Another engrossing read from Faulks - although not so much actually happens in this one! The politics of it all lost me somewhat, with lots of references that I guess should have been highly portentious but without my knowledge or own experience of recent american history, they slipped by. But a good read nonetheless, and to finish it in the heat of Vientiane seemed quite appropriate.

RELEASE NOTES:

On the bookshelf in the dining area (entry). This book was bought second-hand in Melbourne (I think) and has since travelled around Thailand a little before ending up in Vientiane.

I saw the release entry and since my office is on the other side of the temple from the Villa Manoly, I stopped by on my way to the Si Meuang market to buy catfood. I've released a lot of books, but have never had the opportunity to catch one until today. I left two new books off in exchange - the Light of other days by Arthur C. Clarke and Stephen Baxter and a legal thriller by Scott Turow.

I've never read anything by Sebastian Faulks before receiving a release alert that "On Green Dolphin Street" was available at a guesthouse near my office.

The plot line follows the lives of Mary, an British Embassy official's wife, and Frank, a journalist. They fall in love in a world consumed by the black/ white politics of the Cold War. Frank is concerned with the global picture, of covering the presidential campaign and recovering his career as a journalist which was derailed during the McCarthy years. Mary is concerned with the personal picture, of feeling responsible for her husband, children and family in spite of the great changes in the world. Their love affair stops time, taking them outside of themselves, but time always restarts with the next breath. When Mary is in Moscow, she realizes the fraility of her existance as she searches for chicken soup while trying not to confront the person that she knows is following her.

This book was incredible. Faulks builds up the creation of the world through details which make the environment comes alive. His characters have serious conversations while the restaurant staff interrupt them to ask them if they want the check or dessert.

At the same time I was reading this, I had seen "Good Night and Good Luck," the story of Edward R. Murrow's research and expose of Joe McCarthy's tactics. I was also in NYC for a few days and the words on the page haunted the sidewalks I was walking.

I was also impressed with Faulks' writing, of presenting emotions but not getting carried away with them. Mary and Frank have a tragic affair, but Faulks doesn't tell you about their feelings. You live the ups and downs yourself.

I give it the highest rating, and I will read it again (though I'm releasing this copy today).

RELEASE NOTES:

I freed the book at Starbuck's at 192 Tremont (corner of Tremont and Boyleston) - across the street from Dunkin Donuts, near the Loew's movie center by the Boston Common