This is a cop-out but I'm just too lazy to write a review of The History of Love by Nicole Krauss (mainly 'cos I find it very difficult to write!!!), but I have to plug this book 'cos I really enjoyed the read. So I'm just going to type what's on the book jacket.
"Leo Gursky is trying to survive a little bit longer, tapping his radiator each evening to let his upstairs neighbour know he's still alive. drawing attention to himself at the milk counter of Starbucks. But life wasn't always like this: sixty years ago, in the Polish village where he was born, Leo fell in love and wrote a book. And although he doesn't know it, that book also survived: it crossed oceans and generations, and changed lives.
Fourteen-year-old Alma was named after a character in that book. She has her hands full keeping track of her little brother Bird (who thinks he might be the Messiah) and taking copious notes in her book, How to Survive in the Wild Volume Three. But when a mysterious letter arrives in the mail she undertakes an adventure to find her namesake and save her family."
Krauss cleverly weaves together different characters and time periods in this story about love in its various forms--unrequited love, puppy love, parental love, friendship and romantic love. Put together in an interesting narrative structure, this is one thing that sets this book apart. Krauss sensitive portrayal of the characters coupled with her acute understanding of human feelings and behaviour tugs at your heartstrings, making this book a delight to read.
Posted by DSD at August 25, 2005 8:36 AM