Conversation in a Belgian Bar Audiobook By Robert Rahula cover art

Conversation in a Belgian Bar

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Conversation in a Belgian Bar

By: Robert Rahula
Narrated by: Steve Carlson
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Buy for $14.79

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A young writer meets an older man in a Belgian bar who weaves an erotic and disturbing story about a famous author that the younger man has long admired–a story that reveals dark secrets about all three men.

©2018 Robert Rahula (P)2022 Robert Rahula
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This was a most interesting book, and I know that many of the insights Ricardo (the protagonist) came to see about himself and other people will stay with me for a very long time. While Ricardo is the main character and the events in his life the vehicle to understanding human nature, the story of Ricardo is told to a younger man by an older man in a bar. At first I disliked the narrator's voice; it was creaky and sounded like his nose was stuffed up. But by the end of the second chapter, the voice no longer irritated me, and I was able to immerse myself in the story. I learned a few basic facts about the nature of male sexuality and how it differs from female, about bath houses in America and Europe, and about prostitution practices in a few different countries. I wish I could explain that last sentence better because it sounds so superficial and possibly repugnant, and I think this was a really good book, well worth the time and investment of a credit. Ricardo is an author who has lived a life on his own terms, maintaining his independence from "love", but he is aging. He's feeling depressed, lonely, and is unable to tap into his writer's muse. He decides to travel, thinking that he just needs a change of scenery and more sex to restore equanimity. His internal dialogue while interacting with people on his travels, and his unprotected self reflections strip off the illusions humans use to keep themselves sane through life. Again, I feel my sentences are inadequate to explain the depth and importance of Ricardo's insights on his travels.
I don't know if this is a book that younger people (20-40's) will like, but it resonates strongly for me at this point in my life. The story is told in a frank manner, including explicit details on sexual acts between multiple genders and orientations. I wish I had known what I learned about male sexuality a long time ago. That knowledge would have been most useful! Well, at least I have greater understanding of what it's like to be sexual as we age, and what's important in life so that we stay connected and vital in living.
I will be listening again, and this time I'll keep a notebook by my side to jot down the insights Robert Rahula shares in this book.

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I was going through a breakup when I started listening to this book, and it was so refreshing to me. I felt like I was having a conversation with a friend while listening to it. It got me through it somehow. (Even though the book has nothing to do with breakups.)

I even went to a bathhouse to better understand some of the stuff I was listening about — and it was cool. I made a friend there.

Also, it was very interesting to see the world through an older person’s perspective.

Finally, the last chapter was sooo moving, it made me tear up a little. Great book!

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