Customer Reviews

The Top of the Hill

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

 

 

Irwin Shaw is a master! His characters are so real and the story is very interesting. I enjoyed reading the book from start to finish. Too bad that this book was not one of the bestsellers because it has so many good stories and interesting characters. I recomend it to people who have read other Irwin Shaw books. He delivers again!

Definitely a slam on mothers who overprotect their children, in particular their sons. The prime character in Shaw's book reacted to his mother's oppressive protection by rebelling and taking outrageous risks in every aspect of his life. Even in his mid-thirties he was still trying to prove something to his parents.
The author does an excellent job of pulling the reader into every hallowing experience that borders on the brink of death. When Michael, the hero, sweats we sweat. The passion her words send out is infectious.

I read in a James Jones biography that Jones, William Styron, and Shaw (amoung others) hung-out and played poker together while living in Paris during the 60s. My, to be a fly on the wall during these times! - what a scene that must have been! But back to the book: Shaw was a straight-ahead, no frills story-teller. I reserve 5 star ratings to works that have me shuddering with some emotion or overwhemled by the author's insight. Even though the ending of this book evoked a tear, it is pot-boiler nevertheless. Good summer reading by the pool. One can find Shaw's books now only at used book stores; the big chain stores don't even carry him. In reference to the previous reviewer's comment of having 'Top of the Mountain' in a crisp hardback handy, I'll say a tattered paperback works very well. In all, a well-told story with a poignant message at the end.

..."Rich Man, Poor Man".

The 6 previous reviewers did not mention that "Top of the Hill" has been filmed with Elke Sommer, Mel Ferrer, Wayne Rogers, Adrienne Barbeau, Paula Prentiss and Sonny Bono as the pianist:
[...]
This mini TV series is definitely as good as Shaw's novel and was filmed at Lake Placid, NY.

Irwin Shaws Top of the Hill was absolutley marvelous. Action filled, deep and loving. The main character, Michael, is my hero and role model. If there's one book to have on your shelf in a crisp hardcover, its got to be this one. I read it three times and I could still benefit from another reading.

Two of the reviewers on this page I must disagree with. First, if The Top of the Hill is the 'best book you have ever read' then you simply have little practice in fiction. Second, if you need to read this book three times to get something from it..you either can't read very well or have a memory the caliber of Reagans, this book is simply not that complex.
But what a great book to enjoy your time off work, lying on a beach or in a couch. This book is very friendly in that it has little violence, which is an unneccessary element to a novel.
I really liked this book, it has a lot of goodness to it. Don't expect Earth-shattering plot twists or hair-raising adventure, this book is for relaxation. I actually would have liked to have seen it be longer by maybe a couple hundred pages, I got to really like the main character, Micheal Storrs, and would have liked to know more about his life.
I like Irwin Shaw and I recommend another of his novels, Nightwork, which I have also reviewed. As for The Top of the Hill, Buy it.

this is a perfect pick for u,if u want a complete change from an action/adventure type.a lovely story bundled up with sensitive emotions.the lead role was beautifully portrayed by shaw.i enjoyed a lot reading this book.pick it up.i am sure u will feel a sense of freshness as u go through