Customer Reviews

Orlo and Leini

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

 

 

The entire history of the twentieth century can be traced through the clandestine affair of the junkman Orlo and his Greek lover Leini in Orlo and Leini, the Rafael Alvarez collection of short stories featuring these two memorable characters, their lives, times, friends and associates. The stories comprising this memorable, superbly crafted, highly recommended collection include: Down at the End of Clinton Street; Orlo's Velvet Room; People Love Lies; Red Cabbage and Apples; Christmas Eve; and The Legend of the Velvet Room.

You won't forget the characters in Alvarez's Breslin-esque collection. This book belongs on everybody's summer reading list. With the eye of an artist and the ear of a musician, Alvarez takes you to the heart of the neighborhood and the soul of man.

Alvarez uses the clandestine affair of Leini, a proper lady of strict Greek parents, and Orlo, know as the junkman, to eloquently express his love of Baltimore and to give the reader a taste of history. The tales revolving around these two unlikely lovers are told in a lyrical prose that is both mesmerizing and entertaining. At times I found myself wanting to know more about Orlo and Leini, but was left with a sense that the author preferred a cursory view of their lives without a lot of depth and feelings. Nonetheless, at the conclusion, the reader will have a sense of having experienced something special.

Alvarez uses the clandestine affair of Leini, a proper lady of strict Greek parents, and Orlo, know as the junkman, to eloquently express his love of Baltimore and to give the reader a taste of history. The tales revolving around these two unlikely lovers are told in a lyrical prose that is both mesmerizing and entertaining. At times I found myself wanting to know more about Orlo and Leini, but was left with a sense that the author preferred a cursory view of their lives without a lot of depth and feelings. Nonetheless, at the conclusion, the reader will have a sense of having experience something special.

Alvarez is an artist who paints moving portraits with his words. He makes you care about his characters, their lives and their hometown (also his). He's a joy to read -- and you'll think about what you've read long after you close the book.

You may not have heard of Alvarez, but you will. This guy's a master storyteller. Read this book of soulful, heartfelt tales woven together in a beautiful tapestry and you'll see why.

Alvarez is an artist who paints moving portraits with his words. He makes you care about his characters, their lives and their hometown (also his). He's a joy to read -- and you'll think about what you've read long after you close the book.