Beautiful Ruins: A Novel

This book is a masterpiece worthy of the 15 years Jess Walter spent writing it. Starting with the contrasting styles of a hilarious modern day scenario and a lush, romantic portrait of the Italian seaside in the 1960's, he subtly draws them together, pulling in even more fascinating story lines until the whole thing becomes a single piece of literary macrame. No doubt someone will grab this story and make a wonderful film of it, but it is Walter's masterful writing and creative imagery that elevate it to true art. And then there is all that beautiful Italian language...Bravissimo, Jess!

what a beutiful book the narrator was amazing. I felt like I was watching a play. highly recommended

This is truly upmarket fiction at its best. Jess Walter is a master at his craft of and eloquence, without muddying the flow with overdone prose.

Beautifully written. The 1960s and present day are woven together in a great way. I really enjoyed this book and the narrator is fantastic. I hope this is made into a film!

Wonderful! A story broad in geography and time. A true love story.

I couldn't even finish listening to this book! I kept thinking it would get better but it never did. The narrator was fine but the story line in Hollywood was abysmal.

I loved this book! At first I thought it was weird that it was going back and forth through different time periods, but once I got the hang of it, I realized that is the beauty of the book. Touching, funny, surprising and just an overall great story. The narrator was wonderful, he had a different voice for everyone and always kept the voices/accents true to the character. I couldn't wait to get to the end, but now I'm sad it's over.

A carefully woven novel in the classic sense. We fall in love, and laugh, and anguish over the characters and close the book feeling a pang for their and our own lives.

Masterpiece is correct! I will never forget the experiencing the journey this book took me on. I will recommend it to EVERYONE! You MUST read/listen to this wonderful novel. 5 star narration also!

This book was amazing from start to finish. The storyline weaves so perfectly together and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I fell in love with the characters and will carry their story with me forever.

Very well narrated - a treat for any Stephen King fan.