Helpful Score: 12
This is a good book, well written and a unique story. But having said that, it should carry a warning because the first 50 pages are intensely graphic in the description of a horrific accident and the painful suffering of the main character-as in TOO realistic! I nearly closed the book and walked away, so begin with caution! I made it through (with things I did not want in my head) but it does get better and it is an absorbing story that ties connections of lives and love through time. It is a bizarre story, and it left me pondering a few questions at the end, but it wraps up most things pretty nicely. It took awhile to read because it skips around to various characters in various periods in time that don't always appear to be connected throughout the book. Overall, it is a good read.
I could not put the book down. Had to find out if Marianne was schizophrenic or telling the truth. Enjoyed learning tid bits of history that I would never uncover myself. In the process learned the many processes the body must go through in order to survive a massive burn. Entertaining, highly imaginative, and informative all at once.
Helpful Score: 7
Its a novel of a disillusioned man who survives a horrific car accident with severe burns. As he recovers in the hospital, he starts a friendship with a woman who is (maybe? probably?) a schizophrenic that claims they've known each other for hundreds of years. While he learns how to live with the varying changes to his body, she tells him stories of their past life and several side stories meant to teach him important lessons on life and love.
Absolutely fascinating read. I loved the many layers to this book and how the side stories connected with the main plot. It's a harsh look at a drug addled young man who is existing, not living, and how his life is turned upside down and inside out. Loved, loved, loved it.
Absolutely fascinating read. I loved the many layers to this book and how the side stories connected with the main plot. It's a harsh look at a drug addled young man who is existing, not living, and how his life is turned upside down and inside out. Loved, loved, loved it.
Helpful Score: 6
This was a very interesting novel. It's about a man who gets severly burned in a car accident. The story details his recovery and his relationship with an unusual woman named Marianne Engel. He meets her while in the hospital and discovers that she is a psychiatric patient. She proceeds to tell him fascinating stories of when they first meet in the 14th century. According to her, her purpose is to create gargoyles (she carves them) and give them the extra hearts that she has.
It took me a while to get into this story, but I am so glad that I stuck with it. The description of his recovery was horrific. I would never have expected it to occur the way it did nor the length of time it would take. Marianne, however, was the shining star in this novel. She told her stories with such conviction, that it leaves the reader wondering if her tales could actually have happened. I would definitely recommend reading this.
It took me a while to get into this story, but I am so glad that I stuck with it. The description of his recovery was horrific. I would never have expected it to occur the way it did nor the length of time it would take. Marianne, however, was the shining star in this novel. She told her stories with such conviction, that it leaves the reader wondering if her tales could actually have happened. I would definitely recommend reading this.
Helpful Score: 6
This is a fantastic piece of literature that will be in your mind long after you finish it. So many layers of story telling thru so many eras you just cant put this book down!! I havent even said anything about the two main characters whose relationship is based on her helping him recover from horrific burns and she has a mental illness. You just have to read this book its soooo good!
