Wonderful book!

Jane Hamilton is truly a treasure. Her writing is like a precious gem that shines brightly on every page. The story she weaves is captivating, drawing the reader in from the very beginning and holding their attention until the very end.

The characters in her book are so well-developed that they seem to come alive off the page. You can feel their emotions, understand their motives, and root for them throughout their journey.

The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, never quite sure what will happen next. It's a masterful work of literature that will leave you thinking long after you've turned the last page.

If you haven't read any of Jane Hamilton's books, you're missing out on a truly wonderful experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story and great writing.

I have a profound love for this book.

Specifically, there is a truly powerful scene that left a lasting impression on me. It is when Walter dances as Odile from Swan Lake after enduring a really difficult year. This moment is so intense and emotional that it makes me completely immersed in the story.

I really wish I could have understood more about his decision to move to New York. What was the driving force behind it? And what was his life like in that big city? These are aspects that I feel are gaps in my knowledge of Walter.

In addition, I think the ending of the book was a bit weaker compared to other parts. Maybe it would have been better if there was a quicker ending following the Odile scene.

However, on the whole, I still love the writing of this book. The author's descriptions are so vivid that they paint a detailed world for me. I can clearly see, hear, and smell the scenes as if I am actually there.

Overall, I will definitely be reading more works from this author in the future.

A Quiet, Smooth Masterpiece

A quiet, smooth masterpiece unfolds before our eyes, delicately weaving together a tapestry of family, love, death, desire, ballet, opera, knowledge, place, time, and, indeed, our entire universe.

The story delves deep into the complex dynamics of family relationships, exploring the bonds that hold them together and the forces that threaten to tear them apart. Love blossoms in unexpected ways, bringing both joy and heartache.

Death looms large, casting a shadow over the lives of the characters, yet it also serves as a catalyst for growth and transformation. Desire drives the characters forward, fueling their ambitions and passions.

Ballet and opera add a touch of elegance and beauty to the narrative, transporting the audience to a world of grace and artistry. Knowledge is a powerful tool, enabling the characters to understand themselves and the world around them.

Place and time are integral elements of the story, setting the stage for the events to unfold and influencing the actions and decisions of the characters. And finally, our universe serves as the backdrop for this grand adventure, reminding us of the vastness and mystery that surrounds us.

This quiet, smooth masterpiece is a testament to the power of storytelling, captivating our hearts and minds and leaving us with a profound sense of wonder and awe.

In 1999, I read a book that was pre-Goodreads.

At that time, Hamilton was one of my favorite authors. Whenever her books were published, I would read them all without exception.

The story I read was truly charming. It was about a ballet dancer who had now grown up. He was not only fighting to keep his family's summer home but also coming to terms with his life.

As I delved into the story, I could vividly imagine the scenes of the ballet dancer's struggle and his journey of self-discovery.

The author's writing style was so engaging that it made me feel as if I was right there with the character, experiencing his emotions and challenges.

This book left a deep impression on me and remains one of my cherished reads to this day.

This probably isn't really a 5-star book, more like a 4+-star. But I rounded it up to help offset negative ratings.

It is a beautiful coming of age story. The kind that makes you reflect on your own growth and the challenges you've faced. I listened to it on cassettes, which added a certain charm to the experience. It didn't take long to hear, yet it left a lasting impression.

The style of writing is lyrical, with beautiful phrases and word pictures that paint a vivid image in your mind. You can almost feel the emotions of the characters as you listen. Although there is a lot of tension in the story, there is also an element of peacefulness about it. It's like a mother whispering, "It's all right. Everything is going to be okay." This combination of tension and peace makes the story truly captivating and engaging.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a heartwarming and thought-provoking read. It's a story that will stay with you long after you've finished listening.

I truly like this book.

Jane Hamilton has this remarkable ability to evoke such intense emotions within me that at times, the thought of jumping off a bridge seems almost rational. However, this particular book can be regarded as "Jane Hamilton Lite".

It delves into the same profound issues that she explores in her other works, yet it does so with a much lighter and more delicate touch.

The themes are presented in a way that is perhaps more accessible and less overwhelming.

It's as if she is leading the reader through these complex topics with a gentle hand, rather than hitting them over the head with the full force of her despair and pathos.

