This is by far one of the loveliest novels I've ever read. I am always intrigued when details involving much earlier years are involved. I am captivated by novels that take me places - especially abroad - where I've never been. All characters in this story are fascinating. Throughout it all, however, was the author's writing style. I am a huge 'highlighter' of passages - this novel may just have had the highest number yet. Sometimes finding the right words for my reviews is difficult - especially when some of the reviews by other authors took words out of my mouth. I can only come up with mere words like evocative, exquisite, sultry, alluring, sensual, heartwrenching - and many of the words pertain not just to the deep feelings of the two main characters, but to the atmosphere and geography. I share but a few of my favorite passages to hopefully convey the 'feeling' of this exquisite story:
Hal can make out a vivid strip of houses, each painted a different colour: ochre, sepia, rust red, dusky pink and, occasionally, a slice of blue; the colours of earth and sky. They are like the bright spines of so many books crammed together onto a bookshelf; a quiet spectacle.
Fame, he thinks, has a great deal to answer for. It rewards behavior that should otherwise be stamped out long before adulthood.
The cobbled walkway up to the town is fringed by an embarrassment of flowers: reds and pinks, yellow and purple and white; colours that might never be put together by design. But nature, who knows nothing of convention, has the audacity of a genius.
We all have different selves, I think, that we become, or promote, depending on the company.
Rome is full of ghosts, too - centuries of them. There is perhaps a stronger concentration of souls here than in any other place in the world: it is not the Eternal City for nothing. But the important thing is that they aren't HIS ghosts.
You will become immersed in this journey, do not miss it.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Popular Highlights in this book
‘I think, in art, it is as noble a thing to try to make people happy, to help them escape, as it is to make them think. And perhaps more difficult.’Highlighted by 116 Kindle readers- We all have different selves, I think, that we become, or promote, depending on the company.Highlighted by 110 Kindle readers
- Fame, he thinks, has a great deal to answer for. It rewards behaviour that should otherwise be stamped out long before adulthood.Highlighted by 101 Kindle readers
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Reviews with images
Warm and moving love story
Beautiful storyline, beautiful descriptions, deeply moving characters. This novel is like a satisfying dessert. Two characters flawed by the war, trying to move on in their lives, meet and begin a journey toward something “better than life.”
