Balthazar - Lawrence Durrell

Advantages: many
Disadvantages: none

...in an hitherto unheard way. The idea of presenting a chain of events not from a detached third person narrator’s viewpoint or from the viewpoint of one character, but from the viewpoint of each person involved, is not Barnes’ invention. Lawrence Durrel (sometimes written DureLL) wrote The Alexandria Quartet, four books with the titles Justine, Balthazar, Mountolive and Clea in the years 1957 - 1960, a description from different viewpoints of a series of events in Alexandria, Egypt, before WW II. (Btw, do you know that The Alexandria Quartet is among the 100 best English language novels of the century, as chosen by the editorial board of the Modern Library?) But the way Barnes presents his characters’ point of view is indeed original, he makes them address the reader directly. I found that quite puzzling at first as I hadn’t... Read review

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Advantages:
Disadvantages:

...Durrell tells his story through the eyes of four different characters within it: Justine; Balthazar; Mountolive and Clea. Each section covers the same events and the whole unravels bit by bit as one's perspective changes. I first read it when I was in my late teens and was gripped by it then. I revisited it recently - 35 years on - and found myself caught up again in the heat of Alexandria and the depth of the passions and events described. Although it isn't a who-dunnit, it is the type of book which one doesn't want to put down and there is a strong compulsion to read on and to see what is happening to the people one has become so involved with. And to finish it is a sad parting.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: many
Disadvantages: none

...in an hitherto unheard way. The idea of presenting a chain of events not from a detached third person narrator’s viewpoint or from the viewpoint of one character, but from the viewpoint of each person involved, is not Barnes’ invention. Lawrence Durrel (sometimes written DureLL) wrote The Alexandria Quartet, four books with the titles Justine, Balthazar, Mountolive and Clea in the years 1957 - 1960, a description from different viewpoints of a series of events in Alexandria, Egypt, before WW II. (Btw, do you know that The Alexandria Quartet is among the 100 best English language novels of the century, as chosen by the editorial board of the Modern Library?) But the way Barnes presents his characters’ point of view is indeed original, he makes them address the reader directly. I found that quite puzzling at first as I hadn’t... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: a timeless classic
Disadvantages: he's done better work

...This may be Durrell's most famous work but in many ways, it's not his best. Personally I find his tales of encounters in exotic jungles, facing both exotic peoples and animals, to be far more entertaining. MFAOA is indeed a good read, it's full of whimsy and amusement, and tales of a life in a by-gone era that has an indescribable magic. But Catch Me A Colobus; A Zoo In My Luggage; Three Singles to Adventure - they are, in my opinion, far better works. Durrell's style is criticised as being overly anthromorphic and somewhat dated - both of these may be true. But this is still a range of books that can truly make me both laugh and cry. That must be some achievement by any standards... Read review

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