This is the final book in the Alexandria Quartet.

As the story commences, Darley is making his way back to Alexandria at the dawn of World War II. The narrative zeroes in on the relationship between Darley and Clea, characters who were introduced in the earlier books. Darley was the protagonist of the first book, Justine, and up until this point, Clea has been a relatively minor character.

The storyline between Darley and Clea is interrupted by excerpts from Pursewarden’s journal. He has had a significant influence on the events throughout the quartet. We gain insights into his views on the nature of art and the artist, as well as the motivation behind his previous actions.

This set is character-driven, with the sights and sounds of a bygone Alexandria taking center stage. The writing is exquisite, and I have grown accustomed to Durrell’s style over the course of the four books. I now appreciate it even more than I did initially. It is a fitting conclusion that ties up the loose ends and reveals what became of all the main characters we have come to know and cherish.

This is my second favorite book in the set. I derived the most enjoyment from the final two books. It is truly a single work presented in four parts, and none of the four could stand alone very effectively. After completing the entire series, I have a greater appreciation for the whole work than I did while reading the individual installments. It has taken me a considerable amount of time to get through all the books (this is a work that should not be hurried through), but I am glad that I took the time to read it.

In the last part of the quartet, seven years later. Darley is raising his daughter Melissa on a Greek island, but he manages to be in Alexandria so that war, Freudianism, and cynicism meet in the beloved city, like layers on top of a core that is always love. And the truth, as multifaceted as it can be perceived by different people. Although the second and third books are rather the "stronger" ones of the quartet, the last one is definitely not uninteresting.

Darley's life on the Greek island is a contrast to the turmoil in Alexandria. On the island, he is focused on raising Melissa, trying to provide her with a stable and loving environment. However, his connection to Alexandria pulls him back, and he finds himself in the midst of the city's complex web of emotions and ideas. The war has brought destruction and chaos, but it has also revealed the true nature of people. Freudianism has become a popular theory, and people are exploring their subconscious desires and motives. Cynicism is rampant, as people have become disillusioned with the world around them.

Despite all this, love still manages to shine through. It is the one constant in Darley's life, and it gives him the strength to face the challenges ahead. The truth, too, is elusive but essential. It is like a puzzle that Darley is trying to piece together, and every new discovery brings him closer to understanding himself and the world around him. The last book of the quartet may not be as "strong" as the others, but it is still a valuable addition, adding depth and complexity to the overall story.

A fitting wrap-up of the Quartet. It is truly a remarkable conclusion that leaves a lasting impression. I will deeply miss Durrell's Alexandria, a city that comes alive through his vivid descriptions and is filled with an array of unique and interesting characters. Each one of them adds a distinct flavor to the narrative, making it a truly captivating experience. The poetic prose used by Durrell further enhances the immersive quality of the story, allowing the reader to step into the shoes of the characters and explore the city along with them. The sights, sounds, and smells of Alexandria seem to leap off the pages, creating a sensory experience that is both enchanting and unforgettable. It is with a sense of nostalgia that I bid farewell to this wonderful world created by Durrell, but I know that the memories of it will stay with me for a long time to come.

Now that I've finally completed the Alexandria Quartet saga, which took me almost ten years! I have to admit that I was left a little underwhelmed.

I discovered this quartet through Cortázar's Hopscotch, and interestingly, I had similar feelings towards both works.

What I liked about the Alexandria Quartet was Durrell's remarkable ability to capture the atmosphere of Alexandria and its profound impact on its residents, whether they were permanent or temporary. The best parts of the novels were those that centered on the city itself, which almost became a character in its own right. There were also several passages that are indelibly etched in my memory. For example, Clea's accident, Fosca's death, and Darley's conversation with Liza were vividly and memorably portrayed by Durrell. Additionally, some of the reflections on art, especially literature, were quite engaging.

However, just like Hopscotch, there was something about the world Durrell described that I found sickeningly snobbish. The characters were constantly quoting poets and artists, they were all erudite expats with a cynical sense of humor, and there was an air of elegant decadence that really grated on my nerves. Some of the characters were completely incomprehensible to me, and some of the so-called "amusing" bits failed to amuse me at all. It might be a case of the humor not aging well or perhaps I just didn't understand Durrell's style. Overall, the quartet felt rather fragmented, not in a positive way. There were too many digressions and detours that gradually diminished my interest in the story.