The Lazarus Rumba: A Novel

Average customer rating:

Beautiful Reading Experience

Brilliant!

A remarkable enthralling novel.

A Brilliant Balloon With the Air Let Out.

Five Stars

The Lazarus Rumba: A Novel
Ernesto Mestre
Manufacturer: Picador
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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The Second Death of Unica Aveyano (Vintage Contemporaries Orig)

ASIN: 031226352X

Book Description

This extraordinarily ambitious novel sets out to portray the spiritual landscape of the Cuban people in the wake of Castro's revolutionary upheaval. The novel centers around three generations of women in the Lucientes family and follows the story of Alicia Lucientes as, almost inadvertently, she becomes the most famous dissident on the island.As intensely political as Manuel Puig's KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN and G. Cabrera Infanta's THREE TRAPPED TIGERS, this is a modern tale rooted in recent historical events but filtered through a richly entertaining storytelling style that pays homage to THE ARABIAN NIGHTS. THE LAZARUS RUMBA is a stunning literary debut, a virtuoso performance that announces a major new literary talent.AUTHORBIO: Ernesto Mestre was born in Guantanamo, Cuba in 1964.His family emigrated to Madrid, Spain in 1972, and later that year to Miami, Florida.He graduated from Tulane University with a B.A. in English Literature and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful Reading Experience.......2005-09-21

The Lazarus Rumba is written gorgeously, and the story is at times sweet, sad, passionate, magical. It's a beautiful reading experience.

Brilliant!.......1999-11-16

Brilliant! There is no other way to categorize this most special novel

A remarkable enthralling novel........1999-08-19

Forget those comparisions to Garcia-Marquez, Mr. Mestre's achievement is his and his alone. A beautiful, tragic, wonderful book that should be cherished for years to come. I can't wait for his next one.

A Brilliant Balloon With the Air Let Out........1999-08-04

I would have given this book five stars, because the first two major sections were brilliant... among the best of the literature I've read. Then Triste had to take up a lot of the third book, and I cheated on the book and started reading something else. This dropping of the book is going to bother me for a while... I highly recommend this book to other readers, especially those interested in the Cuban lifestyle, however, you must pretend that the book ends at the second part... even if the web involving Alicia and Julio Cesar Cruz is not resolved... or else skip Triste's tiring monologue.

Five Stars.......1999-07-27

This book is beautiful and haunting

Book Description

The once mighty kingdom of Jorsk is in decline, its borders beset by enemies, both worldly and otherworldly. The king has retreated to the capital, abandoning the far-flung provinces. The only hope of the people lies in their Chosen One, blessed by the gods as defender of the realm. But of late every Chosen One has died, targeted by the harshest of the enemy attacks.

Only the most desperate of men now seek that post. Devlin Stonehand is a desperate man. Overwhelmed by grief at the death of his family, he has lost the will to live. But he has vowed to provide for his brother’s widow and children, and the post of the Chosen One carries with it a substantial reward.

For Devlin, a farmer and metalsmith, it is the answer to his prayers—prayers that include a yearning for the oblivion of death. After he has won the post, though, Devlin discovers that sometimes the hardest goal to achieve is that which had once seemed the simplest. For unlike the other Chosen Ones, he persists in surviving. Are the gods just tormenting him further, or does he have a greater destiny than he imagined? Can a man who courts death ever truly come to embrace life?

Customer Reviews:

Surprising.......2006-03-21

I had little hopes when I first picked up this book, but was I pleasantly surprised. The action was well done and the characters were believable. The interaction of the various persons of note helped the story along immensely.

If you like books like this one, might I suggest another I've recently come across. The Unsuspecting Mage by Brian S. Pratt. It's another fantasy adventure sure to please. I highly recommend it.

Good Start.......2005-09-27

There are a few original ideas in the book, but it is basically a tale of a man who becomes a hero over great odds and his own desire to die. This story is not filled with dragons and elves, and magic is extremely rare. So if you enjoy stories like that, this will not be for you. The writing is solid and shows a lot of promise. The story is not complex, but it is engaging.

