Still Life

Exquisitely written ... however I have two gripes. Firstly, the back cover mentioned the spy angle and it didn't amount to anything except a cursory sentence; and secondly, there was no real tension in the story, and felt like a linear family saga that didn't make any substantial point. I did like Claude though!

Favourite book of the year. Loved the characters and the setting.

Nádherný, pomalý čtení, vykreslené detaily vskutku jako na malbě se zátiším. Rozhodně potěší čtenářstvo holdující found family, zasazení do Florencie minulýho století je krásnej escapismus, naprosto casually queer postavy mě příjemně překvapily. Není to pro každýho, chápu co tím lidi v recenzích myslí když píšou že to je roztahaný, ale pro mě to byla láska, která mě přesvědčila že možná slow paced knížky jsou pro mě.

Without a doubt, this book has some incredibly uplifting and emotionally charged moments in it. BUT, it was also one of the most irritating reading experiences I've had in a long time. No quotation marks? Pffffft!!! Mrs Wolstenholme would not be pleased. Also, the visions about the Olympics and the World Cup? Utterly bonkers. Equal amounts of...... amazing, beautiful, weird, horrible.

This was a beautiful story of love, friendship, art, London & Florence, family, music. I highly recommend for anyone who wants a slow, lovely, patient, and touching story. It reminds me of an afternoon in Florence spent people watching, sipping good wine, and sharing simple but delicious food with close friends. A balm for the weary soul.

4.5 stars. Beautiful, extravagant and luscious- with a cast of characters you will grow to love (Cress was my favourite