Horseman on the Roof (Horseman on the Roof Ppr)

Rating:
Summary: Loved the Film, but the Book...
Review: I loved the film version of Horseman on the Roof but the book definitely leaves something to be desired. If I didn't have such a soft spot in my heart for Giono, I would have only given it three stars.

The Horseman on the Roof is the story of Angelo Pardi, a young Italian who is making his way across the French countryside to his home in Italy during the cholera epidemic. Unfortunately, the book lacks a cohesive storyline and Angelo simply meanders from one village to another, encountering first one cholera victim, then another.

While The Horseman on the Roof isn't strong on plot and certainly won't keep you up at night turning pages, it does contain gorgeous descriptions of Provence. Giono's descriptive writing is the equivalent of a full-course gourmet meal and anyone interested in the south of France, especially during this period in history, will find the book fascinating reading.

There really isn't a story here, so perhaps the book doesn't deserve the four stars I gave it, but Giono's prose, however, is so lush and beautiful I couldn't justify giving it any number fewer.

If you love gorgeous prose, France or are interested in the cholera epidemic, by all means, read this book. Others will no doubt find the film more engrossing as I did.

Rating:
Summary: To be read in one sitting
Review: I picked this book up, not having any idea of what to expect. It sucked me in from the very first page with its very strange mood. The beginning describes a summer in the south of France in the mid-19th century in a way that makes you feel strangely ill at ease. Into this the main character comes riding, when suddenly a cholera epidemic breaks out around him. Society comes completely apart and the rest of the book is about his battle for survival in the resulting chaos.

I read the book without breaks, simply because I found it impossible to put down. By the time I had finished it it was 0500 at night and I was exhausted. (What this other reviewer was thinking, who felt it wouldn't deprive you of sleep I can't imagine.) The imagery and the story is harsh and horrible, and yet deeply invigorating and rewarding because while the author is depicting a society coming apart under the pressure of the plague he is also describing how individuals can resist that pressure.

I thought this a work of great subtlety (you'll have to read it many times to catch all of it), fantastic atmosphere, and unusual drive. Rarely have I found a book to be this gripping and at the same time so well-written.

If you get the impression I am struggling to express how good I think it was you've understood.

Rating:
Summary: Not a review but wanted to let everyone know about the movie
Review: I recently saw this as a foreign film in French. Wonderfully acted and the scenery of the French countryside is so lovely. I am adding this to my wish list because the movie was intriguing and very romantic. I could not find the movie.