Customer Comments

Elliott has commented on (18) products.

The Vanishing Act by Mette Jakobsen

Elliott, October 14, 2012

Mette Jakobsen's debut novel will captivate you. She has created a tale with a wonderful mix of magic and philosophy about a 12 year old girl Minou who lives on a very small island with her father, a descendant of Descartes. Minou's mother disappeared after putting on her best shoes, taking her umbrella, and walking out of their house. While her father and the Priest who lives on the island believe Minou's mother to be dead, Minou doesn't. When the body of a dead boy shows up onshore, the father is convinced it will help reveal the absolute truth to him. There are a lot of mysteries in this tale and they are written with charm, melancholy and fantasy. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a wonderful story that will be sure to enchant them.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin

Elliott, August 8, 2012

Mark Helprin has written an amazingly beautiful novel. His use of language is magnificent. Alessandro, the old man, weaves his tales of being a soldier in the First World War and, like the young man he's telling them to, I became caught up in the narratives of his life and kept reading out of wanting to know what would happen next because anything could happen. When he's done with his moving tale, I didn't want to leave the rich stories of this 800 page book. It was magnificent.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

Swamplandia! (Vintage Contemporaries) by Karen Russell

Elliott, January 1, 2012

Of all the books I read this year, Swamplandia was the one that stood out in my mind from all the others. Karen Russell's vivid writing and all of the details she used to create the world of this book, along with the character of the narrator, Ava Bigtree, are what made this my favorite read of 2011. Two of my favorite authors are Flannery O'Connor and Carson McCullers and I would add Russell to their company.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No

report this comment

Wise Children by Angela Carter

Elliott, September 2, 2011

Angela Carter is a brilliant writer and this is one of my favorite books by her. Narrated by Dora Chance, this novel tells the story of she and twin her sister Nora. Dora tells their story on the eve of their seventy-fifth birthday. It follows them from their illegitimate births, to their time treading the boards as the Chance Sisters, to their brief stint in early Hollywood. Like Carter's other novels, this one is smartly written and is often hilarious. It also abounds with references to Shakespeare. An intelligent, witty, and delightful read.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(0 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)

report this comment

The Idiot (Vintage Classics) by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Elliott, June 28, 2011

This is one of the most important novels and strongest influences in my reading life. Dostoevsky writes such amazing scenes in this book, like when Nastasya lights a fire to burn the bank notes in front of Ganya, or the end when Rogozhin and Prince Myshkin's knees are touching under the table (I won't explain the significance of this without spoiling the end). Prince Myshkin is one of the greatest literary characters. This novel is a must read.

Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)

report this comment