Originally published on my blog here in June 2005.

The introduction to this novel, the second in the Alexandria Quartet, offers a brief explanation of one of the structural ideas underlying the novels. I'm uncertain about the degree to which this is intended to be tongue in cheek. It's the kind of idea often seen in satires of intellectual writers who don't have a deep understanding of science. The explanation for a quartet of novels, where the first three cover the same events from different perspectives, is that they were inspired by the concept of spacetime, most famously used in Einstein's theory of relativity. The first three novels correspond to the space dimensions, and the fourth to time.

I particularly appreciate the way Balthazar is set up. The reason the narrator is persuaded to revisit the story of his affair with Justine is that after publishing his novel about the affair (the novel Justine), he received a packet of papers from his friend Balthazar. These papers essentially tore the novel apart, explaining that although things seemed a certain way to the writer, his view wasn't always entirely accurate. His passion for Justine made it difficult for him to read between the lines. This naturally leads to a re-examination of his memories, from which the novel Balthazar emerges. The narrator is compelled to discover the extent to which Justine truly loved him and what their friends, especially her husband, really thought about their relationship.

Since one of the interesting aspects of Justine is the way in which the woman serves as a symbol for the city of Alexandria, reassessing her and the affair is, for Durrell, a way of reassessing his view of the Egyptian port. At least, that's apparently the case. Of course, Durrell is fully aware of the ironies involved and is deliberately manipulating them. There are quite a few levels to the narrative, yet it reads very straightforwardly. This is particularly because the main interest in Balthazar lies in the change resulting from the narrator's altered feelings brought about by the letters that arose due to his fictional counterpart to the real novel Justine (and not forgetting that the real novel may not necessarily be identical to its fictional version), which he also narrated. However, it's not all meant to be taken seriously. Balthazar is also intended to entertain the reader. As an endpiece to this novel, like the notes that form Justine's afterword, Durrell includes some supposed quotations from the novelist character Pursewarden in a Wildean vein. Among them is a little barb aimed at those who take literature too seriously. This brings us full circle to the suggestion that there is something tongue in cheek about the theory of relativity being the inspiration for the structure of the four novels - just one detail from a thought-provoking novel.

This has definite potential to be a five-star book.

If I had read the first book, I might have had a completely different experience. The writing in this book is simply gorgeous, and the philosophical aspects are truly thought-provoking.

However, I did suffer from not understanding some of what was going on. It seems that this book is a correction or retelling of the first book, and without that prior knowledge, I felt a bit lost at times.

Despite this, the carnival scene was absolutely perfect and awesome. It was described in such vivid detail that I could almost picture myself there.

Overall, I think this book has a lot of merit, but it would have been even better if I had read the first book beforehand.

Justine is learning completely different things about herself with this book. Balthazar has wrapped me even more tightly than in the first book. It was as if I was inside a magical world and I didn't want to come out at all.

This story takes us on a journey of self-discovery and adventure. Justine's experiences in the book are both exciting and eye-opening. She discovers new aspects of herself that she never knew existed.

Balthazar's character is also very engaging. His charm and mystery draw the reader in and keep them hooked until the very end. The relationship between Justine and Balthazar adds another layer of depth to the story.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good adventure and a bit of magic. It will transport you to a world you never thought possible and leave you wanting more.

This series is truly evolving and getting better and better with each installment.

We have "4* White Eagles Over Serbia", which seems to offer a unique and captivating story set in Serbia.

"4* Justine (The Alexandria Quartet #1)" kicks off the Alexandria Quartet, introducing us to a world full of mystery and intrigue.

"4* Balthazar (The Alexandria Quartet #2)" continues to build on the narrative, likely delving deeper into the characters and their relationships.

"TR Mountolive (The Alexandria Quartet #3)" and "TR Clea (The Alexandria Quartet #4)" complete the quartet, surely adding more layers and resolving some of the lingering questions.

Finally, there's "TR The Avignon Quintet", which might take us on a whole new adventure in a different setting.

Overall, this collection of works seems to promise a rich and diverse reading experience for those who are willing to explore.

I read this once - ten years ago(?). It was approximately ten years after my initial reading of ‘Justine.’ However, I had read ‘Justine’ several times before delving into this novel. And at that time, this novel simply didn't measure up to ‘Justine.’

On the other hand, ‘Balthazar’ lives up to the first novel in the quartet. It masterfully weaves together what we know with what we don't know. Constantly hinting at the vast amount of knowledge that will forever elude us. Durrell's writing remains flawless. Perhaps he even enhanced it a little.

The story in ‘Balthazar’ unfolds in a way that keeps the reader engaged and curious. The characters are well-developed and their relationships add depth to the narrative. The setting is vividly described, transporting the reader to a different time and place.

Overall, while this novel may not have been as impactful as ‘Justine’ for me, ‘Balthazar’ is still a remarkable piece of literature that showcases Durrell's talent as a writer.

Toliau iriuosi per "XX a. aukso fondą". Nemėgstu visokių "-logijų", nes niekad nebūna garantijos, kad gausi visas dalis. Taip ir dabar: pirmoji ir paskutinė dalys man nešviečia. Tenkintis teks viduriuku, ko pasekoje grandinė liks gerokai sutrūkinėjusi.

However, reading it is still enjoyable. It is good, refreshing, "rustic" literature about love. It offers a different perspective and takes the reader on a journey through the author's thoughts and emotions. Although not every part may shine brightly, the overall experience is still worthwhile. The middle part, in particular, has a certain charm that keeps the reader engaged and interested. It's like a hidden gem within the text, waiting to be discovered.

