Title: Waiting for Sunrise
Author: William Boyd
Publication Year: 2012
Publisher: Harper
Edition: ARC
Source: Amazon VineSetting: London and Vienna
Date Completed: 3/7/2012
Rating: 4.5/5 Recommend: yes
William Boyd's latest novel, Waiting for Sunrise, which releases next month, is unlike anything I've read in a long while.
The story begins in 1913 when a 28 year-old English actor by the
name of Lysander Reif has taken all of his money and headed to Vienna.
It seems the handsome, educated man has a bit of a sexual dysfunction
issue. In Vienna, Dr. Bensimon, a highly regarded psychoanalyst,
considered an expert in the field, and a former student of Freud, is the
man Reif is confident can help him overcome his sexual performance
issue.
While at an analysis appointment, Reif encounters, Hettie Bull a
brazen woman, who bursts into the doctor's office during one of his
sessions without an appointment. The woman is an attractive British
artist (sculptor), who after a second run in asks him to pose for her.
The two begin an intense affair complete with steamy imagery. Although
the affair cures him of his sexual dysfunction issue, he ends up with
trouble he never imagined.
Entering into the story is a second individual, Alwyn Munro, who he
also met during his analysis sessions. Munro works for the British
Consulate. When Reif is charged with rape by Hettie, it is Munro who
aids in his escape from Vienna, but not without the government expecting
something from him in return. The reader, along with Reif are pulled
into a world full of deception, intrigue and espionage.
The story for the most part was fast paced. The writing is well
done, very descriptive, steamy and sensual, combined with a bit of
mystery, WWI background, lots of intrigue and plot twists. In honesty,
it is not the type of story that I expected to enjoy, but I did, which
tells me that I'll be a lot less hesitant to move outside of my comfort
zone in the future. RECOMMENDED
Wow, it sounds like analysis created more problems than it solved. This sounds like a fascinating book.
ReplyDeleteI sure wish we had enough time to read all the great books you share with everyone!
ReplyDeleteI also like the sound of this one, and think that it would make for an interesting read. I am so glad that you stretched out of your comfort zone and that you were well rewarded! Great review today!
ReplyDeleteIt does sound interesting with allo those elements to the story. Glad you enjoyed it so much, Diane.
ReplyDeleteI've never read any of Boyd's books and I think I'm missing out, this sounds very intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThis would fit nicely in a couple of my reading challenges!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to keep my eye out for this one. Based of your review, I think I would love it.
ReplyDeleteJeez ..sounds like all the patients got all up in each other's bussines!
ReplyDeleteThis does sound intriguing. I'm the same, sometimes I think I'm going to like something and then it surprises me. Seems like this is one of those.
ReplyDeleteI recall passing this one up because I thought it would be shallow and concentrate on his sexual problems. Boy, was I wrong! I must read this one.
ReplyDeleteI think this one sounds very interesting...I like how his sexual problem is solved but unbeknownst to him he's in for bigger problems than he ever thought!!! I love it when you step outside your comfort zone and are rewarded!!!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I was ready to skip by this one because I don't really like the cover (silly, I know!), but it does sound interesting!
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