So this is my favorite book we've read as a group so far! Like Aunt Annette mentioned, the three levels of the storyline were all intriguing - the food, the love story and the war story. I think I liked the love story best, but mostly because of how much it was about food. The conversations that were about food and sex were very clever. I love that James wanted to learn to cook so he could be near Livia. I love how she mistakenly thought he was gay because of his interest in cooking. I love how their relationship developed and how it survived even the toughest situations.
The war story was a harder read. I tend to like happy stories, not too much drama, not too much horror. I think the one quote that summarizes it to me is when the major says:
"Really, Gould. I think you're failing to focus on the big picture."
"It's only when one focuses on the small picture," James said, "that the full horror of this scheme becomes apparent."
Aunt Annette's thoughts on the subject of liberation were spot on. I also think the part where Livia ends up with the communists was far less believable, how quickly she was gung-ho, etc. The last part of the book seemed less planned/thought out. The ends were tied up neatly in the story of the annual meal, though, so I'm a happy camper.
I would have written earlier and more on the subject, but I just got the book yesterday and I wanted to make sure we didn't get too far behind waiting on me! :o)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I absolutely agree with you...I thought the author didn't explain well enough the "conversion" to communism. That did happen alot...obviously...Italy went socialist...but it was just too neat...too simplified. But I loved the rest of the book so much I could overlook it.
Post a Comment