Thursday, March 8, 2012

Waiting for Sunrise; William Boyd


Author:  William Boyd
Publication Year: 2012
Publisher: Harper
Edition: ARC
Source: Amazon Vine
Setting: 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

12 comments:

  1. Wow, it sounds like analysis created more problems than it solved. This sounds like a fascinating book.

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  2. I sure wish we had enough time to read all the great books you share with everyone!

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  3. I 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!

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  4. It does sound interesting with allo those elements to the story. Glad you enjoyed it so much, Diane.

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  5. I've never read any of Boyd's books and I think I'm missing out, this sounds very intriguing.

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  6. This would fit nicely in a couple of my reading challenges!

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  7. I'm going to have to keep my eye out for this one. Based of your review, I think I would love it.

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  8. Jeez ..sounds like all the patients got all up in each other's bussines!

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  9. This 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.

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  10. I 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.

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  11. I 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!!!

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  12. Hmmm, 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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