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Summary: A Magnificent Raconteur
Review: I came to this strange and wonderful book without the slightest inkling of what it was about -- simply because it was in the recommended reading for many guidebooks about Italy. First and foremost, it is an autobiography of a great physician and animal lover who just happened to spend some years of his life on Capri.Autobiographies can make for strange reading, especially when there are obvious omissions. Although Axel Munthe frequently accuses himself of being a ladies' man, there is no mention of any love interest by name or even generic description. (That reminds me of film director Josef von Sternberg's FUN IN A CHINESE LAUNDRY, where we learn in passing that the author was married because of a cryptic mention in a subordinate clause 300 pages into the book.) Also missing is any mention of Munthe's childhood, although I understand there is at least one other autobiography written by him (MEMORIES AND VAGARIES), which I have not read. There is, however, one section that does not appear in any autobiography that I have ever seen: An anticipation of Munthe's Last Judgment in Heaven following his death, with St. Peter, Moses, Athanasius, and St. Francis joining in the discussion. STORY OF SAN MICHELE ranges from Paris to Lapland, Rome, Naples, Calabria, and Capri. We see duels, medical cases of wealthy women with imaginary diseases, demonic housekeepers, quacks, midwives, prostitutes, victims of cholera and earthquakes, brigands, shamans, and even an alcoholic ape. Munthe is a magnificent raconteur, and his book is a joy to read and reread.
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Summary: One of the Greatest Books of all times!
Review: I fully agree with G.S. Chandy's review! I read this book as a child, it used to be my mother's favorite. Now, some forty years later, as a professor I acknowledge this has been the one lay book which has influenced my thinking most: may Axel Munthe be remembered as a saint and a genius (an uncomun combination)
Rating: 
Summary: Profoundly absorbing writing by a medical doctor
Review: I have read initially The story of San Michelle while I was a medical student in Trivandrum Medical College (India) way back in early 1960's. I must have reread the book at least 5 or 6 times since then. Everytime I read the book, I really wished to visit the island described by Dr Axel Munthe and his San Michele. I still marvel at the honest narration and great readability of the book. I would certainly recommend this book to every medical student anywhere in the World.
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Summary: A book that opens one's eyes
Review: I like this book not because of what Axel gave up to have his dream but what because what he did to attain it. He did not give up anything, except perhaps his sight, but rather he put up with the life of his time to achieve his goals without really hurting anyone. A great book to motivate you.
Rating:
Summary: Too accessible to be "good"
Review: I pretty much agree with all the above. I think because of its simplenness and its accessibility it may not be recognised as a great book, but therein lies its truth and beauty. It's a disgrace that its out of print, and now I'm quite afraid to lend my copy to anybody.
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Summary: A Classic to be Re-read Every Few Years
Review: I was introduced to this charming book by my mother over 30 years ago, and have in turn introduced it to my wife and daughter. It has gone through hundreds of editions in countless languages and is still being read by those lucky enough to discover it.
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Summary: A book for all of time
Review: It is hard to believe that a book written in 1929 would not seem dated (other than horse and buggies) but the ethics, morals, human emotions and feelings, social responsibility, etc. still hold true tody in 2001. This book, written by a great story-teller, made me laugh and cry. I know I have truly enjoyed a book when its characters stay with me. Dr. Munthe is such a charachter. Compassion, wisdom, common sense and one of the best endings I have ever read. A story of a doctor, an animal-lover, in the late nineteenth and early 20th century. He lives through a cholera epidemic in Naples, WWI, he battles for animal rights, deals with life and death, spends time in jail, collects precious antiques and of course appreciates good food and champagne. You will not be disappointed. You might even learn something.
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Summary: Funny, touching, insightful at times, interesting man.
Review: Life story of a physician from the early 20th century that understood that medicine and doctoring is more about people than wonder drugs and technology. Left a lucrative medical practice in Paris to practice his profession part time time so that he could build the house of his dreams and spend time with the people he loved. Marvelous read, with a moral for those of us so caught up with "making it".
Rating:
Summary: A thought provoking book
Review: My father had mentioned this book to me as a teenager. I read portions of it then, but have always wanted to read it in full. Finally, I found a paperback edition and found an absorbing and thought stimulating book. Dr. Munthe's care of the sick, his love of animals and the characters he describes, all will stay in my memory. This is not a book that you read once. I plan to read it again and again. Hopefully I will be able to visit Villa St. Michele some day and see the beauty of the place that he saw. I hope to find a bound edition with the photographs.
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