The book is written by well acclaimed novelist Kevin Brockmeier. The book is collection of total thirteen short stories. The story named “The View from the Seventh Layer” tells journey of a woman named Oliva, who lives in a small cottage on an island. She came to this island at the age of nineteen to pursue higher studies but never went back after realizing that her parents are divorced. She earned her livelihood by selling umbrellas, candies, map and prophylactics to tourist. Because of the daily rain umbrella was the most selling item from her shop.
The author described the life of island very beautifully as he himself is present there. He written that the rain daily start at 3:15 and ends at 3:45, thereafter the sky is clean and people enjoy a sunny day. Oliva is thankful to that entity that is watching her from sky and sending the rain every day during the tourist session. The author touched upon all aspects of her life by describing her family having divorced mother and father living at different places and by describing happy moments of life when everything was good and she used to celebrate her birthday along with all her friends. She was very lazy those days without knowing the fact that what coming days are holding for her. She never had thought that her life will be so measurable otherwise she would have lived her life and enjoyed all the things she wanted to. She used to read various books and novels during the happy days which now converted into occasional purchase of few magazines. Now she finds all the books imaginary and away from reality.
The story is very touching elaborating the fact that there is nothing constant in the life and everything keeps on changing. Story tells how time changes a person completely, her thoughts and the outlook of life.
Reference
Brockmeier, K. (2008). The View from the Seventh Layer. New York: Pantheon Books.
