Recommended by Penny in Rockville Centre, New York.
The jacket leaf of this amazing debut novel (by an author who was 72 when it was published) describes beautifully its basic content. It’s about a Brit named Tom Ripple, a “bewildered everyman navigating his way through modern times.” Sounds boring? Not in the least. The author has taken a common life and turned it into a most uncommonly excellent work which, by virtue of its humor, poignancy, and understanding of human foibles, has left a lasting impression on me. It’s a long book at 679 pages, but I didn’t want it to end, the writing is that good. I must say that it’s possible such a reflection on life may well appeal more to those with a longer life experience under their belts.