What a read!.......2005-09-20

Wow... What a read! Just couldn't pur it away till it was finished. Try it!

great book for a quarter.......2005-02-03

I found the book in a public library book sale for a quarter and enjoyed it. After reading the book, I went out and bought the other two books.

A lost soul that found a home in his conquer's land to become the Chosen One to protect the Kingdom at all cost. Even though, it was the power of the Geas that bind him to protect the kingdom. He overcame every obstacles and become one of the land's most prominent Chosen One.

Enjoyable.......2005-01-22

"Devlin's Luck" centers around one character, a middle aged man who is depressed over the death of his wife, his child, and his brother. Devlin seeks a post as "The Chosen One" as a means to provide for his sister-in-law and her children. That, and because the previous "Chosen" have been short lived (he is depressed, after all).

This book takes place the vague "middle ages" so popular among fantasy novels, supplemented with some limited amounts of magic. The role of the "Chosen" is to give people in the kingdom a hero to go to for help. Much of the book revolves around Devlin's heroic missions and his at first unwilling efforts to improve the kingdom. A strength of this book was that Devlin starts out with a fair variety of skills and abilities.

I bought this book from Amazon on the strength of other reviews and was not disappointed. I didn't like the over-generosity of the last couple pages, but this is really a minor complaint.

Devlin's Luck: Book I of the Sword of Change

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Devlin's Luck: Book I of the Sword of Change
Patricia Bray
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1417716401

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Devlin's Luck
Patricia Bray
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000O02XS8

Set of 3 Novels. Sword of Change Trilogy By Patricia Bray - Devlin's Luck, Devlin's Honor, Devlin's Justice

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Set of 3 Novels. Sword of Change Trilogy By Patricia Bray - Devlin's Luck, Devlin's Honor, Devlin's Justice
Patricia Bray
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000VGI3K2

Product Description

Set of 3 Novels. Sword of Change Trilogy: Volumes 1-3 By Patricia Bray - Devlin's Luck, Devlin's Honor, Devlin's Justice.

Book Description

THE BATTLE OF WITS AND LOGIC IS JOINED AGAIN!

STAR TREK®
SPOCK VS. Q
THE SEQUEL
AN ALIEN VOICES® PRODUCTION
STARRING LEONARD NIMOY AND JOHN de LANCIE
Written by Cecelia Fannon

Following their debate over the fate of mankind, Spock and Q have continued their discussions over a meal. After dining, the two return to the stage to recount their repast, which included encounters with several of Spock's former shipmates.

However, at the moment the two verbal sparring partners shake hands, a power surge places them in total darkness. Suddenly, Spock and Q are no longer on stage, but somewhere in deep space.

As they struggle to determine what has happened, a curious personality change takes hold. Spock is overcome with giddy delight. Q is much more serious, even...logical.

Masterfully performed by Leonard Nimoy and John de Lancie, Star Trek® Spock vs. Q: The Sequel is a fascinating and often hilarious role reversal that reveals previously unknown sides of Spock and Q. It is a program so original it could only come from Alien Voices®.

Customer Reviews:

Not so good...unless maybe you are a die-hard, convention-attending trekker!.......2006-02-27

OK...I've never been to a Trek convention. I've never put on "the uniform" or "the ears". I've never sparred amongst my nerd friends (of which I have many) about how many Red Shirts bite the big one in episode 22 of Season 1 of TOS. However...I have been a fan (NOT fanatic) of all things Star Trek since the day I was born. OK...tehcnically it was one week after I was born (9/8/1966) that the first episode aired, but close enough, yes? I just found this and the first "Spock vs. Q" to be a bit too contrived. It was obviously playing to the over-enthusiasm of the crowd at the live taping. All the references in the first Spock vs. Q were cute at first, but then seemed like the story would do anything to find a reference to something in the small or silver screen stuff.

Don't get me wrong. I dearly love both Leonard Nimoy and John DeLancie. Two awesome actors playing great roles in nearly every instance. This performance however could have benefited from some of the superior writing of TNG or anything afterwards. The whole "swapping minds" thing...just didn't do it for me. If they were trying to pull off a personality switch on the order of Face/Off (Travolta/Cage in a brilliant performance), then they fell way short.

