Category: Stu’s Reviews

Genre:  Novel

Grade B+

Notable People:   Donna Tartt

Title: Goldfinch

 

Review: compelling third novel from Tartt, this is mammoth book- scanning decades in the life of young man who loses his mother in a terrorist attack at a major NY art museum. Cast adrift through a variety of life circumstances- his ultimate bedrock is the infamous 16^th century Dutch Master painting he inadvertently took away from the rubble and then has it become his grounded touchstone to his beloved mother. Set alternately in the antiques world  of New York and the dream-to-get- rich environs of Las Vegas  it is a fascinating study of hope and despair. A worthwhile, but VERY long and sometimes difficult read.

Genre:  Novel

Grade A-

Notable People:   Philip Kerr

Title: A Quiet Flame

 

Review: another in a long line of quality books I’ve read in last year that takes place in Berlin in the dark days of the Nazi emergence. This is part of as series by this gifted writer about Bernie Gunther, a Berlin detective genius trying to survive despite his anti-Nazi sentiment. The book moves flawlessly back and forth between his experiences in the late 30s in Berlin and in 1950 after his escape to Argentina- hunted as a war criminal despite being forced into SS duty during the war. The man is a walking ball of guilt and regret and determined to tie the atrocities of the very corrupt Peron regime with unsolved pre-war Berlin atrocities. The portrayals of some of the most heinous war criminals hiding out in Buenos Aires along with the ruthless Peron government are chilling. Gunther remains a man for all seasons despite it all, and no happy endings likely in sight-paying the price for his time and place. A bunch more of these to look forward to. A very quick and quality read.

Genre: Novel

Grade A

Notable People: Martin Walker

Title: Bruno- Chief of Police

Review: C’est Magnifique!!!! Absolutely loved this first in a series of “Bruno” novels set in the south of France. Bruno is the chief in the tiny hamlet of St. Denis in the Perigord-Dordogne region in the southwest of France. His classic small town life is disrupted by a heinous murder which leads to all kinds of strange twists and curves. We have French characters of the finest resort, meals we all dream of, Nazis, Arab emigrants, chateaus. the famous Lascaux caves and of course, les romances…all too good to be true….a wonderful read for the sun and sand (happened to read on sojourn in the Keys). Wonderful, wonderful! I

Genre: Novel

Grade A
Notable People: Mitch Albom
Title: The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

Review: I absolutely loved this beautiful book. Albom has become quite the writer since he wrote Tuesdays with Morrie. An amazing story of a young orphaned musician in Spain who goes on to become a Rock music legend and leads a mega- mysterious life- all told through the narrative of the ethereal voice of music itself. Frankie is the Forrest Gump of the music genre- interacting with musical legends from the 50s until now- Django Reinhardt, Duke Ellington, Jimi Hendrix, Tony Bennett, The Stones, Roger McGuinn…on and on (did I mention the extraordinary story involving Hank Williams?). What a magnificent and touching story-everyone should read this book- one I read in short intervals; the more to savor all its glory. Just beautiful!

Genre: Novel

Grade: B+

Notable People: James Lee Burke

Title: Creole Bell

Review: Being a serial reader, I have been on a renewed Burke kick. This one is a yin and yang. I do think Burke is one of the pre-eminent writers of our time in the “mystery” genre, but has become somewhat repetitive in later years. This is the 19th in the Dave Robicheaux series (I already reviewed the 20th not too long ago) and is back in his beloved Iberia Parrish, outside of New Orleans. His powers of description remain unparalleled and his stories are humdingers…but the sheer amount of symbolic meandering and philosophical/moral rants has become a negative diversion. The books have also taken on a bit too much of sheer unbelievability. So, A+ for the level of writing, and a B for the rest. If you are interested in exploring Burke, go back to his earlier Robicheaux novels (Neon Rain, Black Cherry Blues). when he was more of a flat out great storyteller and avoid the constant ramblings on the Vietnam experience and the nature of evil.