J's Musings

We are so used to some things being in our lives, we somehow rule out the possibility of them ending. Be it your school, house, device or even people; the possibility that there will be a day without them almost never occurs. Today, I am here to introduce you to someone on a similar journey. Someone, who must learn what it means to let go and grow your world.

‘Door to Door Bookstore’ is the story of Carl Kollhoff and how his rounds around the city are his whole world. Until one day, his world falls apart.

Carl has never felt the need to leave his little town; everything and everyone he needs is inside these walls. Even today, like the old times, he does his daily rounds; alone, with trusty shoes and a bag that is supposed to hold many more books than it currently does. Years have gone by, in the same way. His boss changed from the father to the daughter and from someone who appreciated him, to someone who despised him. One after the other, one change leads to other; and before he knows it. A little girl is joining him on his daily rounds, being unapologetically bold. She might be one of the many changes Carl does not truly mind. Although there is something that has decidedly stayed the same. His customers, and his love of books.

When his new boss fires him, the old man must with his friends figure out how he is to get over this grief. The ‘friends’ in question are:

Christian Von Hohenesch [Mr. Darcy] – A well-educated gentleman. Maybe a bit more, if he tries, Mr. Darcy is exactly like the character he has been named after. Closed off and seemingly shrewd, but just a bit sad and empty on the inside. You could say he wanted love, but not romantic. More warm and soft, like a friend’s; yes, he wanted a friend.

Andrea Cremmen [Effie Briest] – The living proof of the fact that one is most of the times trapped in their own cage, and thoughts; rather than the limitations of society. Her journey was my personal favourite, for she discovered what breaking free meant. Then be it breaking free from an abusive relation or the habit of pretending to be fine.

Dorothy Hillesheim [Mrs. Longstocking] – Much like the little girl she is named after, Dorothy is fun, odd and unafraid of society and its norms. Do tell me, honestly please, if you ever remember a person being all that they seem like. Just like that, Longstocking is also scared; of stepping out of her house and facing the real world. The world that took her husband away and constantly looks down on her ways.

Real Name Unknown [The Reader] – Strict, quiet, afraid of the world and always in his own cocoon. His voice is his reputation and he is determined to protect it. Under all that MAN, there is a dreamer, a writer. A thing of melancholy and love.

Sister Maria Hildegard [Sister Amaryllis] – A nun of choice, a woman of power. She believes in faith more than God; she believes her faith will lead to good. Living in a convent that is supposed to be torn down the moment this one stubborn woman leaves, Amaryllis is more than her faith. She is a woman who made a choice and stuck to it.

Schascha [no nickname] – The little girl who will forever be there for Carl. The free spirited, bold mouthed, gladly weird girl; the unapologetic force of nature, Schascha. She is the only one who is truly unafraid of anything, except maybe losing her father and Carl. Except, maybe losing her oddness. But her journey, is one of teaching more than learning. Something you will learn as you go.

The book made me bawl my eyes out and smile a little too bright. It made me realise that alone is not the only option; everyone finds their people. I tore my heart out of my chest and handed it to this book, hoping it would carry it with caution. And I was NOT disappointed. It had a plotline, but the book was more about characters and their individual journeys. They all intertwine with each other all because of one person; Carl, their door-to-door bookstore. It is a bit slow, but once you get used to it, it gets increasingly addictive, a bit like egg or avocado. The more you eat the more you start liking it. It was a 9/ 10 book, I loved it, don’t get me wrong. Its just that the vibe is not my favourite.

Hope you enjoy your read 😊!

By,

Janhavi B.