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This book is immensely enjoyable, and is a "page turner", though not in the sense of a Grisham or Ian Rankin novel. As such, it may not be for everyone. It can be best appreciated by savouring it in an attentive, unhurried manner. Helprin's writing is always clever and intelligent, often beautiful, sensual and heavily descriptive. Yes, there are times at which words are not used economically, however that unsparing descriptiveness would seem to be part of the point. Helprin's sheer skill as a writer can stop the reader in his/her tracks as can Joseph Conrad. There are some extremely funny situations and dialogue also. The story is essentially the biography of Allesandro Giuliani, a professor of aesthetics professor (the study of beauty, not the removal of unwanted facial hair etc...) and WWI veteran. The story details his youth in Rome and his incredible, tragic, trials during and immediately after the great war. He is something of an ascetic who finds spiritual meaning through art and beauty through most of his life, beginning with his family's garden and progressing to art, love, the love of family (as expressed in an enigmatic Raphael painting) and ultimately, simply being alive and keeping alive the the love and memory of his family and the massess of humanity wasted in the war. The ordeals he faces forge incredible courage and strengthen and shape his faith. I have owned this book for over twenty years and have now read it twice. I will certainly read it again, and will probably get even more out of it the next time. Perhaps I have made it sound boring, I hope not, because that would be doing the author (and you!) a great disservice.Read full review
Love this book!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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