The History of Love

"From time to time, when a piece of music no one has ever written, or a painting no one has ever painted, or something else impossible to predict, fathom or yet describe takes place, a new feeling enters the world. And then, for the millionth time in the history of feeling, the heart surges and absorbs the impact." We all know what it feels like to love someone. And to lose someone. Sometimes we can't put those feelings into words, but Nicole Krauss successfully does this for us in her New York Times bestselling novel, "History of Love" (2005).

Krauss takes her readers into the lives of several characters, tracing and reminiscing on past love, and in the end, a surprising coincidence is discovered in which their stories are all in some way related. Krauss examines the depth and complexity of the human mind, heart and soul, allowing her to create an imaginative story that gives us something beautiful. Her passion, sensitivity and gift in understanding the relationship of people allow her pass on a multi-generational story from Nazi-occupied Germany to modern-day New York.

Krauss speaks of writing "History," as "There was a real loosening of control. There was no end in sight, no synthesis at all until finally there it was." This novel pours compassion, humor and insight into any booklover.

* Krauss is also known for writing "A Man Walks into a Room" (2002)

5 stars