Every once in a while you read a book that you just have to talk about as soon as you finish. Beatrice and Virgil is one of those books. I was one of the lucky readers to recieved an advance copy of Yann Martel’s new book from Random House Publishing Group. Martel is also the author of Life Of Pi, another thought provoking book which we read several years ago. I remember reading Life Of Pi, getting to the very end and thinking the exact same thing. Who can I call ? I need to discuss this book right now! If you have read Beatrice and Virgil, I would love to hear your thoughts. If you have not read it…. please do and get back to my ASAP!
Friday Morning Bookclub 
Hi there,
I’m an editorial intern at Knopf-Random House Canada and am keeping an eye on Beatrice and Virgil’s reception in the online world. I came across several dozens of reviews on blogs, but couldn’t help responding to your post here…I know too well the feeling of finishing the book and desperately seeking someone to discuss it with 🙂
Life of Pi cast a spell over me like no book has before; yet, I approached this book not with high expectations, but with utter respect and open-mindedness for Martel’s latest work. And, in short, I thought this work was brilliant. Absurdist themes really work for me, and I simply loved the influence of Beckett’s Waiting for Godot on the play within this novel. I did find the narration to be a bit amateurish and pandering in a couple of moments (most pertaining to Henry’s story itself), but the play was so spell bounding I could almost look past them.
I look forward to hearing what you think!
Comment by Sarah — April 19, 2010 @ 10:15 am |
Hi Sarah, Thanks for commenting on our blog. I don’t know what to think about this book, which is why I need someone to discuss it with. I feel like I may have to go back and reread parts of it. The end left me speachless.
Comment by susanbright — April 19, 2010 @ 11:12 am |