The History of Love was recommended to me by Claire at Kiss A Cloud when I was in the midst of my reading slump a little while ago. I had remembered reading Claire's review and thinking what an intriguing and gorgeous book this one sounded like - I had seen the book before in shops and shelves and my interest had been tweaked but I am so glad that Claire kept reminding me about this one - thank you Claire!!
I would encourage you to pop over and read Claire's glorious review of this book - I defy anyone to try and not read this book after reading her review!
I have to join in and echo Claire's (and many others) thoughts about this book - it is simply stunning. As I was reading it I was actually trying to find flaws in it because I thought a book just cannot be this good - every word and sentence was perfectly placed and constructed - and yet nothing seemed forced or contrived. In many ways this is such a complex book but the ideas and themes behind it were quite simple and things that we can all relate to - love, loss, connection, death and loneliness. I certainly don't mean to make the book sound depressing - I guess it could be seen in this light but I didn't feel this way at all. When I finished the book this morning I felt hopeful rather than hopeless.
I realise this review is rather vague but I think this is a book that every reader needs to experience for themselves - and I would encourage you to do so - soon!
18 comments:
ohhh I love this book! Krauss' "Man Walks Into a Room" is great, too, but much different in tone.
Hi Megan - I will have to check out her other book now. I love her writing so much I think I could handle a book that was completely different to The History of Love.
I bought this in a fit of enthusiasm and then left it on the shelf as my interest in reading it waned. I must dig it out and give it a try, I hope I like it as much as you did.
Hi adevotedreader - I hope you do too! I would see it as a book you definitely need to be in the mood for - the writing is quite lyrical in places (something that can annoy me!).
Hi Karen.. I'm so glad you loved it! It does make you feel so hopeful afterwards, doesn't it? I just loved the feeling I got from it. It was edgy enough but not bleak like other cutting edge books. I want to read her other work, too! :D
Hi Claire - I absolutely loved it! Thanks so much for suggesting it to me. I'm looking forward to watching your reading now to see what you love next!
One of my favourite in 2008! Great book!
This book really is wonderful. I think it's on the list of "books I love so much I wish I had written them!" I read it about 3 years ago, but it still ranks up there as one of the best books I've read in that time. I think it's hard to summarize this book and do it justice because it really is so good; it's one of those books that you just need to read and experience for yourself. That said, you (and Claire!) did a great job!
Never heard of this one before but with two positive reviews I may have to check this one out.
Hi Jules - it will definitely be in my top books for 2009!
Hi Steph - I would have loved to be able to write a book like this!
Hi Mari - definitely check it out!
Oh, I loved this book! I am glad you loved it too!
haven't heard about this one or the author but with your review and claire's, i'm really interested in getting a hold of this book. thank you so much for the suggestion!
Hi Eveningreader - I am having a hard time finding anyone with anything negative to say about this one! It seems everyone who picks it up loves it - with good reason!
Hi booklineandsinker - would definitely recommend it! I'm having a hard time thinking about what to read next.
I really enjoyed this book, and I have Gentlemen & Players, Harris to read. Great Blog!
Hi Diane - thanks so much for dropping by because it now means that I have found your blog too!
Wow! I'm glad you found a book that was so moving! I picked this one up at a library sale, even though I hadn't heard much about it. I'll have to read it soon if it's that good!
Hi Laura - I would definitely encourage you to read this one soon!
Totally agreed again - this book cannot possibly described, it needs to be experienced. No plot summary will do it justice and I also thought the flaws were pretty much non-existant. I read it a couple of years ago, but I still remember it quite well - it's just the book that stands out! Where's the author's next book though?!
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