For the life of me, I don’t understand all the rave reviews this book has received. It only took me two days to read, and after a slew of verbose, florid and over used adjective laden novels, I was initially drawn in by the author’s sparse writing style, but, that wasn’t enough to make the novel. It could have been such an interesting story but eventually became far too ridicules and unbelievable. Every chapter ended with another implausible scenario to the point that my finishing the book was simply curiosity to see how it would end. The characters were far too self absorbed and banal and I kept waiting for someone to actually have a bit of depth. The protagonist has spent years alone on an island, with that much time alone, you would have thought he spent at least a little time in his own depth, guess not. And the final nail in my criticism; the night the one arm woman spent the night and his actions. Really? This guy is that stupid and insensitive after what he’s recently been through with the women who have appeared in his life? I admire protagonists who go through the morbid rehashing of their lives, those who pause and look at their role and the outcome and the influence they’ve had on others, but this? No, this reads like a cheap script for a Hollywood movie geared towards the Nicholas Sparks crowd who wants a slightly darker change. Basically, the novel is the story of Frederick Welin, son of a "lowly" waiter who was able to rise in status through college and medical school and become a surgeon. While a young man, he had a torrid affair with a young woman who he abandoned without explanation. Years later, an error during an operation led to an official reprimand, a decision he could not accept, so he fundamentally quit life retiring to an island offshore where he lived with only a dog and a cat for company. Lethargy ruled his days, exemplified by a growing anthill in his living room, ignored by him as it slowly took over the area.Then one day, after 11 years on the island, now 66, his former lover is seen standing on the ice, leaning on a walker. She's dying of cancer but forces him to face up to the present (and hopefully the future).Written by a masterful writer, this is a tale of redemption and renewal. The use of Italian shoes as a symbol of what can be accomplished by painstaking craftsmanship gives rise to optimism in an otherwise sad but poignant tale. Recommended. This was my first Mankell book, it won't be my last, it was certainly bleak, but interesting.
What do You think about Zapatos Italianos (2006)?
I truly enjoyed this story; however, everyone I recommended it to felt rather lukewarm. Oh well!
—patelnima
Ambiance froide réussie, qui donne envie d'aller jusqu'au bout.
—hillon
