Tatiana Mikhailova

I laugh, reflect, and reread the lines. Sometimes, tears well up in my eyes.

This is how I’m reading Ekaterina Hoarau’s new book.

The book “Europe within Me” isn’t just about emigration. Each chapter is a story-sketch about people, their feelings, and relationships. The author not only offers her conclusions but also poses questions for self-analysis. It seems these questions are a ready-made writing practice for understanding one’s difficulties.

The reading is easy, yet challenging—like in childhood, when you leaf through a picture book, carefully examining the illustrations, noticing details, touches, and giggles.

I think it’s a great skill to so carefully convey the depth of the human soul, the differences and similarities between us.

And I, at the very least, slowed down and grounded myself today, thanks to this book. Thank you, Ekaterina!