I suggest saving your cash and skipping these audio presentations. Better invest your funds in some other great work by these two (TOS, TNG, films on DVD...or even some of the great films Nimoy has directed...they are all awesome!) Or maybe even save up to attend a convention! You'll get more out of meeting one or both of them...and might actually score an autograph!

Very entertaining transference of personalities.......2006-02-11

In their previous duel of wits, Spock was able to best Q and now they are about to engage in a second round. However, as they are about to begin, there is an enormous surge of power and they suddenly find themselves in an unknown location. The situation is further complicated when Spock begins to take on the personality traits of Q and Q those of Spock. Since Q is robbed of his powers, and Spock does not know how to use them, there is nothing either of them can do to save themselves.
The personality transfer is very well played by Leonard Nimoy and John deLancie. The sound of Spock giggling and uttering Q-like witticisms was very entertaining. The dampening of the Q personality by applying overtones of the Spock persona was also very funny. Jokes fly back and forth between them as they continue their verbal sparring, although now their personalities are blended with the opposite dominant in the other's body. Of course, in the end, the situation is resolved and they save themselves.
Fun to listen to, this tape is an aspect of Star Trek that is just good, clean entertainment. I enjoyed it so much I listened to it twice.

As great as you imagine........2002-11-29

Its an epic battle of wits, on the dr. Faustus scale.
Truly a great and unique treat for any Star Trek fan.
Makes a great Christmas gift! :-)
Get it. You ain'T gonna regret it.

Great followup!.......2002-09-08

This was as good as or better than the first one. It was surprising and very enjoyable to hear the personality trade between the two. Spock doing all the singing and laughing like Q. John de Lancie wasn't too highly convincing playing a logical minded Spock, but who cares. He's one person who cannot downplay his personality too much. Highly enjoyable and hopefully there will be a third one.

Wondiful!.......2002-07-31

I loved this CD! Basically the only thing that made it 4 *'s, is that Spock laughed too much, but other than that, the story was very good.

Average customer rating:

Good concept, execution eventually grows very boring

Original and Gripping Premise...

Runs out of Gas

The "Blinks"

Great beginning goes nowhere

The Brief History of the Dead: A novel
Kevin Brockmeier
Manufacturer: Pantheon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Psychological & Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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The Little Friend

Oblivion

The Girls: A Novel

The Last Town on Earth: A Novel

The Stolen Child

ASIN: 0375423699
Release Date: 2006-02-14

Book Description

“Remember me when I’m gone”
just took on a whole new meaning.

The City is inhabited by the recently departed, who reside there only as long as they remain in the memories of the living. Among the current residents of this afterlife are Luka Sims, who prints the only newspaper in the City, with news from the other side; Coleman Kinzler, a vagrant who speaks the cautionary words of God; and Marion and Phillip Byrd, who find themselves falling in love again after decades of marriage.

On Earth, Laura Byrd is trapped by extreme weather in an Antarctic research station. She’s alone and unable to contact the outside world: her radio is down and the power is failing. She’s running out of supplies as quickly as she’s running out of time.

Kevin Brockmeier interweaves these two stories in a spellbinding tale of human connections across boundaries of all kinds. The Brief History of the Dead is the work of a remarkably gifted writer.

Download Description

Kevin Brockmeier is the author of The Truth About Celia, Things That Fall from the Sky, and two children’s novels, City of Names and Grooves: A Kind of Mystery. His stories have appeared in many publications, including The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, The Georgia Review, The Best American Short Stories, The Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror, and multiple editions of the O. Henry Prize Stories anthology. He is the recipient of a Nelson Algren Award, an Italo Calvino Short Fiction Award, a James Michener—Paul Engle Fellowship, three O. Henry Awards—one of which was a first prize—and a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship. He has taught at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and lives in Little Rock, Arkansas.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Good concept, execution eventually grows very boring.......2007-09-28

I just read a few of the recent reviews here; most of which liked it quite a bit. I think it would have made an excellent short story. The "two stories" running together was good - the living keeping the dead living in memory - but Laura's part was padded, redundant, tiresome, and poorly written eventually. (Other segments had the same feeling, but never as tiresome.) If it were much, much tighter the story would have kept one's interest. I found myself jumping many paragraphs later in the book re Laura because it was repetitive, eventually not realistic, etc. Again, the immediate story and concept fine, the execution not well done.

