Swift as Desire - Hardcover
This is a combination of myth and sensual realism, in a love story where a Mexican telegraph operator sets the world to rights by benevolently mistranslating messages.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review:
Laura Esquivel's Swift As Desire is a novel-cum-tribute to her father Jubilo, "born happy and on holiday" in early 20th-century Mexico. Now on his deathbed and unable to speak, his daughter Lluvia, the story's narrator, tries to puzzle out what had driven her parents' marriage asunder, for "even though the lines were down, their love kept travelling as swift as their desire".
Review:
Jubilo seems to have had every virtue: as son, father and friend, his gifts of communication, generosity and warmth were legion. And if his characterisation as husband leans rather too heavily on adoringly possessive Latin who makes love like a divine demon--well, let's overlook the stereotyping. His passion for his wife Lucha and their two children, his dedication to his work as a telegraph operator and his general bon vivance made him a man for all worlds. And yet, and yet... a photograph found by chance leads Lluvia to the heart of the matter.
Esquivel's frequent, interspersed reflections and observations, intruding on the narrative flow, tilt towards the trite and obvious, and are often surprisingly clumsily expressed. But the award-winning author of the bestselling Like Water for Chocolate presents her characters with such affection and zest, and such bountiful sensuality, that the book's shortcomings can be overlooked. --Ruth Petrie
"'Esquivel's special gift is making ordinary lives appear extraordinary.. Ten years since LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE, but (Esquivel) has lost none of her touch.'" (The Birmingham Evening Mail)
"'Small but perfectly formed.' Glamour"
"'Esquivel tells a story with earthy, observant sensuality ... it vividly evokes universal emotions in an exotic world.'" (Jessica Mann Sunday Telegraph)
"'A beautiful story, rich with love, that closely examines language, communication and misunderstanding.'" (Punch)
"'Haunting and hypnotic love story.'" (Harpers & Queen)
"'Small but perfectly formed.' Glamour"
"'Esquivel tells a story with earthy, observant sensuality ... it vividly evokes universal emotions in an exotic world.'" (Jessica Mann Sunday Telegraph)
"'A beautiful story, rich with love, that closely examines language, communication and misunderstanding.'" (Punch)
"'Haunting and hypnotic love story.'" (Harpers & Queen)
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherDoubleday
- Publication date2001
- ISBN 10 0385602766
- ISBN 13 9780385602761
- BindingHardcover
- Edition number1
- Number of pages240
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Book Description Hardback. Condition: Good. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR008158772
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Swift as Desire
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Swift as Desire A Novel
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(2001)
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Book Description Hardcover. Condition: Used; Good. **SHIPPED FROM UK** We believe you will be completely satisfied with our quick and reliable service. All orders are dispatched as swiftly as possible! Buy with confidence! Greener Books. Seller Inventory # mon0002198648
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