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avesmaria's review against another edition
4.0
This book tells the story of the post-Fascist American occupation in a small fictitious Sicilian town during World War II. It was written based on Hersey's wartime observances, so many characters are based on real individuals and some plot points reflect real events (one character is clearly a reference to the famed and famously foul-tempered Patton).
I found the book to be warm, compassionate, and engaging, and also very sad at parts. While the story is interesting on its own, the writing is simple, beautiful and honest, which really lets the overarching themes of patriotism, compassion, and virtue shine through. I loved the way it was written - the way Hersey writes Sicilians speaking Italian or dialect among themselves versus the way they speak English to the Americans, or the way Americans speak Italian, for one. I also loved the vivid characterizations that, to me, seemed like the right balance of quintessential Sicilian characteristics and archetypal small-town personalities.
I found the book to be warm, compassionate, and engaging, and also very sad at parts. While the story is interesting on its own, the writing is simple, beautiful and honest, which really lets the overarching themes of patriotism, compassion, and virtue shine through. I loved the way it was written - the way Hersey writes Sicilians speaking Italian or dialect among themselves versus the way they speak English to the Americans, or the way Americans speak Italian, for one. I also loved the vivid characterizations that, to me, seemed like the right balance of quintessential Sicilian characteristics and archetypal small-town personalities.
kangokaren's review against another edition
5.0
I read three books over Christmas break my senior year of high school. They vividly stand out because this was the same break where I got my first kiss. The books were Cold Mountain, Bel Canto, and A Bell For Adano.
katzreads's review against another edition
4.0
I had no idea what to expect from this book, and it was absolutely charming!
drewmoody321's review against another edition
3.0
Read my full review here: http://thepulitzerblog.wordpress.com/2010/05/04/entry-11-1-a-bell-for-adano-by-john-hersey-1945/
dlajoie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Pouring one out for GVSU Professor Danny Balfour. Thanks for assigning this one.
lukeibaldwin's review against another edition
4.0
Certainly a volume in the required reading WWII collection.
socorrobaptista's review against another edition
4.0
Uma narrativa de guerra que mostra, com bom humor, o dia a dia de uma pequena cidade italiana tomada pelos estadunidenses pouco antes do fim da Segunda Guerra. algumas cenas tocantes, outras engraçadas, uma boa leitura.
cjeanne99's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
WWII - the Americans have secured the fictitious town of Adano, in Sicily. Major Joppolo is assigned as the Army officer in charge - to bring order to the town. He follows Army protocol - with a human touch. He becomes beloved of all the townspeople for the way he diplomatically handles disagreements and introduces democratic ways over fascism.
General Marvin - loosely based on Patton - comes to town and is impeded by a mule cart. He gives an order that no mule carts are to be allowed within the town.
Major Joppolo tells the townspeople about the order - they tell him that the town must have mule carts in order to receive fresh water and supplies. Joppolo countermands the order. Through the rest of the book a report alerting General Marvin of Joppolo’s insubordination (by allowing mule carts in the town) is diverted for many months with hopes of being lost.
In the meantime -Joppolo gets the fishermen of Adano to start fishing again, and tries to find a bell to replace the 700 year old bell that was repurposed by the Fascists and melted down for ammunition.
The townspeople commission the local painter to paint a portrait of Joppolo. The narration regarding the “critique” of the painting - both of Joppolo and when he paints new scenes for the fishing boats was delightful.
Eventually, the report of Joppolo’s action with the mule carts reaches General Marvin. He orders Joppolo reassigned to Algiers. That report arrives on the same day that:
A)a new bell has arrived and is being installed
B)the townspeople present the finished portrait to the Major
C)a great party is being held to celebrate the Major
The Major leaves the next day - without explaining to the townspeople that he has been reassigned. As he leaves town, the bell starts to ring.
General Marvin - loosely based on Patton - comes to town and is impeded by a mule cart. He gives an order that no mule carts are to be allowed within the town.
Major Joppolo tells the townspeople about the order - they tell him that the town must have mule carts in order to receive fresh water and supplies. Joppolo countermands the order. Through the rest of the book a report alerting General Marvin of Joppolo’s insubordination (by allowing mule carts in the town) is diverted for many months with hopes of being lost.
In the meantime -Joppolo gets the fishermen of Adano to start fishing again, and tries to find a bell to replace the 700 year old bell that was repurposed by the Fascists and melted down for ammunition.
The townspeople commission the local painter to paint a portrait of Joppolo. The narration regarding the “critique” of the painting - both of Joppolo and when he paints new scenes for the fishing boats was delightful.
Eventually, the report of Joppolo’s action with the mule carts reaches General Marvin. He orders Joppolo reassigned to Algiers. That report arrives on the same day that:
A)a new bell has arrived and is being installed
B)the townspeople present the finished portrait to the Major
C)a great party is being held to celebrate the Major
The Major leaves the next day - without explaining to the townspeople that he has been reassigned. As he leaves town, the bell starts to ring.
andbento's review against another edition
5.0
This and Life of Pi are my all time favorite books. Due for a re-read soon.
kevin_barney's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0