Customer Reviews

Marathon

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

 

 

The Ice Woman. That's what her partners at Schroeder, Wilkes and Barron call Marianna Gardner. It is an appropriate sobriquet for a woman who was too busy practicing law to attend her father's funeral.

While sifting through her father's belongings, Marianna comes across a reminder of a once cherished but long-forgotten family friend. Determined to re-establish some connection with her past, she finds "Uncle Ion" in a shabby nursing home. As they rekindle their relationship, Marianna examines her life and slowly realizes that she is not fond of the person she has become. Her journey of self-discovery accelerates when she and Uncle Ion travel to Greece so that he may conclude some personal business.

Marianna's Grecian sojourn is far from peaceful. As her respect for the people around her grows, so does her disdain for her own life. Moreover, upon unearthing several old journals, Marianna uncovers startling truths about Uncle Ion's life and her own origins. Shortly before he dies, Uncle Ion unravels the mysteries of the journals and his complicated connection to Marianna. The story concludes as, armed with new insights, Marianna gathers the courage to make peace with herself, break free from the chains that bind her and build a new life.

A recounting of Pheidippides' mythic journeys frames the stories of Marianna and Ion. The parallel accounts of these varied journeys complement each other well. In order to remain free, Pheidippides and his countrymen must defeat the Persian invaders who threaten to enslave them. His journey shapes a nation. In order to die free, Ion must reveal his ties with Marianna. His journey shapes Marianna's future. In order to become free, Marianna must relinquish the life that corrupts her. Her journey depicts the universal quest for meaning.

Readers who like epic tales of struggle and triumph will enjoy Marathon. This lengthy (nearly 500 pages), engrossing novel is a touching tribute to a teacher, Ion Theodore, who influenced the author's life in an extraordinary way. W. William Winokur weaves fact, fiction, poetry, biography, history and mythology into a beautiful story that sensitively explores eternal questions about life's meanings. A first-time novelist, Winokur has established a high standard for himself. His prose is graceful and poetic, his images are vivid and his characters are interesting. Imagine sitting at Ion's feet as he teaches history, philosophy and art as a seamless whole. Feel Pheidippides' exhaustion as he runs over mountains, his lips filled with messages that will determine the fate of a nation. Suffer Marianna's grief as she examines a life filled with much regret and little honor. And most importantly, rejoice as Marianna travels from desolation through resurrection to redemption, for her triumph gives hope to all who are compelled to traverse the dark places of their souls.

William Winokur's epic adventure, "MARATHON" is a page turner that stays with you like a cherished memory. Brilliant plotting, prose and execution, with descriptive imagery that gives the read the feel of watching an Oscar-caliber movie. And speaking of Oscar-caliber movies... I see that JAMES CAMERON, director of "Titanic" has given this book a glowing endorsement on it's front cover jacket. Perhaps "MARATHON" is just the property for Cameron to follow-up his epic "TITANIC"?? Buy this book now, and hang onto the remaining FIRST EDITIONS still available before this baby takes off!!!

Marathon is one of those rare novels that becomes infused within the being of the person reading the story. It is a novel that I was unable to put down, one that I wanted to continue reading for a very long time.

Maria Anastasia's story is quite incredible; her "resurrection" is a journey filled with wisdom, and it becomes a tribute to the power of love to transform lives in mysterious and poignant ways.

While reading the novel, I found myself relishing the multi-faceted story lines that are weaved throughout the pages. The ancient past, the living past, the present, and the hopeful future are all facets of Marianna's resurrection. The stories of Pheidippides, interspersed between Ion's journals, words from The Illiad, and the story of Marianna's and Ion's lives are like the Russian matryoshka nesting dolls, with one story fitting inside of another one and so on.

Parts of the major story unfold in Greece and they read like a mystery tale; I did not anticipate the path the story would take once Marianna and Ion arrived in Ion's homeland. It is a beautiful ending for the resurrected protagonist.

Ion Theodore is a wise man, and W. William Winokur surely has the blessings of his former teacher and mentor in the words that appear on the pages in this brilliant novel. I loved every moment of this reading experience, and I will pass this book on to those I know and love.

Marathon is one of those rare books that combines all the best to produce an unforgettable story. This is an exceptionally well-written book. There are occasional phrases throughout the book that are simply gems of wisdom. The author is an excellent story teller, integrating a wide variety of genres to create a story of incredible poingnancy and universality. Readers can identify themselves in any of the characters because they are real and believable. This book is a work of art and a must read for any person seriously participating in the journey of life.

Winokur's novel, based upon a real man, is layered storytelling at it's best. Ancient Marathon opens each chapter, but the story is told in the present and 20th century past. Honesty, especially to oneself, and truth underpin all the action. The journey towards ones' truth and self-awareness are as important as the arrival. That choices and 'chance' coincidences can determine so much in our lives becomes more evident on each page. Winokur's characters are lovingly portrayed, and I was very drawn into their lives. I cared about them and their fates.

Marianna Gardner has just become a partner in a successful law firm in Manhattan. Marianna chose to complete an important work assignment rather then attending her estranged father's funeral. As a result she faced inner conflict, turmoil, and unrest.

Reuniting with an elderly uncle, Ion Theodore, Marianna begins a search for truth and self discovery. Winokur uses the first person voice of Maria Anastasia's to relate Marianna's journey. The story also is built around Ion Theodore's life story and of his celebrated run from Marathon to Athens.
The writing is sensitive and artfully constructed. The characters are believable and genuine.

Winokur has developed a good balance of conflict and intrigue to move the plot forward. The author's word pictures and descriptions of ancient Athens gave me a strong urge to take a step back in history to visit historic Greece. His use of dialog to establish settings, both geographical and historical, gave an additional dimension to the beauty of the story. The use of broken English in the dialog with the Greek characters added to the flavor of the story

The graphic descriptions of battlefields, death and decay, in the midst of the devastation of war were so realistic it was as though the author himself had been there. He creates, in the reader, a feeling of being in the trenches with him anticipating enemy fire and certain death.

The story is a unique blending of history, mythology, philosophy, theology, and psychology. Winokur has an uncanny sensitivity to the inner feelings of individuals. He made me feel a wide spectrum of human feelings and emotions. This created an interesting balance and rewarding experience.

Winokur is so steeped in the classical writings of Greek mythology and the gods that it was sometimes difficult to know when he had moved from a quote from the classic writers to the voice of one of his central characters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this memorable novel and am looking forward to the next work of this inspiring author.

The journey begins at a stage in which all can relate to getting caught up in the "rat race" and cut throat lifestyles we may find in most workforce enviornments... But the lessons of how important life and its moments that we share with special people who inspire, teach, and point out the glamour of what your soul posseses is key to what is to come in this real life hero of a man that has been lost in time but not forgotten due to one dedicated authour who shares with you a very compelling story that he has been summoned to share with you...
This book is so beautiful to allow you to know one man who overcame hardship and shared his kind soul to anyone that was interested in understanding some meanings to life, love, and romanticize what each and every individual has within their hearts... courage. ENJOY THE JOURNEY!