Barry Stewart Levy's Blog, page 8
September 18, 2018
Book Review #92
Villa Triste
by Patrick Modiano
This is the third book by Patrick Modiano I have read. In all three he explores variations on a similar theme: the present looking back upon the past, told in dreamlike prose, as the past melds with the present in the mind of a young man recalling his love affair with a slightly older, mysterious and attractive French woman. Of the three this novel is by far the most moving. There is a real sense of loss at the end, with a scene in a restaurant overlooking the water with lights on the other side, reminiscent of the heartbreaking finale of "The Great Gatsby." Triste indeed...
by Patrick Modiano
This is the third book by Patrick Modiano I have read. In all three he explores variations on a similar theme: the present looking back upon the past, told in dreamlike prose, as the past melds with the present in the mind of a young man recalling his love affair with a slightly older, mysterious and attractive French woman. Of the three this novel is by far the most moving. There is a real sense of loss at the end, with a scene in a restaurant overlooking the water with lights on the other side, reminiscent of the heartbreaking finale of "The Great Gatsby." Triste indeed...
September 13, 2018
"Brooklyn Book Festival"
Come join me (and hundreds more!) this Sunday, September 16, at the Brooklyn Book Festival near Borough Hall. I'll be at Booth #143 with the National Writers Union.
September 5, 2018
Book Review #91
How to Relax
by Thich Nhat Hanh
A short and loving little book, repetitious by design and helpful.
by Thich Nhat Hanh
A short and loving little book, repetitious by design and helpful.
September 2, 2018
Book Review #90
The Fallen Angel
by Daniel Silva
This is the first book by Daniel Silva that I have read; but despite his huge popularity and the fact that this novel is a page turner, I cannot see myself reading another book by him. Yes, there is suspense and the various subplots intersect literally around the world, covering timely events, especially in the Middle East. But there is very little action. However, what bothered me the most, when I wasn't rolling my eyes at some of the dialogue and plot contrivances, was the author repeatedly referring to Gabriel Allon's (his protagonist) previous exploits depicted in some of the twelve novels preceding this one. Obviously I hadn't read any of those works of fiction, which left me pretty much in the dark. Also, "The Fallen Angel" is over four hundred pages and feels like it. In my opinion, for fans only.
by Daniel Silva
This is the first book by Daniel Silva that I have read; but despite his huge popularity and the fact that this novel is a page turner, I cannot see myself reading another book by him. Yes, there is suspense and the various subplots intersect literally around the world, covering timely events, especially in the Middle East. But there is very little action. However, what bothered me the most, when I wasn't rolling my eyes at some of the dialogue and plot contrivances, was the author repeatedly referring to Gabriel Allon's (his protagonist) previous exploits depicted in some of the twelve novels preceding this one. Obviously I hadn't read any of those works of fiction, which left me pretty much in the dark. Also, "The Fallen Angel" is over four hundred pages and feels like it. In my opinion, for fans only.
"Alive & Kicking"
Well, apparently people are reading my book on Kindle. That's fine with me, as long as they're getting the word out. Plus, someone actually bought a copy on Amazon last month. Hear, hear!
August 28, 2018
"The Great American Read"
Practically on a daily basis I have been voting for some of my favorite books, such as "The Great Gatsby," "A Separate Peace," "The Picture of Dorian Gray, "The Catcher in the Rye" and "Watchers" by Dean Koontz, among others. The web site is www.pbs.org/the-great-american-read. It is based upon the PBS program, "The Great American Read," which celebrates American readers' 100 favorite books. Readers vote for their favorites, until one book is chosen. The show returns to PBS on Tuesday, September 11, at 8:00 PM. See it. But in the meantime, VOTE!
August 25, 2018
"A Pat on My Back"
All modesty aside I am very proud of myself. Today I finished writing Part One of my latest book, "A Solitary Landscape."
"Well, at Least I Tried..."
Several weeks ago my friend Joe, whom I know from my gym and book club, told me about a relatively new bookstore in Provincetown called East End Books Ptown. He suggested that I check it out online and contact the owner, requesting that he order my book for his store. I did check it out, got on its email list and wrote a very nice letter to Jeff Peters, the owner, asking him to consider having my novella in his store. I never heard from him. I mentioned this to Joe. He said that when he recently visited the store while on vacation, Peters did not recognize my name nor my book's title. Joe suggested that I send a second email. I did this past Monday and still have not received a response. So, Barry, take the high road and breathe. Shakespeare & Co. is opening in my neighborhood. Hopefully I'll have better luck there and a more positive interaction.
August 16, 2018
Book Review #89
The Picture of Dorian Gray
by Oscar Wilde
This is one of the most beautifully written and thought provoking books I have ever read. It is an examination of the pursuit of youth and beauty at the expense of losing one's soul and a thinly disguised examination of "the love that dare not speak its name." It is also a satiric look at the English upper class, as well as a Gothic horror tale of narcissism, betrayal, murder and the cursed relationship between a painting and its eternally handsome but ultimately doomed subject.
Wilde fills this, his only novel, with dozens of clever bon mots and well-known epigrams. Unfortunately, there are two chapters that frustratingly slow down the pacing of the story. One is a virtual litany of indulgences to which Dorian Gray is drawn. The other, to use two words often uttered by Lord Henry, Dorian's mentor, is a "tedious" and "tiresome" dinner party which only serves as a digression from the dramatic events immediately preceding it. Still, it is a wonderful read, adding to Oscar Wilde's reputation as not only an excellent playwright but also as a brilliantly witty and profound novelist.
by Oscar Wilde
This is one of the most beautifully written and thought provoking books I have ever read. It is an examination of the pursuit of youth and beauty at the expense of losing one's soul and a thinly disguised examination of "the love that dare not speak its name." It is also a satiric look at the English upper class, as well as a Gothic horror tale of narcissism, betrayal, murder and the cursed relationship between a painting and its eternally handsome but ultimately doomed subject.
Wilde fills this, his only novel, with dozens of clever bon mots and well-known epigrams. Unfortunately, there are two chapters that frustratingly slow down the pacing of the story. One is a virtual litany of indulgences to which Dorian Gray is drawn. The other, to use two words often uttered by Lord Henry, Dorian's mentor, is a "tedious" and "tiresome" dinner party which only serves as a digression from the dramatic events immediately preceding it. Still, it is a wonderful read, adding to Oscar Wilde's reputation as not only an excellent playwright but also as a brilliantly witty and profound novelist.
July 6, 2018
Book Review #88
Wittgenstein Jr
by Lars Iyer
Obviously a highly intellectual read. Also, laugh-out-loud funny but with an undercurrent of sadness and despair running throughout. Unfortunately, as much as I liked the book, I spent an inordinate amount of time constantly looking up British words and phrases, as well as references to parks, pubs, places and events within the area of Cambridge University in the UK.
by Lars Iyer
Obviously a highly intellectual read. Also, laugh-out-loud funny but with an undercurrent of sadness and despair running throughout. Unfortunately, as much as I liked the book, I spent an inordinate amount of time constantly looking up British words and phrases, as well as references to parks, pubs, places and events within the area of Cambridge University in the UK.
