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A review by adventureswithactionbill
Still Life by Sarah Winman
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Some books catch your eye again and again but it takes you a while to pick up. And when they are this rich, tender and lovely, you can only be grateful you did pick it up. This is a lengthy read and took me longer than most, but was oh so worth it.
Following a miscellany of characters as they weave through each other's lives, starting with late in the Second World War, through to the 1970s, with flashbacks to develop the characters' backstory, this was an ode to love, friendship, family, and living life in the moment. I wanted to live in the world Sarah Winman created, with this beautiful found family and the community they inhabit. The characters are so very alive and present, and the descriptions of Florence - its art, architecture, history, food - is warm, moving and delightfully funny.
The only reason this didn't get 5 stars is because my attention waned during the early post-war chapter in England. But I'm so glad I stuck with it. It was a genuine joy to listen to this audiobook. I defy anyone to read this and not want to plan a trip to Tuscany!
Following a miscellany of characters as they weave through each other's lives, starting with late in the Second World War, through to the 1970s, with flashbacks to develop the characters' backstory, this was an ode to love, friendship, family, and living life in the moment. I wanted to live in the world Sarah Winman created, with this beautiful found family and the community they inhabit. The characters are so very alive and present, and the descriptions of Florence - its art, architecture, history, food - is warm, moving and delightfully funny.
The only reason this didn't get 5 stars is because my attention waned during the early post-war chapter in England. But I'm so glad I stuck with it. It was a genuine joy to listen to this audiobook. I defy anyone to read this and not want to plan a trip to Tuscany!