I have recently written a novel about life in England during the Second World War. I felt some concern before I tackled this theme — the War...
Continue »
This book, although a memoir, is written with the care and craft that one finds in a novel. It spans the space of the nation's coastal city-centers: Palo Alto (south of San Francisco), Los Angeles, and New York. The story has the engaging human quality of a well-written memoir. It is something for anyone who has ever felt like a wanderer in the world. The narrator is not a wild child, nor a modest housewife. She is somewhere on another plane altogether, like most of us in reality. For this reason, the story is captivating. She does not try to portray herself as an ideal human being. She tells the story of a life, and it is a very captivating tale.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(3 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)
Although I initially fell in love with Michael Ondaatje when I read his most famous book, The English Patient, it was Divisadero that made Ondaatje one of my favorite writers. His usage of time makes the story unfold in surprising ways, and the relationships of the characters seem even more deeply rooted. His understanding of human emotions and actions is evident in his story of family and obsession. Ondaatje's command of language makes the plot itself even more beautiful. I would (and do) recommend this book to everyone.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(2 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)
I had heard of Junot Diaz, but didn't know his work. He came to my area to do a reading, and I fell in love with his words and his personality. I ran into The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and had to get it, even though I still have yet to get Drown. All I can say is that Oscar Wao made me fall even more deeply in love with Junot Diaz and his work. This book is such a good example of the crossroads where extensive research, personal experience, beautiful prose, humor and an empathetic portrayal of disappointment all meet. The book feels so human, and it's consequently lovely to read.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(12 of 20 readers found this comment helpful)
Powell's City of Books is an independent bookstore in Portland, Oregon, that fills a whole city block with more than a million new, used, and out of print books. Shop those shelves — plus literally millions more books, DVDs, and eBooks — here at Powells.com.
Don't Miss
Customer Comments
lbelyavski has commented on (3) products.
Better Than Sane: Tales from a Dangling Girl by Alison Rose
lbelyavski, November 17, 2008
This book, although a memoir, is written with the care and craft that one finds in a novel. It spans the space of the nation's coastal city-centers: Palo Alto (south of San Francisco), Los Angeles, and New York. The story has the engaging human quality of a well-written memoir. It is something for anyone who has ever felt like a wanderer in the world. The narrator is not a wild child, nor a modest housewife. She is somewhere on another plane altogether, like most of us in reality. For this reason, the story is captivating. She does not try to portray herself as an ideal human being. She tells the story of a life, and it is a very captivating tale.(3 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)
Divisadero (Vintage International) by Michael Ondaatje
lbelyavski, November 17, 2008
Although I initially fell in love with Michael Ondaatje when I read his most famous book, The English Patient, it was Divisadero that made Ondaatje one of my favorite writers. His usage of time makes the story unfold in surprising ways, and the relationships of the characters seem even more deeply rooted. His understanding of human emotions and actions is evident in his story of family and obsession. Ondaatje's command of language makes the plot itself even more beautiful. I would (and do) recommend this book to everyone.(2 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
lbelyavski, November 12, 2008
I had heard of Junot Diaz, but didn't know his work. He came to my area to do a reading, and I fell in love with his words and his personality. I ran into The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and had to get it, even though I still have yet to get Drown. All I can say is that Oscar Wao made me fall even more deeply in love with Junot Diaz and his work. This book is such a good example of the crossroads where extensive research, personal experience, beautiful prose, humor and an empathetic portrayal of disappointment all meet. The book feels so human, and it's consequently lovely to read.(12 of 20 readers found this comment helpful)