by Aliefka Bijlsma
Book: Stand Alone
Publisher: Augusts
Pub Date: September 22, 2012
Genre: Fiction
Format: eBook
Source: Author
Book Links: Goodreads
Melchior Steenbergen is leading an idyllic life. An elite member of Holland’s diplomatic corps, he is the Consul General in Rio, with a sweeping view of the Ipanema bay from his official residence, and a beautiful wife 20 years his junior. His trustworthy maid, Mercy, who is from Ghana and has followed him everywhere, attends to his every need. At 59, his time as a diplomat is winding down, but he expects to put one more feather in his cap: an ambassadorship. Paris, perhaps. Doesn't he deserve it?
But Melchior’s glorious world is a façade, a house of cards, and sharp winds are starting to blow.
The Consul General's Wife is the story of a man, elegant and dignified, unable to recognize his own flaws. Set against the mystical and unforgiving city of Rio, the novel is a comedy about a dying generation. And a tragedy about a man who has only a few days left to wake up.
My Review: The book is not really my cup of tea. I expected a little more action and drama. I expected a different culmination, different outcome. The whole action was little bit monotonous. Although every character is quite complex, their stories for me were monotonous and depressing. And the title, a very small part of the book is dedicated to the consul general's wife. Her husband has the main role. The way of writing is solid, the characters are well psychologically processed. There were parts of the book that I really liked and there were moments when I thought that the story would get a brand new twist. There was a turn-over, but the one that could not imagine.
My Rating:
0
