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Title:
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Road to Urbino, The |
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Authors:
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Tearne, Roma |
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Genre:
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Fiction |
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Pages:
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338 |
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Year:
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2012 |
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Publisher:
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Hachette New Zealand |
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Language:
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English |
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Description:
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One Tuscan summer, Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca's paintings draw together three disparate men; Lyndon Rasangium (Ras), Charles Boyer and Alex Benson. The works of art set in play events that will dramatically impact on their lives and those of the people they love, as well as highlighting the plight of the Tamil people.
Moving between Sri Lanka, Italy and England, this beautifully crafted story weaves together a complex plot that gradually reveals why Ras is in custody awaiting trail, while inviting the reader to ponder the experience of civil war, immigration and identity and the seductive power of art. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups: We all enjoyed the way the story is related from 3 different viewpoints through the one unseen "investigator'. Tearne's writing and descriptive passages are excellent, managing to create an image of the Italian hills, and even the feeling of the air there. Overall enjoyed by all. We would like to read more by this author. Auckland 196 One person (an artist!) was enraptured and gave the book 9/10; a couple of others had reservations, but most of us enjoyed this book for its accomplished writing and intriguing story. We found the construction confusing rather than clever; using Elizabeth as a counsellor for Ras worked well, but much less well witth Alex. The book generated a good discussion on multi-culturalism and tourism, and we had a good look at the Flagellation and other works by Piero della Francesca, which was enlightening. Apart from the time-line being unclear, most in the group found it a good and worthwhile read. Tairua 001 We found this book difficult to get into. There was a lack of engagement with the characters, most of whom seemed unlikeable and self-centred. The story seemed to have too many strands and seemed rather contrived - too many coincidences to feel true. However, we did enjoy the writing, especially the descriptions of the Italian countryside, we felt we were there. The ending felt a bit "Hollywood", everyone ending up in various relationships, which didn't ring true. The book generated a lot of discussion. Nelson 015 We enjoyed this book on the whole. We were impressed with Roma Tearne's writing, her skill at describing emotions especially. One described the book as "intriguing'. The beginning confused some of us, and a re-read of the beginning might help. We discussed the book for longer than usual, and the book prompted us to discuss world problems. One of the thing we really enjoyed about the book was the happy ending. Christchurch 111 This proved to be a very popular book, although some cavilled at the structure where each of the various characters told their story. It caused much discussion about Sri Lanka and its recent history, and the artist and his works. A very enjoyable evening ensued. Wellington 142 Read and loved by everyone. Beautifully written. A story of "loss' but ends with resolution. Excellent notes. Perhaps the best book we have read this year, and one we would like on our book shelves. Wellington 041 Highly recommended. Wellington 041
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Categories:
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Fiction, Culture/Ethnic/Racial, Grief/loss, Morals/Ethics, Political, Relationships, England, Sri Lanka |
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