Every year, on a July Tuesday, a Daniel Silva book is published. It features Gabriel Allon, the now retired Israeli intelligence officer and a master art restorer. Every year, for the past many years, I set aside a day to read the new book in the series. I did the same this year with “The Collector.” I bought it on Amazon Kindle, took the Tuesday it was published off from work (except for a couple Zoom meetings I could not reschedule), and spent about six hours reading the book.
This is what I had written about Silva and Allon a few years ago (July 2020): “Every year for the past many years, I have been devoting a day to read the latest Daniel Silva thriller featuring Gabriel Allon. There have been 20 books in the series so far – and I have read all of them. The latest one, “The Order“, was published a few days ago — becoming available in India before the US. I spent Sunday with Allon. Even though I do like thrillers, there is no other character I afford this privilege to — of reading the book as soon as it has been published. Allon is a character you cannot but help admire. And at times when I face a challenge, I cannot help but ask myself, “What would Gabriel Allon do?” (He is an assassin, but my point is not that — it is about the way he approaches a problem.) In busy times like now, it becomes difficult at times to create contiguous time to read fiction and transport oneself into the world created by the author. The joy of sitting in one place for many hours reading is a feeling that has become increasingly rare in our busy interrupt-driven lives.”
I had written this in Life System #14 on Reading: “I like thrillers. A good story transports you to a different world – it is the equivalent of dreaming with eyes open…The best thing one can do is to set aside some time in the day to read. Be it the serious books or the fast-paced thrillers, some diversion in the form of being transported to the ideas and stories as envisioned by the authors is a wonderful addition to daily life.” I had added the following in #81 on Fiction Immerson [LINK]: “A good fiction book is about immersion – travelling through space and time into the characters that the author creates…We can envision ourselves in the fictional universe a good author crafts, with detailed descriptions and believable dialogue. This resonance provides an escape from the mundane on a lazy weekend afternoon or a late night after a long workday, offering a portal that connects the author’s writing and our imagination. Immersion in a good fiction book fosters a deeper understanding of the human experience – very different perhaps from our own. The book leaves behind questions, some answers, and many memories that linger long after the final page is turned.”
With Silva’s portrayal of Allon, I resist the urge to skim. I savour every word, delighting in the dialogues peppered with wit. Silva’s writing transcends mere storytelling; it’s an art. Allon isn’t just a character; he’s a masterclass in nuanced character development, brilliantly bridging the realms of art, espionage, and human emotions – against the backdrop of contemporary global challenges involving bad villains. In those hours, cocooned with Silva’s narrative, the world fades, leaving just the words and me. It’s not just reading; it’s a sacred retreat, a digital detox that reiterates the significance of undistracted immersion.
My recommendation: pick an author, and read the newest book not over multiple days, but in a single day. It is what I used to do as a teenager when I used to get books from the local library and finish them as fast as possible. Allow yourself this luxury as an adult and let the world pause for a while.
From reading your blogs, I noted that Dr. Rajesh Jain must have been a persistent reader as a teenager. Such reading is possible through practice especially as a child.
I also noted that he also writes fast and with precision.
This blog confirms my observations.
Reading and writing are important activities for children as they would help when they grow up and assume careers and would have to read, think, write, and communicate a lot along with other activities.