Still Life by Sarah Winman
Still Life is on the list of the Better Reading Top 100 for 2024, so I thought I’d give it a go.
In a chance encounter in Tuscany in 1944, an English soldier, Ulysses, meets an English historian, Evelyn, and a story that would span forty years begins.
After his return to London, Ulysses quickly gets back into his old life at the pub where he grew up, surrounded by his loved ones. However, after a surprise inheritance is left to him he returns to Italy to live out his days.
While the story contains some major events, most of it is about life’s little moments and the connections between friends and family. This is what struck me the most about the book: the wonderful bonds that span decades and countries and the camaraderie of these wonderfully flawed characters.
Someone commented on this book and described it exactly like a still life painting. For some, they will look at it and move quickly on, but for others, it will resonate immensely. I am firmly in the second category and absolutely loved this book.
I would definitely recommend this book to someone looking for a slow-paced, beautiful story centred around characters rather than a plot. It is beautifully written, and the imagery it evokes is stunning.
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