Scan barcode
A review by alexisreading23
The Gentleman From Peru by André Aciman
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.