The Veil of Snows

Rating:
Summary: extremely enjoyable triumph of the human spirit
Review: having listened to this book on audio cassette i have nothing but good things to say for the narrator and writer. I loved this story and have listened to it more than once. I can only hope the author will do us the honor of continuing this trilogy.

Finding something with little or no bad language is challenge enough these days but to get to hear and/or read something of this caliber is a joy unto itself. please Mr Helprin write another installment of the story. please please please

In all honesty I am 25 years old very well read in varios topics of interest to me but still this book deserves credit.

Rating:
Summary: The end of the Triology...
Review: I was read Swan Lake when I was the age of the little girl in the story, and waited for years for a sequel not knowing that there would be one. I loved the idea of a sequel, and I loved being able to live in the world that Mark Helprin created for little longer, but I thought that the social commentary he was making through the Tookisheims detracted from the main theme of the book and made it less timeless. I would never advise anyody not to buy it, I think that the whole trilogy should be part of everyone's library, but my first love will always be Swan Lake, although if I come across a deep blue jar at a garage sale someday, I will pick it up as tribute to the memory of these wonderful stories.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful
Review: I, too, found this book fascinating and couldn't put it down. The story is enhanced greatly by Van Allburg's ability to capture, enhance and crystalize the image of the text. This story is for adults or to be read out loud to older children who enjoy a good tale.

Rating:
Summary: Helprin delivers an elegant masterpiece
Review: In "Veil" Mark Helprin and Chris Van Allsburgh offer up a mythic tale which, while dark, will disturb and delight readers of all ages (though the elegant, sometimes labrynthine prose style will probably appeal more to older, more sophisticated readers). This book (as well as its predecessor, "A City In Winter,") is no doubt destined to become a classic, both to fans of fantasy and of children's literature for its moving story and its religious/philosophical themes.

Van Allsburgh's illustrations, while charming, are not essential to the understanding of the story, often interrupting the imaginitave "flow" of the prose itself. However, younger readers will still appreciate the bright, colorful images.

With this title, Mark Helprin has solidified his reputation as one of, if not the, premier American fantasists, a reputation which began with the mythic "Winter's Tale." It will remind Helprin fans why they are fans to begin with, and is no doubt destined to create some new ones.

Rating:
Summary: Stirring story, beautiful writing
Review: This book appeared the summer before my third year of college; my mother and I read it aloud to each other while we moved me out of the house, expecting entertainment, but finding so much more than only that. The prose is simply incredible, and I don't know that I've encountered such exquisite writing anywhere else. I'm entirely disappointed that the prequels are out of print.

Rating:
Summary: A book not to be missed by adults or children!
Review: This story has the feel of a children's classic. Helprin's words bring forth such rich imagery that the superb illustrations by Van Allsburg are really the icing on the cake. Though it is technically geared to ages 9 and up, it is a wonderful read aloud and the perfect segue for a parent-led discussion on good vs. evil, everyday virtues, etc. Much of the book can be compared to current events without being preachy or overbearing.