Rating: 
Summary: Regret Reading This
Review: I read this novel in a modern contemporary literature class in college. The professor assigned the book without having read it first, and he apologized for this mistake later. The novel lacks any sort of higher meaning, therefore making it a mediocre plot story with one-dimensional characters. The conflicts are trivial and leave the reader to wonder, why bother? Don't be fooled by whatever award this book won. If you're a literature fan and value insight and meaning in a book, you'll be highly disappointed. Fiction? Yes. Literature? No. If you're interested in the themes explored by Brookner, you should read Jane Austen or the Brontes instead -- at least they add some amount of art to their work.
Rating: 
Summary: Thought-provoking and very enjoyable
Review: I really enjoyed this book, which I read in one enjoyable afternoon. The author made me laugh, kept me in suspense, and provoked my thinking. I wrote down numerous quotations to remember later. Two of the main issues the author looks at are: the idea that two people will never be able to create a peaceful existence together, and; the notion that the key to happiness is found in perfect selfishness, renouncing love. Brookner makes a great case for these two ideas.
Rating: 
Summary: read and re-read 5 times
Review: i will confess that for no reason apparent to me, i am hurt some people didn't like it much. perhaps i think it says something about my taste in books. in any case, i've read reviews of penelope fitzgerald's blue flower and thought the same thing then that i think when i read the reviews here--both are luminescent books and there is something ephemeral about they way they resonate for the people who love them that is muted and subterranean, but persistent and i can well understand that perhaps such subtlety-bordering-on-invisiblilty isn't for everyone. i often think of it as a peculiarly rational femininity. i have wondered for some time whether the two sets of reviewers are congruent; those that dislike this book disliked the blue flower as well and vice versa.
Rating:
Summary: Couldn't get into it...does it get better?
Review: Ick. Really boring. I was really in the mood to read, and after 10 pages I gave it up. Very flat and airless.Is this one worth being patient about? Might read 'Falling Slowly' instead since that one seems to be a Brookner favorite.
Rating:
Summary: Buy this Book
Review: If the Booker Prize is not enough to convince you, just look at the body of Anita Brookner's work. Her ability with language makes Hemmingway look like a weed wacker. A delightful novel with a plot line that lulls you into complacency and smacks you with a surprise ending. Tasteful, elegant, worthy reading - fiction at it's best
Rating: 
Summary: I read the book at the back of Hotel Du Lac
Review: It took me forever to get into "Hotel du Lac." I love Jane Austen and I love Anne Tyler and this books sorta straddles both and was recommended to me by a used bookstore owner who said his wife liked it.Finally after several chapters I got hooked and I read it slowly enough to relish it. I lived in Geneva and Basle so I could understand the place and was fascinated to read her version of Lake Geneva. The book slowly unfolds and has the unexpected twists you get in mysteries and at the end you are still puzzling - it isn't so neat in fact like a good movie it makes you want to go out and discuss it with others. The reviews here make me think the people who are reading it prefer action novels and would be the last people I'd like to discuss this book with. But I really loved it. I'm only sorry every one says it's her best as I'd like to read others by her and not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: A good book I'd recommend.
Review: It took me forever to get into "Hotel du Lac." I love Jane Austen and I love Anne Tyler and this books sorta straddles both and was recommended to me by a used bookstore owner who said his wife liked it. Finally after several chapters I got hooked and I read it slowly enough to relish it. I lived in Geneva and Basle so I could understand the place and was fascinated to read her version of Lake Geneva. The book slowly unfolds and has the unexpected twists you get in mysteries and at the end you are still puzzling - it isn't so neat in fact like a good movie it makes you want to go out and discuss it with others. The reviews here make me think the people who are reading it prefer action novels and would be the last people I'd like to discuss this book with. But I really loved it. I'm only sorry every one says it's her best as I'd like to read others by her and not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Creature From Another Planet
Review: Once again, I finished a Brookner novel wondering if I have read science fiction or maybe the Brits are from another planet. I always have a strong urge to find some one to discuss a Brookner novel with because it they are generally maddeningly absurd in the portrayal of characters. The writing and scenery are fine. I believe that the author attempts to remind us of our own foolish feelings: Remember how it feels to "love" someone foolishly the way Edith "loved" David? (Do you know why you did you did it, or why you are doing it?) Is freedom better than love or mining for a rich husband even though you might have to pay for it by continuing with a empty "love" non-relationship with a David? Brookner does paint in vexing terms these asinine relationships that we have been involved in. The parent/child relationship is there. Master/slave is always lurking in the name of love. Things are not what they seem because this is a satire. You are reminded of your self if you are a woman. But please, Anita, give us a break. There are happy relationships out here. Try to write about one now and then.
Rating:
Summary: Creature From Another Planet
Review: Once again, I finished a Brookner novel wondering if I have read science fiction or maybe the Brits are from another planet. I always have a strong urge to find some one to discuss a Brookner novel with because it they are generally maddeningly absurd in the portrayal of characters. The writing and scenery are fine. I believe that the author attempts to remind us of our own foolish feelings: Remember how it feels to "love" someone foolishly the way Edith "loved" David? (Do you know why you did you did it, or why you are doing it?) Is freedom better than love or mining for a rich husband even though you might have to pay for it by continuing with a empty "love" non-relationship with a David? Brookner does paint in vexing terms these asinine relationships that we have been involved in. The parent/child relationship is there. Master/slave is always lurking in the name of love. Things are not what they seem because this is a satire. You are reminded of your self if you are a woman. But please, Anita, give us a break. There are happy relationships out here. Try to write about one now and then.
Rating:
Summary: A Subtle & Winsome Masterpiece
Review: Potential Readers Beware: This book is subtle, intelligent, witty, heartbreaking, arid, sensuous, eloquent and luminous. If you are looking for a rollicking, wham-bam-thank-you-maam plot, look elsewhere. Anita Brookner writes of the quiet and unnoticed desperation of women and men of a certain age. If you give yourself over to this book and this writer, the reward will be lasting.
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