Reviews

A Sabbatical in Leipzig by Adrian Duncan

mistypane's review

dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

tisya's review

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

fattoush's review

dark reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

bgg616's review

4.0

This is the second novel I have read less than a year by this writer. He is trained as a structural engineer, and a sculptor. His books closely reflect both these professions. They are reflections on structure - reflected in the protagonist's fascination with bridges, and sculpture. Part of the novel is set in Bilbao, and the Guggenheim museum features prominently, as well as the sculpture of Richard Serra.
If you allow yourself to revel in the meandering thoughts of the protagonist, you will love this book. He thinks deeply about the meaning of structure and what the beauty and function of structures, particularly bridges, mean in the everyday existence of those who use them. The protagonist is himself a structural engineer, and his partner is a PhD level expert in porcelain. This is a love story - the love between these two characters, the love of the engineer for his work, for bridges, for serving society with his work, and for sculpture.

4.5 stars