Customer Reviews

Passionate Spectator: A Novel

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

 

 

It's difficult to describe the pleasures I gain from the work of Eric Kraft. Through his character Peter Leroy, a charming romantic whose daydreams allow him to rewrite not only his past but his present and future as well, Kraft explores the slippery (if not entirely illusory) boundaries between yesterday and today, between reality and imagination, between ourselves and the strangers around us. All of this is accomplished with a delightfully graceful style and an admirable generosity toward his characters and his readers. I can imagine nothing more fulfilling than to live in the world of an Eric Kraft novel, and I am grateful that each new book (and Passionate Spectator is one of his best) allows me this opportunity.

Now, before you go thinking that I'm crushin' on Eric Kraft's book... I'm not. I mean, I am awarding it a 9/10, so it's not like I'm 'Meh' about it. But my sentiments have more to do with his talents than what Mr. Kraft presents here, in this Peter Leroy novel. (If that makes any sense at all.)

Anyone who's read any of my reviews knows that I just love to witness 'a writer bein' a writer', the kind of writer you can't help but shake your head in wonder at once they're up to speed. (Sometimes anticipating that speed can be as lovely an experience as the cruising velocity itself. That too, is part of a great writer's skill; think of it as being akin to a great lover's ability to bring on swooning before even a kiss is applied.) The thing about Mr. Kraft is that it's not so much what he says, or even how he says it...just that he pulls you along in so effortless -yet confident- a way that you feel swept up, caught up, a little lost in his momentum.

I loved the banter between the lead character and his wife; I fell in love with both her and their marriage. In fact, I felt a voyeur at first, then an invited guest...then something even more intimate by novel's end.

I also loved the sub-stories, the 'other parts' of Peter Leroy, his alter-egos, his constituent selves. In fact, I probably loved these tales more than the core one, especially the interlude between B.W. and 'the Rebel Angel', in which we get both naughtiness and polemic, executed within a perfect mélanage of rollicking holding-forth and subtley insinuated double-entendres. Exquisite stuff, indeed.

Some of what the author presents us is elfin-like in its qualities. Other bits are the full-blooded stuff of a raconteur's wry retellings. No matter what the tone, the novel entertains. Perhaps its greatest charm lies in this variance.

Returning to a theme referenced in a previous review, Mr. Kraft doesn't offer up a chef's extravaganza. It's more a simple sandwich and side-dishes, served with a perfectly chosen libation. But at the end of it all, you stare at the picked-clean plates, the empty mug, and wonder if you've ever had so satisfying a meal.

I've come to late to Mr. Kraft's series of Peter Leroy-focused novels, but I'm looking foward quite hungrily to devouring the rest.

Personal rating: 9/10

I'm a fan of Eric Kraft and have read all his books. I've enjoyed them all. But Peter, what's the matter? Is it a mid-life crisis?
I have always enjoyed your adventures, but these are too sad. When you sit down to write again, please write some more childhood reminiscences. I understand that you may have wanted to get things off your chest, but the philosophizing is too random. And next time, let's hear more from Albertine and all those quirky characters from your past. Cheer up! Life is too short to be taken quite so seriously.

I don't feel that I need to write a real review, seeing as how there are already tons of rave reviews for Eric Kraft's work. I guess all I can say is read this book. If you don't buy it, check it out from the library. Or buy it for a friend as a present, and then borrow it from them (hehe). It is simply amazing.