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A review by hannahmayreads
Still Life by Sarah Winman
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-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? It's complicated
5.0
Being a Forster fan, I was very happy to dive right into this novel, and I wasn't left disappointed. Winman has captured the same sense of Italy that Forster also managed to capture on the page - the most comparable being A Room With A View, but Still Life also has much of the chaotic, bohemian energy of Howard's End. Evelyn definitely reminds me of the Schlegel sisters, and there seems to be a little of all of Forster's men about Ulysses. And, of course, there's a little lucy Honeychurch in everyone. It is an odd cast of characters but they're probably one of my favourite ensembles ever.
A philosophical romp through post-war Britain and Europe, it is an expansive story despite the narrow cast of characters. Terracotta-toned visions of Tuscan hillsides and Florentine streets will have you seriously contemplating moving to Italy - what is there to lose you'll ask yourself. You will be consumed by wanderlust.
"Art versus humanity is not the question, Ulysses. One doesn't exist without the other. Art is the antidote. Is that enough to make it important? Well yes, I think it is."
It delights from start to finish. It expands across time and place, yet it remains delectably intimate. Despite being a historical novel it does not cling to the past, and there is no heady nostalgia. It moves steadily forward, seeing change as good. This book has so much heart and soul; it is all joy and heartache, sadness and beauty - what a wonderful, wonderful read. I feel replenished by it - a restorative balm for our bruised souls.
"Beauty gushed out to water the earth." (from A Room With A View)
A philosophical romp through post-war Britain and Europe, it is an expansive story despite the narrow cast of characters. Terracotta-toned visions of Tuscan hillsides and Florentine streets will have you seriously contemplating moving to Italy - what is there to lose you'll ask yourself. You will be consumed by wanderlust.
"Art versus humanity is not the question, Ulysses. One doesn't exist without the other. Art is the antidote. Is that enough to make it important? Well yes, I think it is."
It delights from start to finish. It expands across time and place, yet it remains delectably intimate. Despite being a historical novel it does not cling to the past, and there is no heady nostalgia. It moves steadily forward, seeing change as good. This book has so much heart and soul; it is all joy and heartache, sadness and beauty - what a wonderful, wonderful read. I feel replenished by it - a restorative balm for our bruised souls.
"Beauty gushed out to water the earth." (from A Room With A View)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Grief
Minor: Domestic abuse and Homophobia