Customer Reviews

Visiting Professor

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

 

 

I want at least one character in a novel that would interest me in real life. There are none in this book. Failing that, I'd like a plot with some substance. Uh-uh. As a reader I will plow through a pile of manure to find the poverbial pony; something of substance. A theme, a pace, a gift for language, or whatever. Not in this novel, friends. The professor from Russia finds problems with American colloquialisms: "Wearing your heart on your sleeve" - "Getting down to brass tacks" - etc. This is humorous? The prof also discovers sex; oral, group, swapping partners, etc. Sex itself is a victim of this author's depictions. The professor also solves a mystery of who is a serial killer; that part of the book is so improbable that it is not only unfunny, it is pitable. To sum up: this story is as weighty as a soap bubble but nowhere near as pretty. Don't waste your time.

I adored this book. My only concern was my fear that I would laugh out loud while reading it during a delay at LaGuardia. I found the characters fascinating, the professor's observations/internal monologue delightful, and the story line engaging. If you are looking for witty and humorous observations about life from a different perspective - all mixed with a bit of romance and "whodunit" - this book is for you. If it is hard-core action/suspense you seek, you'd be better served by some of Mr. Littell's other books. In hindsight, this book may have been better received had he penned it under a female pseudonym. I loved the book and it is receiving rave reviews from my friends as well. How about another one like this for the gals, Mr Littell??

I read this book over a decade ago, and the story has always stayed with me. I was pleased to see that it is still in print. The concept that caught, and held my interest, is the notion of understanding where the core conspiracy lies in each of our lives, and in our relationships. You'll have to read the book to understand, but I think it's worth it.

One of Littell's lesser works. Too much effort at humor, too little on plot. Reverts to sex scenes when short on thoughts. Otherwise, passable.

I have enjoyed Littell's other books, 'Sisters', "The Debriefing', etc. This book however I found to be to disjointed and I will admit I did not find it interesting or entertaining. I realize this is not a spy novel or thriller, but I was hoping for some intrigue that this book never seems to create.

I read the Company a few years ago and loved it. I thought this book was going to be a similar historical/spy/thriller novel. Turns out that The Visiting Professor is nothing like the Company, but I liked it anyway.