I’ve picked up this book several times but for some reason dismissed it. The words and the cover didn’t change, of course, so I’m not quite sure why I was pulled in this time.
I’m usually averse to books that include a story within a story. My mind keeps wanting to return to the main action, the primary dream. Beautiful Ruins includes many of these asides, even a play within the story, but they’re all so compelling, that I didn’t mind being torn away. And yes, the pieces all come together gracefully by the end. Some of the asides could have been shorter and still achieved their purpose, but as I said, I enjoyed them and wasn’t eager for them to end.
The novel is set mainly in 1962 Italy and modern Los Angeles, with a few other locales and times as well, and it includes endearing characters, along with famous movie stars, and all this is weaved together in surprising and satisfying ways. I highly recommend this touching and beautifully written book.
While finding a picture of cover, I found that they’re making a movie of this book, calling it Bailout with Jack Black. I already predict that the book will be better than the movie. (Or has movie already been released?)