by Primoz Rode ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 4, 2010
An enjoyable account that will interest readers considering a nautical adventure.
Illustrated with many color photographs, this travel diary recounts a sailing voyage around the Adriatic.
In June 2007, Primož and his friend Vladimir Pezdirc-Lube set sail south from their home in Ljubljana, Slovenia, to Greece and the Corinth Canal. As it happened, they changed their course on the southward journey, turning west near the island of Ericoussa and returning home up Italy’s Adriatic coast. This book, first conceived as a travel diary to be given as Christmas presents to family and friends, expanded in scope. Its intended audience now includes “all the people who are trying to fulfill their childhood or adult dreams.” Rode doesn’t say much about himself, but he’s retired, well-read (he sends himself off to dreamland each night with a few pages of Casanova’s memoirs), enjoys classical music and has a wry sense of humor. Before this journey, he had little sailing experience—so setting off to sea in a 25-foot boat, even with a friend, was daunting. Though problems arise (a big storm, a mechanical breakdown), Rode and Lube have a mostly great time working hard, eating fresh seafood and drinking lots of red wine. The author’s most troubling experience was seeing the results of overfishing along the Italian coast, which leaves him pessimistic: “I am afraid the day when all the fish and marine life will be gone is not far away.” What makes this book more than just vacation slides with text is Rode’s thoughtfulness about his journey, particularly the perspective it gives. He writes, “I was becoming convinced more and more that politics and politicians are the most important unnecessary thing in this world.” He encourages readers to follow their dreams without hesitation (after checking with family members for understanding) and to maintain a calm acceptance of whatever life brings. Not bad advice—on land or sea.
An enjoyable account that will interest readers considering a nautical adventure.Pub Date: Jan. 4, 2010
ISBN: 978-1439255841
Page Count: 164
Publisher: CreateSpace
Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2013
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
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by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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