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The Exiles Return (2014)

by Elisabeth de Waal(Favorite Author)

3.44 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

1250045789 (ISBN13: 9781250045782)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Picador

review 1: I'm not sure the title was apt enough, as it's a bit misleading and adds a layer of significance that doesn't ever present itself. That said, it's a beautiful book in that it's well written, with interesting characters and plot projections, and since I had no idea I ought to try, I could not have guessed the ending, which came as a bit of a surprise. Moreover, it felt as though the story was done a third of the way through the book; I feel almost compelled to pick up the pen and finish the story myself, although I could not do so lovely a job as the other Eli(s)abeth. In short: a bit anticlimactic in its sudden grinding to a halt, but beautifully written, never dull, with a cast of fascinating, lovely characters.
review 2: Beautifully written and some wonderful... more moments and characters that served as microcosms into post-war Vienna. This being said, I have many bones to pick with this book. The narrative was engulfed into the upper-class and their post-war plight. Knowing Waal's background I can see why she told their (the upper-class) story but there was not even the slightest mention of anyone but those whom had wealth, at least not by name. There were some rich and vibrant characters but I felt that they were more the sideline characters rather than the protagonists. Despite the great moments in the book, which mostly came after page 165, much of the story seems quite plainly unnecessary. What I mean is that if you are telling such an important story - as an 'exiles return' - why not devote the story to a plight of true struggle. I feel that only Adler had a hard time 'returning' to Vienna, but even he was swiftly returned to his former post. Resi had no interest in politics or the regions history so ignorance allowed her to transition all too happily. And every man (besides one)seemed happy to accept her into society. I was a bit disappointed with this novel but maybe it is because I expected too much from it. less

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