Wednesday, July 25, 2012

War and Peace for our post 9/11 world


Birds without Wings by Louis de Bernieres

I loved this book! It’s long, it’s repetitive, it rambles, but it is so poetic and effective in delivering a sense of what it must have been like for ordinary people living simple lives in a small town in southwestern Turkey in the early 20th century. This is one talented writer! He has researched and synthesized the essence of many critical factors in the life of the man who would bring Turkey into the modern, western world and he has woven those details into an imaginary tale of a small cast of characters who bring life to the drama of that time and place. I am in awe of his intelligence and talent.

In addition, this tale bears many lessons for Americans today if only we listen as I’m sure the author intends us to do.

This is the most extraordinary book I’ve read in years!