Overall, despite the flaws, "XX a. aukso fondas" has its own unique appeal and is definitely worth a read for those who appreciate literature about love and relationships. It may not be a perfect masterpiece, but it has enough substance and charm to make it an enjoyable read.

Igual de espléndido que el primero!!

This statement implies that something is just as magnificent or splendid as the first one. It could refer to a variety of things, such as a performance, a work of art, a place, or an experience.

Perhaps it is a sequel to a movie or a book that is just as good as the original. Or maybe it is a new product that lives up to the high standards set by its predecessor.

No matter what it is, being igual de espléndido que el primero is a great achievement. It shows that the creator or producer has not only maintained the quality but has also managed to add something new and exciting to make it just as wonderful as the first.

This phrase can also be used to describe a person's performance or achievement. For example, if a student does equally well in two consecutive exams, we can say that their performance is igual de espléndido que el primero.

In conclusion, igual de espléndido que el primero is a phrase that conveys a sense of excellence and equality. It is a compliment that can be used to describe many different things and is a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who create or achieve something great.

The first part of "Aleksandrian Quartet" represents an attempt by the main hero and narrator to reach the truth about the events experienced in Alexandria and the elusive Justine through memories, diaries, letters, and other manuscripts. However, the second part, right from the first pages, like a mischievous sprite, shatters what has been built and reminds us that people live lives based on chosen fictions and that our view of events is conditioned by our position in space and time. Therefore, every interpretation of reality is based on a unique position. Two steps to the east or west and the whole picture changes.

Balthazar takes on the role of the mischievous sprite, coming to the island where the main hero has withdrawn. He returns the written manuscript with numerous corrections and added comments and sighs as he informs him that he has misunderstood many things, including the main one - that which largely drove the narrative in the first part. With the unravelling of the wrong premise, the first reversal occurs and destroys a good part of the setup from the first part. I must admit that, although I have already read the "Quartet", the reversal has not lost its freshness. Once again, I happily opened my mouth in surprise, because the first part so skillfully lulls you in its overly sentimental atmosphere that you forget what is being prepared for you.

Therefore, the second part is not a classic literary continuation in which the story is told about the events that follow, but the narrator, based on Balthazar's corrections, speaks about the same time period as in the first part, but from a changed perspective. It includes new characters and gives a broader view of the events. Readers who like the logic of narrative elements to function perfectly, like a Swiss watch, might criticize Durell for incoherence, but, hey, we are after all in the murky waters of Alexandria in the memories of one man.

Plus this: “In the end, it turns out that everything is true about everyone. The saint and the sinner share everything.”

9-oji XX a. Aukso fondo knyga.

It is the second book in the "Aleksandrijos kvarteto" romanų ciklo.

Compared to the first book in this cycle, it is less engaging.

Some of the plot lines are rather strange.

This book seems to lack the charm and excitement that the first one had.

The story development is not as smooth and captivating.

Readers may find themselves less interested in following the events and characters.

However, it still has its own unique aspects.

The author's writing style is still present, although it may not be as effective in this particular installment.

Overall, while it may not be as good as the first book, it still has some value for those who are interested in the "Aleksandrijos kvarteto" series.

Spectacular!

These books are structured in an incredibly complex way. It's like peeling an onion, where as you carefully remove each layer, you uncover more and more about the whole. The depth and intricacy of the structure are truly remarkable.

As I progress through this quartet, I can't help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement. I know that with each turn of the page, I'll be delving deeper into the story and learning something new.

However, I also know that when I reach the end of this quartet, I'm going to be sad. It'll be like saying goodbye to old friends or leaving a world that I've become deeply attached to. But for now, I'm going to enjoy every moment and soak up all the knowledge and entertainment that these books have to offer.

This work is truly worth reading for its remarkable aesthetic sensibility and the engaging minor characters it presents.

However, I remain somewhat unconvinced by Durrell's experiment in literary perspectivism. The comparisons drawn to Einstein and Freud seem rather exaggerated, I'm afraid.

Nonetheless, the character of Scobie is absolutely hilarious. A cross-dressing pederast vice cop with a glass eye, he sounds every bit like the Major in Fawlty Towers.

And that, indeed, is what makes this work revolutionary. It manages to combine elements of the absurd and the comical in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The unique portrayal of Scobie adds a layer of complexity and interest to the story, making it stand out from other works in the genre.

Overall, despite my reservations about the literary perspectivism, the aesthetic appeal and the memorable characters make this a work that is well worth exploring.

In this second installment of the Alexandria Quartet, titled "Balthazar," we are offered a fresh vantage point from which to view the events that were previously explored in "Justine." The writer, Darley, finds himself secluded on a Greek island when he is unexpectedly visited by Balthazar. Balthazar presents him with the Interlinear, a manuscript of Darley's account of his love affair with Justine, now annotated with detailed explanations and comments. Through this, Darley embarks on a journey of revisiting those events, and the novel simultaneously undermines and expands upon the narrative of "Justine."

Just like in the previous novel, the city of Alexandria is exquisitely described, along with its vibrant events and diverse people. One particularly memorable and intense passage is dedicated to the description of the carnival, which serves as a breathtaking backdrop to the shocking events that unfold at the ball. As the story progresses and certain aspects become clearer, the reader begins to realize the unreliability of Darley's accounts. However, it also becomes evident that Balthazar does not possess the complete story either.

Durrell further delves into the character of the writer Pursewarden and his relationship with Justine, as well as into the artist Clea. While this aspect may not have been as personally appealing to me, the ideas that are raised are both challenging and thought-provoking. What I am truly enjoying about Durrell's work is his remarkable portrayal of tortured relationships, not only those of the main characters but also of the minor ones. Additionally, his different visions of Egypt add another layer of depth and richness to the narrative.