"One of the most astute writers of American fiction" (New York Times Book Review) delivers the resonant story of Alec Malone, a senator that use fi...
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Mar 27, 2010
Christine
rated it: 
In “Exiles in the Garden,” Alec Malone is a sailor adrift in his own life. Though he sails in calm waters, all around him the people he loves are battling the storms of their lives. Does this make him less than he should be, could have been? Son of a famous senator, Alec has willfully abandoned the dream his parents had for him, to pursue public service, and instead becomes a newspaper photographer. Yet even his commitment to this profession is lackluster. When presented with the opportunity to
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Sep 23, 2009
jordan
rated it: 
Looking to read an elegant novel full of rich characters in complex relationships? Someone unfamiliar with Ward Just’s long bibliography might be forgiven for imagining that since its set in Washington, //Exiles in the Garden// must be cliché heavy, deafening and political. Yet Just’s Washington breathes as it does for most Washingtonians, those on the periphery of government, living in a town which remains a bit provincial, more than a little self-centered, and deeply inward looking. As such
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Jul 30, 2009
Bookmarks Magazine
rated it:
"Although several of his novels have been short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, Ward Just is relatively unknown to readers. It is a shame, critics note, because the former Washington journalist and Vietnam War correspondent is particularly adept at conveying the unique brand of narcissism and ruthless ambition seen in Washington, D.C., political circles. One exception to the bountiful praise came from the Los Angeles Times critic, who felt that the passive, one-di
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Apr 06, 2010
Roberta
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I had a hard time assigning stars to this book, 3-1/2 would have felt like a reasonable compromise but as I think of it perhaps four is more apt. A leisurely pace, well-crafted writing with occasional pithy and apt commentary on life in general, more focused on characters and what their lives tell us than plot. A bonus for me: takes place in Washington DC which is my home and the things about both the town and the politics ring true, which certainly added to my enjoyment. We follow Alec a ph
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Jan 11, 2010
Anne
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I'd forgotten we listened to An Unfinished Season on one of our trips to the mountains, happy to find another Just book at the library. I like Yardley's review in the Washington Post in quoting Teddy Roosevelt: "Credit belongs to the man,...who at the best knows in the end the triumph of his achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." Yardl
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Dec 07, 2009
Featherbooks
rated it:
Another quiet, beautifully written tale of "moral ambiguity" from Ward Just about life and politics in the nation's capital with forays to Eastern Europe through several characters. While not as suspenseful as others of the author's books, I found the book compelling as the aging photographer protagonist contemplates his life and his accomplishments. Equally interesting are the well-drawn characters of his ex-wife and her father, a Czech dissident soldier who appears late in the stor
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Jul 23, 2009
lynn
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Ward Just is a very descriptive, quiet and thoughtful writer. He imbues these qualities into Alec, tho photographer protagonist. Alec is the typical apolitical American, not interested in getting involved in the battles in VietNam, or in the posturing and endless reliving of times past with his emigre neighbors. His wife Lucia is searching for something else. This is Alec's story though, as he goes thru life, not willing to engage too deeply, but trying to understand what/if he's missing out.
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Feb 03, 2010
Eileen
rated it: 
The Washington Post Book World recommended this book as one of the best of 2009. I was intrigued because it's set in Washington, D.C. Half-way through I realized I didn't like the book but finished it anyway. Didn't get any better for me. The story is told through first-person, second-person, observer, etc.... very disjointed.
Feb 25, 2010
Amy
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This book was just ok for me. My real rating is a 2.5. The material was interesting enough - about a couple dealing with relationship issues in the midst of the D.C. political scene, but I didn't have any empathy for the characters. I found them to be annoying in either their lack of self awareness or their plain selfishness.
Feb 11, 2010
Lori
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Again, Just writes about a topic (the many faces of D.C.) that should interest me, but I just can't bring myself to care about his characters. And this is very much a study in characters, as there's very little plot. I know he's beloved by many critics, but he's just not my cup of tea (or glass of wine or bottle of scotch).
Dec 24, 2009
Norma
rated it:
Despite outstanding reviews in both the New York Times and the Washington Post, I found myself wondering "what did I miss?" just as did the book's protagonist, Alec Malone. Alec is a photographer who turned down an assigment to Vietnam, saw his career derailed as a result, and wonders the rest of his life if he had made a mistake.
Mar 11, 2010
Stephanie
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This was my first novel by Ward S. Just, and I feel as though I have been missing out on one of America's great writers. While I only rated the book three stars, I found his writing style to be poetic, contemplative, and similar to Steinbeck (one of my favorite authors). I think I will enjoy some of his other works more.
This is not a book to read if you are looking for a plot-driven novel; read it for the meandering look at politics in Washington D.C. and slow character development. More...
This is not a book to read if you are looking for a plot-driven novel; read it for the meandering look at politics in Washington D.C. and slow character development. More...
Sep 20, 2009
Suzanna
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A beautiful discussion of exile, home, ambition, work and family -- reads like a collection of several shorter stories -- dense with gorgeous people, land and sea -scapes that will stay with me --
Jul 19, 2010
Barbara
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A photographer observes life. A Czech emigre lived it to its fullest. Which life was fuller? I'm thinkin' the photographer -- a very sympathetic character whom you want to know better.
Apr 05, 2010
Mary Anne
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Just couldn't get into this book. Although the story was interesting enough, it just seemed rambling & disconnected. I kept plodding through, hoping it would get better, but it just didn't as far as I am concerned.
Dec 29, 2009
Margaret
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A pleasure to read! Excellent writing. I loved the appearance of displaced persons/2nd tier intellectuals as significant to the journey of the book.
Dec 28, 2009
Paddy
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Lovely book by a lovely writer. After a confusing first chapter, it leaps into life.
Sep 26, 2009
Tim
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It is amazing to me the books this man writes and he cannot get the attention of other writers. His characters are always amazing amd the conflicts that they need to resolve are always amazing. Thank you very much Mr. Just.
Dec 01, 2011
Mel
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So, I was completely engaged in the plot, loved the characters and when it ended, I realized there were just too many coincidences for it to seem real.
Sep 24, 2009
Carol
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Not up to Ward Just's unusual intrigue. In the first part of the book Alec is providing hospice care for his senatorial father and reflecting back on his early career as a photographer and his failed marriage. In the last part we meet his "ex-father-in-law", Andre and new woman friend and the novel begins to glow. Andre provides new and interesting insights into WW II in Yugoslavia and the macho dust that Just is so well known for.
Sep 28, 2011
Barbara
rated it:
Ward Just writes thoughtful books. They aren't thick, they aren't heavy; but they have much to say. And his style is different. All conversations are written in a narrative manner; each page is filled with print so there is no sailing through his novels. 'Exiles...' has good observations about Washington and Washington life and about the choices we all make.
Sep 05, 2010
Marcia
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Not too uplifting. A book about wherether living large or living small really has any meaning.
Jul 25, 2010
Margaret
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When I began, I didn't think I'd like this one at all...but the author wove a story out of loose threads that allowed me to see the revelation of self-awareness and understanding of purpose. I'm left with questions that will never be answered, but at peace with that.
Feb 06, 2011
Kathy
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Ward Just is just one of those excellent, evocative writers. Yes, you know what is going to happen, but the telling of the tale is elegant.
A pleasure to read.
A pleasure to read.
Oct 29, 2009
Bill
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Ward Just is a wonderful writer and I have never been disappointed by one of his books; always interesting stories, always well told. A true craftsman.
