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A review by philippakmoore
Great House by Nicole Krauss
4.0
I really enjoyed this book, although it was hard to get into at first. I disagreed with the Guardian's review, who said that the character of Aaron was too distracting and almost overpowered the other stories, but it was Aaron's story that got me hooked - I almost abandoned the book after the first section narrated by Nadia, whom I found it very difficult to empathise with. Aaron's sections are addressed to his son Dov, who he has always had a difficult relationship with. They are so powerful and beautifully written. They were what kept me reading.
I really liked the parallel with Freud's study being left as he left it, and also liked the sections narrated by Arthur and Izzy, they were both characters who on the outside seem to live very quiet and unassuming lives but there is actually a whole lot going on inside. Arthur's encounter with the woman in Liverpool didn't quite ring true though - I'd have thought there would be more Scouse in her! ;)
I have read every book Nicole Krauss has written and enjoyed all of them. She writes so beautifully. I really want to reread The History of Love after reading this.
I really liked the parallel with Freud's study being left as he left it, and also liked the sections narrated by Arthur and Izzy, they were both characters who on the outside seem to live very quiet and unassuming lives but there is actually a whole lot going on inside. Arthur's encounter with the woman in Liverpool didn't quite ring true though - I'd have thought there would be more Scouse in her! ;)
I have read every book Nicole Krauss has written and enjoyed all of them. She writes so beautifully. I really want to reread The History of Love after reading this.