14 Comments
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Teresa Hamilton Mathews's avatar

My favorite book. I go to sleep to part 3 most nights. I’ve read it, but I love listening to it because of the way the words sound.

And, it has one of the best opening lines ever … They departed, the gods, on the day of the strange tide.

Swoon.

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The Booker Prizes's avatar

Love this, Teresa - what a way to enjoy a book!

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Teresa Hamilton Mathews's avatar

I’ve been reading it since it won. At least once a year, but part 3 once or twice a week. I look forward to reading your highlights this month. I’ve read everything Banville and his nom de plume have written. He fascinates me. Imagine being able to put words down in such a splendid way.

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Venera Roth-Gross's avatar

At your recommendation a while ago, I bought it and listened to it on Audible.

Loved it!

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The Booker Prizes's avatar

Thanks Venera - glad you enjoyed it!

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Tony Fisher's avatar

Thank you for your monthly suggestions, I really enjoyed Anne Tyler's 'A Spool Of Blue Thread' last month.

I may be controversial here but I found 'The Sea' pretty hard going, even for a short novel. I've no doubt the poetic prose is to be commended but I had no emotional connection to any of the characters at all.

Is it possible to admire a book without engaging in it?

I know narrative and plot isn't the be all and end all but still....

Maybe I need to read it again, slowly.

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Antoinette Tomasich's avatar

Perfect timing! One of my book groups is reading this book for our March meeting. I love having all this extra information to consider. Thanks!

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The Booker Prizes's avatar

We're so glad this is useful, Antionette!

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Ibrahim Khan's avatar

So fascinating 💕📚💕

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Martin Hughes's avatar

I've still got an advance uncorrected proof copy of The Sea here on my bookshelf. Time flies!

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The Booker Prizes's avatar

Wow, lucky you!

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Jennifer Gargiulo's avatar

“The past beats inside me like a second heart.” So true.

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Arlene's avatar

Read excellent book years ago. Have been a John Banville fan in all his guises ever since.

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Feb 6
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The Booker Prizes's avatar

Pocket-sized, yet packs a punch.

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