Originally published in 1942 and now rediscovered to international acclaim, this taut and exquisitely structured novel by the Hungarian master Sandor Marai conjures the melancholy glamour of a decaying empire and the disillusioned wisdom of its last heirs.
In a secluded woodland castle an old General prepares to receive a rare visitor, a man who was once his closest friend but who he has not seen in forty-one years. Over the ensuing hours host and guest will fight a duel of words and silences, accusations and evasions. They will exhume the memory of their friendship and that of the Generals beautiful, long-dead wife. And they will return to the time the three of them last sat together following a hunt in the nearby forest--a hunt in which no game was taken but during which something was lost forever. Embers is a classic of modern European literature, a work whose poignant evocation of the past also seems like a prophetic glimpse into the moral abyss of the present
a thought-provoking meditative novel, as two old friends talk together about the woman they both loved; raises questions about old age, about how to live, about the nature of love and friendship
ANNA S. (SanJoseCa) from SAN JOSE, CA wrote on 1/8/2007...
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
An old castle in the Carpathian moutains of Hungary, is the setting of this beautifully written psychological thriller. It is a story about the effects of time on relationships, regrets and betrayals. An excellent choice for book clubs!
Luanne B. from OTTAWA HILLS, OH wrote on 3/21/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
A beautifully told tale!!
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Lisa Y. from STONE MTN, GA wrote on 8/12/2006...
Honestly, this book didn't impress me much to the point that I can't give a review because I do not remember it. Sorry.