The Silent Gondoliers

Rating:
Summary: Not the Princess Bride--but it doesn't need to be.
Review: I just now, this moment, have set down the book, "The Silent Gondoliers." It is the story of the Gondoliers of Venice, and why they no longer sing as they row. It was written by Morgensern late in life, the result of years of study. It seems as a child, he heard the beautiful voices of the Gondoliers, and began years of study and research to see why they no longer sang. The culmination of that is "The Silent Gondoliers," a very short book--only 110 pages, that bears absolutely no resemblence to "The Princess Bride." I am grateful for this. If the whole thing had just been a rehash of the Princess Bride, it would have made Morgensten a panderer. It is not nearly as funny--I figure this is likely because Morgenstern was basing it on "Real Live Events." But, and this is an important but, it is as entertaining. It is an easy read, and if you decide you hate it you will by no means have wasted much of your time. If, however, you find the story rings absolutely true with what you believe about the world, then I think you will enjoy the story of Luigi, the greatest Gondolier who ever lived, who, due to circumstance, was stuck washing glasses at the Tavern.

Rating:
Summary: Not the Princess Bride--but it doesn't need to be.
Review: I just now, this moment, have set down the book, "The Silent Gondoliers." It is the story of the Gondoliers of Venice, and why they no longer sing as they row. It was written by Morgensern late in life, the result of years of study. It seems as a child, he heard the beautiful voices of the Gondoliers, and began years of study and research to see why they no longer sang. The culmination of that is "The Silent Gondoliers," a very short book--only 110 pages, that bears absolutely no resemblence to "The Princess Bride." I am grateful for this. If the whole thing had just been a rehash of the Princess Bride, it would have made Morgensten a panderer. It is not nearly as funny--I figure this is likely because Morgenstern was basing it on "Real Live Events." But, and this is an important but, it is as entertaining. It is an easy read, and if you decide you hate it you will by no means have wasted much of your time. If, however, you find the story rings absolutely true with what you believe about the world, then I think you will enjoy the story of Luigi, the greatest Gondolier who ever lived, who, due to circumstance, was stuck washing glasses at the Tavern.

Rating:
Summary: Nice addition to your library
Review: I must admit that I shot myself in the foot by expecting this book to be another Princess Bride. This "fable" is definitely not the same. No high adventure here. But the book certainly has its merits. Goldman/Morgenstern is able to create characters with whom you instantly connect. You can't help but adore them--even in the case of John the Bastard, the overly-critical professor of hopeful gondoliers. The ending, overly sentimental for my taste, was a bit disappointing. Overall, the book was not an unpleasant read. When it was out of print, I would have said it wasn't worth the trouble of hunting down a copy. But since it's been re-released, I think it would be a shame not to check it out. It's a nice addition to any collection.

Rating:
Summary: Nice addition to your library
Review: I must admit that I shot myself in the foot by expecting this book to be another Princess Bride. This "fable" is definitely not the same. No high adventure here. But the book certainly has its merits. Goldman/Morgenstern is able to create characters with whom you instantly connect. You can't help but adore them--even in the case of John the Bastard, the overly-critical professor of hopeful gondoliers. The ending, overly sentimental for my taste, was a bit disappointing. Overall, the book was not an unpleasant read. When it was out of print, I would have said it wasn't worth the trouble of hunting down a copy. But since it's been re-released, I think it would be a shame not to check it out. It's a nice addition to any collection.

Rating:
Summary: Magical and breathe taking..
Review: My review is on the book The Silent Gondoliers, by S. Morgenstern. In the past, I have read The Princess Bride and it touched me in a certain magical way. The Silent Gondoliers is no exception. The book starts off with a brief understanding of Gondoliers and the famous singer Enrico Caruso, but soon takes off with Morgenstern's own story. A true fable that indeed brings sadness and joy in one story - along with some parts that make you chuckle. I highly recommend this book if you want to read a "real life" situation that's sour, but turned jolly in a logical way. 5 stars no doubt.

Rating:
Summary: Must read book!
Review: The Silent Gondoliers was a wonderful novel. Now that it is back on the market, I recomend it for any age. It has a mix of humor, suspence, action, and love. The brilliant writing of William Goldman makes the novel inspiring and fun. Just remember...handfuls of macaroni salad and dead squids.

Rating:
Summary: The writing equals Princess in this too-brief tale
Review: Writing as a researcher, the elusive S. Morgenstern investigates a mystery that has bothered him ever since he learned of it. Why are the gondoliers of Venice, once world-famous for their beautiful singing voices, now silent? As he reveals the facts of the case, we are treated to a fable that is as engaging, in its way, as The Princess Bride.
The bulk of the story deals with Luigi, an aspiring gondolier who wants nothing more than to join his peers in song in the Grand Canal. When his dreams are crushed, he becomes a quiet background figure in Venice, known only for his ability to wash dishes and his goony smile. But behind that sad, goony smile, Luigi never stops dreaming of accomplishing his lifelong goals.
I don't want to spoil any of the plot points of the book, so instead I will praise the skill of the writing, which is equal to the skill on display in Princess Bride. The device of the garrulous researcher is consistently hilarious, as are all of the asides and digressions that shine light on the impossible, yet almost-real world of Venice. The story lacks the depth and complexity of the Princess Bride, and so falls far short of that book in terms of overall impact. Rather, it's as if this is an extension of the former work, and could almost have been worked into The Princess Bride as a longish chapter (the entire book clocks in at a meager 110 pages).
Readers will fall in love with Luigi's stoic smile and deference to the world around him. He is a humble man, but one who has an inner spark that can never be extinguished, and the power of his character, along with the humorous writing, drives the book.
This is a must read.