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Summary: What a Good Book !
Review: The author's nostalgia is not for an idyllic America that never was but for the particular and complex world of his childhood, which he imbues with fresh poignancy.(I read this book, and it was good.)
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Summary: A definite must read!
Review: This book has such depth. It is beautifully written and is an excellent commentary on change, growth and love. This should be on everyone's recommended reading list. Try Mr. Hijuelos, I think you will get to like his writings
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Summary: A RARE BOOK
Review: This book resides within me in a category reserved for a special few, At Wakes and Weddings(Alice McDermott), Family Pictures(Sue Miller) and the Other Side (Mary Gordon.)A beautiful, touching story about a man who is the essence of good.
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Summary: Fine Literature
Review: This novel is an example of fine literature in an age of market-driven writing. Touching, but not trite, subtly spiritual, and very honest, it is a treat for the true lover of good writing.
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Summary: A Beautiful Tale of Faith and Forgiveness
Review: When MR IVES' CHRISTMAS was first published, I read the book in just about one sitting, promptly purchased a number of copies of the book, and gave it as a Christmas gift to close friends and family. I still find myself buying multiple copies of the book as presents. The book tells the story of Edward Ives, a character Hijuelos has lovingly created. Ives' life is a mixture of joy and tragedy. Christmas is significant in this novel since many of the joyous events in Ives' life happen at Christmas, yet it is ironic that many of the tragic events of Ives' life dovetail the Christmas too. Immediately the reader connects with Ives. He deserves his wonderful wife and his model son. Ives' world is turned upside down when his son, who longs to be a priest, is killed in a senseless act of violence. Ives' becomes obsessed with reforming the young man who murdered his son. The book could easily be cliché. He is a firm believing Catholic, but he is no saint. He is a wonderful husband, but his marriage is troubled at various points. He wants to reform his son's killer, but he is also tormented by depression and loss. The book is not necessarily a heart warming book. The Christmas story does not magically transform the events that have taken place in the book, but Ives' belief in, and questioning of the miracle behind the Christmas story is perhaps what makes the book so complex. The faith of Edward Ives is real and lived. The book does demonstrate, through a memorable and likable Edward Ives, the pivotal role that faith can play in a person's life, and how faith helps us cope and live rather than understand all the answers to life's questions.
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Summary: lyrical perfection
Review: Yes, Hijuelos won the Pulitzer for Mambo Kings. Mambo Kings deserved two Pulitzers: it was excellent. But Mr. Ives Christmas exists on a different level; it's among the best books written in the past twenty years. Hijuelos' style is lyrically exquisite, his tone soft and measured, his insight is startling and poignant. A profound, moving, nearly perfect piece from one of America's most gifted, beautiful writers. Takes the best of American realism and dips it into latin magic to produce Hijuelos' best book by far - a book that every human being should read.
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