Jonathan Hull's debut novel is an epic story of love found and lost, of life in all its joy and tragedy. Though the eyes of Patrick Delaney, both bright as a 19-year-old soldier from New Jersey off to fight the Great War and dim as an 81-year-old man, Jonathan Hull shows listeners one man's world of discovery, of love, and ultimately, of regret. Julia was the beautiful wife of Patrick's best friend, Daniel. Patrick knew he was meant to be with her the moment he first saw her. Though married, Patrick falls desperately in love with Julia during the brief but unforgettable time they spend together exploring the still-battle-scarred countryside and grappling to make sense of what took place there. Struggling to reconcile their love with the havoc of war and life's obligations, Julia and Patrick cling to each other until one faltered step, when Patrick loses Julia, perhaps never to find her again. From the vicious savagery of trench warfare to the sometimes comic and often tragic indignities of life in a nursing home, listeners will make an unforgettable journey through Patrick Delaney's memories as he questions whether the joy he shared with Julia can outweigh the losses of a lifetime.
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"I have read this book a couple of times. First, it is written during three important stages of the character's life and it deciphers each in a very romantic, yet realistic manner. Dalaney explores old age, becoming somewhat rebelious against God, the flow of nature and even sex. Second, he also reveals his life when young and invinsible and his personal thoughts about being an active participant in the war. Third, he explores the unnatural way he felt about Julia and how he lost her in several metaphorical ways." — Laurelina (5 out of 5 stars)
"I have read this book a couple of times. First, it is written during three important stages of the character's life and it deciphers each in a very romantic, yet realistic manner. Dalaney explores old age, becoming somewhat rebelious against God, the flow of nature and even sex. Second, he also reveals his life when young and invinsible and his personal thoughts about being an active participant in the war. Third, he explores the unnatural way he felt about Julia and how he lost her in several metaphorical ways."
" This was a hard book to get into. I was not really interested until half way through the book and I predicted the ending and I never can predict the ending. It was just ok. "
" Epic, heart breaking and beautiful! "
" Just okay, I expected to be more caught up in the love story. "
" I read this WWI story when I first moved to Europe in 2002. It really brought home the struggle and misery of that war. The story is haunting and I remember bits of it often. "
" Men always write the best romances. "
" This is one of the best books I have read in quite awhile. I laughed out loud AND cried out loud. It is very emotionally honest and his writing puts you right into the action. "
" One of the best books I have ever read, and I've read a lot! Heart-wrenching and soul-fulfilling at the same time. Could not put it down! "
" This book had a great story premise, the writing however was boring and tended to drone on and on... "
" From an American nursing home, Patrick Delaney reflects on the Great War, his comrade in arms, Daniel, and Daniel's beautiful wife, Julia. "
" This is an incredible love story! "
" This book is beautifully written and very interesting. I could not put it down. It is a story of a charming lovable man who fought in France in WWI. I recommended it to my husband and he, too, could not put it down. A real treasure. "
" My all time favorite book I think. "
" I really liked this book. It's about an aging world war 2 vet who is reflecting on his life and the love of his life, Julia. Also has very funny anecdotes about "growing old". "
" This story was so well-written about love, loss, the passing of time and aging - and World War I. I've read it twice and will probably read it again. "
" I picked this up for a buck in the dollar store and got my moneys worth and more...really liked it "
" I'm a sucker for stories told in flashback where bits and pieces of a story are revealed until the full tapestry is woven, and this is a good one. "
" This is an incredible read. Loneliness is passionately described and the main character is endearing at each stage of his life. I highly recommend this book. "
" This was an lovely book, with terrific insight into growing old. It was very humurous, the author had some witty one liners that had me laughing out loud. On the other hand it told the story of a man's life full of regets to my way of thinking. Food for thought! "
" One of my very favorite books of all time. Loved it! Read it twice! "
" This is my 2nd reading of this and I really loved the looking back perspective of Patrick as an old man. The first time I paid more attention toThe love story. Much to ponder this time. His description of war on the front line was so passionate and brought me to tears. "
" Wonderful read that takes place during World War 1... told by 81 year old survivor as he approaches the end of his life... Julia was the lover during the conflict. I really liked it. "
" Loved this book. It kept me so involved, I didn't want it to end. "
" This book started slowly for me but I stuck with it and really enjoyed it. "
" Read a few years ago, but both my husband and I enjoyed it. (I am currently starting Hull's more recent novel and it reminded me of his earlier work). It is set in a modern day nursing home and in World War I battlefields. It is similar to the flashback organization of Water for Elephants. "
" complex story and strong characters - military back story and lingering affects of wartime "
" I loved this book. It was a beautiful love story and amazing insights (with humor) into the aging process and life in a nursing home from a male's perspective. It was a most absorbing and cleer story for me. "
" A great book. It started out strong, however, in my opinion, had a weaker ending. The first 200 pages of the book I thought this is a 5 star book. I was amazed at the author's lines and how smooth this story flowed. It appeared to be lost towards the end of the story "
" Excellent book. It really makes one feel as if they are there...in France, in the nursing home...you are with Patrick. Excellent read. "
" One of my favourite, most often quoted books of all time. "
" Fantastic read. Don't be fooled by the awful cover the put on the soft cover, very literate, engaging read. "
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