This fourth novel of Lawrence Durrell’s Avignon quintet is another celebration of his divine prose linking the patchwork of episodes containing his themes of love triangles; gnosticism; the Inquisition; sexuality; psychiatric conditions; suicide; murder; and rivalry, all involving the narrator and his invented characters as they assist the writer in bringing his work towards completion.
Durrell’s descriptive language, his insight into humanity, and the pace of his narrative carry the reader along at a sometimes exciting rate, although it is helpful to understand the metafiction genre that has become clear to me in working my way through the series.
I do not possess the next book in the series, and, although I determined about 15 years ago not to acquire any more books, I am tempted to break that resolution.
David Gentleman has once again provided the book jacket on the reverse of which appears an accurate blurb.
Have you ever watched “The Durrells of Corfu”? Maybe it’s time I read one of Larry’s books. Thanks for the nudge, Derrick š
Thanks very much, Donna. No – I haven’t read that one
It’s a TV adaptation of Gerald Durrell’s “My Family and Other Animals”…quite entertaining.
My husband and I both enjoyed that show very much.
Thanks again
Rick and I saw that too, on DVD. It was very entertaining!
Another pithy review of a book worth reading.
Thank you very much, Pat
I have all five volumes sitting in my cart at Thriftbooks. I suspect it will be the best $20 I’ve spent in some time.
Well done
Thriftbooks – I will look into that source!
It’s wonderful, Lavinia. I’ve had nothing but good luck with them, and when they list a book as ‘fair’ or ‘good,’ the rating always is spot on.
I’ve made a resolution to read Durrell, thanks to you, Derrick.
Thanks very much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Thank you for another fine review. I think you should break resolution in this case, or do you have a local library that might have it?
We do have a library, but it is more a question of time to read those in my own. Advice accepted, Merril. Thanks very much
You’re welcome, Derrick. ????
Thank you for this review, Derrick. The book sounds like one to read immersively, with no distractions intruding on the “fictive dream.”
Quite so, Liz. I departed go another room to finish it, for that very reason. Much appreciated observation
This is quite a review, Derrick. I will have to look into Durrell. Thank you.
Much appreciated, Jodie
I checked our local library system and they only have the Alexandria quartet, which I would surely try. But they’re only on digital files. Hmmmm
Do you have a local library? If so, perhaps the next one could be borrowed. I get most of the books I read through our interlibrary loan system, which is such a gem. Through that system, I have so much access to the world of books and ideas. Right now I am on a binge of mid-twentieth-century British women writers. Just finished “The Vet’s Daughter.” Holy cats, what a book! And I come from the land of Stephen King. Someday, I will give Durrell’s quartet a try.
Thank you so much, Laurie. I may do that – we do have a local library. It is really a question of time to read those in my own library š
Our library gives 6 weeks now. And no fines! Ever since the pandemic our libraries have made a point to be more kindly and accessible. Maybe yours have, too.
I am alwsys curious about the books you read Derrick. I’ll try to find this one.
Thank you very much, Arlene
Thank you for sharing this review, Derrick! Ooh! Sounds like a VERY interesting book!
I always enjoy knowing what others are reading. When I met people in person, I always ask them a few questions, including what book are you currently reading? Always fun to hear people’s responses.
(((HUGS)))
Thanks very much, Carolyn X
It sounds like you are really enjoying this series of books by Lawrence Durrel!!
Yes. Once I got my head round the genre. Thanks very much, John
Another interesting book! Difficult to resist in acquiring books! How did you managed to do it for 15 years I don’t know š
I still have more than I will have time to read. Thanks very much, Ribana