Asterios Polyp by David Mazzucchelli

“To live (as I understand it) is to exist within a conception of time.

But to remember is to vacate the very notion of time.

Every memory, no matter how remote its subject, takes place 'Now,' at the moment it's called to the mind.

The more something is recalled, the more the brain has a chance to refine the original experience.

Because every memory is a re-creation, not a playback.”

― David Mazzucchelli, Asterios Polyp

I'm not sure I caught all the references to history, philosophy, and architecture, but they were important additions to this love story. 

I didn't like Asterios at first. He was a pompous ass who abused his authority as a college professor, bedding everything with a vagina. I am not sure I believe he was redeemable, and I'm not sure he was redeemed. 

His twin brother is a mystery...was he real? did he die at birth? in Viet Nam? I don't understand why he gave away his lighter and his watch. Was he trying to walk away from his previous life? Why did Hana put up with him? 

And the video tapes! If his apartment building in Manhattan hadn't burned down, would he be watching bits of Hana over and over until he died? 

And what is the meaning of how his head was shaped? In all, it was engaging, both the storyline and the art. I enjoyed the other characters, even Ilium. 

But I leave the book with more questions than ever, and as I say, that is the sign of a good book. I was wondering if I should keep it or donate it, but I think it is worth keeping.