So I once more seem to have a differing assessment of this book . . .


This is a quote that was included in the start of the copy I checked out from my local library:

“Baricco's fairy tale of East and West weaves a fine, tight fabric of recurrent phrases and motifs, a novel as delicate and strong as its subject.”

I agree completely with labeling in as a fairy tale. Judging its content and writing style I'd say one appropriate for someone in the 8-12 years old range*. More specifically females of that age.

So not something to impress me, but for what it is I'd say its good.

*Excepting I'll grant for the sexually explicit passage in the letter. Then again I see that this was written in 1996 and I know that girls in the 10-12 age range were not at that time what they were when I was of that age.