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Beautiful Ruins
337 pages, 2013
In 1962, at a sun-drenched Italian hotel, a young innkeeper spies a woman on a boat—a vision in white. She is an actress and she is dying.
The story begins again today when a retired Italian man arrives at the movie studio where he first saw her decades earlier. What unfolds is a dazzling, yet deeply human, roller coaster of a novel spanning fifty years and nearly as many lives.
From the lavish set of Cleopatra to the shabby revelry of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Walter introduces us to the tangled lives of a dozen unforgettable characters: the starstruck Italian innkeeper and his long-lost love; the heroically preserved producer who once brought them together and his idealistic young assistant.
In Beautiful Ruins, Jess Walter shows us the importance of dreams and aspirations. The characters in the book are driven by their dreams, whether it's to become a famous actress, write a successful screenplay, or simply find love. This book encourages us to chase our dreams, no matter how big or small they may be.
The book explores the intricate nature of relationships. It shows us that relationships are not always straightforward and can be filled with complications, misunderstandings, and unfulfilled expectations. But despite these challenges, they are still worth pursuing.
Beautiful Ruins emphasizes the impact of our choices. Every decision we make, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can have a profound effect on our lives. It's a reminder to think carefully before making decisions and to take responsibility for the consequences.
Jess Walter's book is a testament to finding beauty in imperfection. The title itself, 'Beautiful Ruins', suggests that there is beauty to be found even in the broken, the damaged, and the imperfect. It's a lesson that can be applied to our own lives as we learn to appreciate our flaws and imperfections.
The book spans over half a century, showing us how time can change people and circumstances. It's a reminder that while we can't control time, we can control how we react to the changes it brings. It encourages us to embrace change and make the most of the time we have.
Quotes 5
Beautiful Ruins is a mesmerizing masterpiece, a stunning journey through time and space.
Oprah Winfrey - TV host, PhilanthropistBeautiful Ruins is a captivating, heart-wrenching tale that will leave you breathless.
Stephen King - Horror fiction authorBeautiful Ruins is a breathtaking novel, a true testament to Walter's storytelling prowess.
Jodi Picoult - Bestselling authorBeautiful Ruins is a dazzling, epic work of fiction.
NPR - Media organizationBeautiful Ruins is a monumental achievement, a novel of extraordinary depth and complexity.
The New York Times - Newspaper
