his involvement with a married woman, it was clear that his love for Natalia was genuine and unconditional, providing her with the validation and respect she had long been deprived of. I feel like Natalia’s relationship with Antoni represented a source of hope amid despair. He represents a possibility for a better life outside the borders of her troubled marriage, offering her a glimpse of happiness and fulfilment. Their relationship highlights the transformative power of love and companionship, giving Natalia the strength and courage to envision a brighter future for herself.

Overall, this novel portrays Natalia as a powerful individual who can endure immense hardship and suffering throughout the novel as she persists through overwhelming odds. It also highlights the significance of human connection and solidarity during hardship. Throughout the novel, Natalia finds support in her relationships with others, including her friends, family members, and romantic partners. These connections provide her with emotional sustenance and companionship, offering a source of hope and resilience amidst the chaos and despair of war. However, Rodoreda isn’t afraid to explore the complexities of love and relationships. Natalia’s tumultuous marriage with Quimet and her subsequent relationship with Antoni illustrate the profound impact that love and companionship can have on a person’s life, for better or worse.

My question for this week is: Do you think characters like Quimet or Antoni can redeem themselves for past wrongs? Were you able to resonate with the novel at all?