Home Reading Service

This novel reveals how a man finds unexpected purpose through community service, connecting with literature and others in profound ways, particularly in Home Reading Service.

In Home Reading Service, Fabio Morábito explores the transformative power of literature through the life of Eduardo, a man sentenced to community service after a minor offense. As he embarks on this unexpected journey of reading to the elderly and disabled, Eduardo grapples with feelings of isolation and disconnection. Living in Cuernavaca, a city now marred by violence and crime, he leads a monotonous existence, interacting only with waitresses and wandering the streets. Initially, his readings from classic authors like Dostoyevsky and Henry James fail to resonate with him or his audience, highlighting his emotional detachment.

The narrative takes a turn when Eduardo discovers a poem copied by his father, penned by the Mexican poet Isabel Fraire. This revelation ignites a spark within him, allowing him to connect more deeply with both the literature and the diverse characters he encounters. Among these characters are two brothers—one mute and the other a ventriloquist—deaf parents raising unknowing hearing children, and a captivating mezzo-soprano in a wheelchair. Each character adds depth to Eduardo's experience, illustrating how art can bridge gaps and foster understanding in a society riddled with corruption and inequality.

Ultimately, Home Reading Service is a poignant reminder of the human capacity for connection and the redemptive power of storytelling. Morábito's narrative invites readers to reflect on their own relationships with literature and the ways it can illuminate our lives, even amidst challenges and adversity.