Elisabeth Jeremko

"The Book of Sand" seemed to be a blend of themes and commentary already issued forth in Borges' other stories. For this reason, I found the story repetitive, even annoying. Borges sounded rather arrogant in relation to the Bible salesman, seeming to think himself more worldly and more able to handle such a book. Much symbolism can be drawn from the nature of the characters...the Bible salesman does not have grand curiosity to keep the book. For those who find comfort in their faiths (such as Christianity and the Word of the Bible), complex mysteries and unexplainable energies cannot be ventured towards in curiosity pursuits. The Bible salesman finds much more value in a straightforward Wyclif, whereas Borges insists on tackling the great labyrinth-like nature of the Book of Sand. The idea of Edward Said's "Orientalism" shows up here, again. The Book of Sand seems exotic and full of unearthed secrets, much of because it is foreign. I found similarities in this story to other stories. Like "The Zahir", Borges becomes restless and disturbingly obsessed with the Book. This also reminds me of Johnny Truant and Zampano in "House of Leaves". Like "The Library of Babel", concepts of infinity and secret knowledge needing to be found are brought up. The story did not seem unique to me, in relation to his other stories. Also, with his hyperbolic descriptions of his relation of events, Borges starts to sound like a drama queen. I could believe the immensity of the effects from meeting himself in "The Other" or obsessing over "The Zahir". But now that panicky obsession is just becoming too repetitive for me. "I now feel a little better, but I refuse to even walk down the street the library's on" is what Borges says of his hiding place for the book. Perhaps this melodramatic recruitment on the behalf of Borges helps usher in his themes, but my curious reaction to this state of panicky unsettledness is not as exhilarating or new to me as a reader now.