The Breaking of Eggs

[violet]

Lent to me by a friend, The Breaking of Eggs by Jim Powell is a novel written from the perspective of a man whose life has been predicated on a mistaken set of beliefs.

As written in the review:

"Powell’s special talent is to shrink major themes of the twentieth century to the canvas of just one figure, for through Zhukowski we see history writ small. At the same time, we get an exploration of the nature of connection, home, and exile. High-minded stuff but don’t be put off. This novel is not polemic. These questions bubble up through the very engaging story of Zhukowski’s shedding of his past."

The full, terrific review is here:

blog.booktopia.com.au/2010/05/10/the-breaking-of-eggs-by-jim-powell/

It's historically interesting, but written from a current perspective. Though the main character's total inability to deal with emotions early in the book is a bit sad, his explanations of how he sees and deals with his life, and how he finally learns to come to terms with life itself, is both fascinating and poignant.

It's not a particularly upbeat read, but does have a "real" feel to it and I've enjoyed reading it.

Elisa

[violet]

Small update: the ending was a little too neatly tied together for my taste. I still enjoyed the book though.

[braided-rug]

It is good to see you reading again Elisa. Did you find a few months ago you were reading less?

I guess reading is like that really.

[violet]

I've been reading more non-fiction, Br, and it takes so much longer to get through a dense book of facts than a novel. For me, anyway.

Also, many of the novels I've read in the past year have been too crummy to recommend. Dd and I have been both been disappointed with my reading choices lately.

I bought The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, which she enjoyed, but I gather it's very sad.

Elisa