This lighter approach makes the book a more enjoyable read, while still maintaining the depth and substance that we have come to expect from Jane Hamilton.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of her work or who is simply looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Review:

In "De kleine geschiedenis van een prins", Jane Hamilton describes the passion of a young man, Walter McCloud, for ballet. Through the story of a summer house in Wisconsin, she tells how a family and the place that the son holds within it can suddenly change. The summer house has been in the family for generations but now risks being sold. This is the background against which Walter's story unfolds.

Walter befriends Susan and Mitch during his high school years, and like him, they are involved in ballet. The friendship is not without complications, as Walter is in love with Mitch, Mitch is in love with Susan, and Susan is in love with Walter's terminally ill brother Daniel. Walter has great difficulty processing all of this. His parents, due to his brother's illness, have no time for him. In the family, little is said about such situations. Walter does not become a ballet dancer but instead a toy manufacturer.

"De kleine geschiedenis van een prins" is a novel about friendship, family, emerging sexuality, and puberty. It delves into the complex emotions and relationships that young people experience during this transitional period of life. The story is told with sensitivity and insight, painting a vivid picture of a family in turmoil and a young man trying to find his place in the world.

This is my third book by this author, and I must say, oh wow, she is definitely a firm favourite author now.

'A Map of the World' was an outstanding 5-star book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one as well. The way she describes human emotions is just beautiful. You completely go through the emotions with the character.

*Spoiler alert*

The scene where he puts on the ballet clothes and what follows - his toes bleeding and his lover laughing at him - oh my word, it was gut-wrenching. It really tugged at my heartstrings.

I was so satisfied with the end. My husband brought me a cup of divine coffee when I had five pages left to read, which made my reading experience even more perfect. So, I was completely satisfied. ;)

Overall, this author never fails to impress me with her storytelling and ability to make me feel so deeply for the characters. I can't wait to read more of her works.

One day, I discovered this book in an opp shop for just $3 because I was attracted by the blurb.

It sat on my bookshelf for a year before I finally made up my mind to give it a try.

Jane Hamilton is an extremely wonderful author. I wasn't very familiar with her work until now, but from now on, I will be on the lookout for more of her titles to read.

Her descriptive writing, character development, and plot didn't disappoint me in the slightest. It's as if she didn't really exert much effort at all; she simply showcased her pure talent.

She really ties up all the loose ends while giving the reader something to hold onto at every step, and in the meantime, she paints a beautiful picture of everything, even the hardships.

I feel that she is almost a female American version of Tim Winton.

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I slogged through this book for a book-club.

The first challenge to completing the read is the fine-pointed, crowded, and pompous font, specifically chosen and explained in the back of the book. This font makes it difficult to read, as if the author is deliberately making it hard for the reader. Additionally, the long chapters and paragraphs add to the challenge, making me think Jane Hamilton was actually anti-reader.

The second challenge is the dreariness of the main character and the limping plot line that develops slowly, if at all. The story is essentially a coming-of-age story about Walter, a man who finally comes of age at middle age. While there are certainly endearing and emotional aspects of Walter's life, friendships, and development, after brief spots of empathy, I returned to the feeling that I was listening to someone's life story that I did not particularly care about.

While the ending had definitive satisfaction, it was more the feeling of completing an airline meal: happy to no longer be hungry, but glad that you do not have to eat it once more. Overall, this book was a struggle to get through, and while it had its moments, it was not a particularly enjoyable read.

I purchased this item at Maegers and Quinn for just $2. The main reason was that it was autographed by the author.

Regrettably, I was unable to complete this book, despite adhering to my 100-page rule. According to this rule, 100 pages minus my age equals the number of pages I read before considering giving up.

The main character, Walter, is extremely unappealing. He is similar to that uncle of yours whom you wish would simply stop talking. He constantly pities himself and attempts to "improve" others, which becomes rather tiresome.

I truly wish that the entire story had been centered around Mrs. Gamble instead. I have a feeling that her character would have been much more interesting and engaging, and perhaps it would have made the book more enjoyable to read.

As it stands, I was left feeling disappointed with this purchase, despite the initial excitement of having an autographed copy. Maybe I'll give it another try at some point in the future, but for now, it's going to sit on my bookshelf unfinished.