Original and Gripping Premise..........2007-09-21

...But don't expect a conclusive, cut and dry ending.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and though it had it's flaws it kept my interest throughout. The author nicely develops the concept of the City of the Dead populated by people who are still in the memories of those alive on Earth, and I was riveted by Lara's struggle for survival.

It's not typical, mainstream, formula writing- which is why the ending may leave some unsatsified. But not me. Though I am one who usually needs that conclusive, decisive, not open for interpretation ending, I didn't mind filling in the blanks in this case.

Keep an open mind and you'll enjoy this one a lot.

Runs out of Gas.......2007-09-15

Wonderful premise, interesting story, richly descriptive but it feels as though he got tired of writing without any idea how to end it and he just said, "To hell with it" and wrapped it up anyway he could. It has the feel that one gets when you look at abstract art; you know it is a mess but you think that there must be some deeper meaning because, well, somebody put it in a frame and put it on display.

The "Blinks".......2007-09-02

"The Blinks," a worldwide epidemic, has infected the human population. Its origin is unknown - only that it is the product of a Coca-Cola promotion gone horribly wrong. And as humanity ends, leaving the nations deserted, all that remains is the solitary Laura Byrd, struggling to survive alone in Antarctica, with only her memories of past human interaction to keep her company.
So begins the plot to Kevin Brockmeier's remarkable novel, The Brief History of the Dead. With steady and flowing prose, Brockmeier weaves a most original tale of a plausible and not-so-distant future, in which the apocalypse is a manmade occurrence.
Also unique in Brockmeier's work is the integration of the City, a place where the "living-dead," (those who have died, but can still be recalled in memory by the living who knew them), reside after they have passed on. The living-dead's lives continue as normal in the City, and they receive, in a sense, a second chance at life. Eventually, the only people left in the City are those remembered by Laura, due to the fact that she is the last person alive on earth. The chapters switch back and forth between Laura's lonely ordeal and the confusion of the City's denizens, who find their world to be, quite literally, shrinking.
Overall, this book is engaging; easy to read, but steeped in philosophical meaning. It explores the question of true death; if we leave an impression on those we left behind, have we truly left at all? Also explored is the affect of human dominion over an earth that it rarely respects, and the possibility of a world in which every culture vies to be the singular authority over all others.
Brockmeier's work can be viewed as a new-age classic, serving as a window to a prospective, believable world. A fresh, original plot makes The Brief History of the Dead the perfect addition to any summer reading list.

Great beginning goes nowhere.......2007-08-25

It's an interesting read for about half the book, then you begin to suspect that the author isn't going to make much with what he's started with. There is a lot of extraneous information about cross-ice travel, and a fairly irrelevant street preacher, and some fantasy segments of "crossings." But it's mainly a good idea that needed better development, a frequent downfall with science fiction.

The Black Death: The Great Mortality of 1348-1350: A Brief History with Documents (The Bedford Series in History and Culture)

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The Black Death: The Great Mortality of 1348-1350: A Brief History with Documents (The Bedford Series in History and Culture)
John Aberth
Manufacturer: Palgrave Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Western | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Medieval | World | History | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 1403968020
Release Date: 2005-02-10

Book Description

A fascinating account of the phenomenon known as the Black Death, this volume offers a wealth of documentary material focused on the initial outbreak of the plague that ravaged the world in the 14th century. A comprehensive introduction that provides important background on the origins and spread of the plague is followed by nearly 50 documents organized into topical sections that focus on the origin and spread of the illness; the responses of medical practitioners; the societal and economic impact; religious responses; the flagellant movement and attacks on Jews provoked by the plague; and the artistic response. Each chapter has an introduction that summarizes the issues explored in the documents; headnotes to the documents provide additional background material. The book contains documents from many countries - including Muslim and Byzantine sources - to give students a variety of perspectives on this devastating illness and its consequences. The volume also includes illustrations, a chronology of the Black Death, and questions to consider.

