Winter’s Tale

A wonderful book in two senses – it’s wonderfully written, and it evokes wonder. This is an idiosyncratic urban fantasy set in an imaginary metropolis called New York City (cut off from the world by an impenetrable cloud wall that lifts only occasionally, to let the trains through). In this city, amazing characters (amazingly good and amazingly evil) clash as they strive for the things that matter to them most. And the prose is as bright and vivid as a Van Gogh painting. Winter’s Tale contains one of my favorite lines in all literature, where one character is described as… show more.

When writing brings me to tears, it's usually because I’m emotionally connected to the protagonist and his/her struggles. But with Mark Helprin, it’s the writing itself that makes me tear up. Yes, it’s that good. It’s the kind of writing that makes me happy to share the world with artists who can evoke so many emotions, using the same words we all use, every single day. Mark Helprin has written many beautiful books, but this one’s simply unforgettable. 

Lush, pulpy, and utterly beautiful, I first read this novel when I was in college. It was December in New York City and I was supposed to be studying for finals. I decided to take a break to peruse some books at the local bookstore. I still remember picking this book up and reading a quote from a New York Times book review on the back: “I find myself nervous, to a degree I don't recall in my past as a reviewer, about failing the work, inadequately displaying its brilliance.” I had to buy the book. Needless to say, I… show more.