carammcdermott's review against another edition
2.0
the tiny miracle of life, the tiniest yet most imponderable miracle, is when we stumble on people who see us for who we are and want us just for who we are – and these are the ones we spurn the most, the ones we let into our lives with resentment, scorn and boundless apathy, sometimes even with hatred.”
Brief glimpses of beautiful writing, but largely nonsense a premise that could have / should have been a short story.
Brief glimpses of beautiful writing, but largely nonsense a premise that could have / should have been a short story.
alexisreading23's review
2.5
A group of young Americans unexpectedly find themselves spending a few days on the Amalfi Coast and become increasingly drawn to their mysterious hotel companion - the titular gentleman from Peru.
The only other book I have read by Andre Aciman is Call Me By Your Name, and I must admit that this has fallen rather short in comparison. It is a novella that would have benefitted from being longer, the short piece is flimsy and insubstantial and there is almost the sense that it is half-finished or rushed. Almost all of the characters other than the two protagonists become practically irrelevant after they are introduced and the narrative quickly focuses on the interactions between Raul, the gentleman, and Margot. Even then, I never really felt that I established an emotional connection with either of them, nor gained any kind of understanding of them and their minds or histories.
Much of the book is entirely dialogue, using conversation to paint the picture of the Italian coast. Slowly, a tale of time and love with a tinge of magical realism unfolds although it is not a tale that covers any particularly new or exciting ground. While there were certainly moments that were quite beautiful, and turns of phrase that deserved attention, this novella felt like a mere shadow of something greater. I imagine that if it were longer and more fleshed out, my rating would be higher, but as it stands this was quite forgettable for me despite its occasionally lyrical and captivating prose.
The only other book I have read by Andre Aciman is Call Me By Your Name, and I must admit that this has fallen rather short in comparison. It is a novella that would have benefitted from being longer, the short piece is flimsy and insubstantial and there is almost the sense that it is half-finished or rushed. Almost all of the characters other than the two protagonists become practically irrelevant after they are introduced and the narrative quickly focuses on the interactions between Raul, the gentleman, and Margot. Even then, I never really felt that I established an emotional connection with either of them, nor gained any kind of understanding of them and their minds or histories.
Much of the book is entirely dialogue, using conversation to paint the picture of the Italian coast. Slowly, a tale of time and love with a tinge of magical realism unfolds although it is not a tale that covers any particularly new or exciting ground. While there were certainly moments that were quite beautiful, and turns of phrase that deserved attention, this novella felt like a mere shadow of something greater. I imagine that if it were longer and more fleshed out, my rating would be higher, but as it stands this was quite forgettable for me despite its occasionally lyrical and captivating prose.
logancoxx's review
3.0
3.5/5
This was a short one but I still thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook about love, past live, and magic...?
Andre Aciman is such a beautiful and moving writer and this book did not disappoint.
This was a short one but I still thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook about love, past live, and magic...?
Andre Aciman is such a beautiful and moving writer and this book did not disappoint.
allanvdh's review
4.0
Aciman’s writing style is superb and this is a great short story in his distinctive style. His continuous emphasis on love and how it’s lost and redound is amazing in all his books and this one is just as great.
sandyjhutti's review
2.0
Not life changing or memorable. I like to hear more about the happy ending.
thelauramay's review
4.0
Unexpectedly thoughtful and melancholy, with a dose of reincarnation thrown in. Made me desperate to return to the Italian coast. 3.5
sjh8123's review
2.0
This was a nice little book, but I can't say it was one I'd recommend or read again.