Compulsory reading: Ion Baiesu - The Scales

I am not sure if I understand the book better because I have seen the movie, or I understand now better the movie because I have just finished reading the book. One thing is for sure. Ion Baiesu's characters are sketched in such a manner that equals perfection. They are not just forms, taking shape by means of tedious description of their physique, surroundings or occupation. I even dare to affirm that the most beautiful thing about the way Ion Baiesu presents the characters is that he introduces them to us by showing their psyche, obvious through their sayings, verbal tics and their reactions to certain situations. It is just like seeing first the seed and then the hard shell. Majestical!

'The Scales' is not a novel that centers upon a love story. Of course, there are a man and a woman who fall in love. But they are not central to it. Other pitoresque characters bring up or incite to reflection about the given things, the assumed things and, of course, the prejudice. A lot of remarks makes one roar with laughter, as there are other that makes one ponder. I selected two small paragraphs, please see below:

“…

'Look', he was explaining to the bed neighbor, a very thin old man with sunken eyes, 'this radiography shows a black spot on the right lung, something as big as an orange'. 

'How big is an orange?' asked the old man.

'You don't know how big is an orange?'

'Well, if it does not grow here, in these parts…'

...”

“…

'Titi, this is rubbish, there are only thoughts. To my mind, I think that death shouldn't concern us, but life, with all its moments. Our salvation from the fear of death and infinity comes from keeping ourselves occupied, every second, with substantial things. Substantiality, you see, this is the whole mystery.'

'I see, doctor, but I don't think this is the solution. Substantiality, ok. But how much? If we pile up our lives with too many deeds, there is not anymore space for thinking. I believe the problem resides there, in not making time for thinking about things, meditating. People only medidate when they are on their deathbeds.'

…”

Enjoy the reading!