Simple Prayers Abridged

Rating:
Summary: a wonderful magical tale of the frailties of man
Review: As a first novel this work is a marvel, as a second or third novel it would merely cement the genius of the author. Mr Golding has crafted a tale of emense beauty and wonderful understanding of man. It is full of magic, love, and laughs as we glimpse the island of riva pignole. If wish to be charmed, warmed, or touched it is a work to read.

Rating:
Summary: Good read
Review: For those who have seen the movie American Beauty, this book sort of reminds me of that message. Different reviews mentioned AIDS in their discussion of this book but I didn't get that from the read at all. It lends itself to seeing life at various levels. I finished this book with a sense of wonder and hope. I recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: Great read. Wasn't crazy about the ending, though.
Review: I was quickly taken in by the quirkiness of this little island and it's inhabitants. Golding's character and mannerism descriptions are extremely vivid, and often humorous. It was easy to image what the main characters would look like; all dialogues allowed me to picture facial expressions and animations. I kept turning pages, becoming more and more attached to the story. But when I realized where it was all heading, I started to lose interest. I wish I was sad the story is over, instead I'm dissapointed how it ended.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've ever read.
Review: The story line is enchanting, the writing is beautiful- this book is a little known must read. I've been anxiously awaiting the author's next book.

Rating:
Summary: A pearl
Review: This beautiful little book has continued to haunt me. It took me away from my daily existence to a shimmering island peopled by characters who were not of this world, but somehow still as familiar as my neighbors, my cousins, my mailman. Delicious.

Rating:
Summary: Never a literary mis-step in this compelling tale
Review: Though I'm not often a particular fan of magic realism or fable-like narratives, this one fooled me by its literary quality into turning every page with vast enjoyment. Golding takes chances and succeeds, never sticking to the expected. I loved the way it ended, which was satisfying in a much deeper way than if all our longings (and those of the sympathetic characters) had been readily fulfilled. It's pretty much a timeless tale, though set a long time ago. Golding's got a lock on human nature and writes with supreme flair about frailty, longing, and ambivalence.