1934, Alberto Moravia - Book Review

[@Jalil.Ibrahimli]

I just watched your video about "The Unbearable Lightness Of Being" by Milan Kundera and I must say that I admire your KZbin journey. Uploading book reviews consistently for 3 years is just impressive! Subscribed!

[@grantlovesbooks]

Thanks Jalil. A few years ago I realized that I didn't have anyone I could talk with about the books I loved, which was really the happiest time of my young life. Reading books and talking about them with friends. So I started a KZbin channel. And it has been very rewarding, the people who have commented, criticized, corrected and congratulated me from all around the world has been fantastic. It is quite a time consuming hobby, but I still really enjoy the experience. Thanks for subscribing!

[@CristinaInNeverland]

Just to say that, in addition to a listener, you’ve gained a reader!!! But first and foremost, Thank You so much! I was truly grateful for the gesture and generosity, and it was a funny feeling to see the materialization (in 3D!) of an envelope in the mailbox coming from someone I listen about books on KZbin (in 2D!) and from another continent! It's a call to reality. The "Friend from Budapest" arrived a few days ago, but other commitments have kept me away from KZbin, and I just wanted to comment, only after having read it too. What I did, with great interest today (and I put aside a book by James Jones ‘From Here to Eternity’ which is one of those that’s hard to put down, at least for me, it’s excellent, you should like it, it’s from the period right up to the Americans’ entry into WWII, about military life still in peacetime in Hawaii, before the attack on Pearl Harbor, perhaps you’ve already read it) but despite its excellence, I picked up what you wrote, and didn’t put it down until the end. Whether the two major stories, the poem, or even the cover letter! Excellent! And I was sorry that there wasn’t more. Congratulations Grant, I loved your writing, your style and in my humble opinion, you should continue, I even put ‘From Here to Eternity’ aside for a while! 😉

[@grantlovesbooks]

Hello Cristina, thank you for the kind message and thoughts. I am happy you enjoyed my magazine, and that it had something for you. I loved From Here to Eternity. I was really amazed when I read that book. I'm a little bit stuck right now, because I am wondering what happened to my copy? When I lived in Budapest I had to sell a large collection of my books, because I was moving to a new flat, and because I was so poor. But I think I would have kept my copy of that. Strange, my memories of Budapest seem to be fading even more than I know. Thanks again from taking the time out from such a great novel to read my short stories. I am not especially talented, but I enjoy it and try quite hard to make something smooth and flowing, that also keeps the interest all the way to the end. Hope you are well Cristina, I am always happy to hear from you!

[@CristinaInNeverland]

No, YES you are, especially talented, really, I love your writing

[@grantlovesbooks]

@@CristinaInNeverland Thanks so much Cristina!

[@TheSalMaris]

Sounds interesting. Sounds like symbolism too, which is not necessarily a bad thing--just a thing. I'm glad you are finally reviewing this as you introduced this title sometime ago and I wondered what had happened to it. I'll have to find a copy. Capri in 1934 must have been wonderful--even though war loomed large. Thank you again.

[@grantlovesbooks]

Hello SalMaris, It is quite a good book. There was a scene where all the inhabitants of the hotel were going to gather around the radio after dinner to hear a broadcast from Germany, Hitler was going to address the nation. The image of a roomful of elegantly dressed hotel guests standing around a radio in Capri is one I don't think I will ever forget, even if it is fiction. Also the difference between the two sisters, and the strange relationship between the first sister and her husband was really great. Overall, it is a great novel. Not exciting, but good if you have some feelings about Europe and WW2. Hope you are well!

[@TheSalMaris]

Very well- except there just isn’t enough time in this world to read all that I would like. Found a copy of this on Thriftbook, where I do most of my book buying these days. I’m boycotting Bezos don’t you know? Yes, this sounds like the kind of book I like. Reminds me of the looming war in the Alexandrian Quartet. I’ve been to Egypt, but only sailed by Capri. I’d like to explore Malta too, now that I think of it. All the best to you.

[@mscrunchy68]

The playing of beautiful music on an old violin is only possible if the player's bow is still up to the task...🎉🎉🎉

[@grantlovesbooks]

Very aptly put!

[@CristinaInNeverland]

thank you so much, Grant! You’re very kind and I’m looking forward to read your book (I´ve already replied to the email). I also loved this video and find the book interesting. And yes, I live in Lisbon 😉

[@grantlovesbooks]

Hello Cristina! I am so sorry that I have been spelling your name with an 'H' I hope you are not offended! I should have been more careful. I sent the packages out a few days ago, it is a little hard to keep track of time with a small baby. I hope it will arrive soon. I am always so envious of your life in Lisbon. I have always felt a special connection to that city as it was my gateway into Europe. I hope I will be able to go back there some day with my family. Hope you are well!

[@CristinaInNeverland]

@@grantlovesbooks no problem!!! that´s ok and normal (the extra "h") please, I’m not bothered by these things! 😉I hadn’t realized that you had already seen my response to your email, great, when the package arrives, I’ll let you know. And if you ever pass through these side of the ocean again, may it be an excellent experience for you and your family. Stay well!

[@debpalm8667]

Thanks for the review. Enjoyed it.

[@grantlovesbooks]

My pleasure Deb, I'm happy you liked it!