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A wonderful book to read ... and read again Dec 21, 2007
After finishing Mike D'Emilio's first novel, my first impulse was to turn it over and begin again. There's so much here and D'Emilio brings what seem to be disparate subjects together in a novel that captures a time and place so vividly you'll carry it with you long after you've finished. The writing, while on the surface simple and straightforward, has such depth - it's worth a second read to fully appreciate his observations and wonderful ability to find the extraordinary in the commonplace.
The story has incredibly wide appeal - my teenage son was captivated by the descriptions of football and a young man's experience with war, while I found the love story of Mateo and Anna to be the most poignant depiction of longing I'd ever read. But it's the masterful weaving of all these subjects into a narrative that will carry all readers along until the end that makes this such a wonderful read. And what might make you do as I did and begin again...
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Engaging and Accessible Jul 13, 2007
When I read Paul Zimmerman's (Sports Illustrated) comments, I wondered if this was a book I would read for a chapter or two, only to lose interest in endless sports analogies and dry play-by-play details. On the contrary, the opening chapter immediately drew me in, and I found myself wondering how the characters' lives would unfold in the coming pages.
It's rare for a novel to attract men and women so equally and uniquely, exploring issues of family, gender roles, prejudice, redemption, and the fundamental question of what we want our lives to be. A war novel, a love story, an homage to football; it is all these things, but more than the sum of its parts. Michael D'Emilio shines in his first novel, with prose that belies the novice and reveals a talent that transcends one-dimensional categorization: "In the shadowland of hysterical blindness, where power lies with those whose righteousness is a stolen thing, enemies can begin to look like friends."
I recommend this book to anyone who delights in exploring the intricacies of all the intrigue and passion passages like this imply. An excellent read.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Page Turner Jul 11, 2007
Intricately woven story-line destined to become a classic WWII era novel on par with Wouk's "Winds of War". The author combines expert research with a deft writing touch to re-create a world long since vanished. The descriptions of the football games deserve special mention. Anyone who has ever strapped on a helmut will indentify with the portrayal of the action as it relates to the game that has replaced baseball as America's national past-time, football. Looking forward to a second.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A Great Read Jul 06, 2007
Mike D'Emilio's debut novel is a joy to read. I was hooked right away and couldn't put it down. The characters are interesting and the story really flows.
1 of 2 found the following review helpful:
very pleasant surprise Jul 05, 2007
I had never heard of any other books written by this author, but for some reason, I took the plunge and bought Autumn Fool. I read it in two days. It was an engrossing story told at an exciting pace.
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