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Levels of Life

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Levels of Life

By: Julian Barnes
Narrated by: Julian Barnes
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Summary

”You put together two things that have not been put together before. And the world is changed…”

Julian Barnes's new book is about ballooning, photography, love and grief; about putting two things, and two people, together, and about tearing them apart.

One of the judges who awarded him the 2011 Man Booker Prize described him as “an unparalleled magus of the heart”. This book confirms that opinion.

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Julian Barnes draws the reader easily into his books and his own reading of his writing is captivating. The final section was an exploration of personal grief, in these days without the comfort of a belief in an afterlife. Very moving.

Captivating

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I did enjoy this short book and the final section dealing with the loss of his wife was both touching and fabulous. I hold back on my rating however as the initial set up, all about balloon flight, went on far too long for me. I know that's Julian's style but this time, as I say, it felt too long a preamble.

Well written but not his best

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What made the experience of listening to Levels of Life the most enjoyable?

The most enjoyable element was the resonant metaphors which repeatedly occur throughout the text, regardless of the seemingly disparate ingredients of ballooning, photography, love and grief.

What did you like best about this story?

Barnes's characteristically elegant prose. I've read/heard almost everything he's written but it struck me for the first time in this book that he manages to achieve a great paradox in his writing. Everything seems simultaneously familiar and surprising.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I don't think 'enjoy' is the word but the passages on grief were very affecting - prompting a sense of painful anticipation.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It didn't occur to me to listen all in one sitting but I might well do this when I revisit the book - which is a certainty.

Any additional comments?

This may be my favourite Barnes book - perhaps due to that authority which writer as narrator confers.

All levels including zero

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I found it very helpful personally. but i found the writer rather smug at times.

Levels of life and death

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Loved this book for the simplicity of language which provides a clearer insight into life...love and death.

The flowing prose allows the reader to dwell and consider not just the truths within but explain the said same visceral thoughts and emotions described with knowing clarity.

To read is to understand more.

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