It’s the beginnning of my journey reading Alejandro Zambra and short stories, having never read anything like this before. I was shocked by how broad of a story and world he manages to paint in such few pages. Though the general storyline ambles and can feel a little directionless, every sentence is relevant. A picture of the past, present or future. A very good balance of descriptive passages and dialogue that feels like a real, and believable glimpse into the protagonist’s mind. At some point, Julian begins to unravel slightly with faster pacing of his thoughts. I enjoyed the short paragraphs, and the repetition of ‘the book continues until she comes home or until Julian is sure she’s never coming home.’ It grounded me throughout all the thoughts, reminding me of the book itself. And also the little link to ‘Bonsai’, a book in a book. I like.

When Daniela begins to take over, I was a little confused as to whether it was still Julian fantasising about her future or if it was actually her own thoughts. 

I don’t know what the dual parts are perhaps meant to mean but for me, part one Greenhouse, is like being in a bubble of thoughts that are being fed, watered, uprooted and replanted. Part 2, Winter is then reality that Veronica isn’t coming home and life/reality continues, cold, wet and harsh.