Sometimes (well maybe a lot of the time) a book comes up in the blogsphere that sounds too good to pass by. That's what happened when I first heard about this book....I couldn't resist and just had to request a copy from the libray. I'm so glad I did as I really enjoyed this book.
Waiting For Columbus begins with a man being admitted into a mental instituion claiming that he is Columbus. Nobody seems to know who he really is and the stories he tells are all about exploring new lands, his ships, and the journey he plans to undertake. Before she knows it, Nurse Consuela is caught up within Columbus' stories and finds herself believing him. But the question of Columbus' real identity is a mystery that is just waiting to be solved.
The book started off a bit confusing for me as we are instantly thrown into Columbus' stories and supposed "memories". So it took me a bit to really catch on and immerse myself within the book. Before I knew it though I was swept away into the stories that Columbus was telling to Consuela. This book just had a wonderful atmosphere to it and although it wasn't historical fiction, it did have a historical feel to it. The author's note afterwards said that he based some of the stories on research that he had read on the real Columbus. I loved Columbus' character and was curious about him from the very beginning. Who was he really? And why did he believe he was Columbus? These were questions that were constantly running through my head. Because you know that he isn't the real Columbus. And it didn't really matter because halfway through the novel I felt myself kinda/sorta believing that he was Columbus even when I knew that it wasn't possible. That is how caught up in the story that I was. The writing was beautiful and really helped to make this novel even better. The ending was strong and although it left things open a bit, I wasn't left feeling unsatisfied at all. All in all, a great read and one that I would recommend.
Disclosure: From my local library. Again.
*I read this for the following challenges:
New Author Challenge
100+ Reading Challenge
Support Your Library Reading Challenge
"W" Title for A-Z Challenge (personal)
I like the sounds of this one and your enthusiastic review has made me curious to read this one!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a unique and interesting read. Thanks! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me just a bit of Miracle on 34th St. I'm glad you enjoyed the book!
ReplyDeleteStaci- I guarantee that this would be a book that you would enjoy. Request this one from your library asap!
ReplyDeleteSteph- It was definitely unique. I'm so glad that I gave it a try.
Suko- Your welcome. You should give it a try...it seems like a book that you would enjoy :)
Natalie- Definitely read the book! I was guessing the entire time myself to be honest with you :)
This is one I really want to read. I practically begged my husband to get this one for me (which he did). LOL
ReplyDeleteGlad that u enjoyed this one. I liked the audio version as well.
ReplyDeleteLiterary Feline- I am sure that you will enjoy this one. Once I adjusted to the flow of the story I found myself swept away!
ReplyDeleteDiane- I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed this book as well!