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What Members Thought
This was one of the best books I've read in a long time. It's a page-turning interweaving of several stories about love, art, the movies, storytelling and, ultimately, life itself. The story begins in Italy in the 1960's, during the filming of the movie epic "Cleopatra," and jumps back and forth in time to present-day Hollywood to World War II Philippines and with "side trips" to contemporary Idaho repertory theater, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and more.
It's a rare combo of a good read, funny, tou ...more
It's a rare combo of a good read, funny, tou ...more
Compelling story telling, coupled with depth and insight into the human condition -- what a novel should be.
The final chapter begins with an epigraph from Milan Kundera, whose oeuvre I've read this year:
"There would be nothing more obvious, more tangible than the present moment and yet, it eludes us completely. All the sadness of life lies in that fact."
After reading Walter's novel, I'd say that all the joy in life also lies in that fact. ...more
The final chapter begins with an epigraph from Milan Kundera, whose oeuvre I've read this year:
"There would be nothing more obvious, more tangible than the present moment and yet, it eludes us completely. All the sadness of life lies in that fact."
After reading Walter's novel, I'd say that all the joy in life also lies in that fact. ...more
I didn't care for this as a printed novel, but when I gave it another chance as an audiobook, I liked it. A good narrator can make all the difference in telling the story. Lots of characters to keep track of and each of them flawed, but always moving onward. The way the tale weaves all of the character's stories together reveals that the ordinary is actually, "a sweet, lovely mess that is real life."
...more
I listened to this book on audible.com. I loved the narration. Something about listening opens the book up so much, makes it so much more memorable somehow - and this narrator was wonderful. What a quiet and lovely story. I found the characters likable and rich with something...kindness, sadness, goodness. I want to say thank you to the author. :)
It was engaging, but not my favorite.
A beautiful, lovely story.
Sep 01, 2012
Jen
marked it as to-read
Nov 05, 2012
Alisa
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Nov 28, 2012
Georgia Carvalho
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Jan 08, 2013
Kirsten Barber
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Feb 24, 2013
Anika
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May 19, 2013
Chris Hammer
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Sep 28, 2013
Kelli
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