Opening in 1939, this novel spans 50 years and depicts the central character's life as a political emigre in a run-down part of London. He is invited to return to his home city by the renascent nationalist movement and he learns the price of remaining an "innocent" in history.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Current events in the Soviet Union make this accomplished, evocative first novel very timely and curiously believable. Jacob Balthus, an elderly London exile who dabbles ineffectually in emigre politics, is invited back to his Baltic homeland, its dreams of liberation suddenly--it seems--at hand. Balthus remembers his Good Republic as "a small place . . . ruled by the good, leading a charmed life . . . between mad giants." But Balthus is a weak man at the center of epochal events, and as the story develops it is clear that he is the one who has led a charmed life while his homeland was raped, first by Germans, then by Russians. Palmer is an established poet and storyteller, and some of his descriptive passages--of a boat trip through the Baltic islets, of a forest bird frozen in its nest--are gems.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
Jacob Balthus is overjoyed when he is invited to return to his native Baltic homeland to celebrate the rebirth of that republic after 50 years of exile. Preparations for the trip recall the procession of harsh events that caused him to leave his country: the Soviet invasion; the German counter-invasion; threats, treachery, and betrayal. Balthus is anxious to resume the days of the good republic of his early memories but returns only to find the old evil called by a new name. Palmer captures the poignancy and pain of innocence confronted by reality. This timely first novel brings clarity and focus to a chaotic time in history from the viewpoint of a victimized participant. Beautifully written, and highly recommended.
- Joanna M. Burkhardt, Univ. of Connecticut at Torrington Lib.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- Joanna M. Burkhardt, Univ. of Connecticut at Torrington Lib.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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