Brief History of Death (Blackwell Brief Histories of Religion)

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Brief History of Death (Blackwell Brief Histories of Religion)
Douglas Davies
Manufacturer: Blackwell Publishing Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Gerontology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1405101830

Book Description

Death is a subject of enduring interest in every culture in the world. The act of death itself and the rituals surrounding it vary enormously and shed a fascinating light on the cultures of which they are a part.Douglas J. Davies, internationally acknowledged as one of the leading experts in this field, tackles some of the most significant aspects of death - the act of dying, grieving, burial, artistic interpretations of death, places of memory, the fear of death, and disasters/tragedies - and weaves them into a compelling story about our changing attitudes to dying.

Recovery And Transcendence for the Contemporary Mythmaker: A Brief Description of Life After Death

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Recovery And Transcendence for the Contemporary Mythmaker: A Brief Description of Life After Death
Christopher Garbowski
Manufacturer: Walking Tree Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

History & Criticism | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 3952142484

Broderick and Gwin: The most extraordinary contest for a seat in the Senate of the United States ever known. A brief history of early politics in California. ... together with the death of Senator Broderick

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Broderick and Gwin: The most extraordinary contest for a seat in the Senate of the United States ever known. A brief history of early politics in California. ... together with the death of Senator Broderick
James O'Meara
Manufacturer: Bacon, Printers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008678FG

The History of the Holy Jesus: Containing A Brief and Plain Account of His Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection and ...

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The History of the Holy Jesus: Containing A Brief and Plain Account of His Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection and ...

Manufacturer: Frederick G. Melcher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Pamphlet
ASIN: B000EBB7FW

Product Description

A facsimile of the original 1746 edition, has been taken from the only know complete copy - in the The Essex Institute Library in Salem Masachusetts. This is a LIMTED edition of only 1200 copies. A story done in rhyme. Approx. 3" x 4" tall.

Insurgency of Titu Meer ; A Brief History of Wahabi Movement Down to the Death of Saiyid Ahmad Barelvi and Tiru Meer

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Insurgency of Titu Meer ; A Brief History of Wahabi Movement Down to the Death of Saiyid Ahmad Barelvi and Tiru Meer
Rudrapratap Chattopadhyaya
Manufacturer: Readers Service
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Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 8187891122

DARING FEAT BY FRANKLIN MARINE SAVES PALS FROM CERTAIN DEATH IN JAP TRAP.(Brief Article): An article from: Heir Lines

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DARING FEAT BY FRANKLIN MARINE SAVES PALS FROM CERTAIN DEATH IN JAP TRAP.(Brief Article): An article from: Heir Lines

Manufacturer: Warren County Genealogical Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Heir Lines, published by Warren County Genealogical Society on March 22, 2001. The length of the article is 698 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: DARING FEAT BY FRANKLIN MARINE SAVES PALS FROM CERTAIN DEATH IN JAP TRAP.(Brief Article)
Publication: Heir Lines (Newsletter)
Date: March 22, 2001
Publisher: Warren County Genealogical Society
Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Page: 15

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Death in the Tiergarten: Murder and Criminal Justice in the Kaiser's Berlin.(Brief article)(Book review): An article from: The Historian

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Death in the Tiergarten: Murder and Criminal Justice in the Kaiser's Berlin.(Brief article)(Book review): An article from: The Historian
Ronald J. Ross
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000MV9JD6
Release Date: 2007-01-25

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Historian, published by Thomson Gale on June 22, 2006. The length of the article is 627 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Death in the Tiergarten: Murder and Criminal Justice in the Kaiser's Berlin.(Brief article)(Book review)
Author: Ronald J. Ross
Publication: The Historian (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 22, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 68 Issue: 2 Page: 388(2)

Article Type: Book review, Brief article

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Death of a Soldier - William Bragg.(Civil War)(Brief Article): An article from: Heir Lines

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Death of a Soldier - William Bragg.(Civil War)(Brief Article): An article from: Heir Lines

Manufacturer: Warren County Genealogical Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Heir Lines, published by Warren County Genealogical Society on June 22, 2001. The length of the article is 474 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Death of a Soldier - William Bragg.(Civil War)(Brief Article)
Publication: Heir Lines (Newsletter)
Date: June 22, 2001
Publisher: Warren County Genealogical Society
Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Page: 27(1)

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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