Customer Reviews

The Crying Heart Tattoo: A Novel

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Recently found this on my shelf while cleaning out the clutter, figured it's time to read it. Good choice. It's real literature, and now back on the shelf to stay. I disagree with all those who think it's "about" love or relationships -- like all true art, it's not "about" one thing. It has a sort of bleak world view (some might say), but it's honest, real, and reminds us to enjoy the journey, because that's all there is. The fable took a while to grow on me, but I've never read a fable within a novel that was so freshly and creatively written. I'll be looking for this author's other work.

I read this book, twice, 15 years ago. I lost it during one of my military relocations, and had been unable to find another copy, until now. But, if you will, try to imagine a book so charming, so witty, so enthralling, so unforgettable that it stays with you for fifteen years...

When I read this book and reviewed it shortly afterward, I don't think I gave it fair due. As time goes on and I think back to this book I love it more and more.

This is the story of Felicity and Sonny.....life-long lovers with a turbulent and sometimes downright heartbreaking relationship. Felicity, 20 years Sonny's senior, is brazen and even loopy at times. She lends a great deal of humor to the story as well as veiled sadness.

Sonny, on the other hand is a huge jerk throughout most of the story as he becomes more and more bitter and jaded. Felicity seems to be the only spark left in his life...a spark which he almost puts out.

Running parallel to the story of Sonny and Felicity is the tale of Gravelda and Genipur. They are two rather primitive tribal people who are hauntingly similar to their modern-day counterparts. It's a story that Felicity tells to Sonny in chunks over the years as their meetings become fewer and farther between. The story allows Felicity to quietly vent her feelings about her relationship with Sonny.

This is a book that, even if you become a little dazed about in the process of reading, will stick to you long after you've read the last page. Far be it from me to withold credit where credit is due....and I must admit, this book is a jewel.

A haunting, beautiful love story, with one of the most heart-wrenching last paragraphs I've ever read in a book. there is a genuine magic in this tale. sonny has much to learn from felicity, but he's stubborn, clueless, and thinks he has all the answers, like many of us when we're young, and the lessons he learns from her take years to absorb. and in any tale of love and regret he really learns them too late. felicity's parable is a delight, but lost on sonny. sometimes we don't realize how good we have it, until it's gone. sentimental, but not overly so. this is a book to be treasured, and read again and again. I can hear "as time goes by" playing as I read this book. it seems so appropriate.

I have re-read this book four times (and I don't normally do so) and I've purchased seven copies to give as gifts (I've NEVER done that before!) I cried when the book ended -- not because the ending is sad, but because I did not want to give up the time I was enjoying spending with my new 'friends'.

PS: Mr. Martin is an incredible writer! His other books are very good too.

One of my favorite books EVER, this is a tale of true love, seen in all its ugliness, honesty, and wonder. I keep it close to my heart. Give it a try, it could make how you see life and love much more rich.

I first read about this book in the paper a few years back, it sounded interresting, so I gave it a look. It was the very first book I had read cover to cover, I was 17 years old and very impatient with books. I am 19 years old now and I am on my 5th revisit to this brilliant life changing work. I cannot express how much this book means to me. I need only to read the first page and my eyes begin to tear. Read this book.

She loaned me her autographed copy. I was very impressed! The book was fascinating, to the extent I couldn't put it down. I'm now in the process of reading all of David Martin's books. If he is as great as his sister, Nancy, then he is not only talented, he is lucky. (She is reading over my shoulder now and made me say that)

This is the best American novel I have ever read. I guarantee that you'll love it if you give it a shot!

I read The Crying Heart Tattoo with the highest expectations. I had heard rave reviews and was prepared to read a compelling love story. I was sorely disappointed. The author sets up the female character to appear confident, worldly and strong, yet he has her act weak and pathetic. Her so-called backround was unbelievable when compared to her actions. I never felt an unbreakable bond between the two characters. The writing was obvious in some instances with too many cutsey lines repeated a bit too often. The ending felt tacked on, as if Mr. Martin just ran out of story. The book lacked depth and all in all was just not a compelling read.