Waiting for Columbus; Thomas Trofimuk
The audio version of this book is read by Grover Gardner who did a wonderful job with this novel.
At first I was not sure what to make of this unusual novel.
An unknown man is pulled from the Strait of Gibraltar, and when he wakes up, he finds himself in the Sevilla Institute for the Mentally Ill. The year is 2005, and the man claims to be Christopher Columbus. To his lonely nurse, Consuela Lopez, and the psychiatric staff, the man who claims to be Christopher Columbus, details stories of his conquests including tales about the women he has loved.
His stories move from the 15th century, rich in period details to the present day. Quite frankly, some of the details he reports to the staff, clearly seem to be of a man who has lost touch with reality. He is obviously an intelligent man, and it is not long before nurse Consuela, who listens to his stories of love and adventure, day after day, begins to fall for this mystery man. There is a puzzle to piece together here, and as a reader you will probably be wondering, like I did, why is an Interpol agent from France is traveling to Spain looking for a mystery man, and possible assailant--is there a tie?
MY THOUGHTS - Boy, can this author can write. The prose is simply beautiful, and for that very reason, I wish I had the print version instead of the audio book. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the audio book, however, the writing is the rare style made me wish I could savor some of the passages over and over again. With the audio version it was also hard to distinguish between some of the narratives, and there were times that I felt I should just stop, and try to get the book from the library instead. I did not give up, as this book drew me in, and I was anxious to unravel the mystery. It was one of those books you pick up and don't want to put down until you finish the story. I was not prepared for the ending, and I will be thinking about it for some time I am sure.
Waiting For Columbus, is a book I probably would have never experienced had it not been for a few wonderful reviews that I had read. This novel is part mystery, part romance, part intrigue. If you don't mind a somewhat heart wrenching story, which demonstrates just how fragile the human mind and spirit can be, then I can't imagine being disappointed by this novel. RECOMMENDED (4/5 stars....probably would have been higher for the print version) (Library Book)
I don't think I've read a bad review of this one yet. It's on my wish list!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an incredibly unusual and interesting book. I haven't heard it mentioned a lot, but your review is compelling me to add it to my wish list. Great review!
ReplyDeleteAh, another very positive review for this book. It does sound like it has a very interesting premise. I'll definitely have to have my eye out for a copy!
ReplyDeleteThe book lady never recommends a bad book - I was so glad to have read this one!
ReplyDeleteI want to read this one too. I've heard that the writing is great but I think the premise is pretty cool too.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound interesting. Love the cover, too.
ReplyDeleteDo you have a "green thumb" in the garden, too? :)
wow - you liked it!
ReplyDeleteSB
not too serious i hope
I really want to read this one! Think I'll stick with the book though... lots of audios on my wish list at the moment.
ReplyDeleteOh wow...I'm intrigued with this one! I need to check and see if our library has it. Great review!
ReplyDeleteGreat review! I'm so glad that others are loving this book.
ReplyDeleteI will just add that you did a wonderful job reviewing the book without giving anything away. I will add this to my ever growing wish list.
ReplyDeleteI've never listened to an audio book but it's interesting how you mention that you had a hard time distinguishing between narratives. I've often wondered how audio books work with a more complex or experimental story.
ReplyDeleteOh, I really want to read this now! Mystery, intrigue, romance - it all calls out to me!
ReplyDeleteThis is the first I've seen of this book, and it sounds fabulous.
ReplyDeleteI've wanted to read this since Jill's review at Fizzy Thoughts! It sounds so excellent, and I'm glad you enjoyed it, too :-)
ReplyDeleteLike you, I got a copy to read based on all the great reviews about it. Glad to hear you had a similar experience. I plan on reading it soon.
ReplyDeleteI don't think, had I read just the synopsis, that this would be a book that would interest me. But your review really makes me want to read it. Thanks for the great recommendation!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely have this one on my wish list--everyone seems to give it a thumbs up!
ReplyDeleteThis book featured in my Cover Attraction posts and interestingly your review makes me want to read it. This is so good.
ReplyDeleteI am adding this to my wishlist!
This sounds really interesting. The recipe of mystery/intrigue/romance is definitely straight up my alley, haha. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteI hadn't heard of this, but it sounds fantastic! On the list it goes.
ReplyDeleteHave to check this one out. I did read some good reviews of this book lately.
ReplyDeleteGood to know I should look for the print version. Sometimes print and audio are not equal. Great review!
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