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Levels of Life
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Check link for latest rating. ( 13,943 ratings, 2,001 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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You put together two things that have not been put together before. And the world is changedโฆ
In Levels of Life Julian Barnes gives us Nadar, the pioneer balloonist and aerial photographer; then, finally, he gives us the story of his own grief, unflinchingly observed.
This is a book of intense honesty and insight;
This short, unconventional book is probably the most moving that Julian Barnes has ever written
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
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Description
Levels of Life by Julian Barnes is an intricately woven narrative that masterfully intertwines the seemingly disparate worlds of love, loss, and human flight. Through a blend of historical exploration and personal memoir, Barnes presents a poignant meditation on the human condition.
In this extraordinary book, Barness takes readers on a journey starting with Nadar, a pioneering balloonist and one of the first aerial photographers, capturing the awe and wonder of early aviation. Then we delve into the life of Colonel Fred Burnaby, a larger-than-life British soldier known for his bravado, who becomes a reluctant admirer of the illustrious actress Sarah Bernhardt. Through these historical figures, Barnes sets the stage for the third and most personal segment of the book.
The final section confronts the raw intensity of Barnes's own grief following the loss of his beloved wife, Pat Kavanagh. It is portrayed with an unflinching honesty that cuts to the core, peeling back the layers of sorrow and celebration of their love. This part transforms Levels of Life into a deeply emotional and reflective piece, offering profound insights into the nature of healing and remembrance.
The narrative structure of the book is unconventional, seamlessly blending different genres to create a cohesive and moving story. Barnes's prose is marked by a clarity and precision that invites readers to ponder their own experiences of love and loss.
This book is not only a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit but also a testament to the transformative power of putting things together in new, unforeseen ways, and how such fusions can forever change our perception of life.
One of The Guardian's 100 Best Books of the 21st Century
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Levels of Life has been praised as an extraordinary and raw reflection on love and grief, capturing the essence of being alive. Reviews highlight its intimacy, honesty, and artistry, marking it as a profoundly emotional and unflinching prose. Readers are moved by its dignified and truthful depiction of loss, making it a deeply affecting book that resonates with anyone who has experienced love or loss.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780099584537
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 April 2014
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Vintage
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 7.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 109g
Pages: 128
About the Author
Julian Barnes is the author of thirteen novels, including The Sense of an Ending, which won the 2011 Man Booker Prize for Fiction, and Sunday Times bestsellers The Noise of Time and The Only Story. He has also written three books of short stories, four collections of essays and three books of non-fiction, including the Sunday Times number one bestseller Levels of Life and Nothing To Be Frightened Of, which won the 2021 Yasnaya Polyana Prize in Russia. In 2017 he was awarded the Legion d'honneur.
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