The High Mountains of Portugal

Reviews

DFarris

. And when the deeper messages, the allegories are recognized and begin to take shape as discourses on faith, animal and man's spirituality as expressed in a terrible beautiful physical world -- that discovery is like finding a rare seashell on the beach after surviving a life threatening storm.

The book illustrates the theme that we are all connected in strange and wonderful ways, in a timeless journey where our paths cross and recross while we search for God, Lifes Meaning, Truth and Self. Martel's writing is like sipping a really fine wine; you must savor each paragraph, roll it around a little, notice the top bold flavor of the surface story but allow the time to experience the many subtle under flavors -- or you might or miss 80 percent of the experience. So excited to finally read The High Mountains of Portugal- an awesome read and a story -- or 3 stories - that stand up proudly next to Life of Pi.

The surface narrative is a great story on it's own - in this case three interlocking stories that reel you in and carry you breathlessly to the end. But the real story-- or many stories- lie artfully just under the surface.

The three interlocking stories read like a four century long treasure hunt / mystery novel flavored a bit like Dantes Divine Comedy. Can't wait to start my second read-through!

The recipe works marvelously! Adding to the enjoyment is Martel's always present sense of humor and wry observances of Life's Condition, followed by Great Thoughts and Phrases to Remember, and you have a wonderful reading experience.

The best thing about a Martel book is the joy in reading it through the second time, when the surface story is known and the deeper flavors start opening up. It's like enjoying some delicious indulgence .