Portraits of a Marriage by Sándor Márai, translated by George Szirtes (Knopf)
This novel is so beautiful and complex. Set in Hungary between the wars, it is simultaneously an exploration of marriages and human relationships, the classes and class struggles, the nature of art and the nature of war, and the ways in which we survive it all. Márai is a master writer, and through four independent but deeply enmeshed narratives he deftly and beautifully depicts the lives of five individuals, drawing the reader in close with stylistic care. Each story is told in the first person to a silent listener, giving us an intimate look into the hearts, minds, and lives of his exquisitely drawn characters. -Candra
BOOKNOTES, the book review of THE ELLIOTT BAY BOOK COMPANY, is written entirely by bookstore staff. It represents a sampling of recently published and forthcoming books that we have enjoyed reading. We appreciate every opportunity to assist in finding books to meet your interests.
