A review by sgunther
The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios, by Yann Martel
5.0
As a huge fan of Yann Martel, I was inclined to like these stories. However, when I first read them, I felt nothing more of a response than "huh." Of course the writing was pristine, but the stories? Huh. That's all. But, I am pleased to say, this is another book that has grown on me very much.
"The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios"
"Facts" is about a young straight man with AIDS and his friend, and the ways in which the two attempt to occupy themselves during the extended hospital stay at the end of his life. Touching, creative, and thoughtful.
"The Time I Heard the Private Donald J. Rankin String Concerto with One Discordant Violin, by the American Composer John Morton"
Possibly my favorite story of the set. It is hard to explain why I like these stories so much now, and you can probably tell I'm not trying to hard, but just know that I love them. This one especially gets me right here [pats heart], particularly the last few lines. And the part about the semicolons makes my inner writer just sing.
"Manners of Dying"
This is clearly the weakest link of the quartet, and you would not miss much if you skipped it. Still, it is an interesting concept, and worth looking at--if only to make yourself think a little.
"The Vita Aeterna Mirror Company: Mirrors to Last till Kingdom Come"
A good little slice of humility. Oh, a good one. This story reminds you to appreciate your life, your people, your past. And so, so well-executed.
"The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios"
"Facts" is about a young straight man with AIDS and his friend, and the ways in which the two attempt to occupy themselves during the extended hospital stay at the end of his life. Touching, creative, and thoughtful.
"The Time I Heard the Private Donald J. Rankin String Concerto with One Discordant Violin, by the American Composer John Morton"
Possibly my favorite story of the set. It is hard to explain why I like these stories so much now, and you can probably tell I'm not trying to hard, but just know that I love them. This one especially gets me right here [pats heart], particularly the last few lines. And the part about the semicolons makes my inner writer just sing.
"Manners of Dying"
This is clearly the weakest link of the quartet, and you would not miss much if you skipped it. Still, it is an interesting concept, and worth looking at--if only to make yourself think a little.
"The Vita Aeterna Mirror Company: Mirrors to Last till Kingdom Come"
A good little slice of humility. Oh, a good one. This story reminds you to appreciate your life, your people, your past. And so, so well-executed.