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The Stranger At The Palazzo D'oro
From the best-selling author of Dark Star Safari and Hotel Honolulu, Paul Theroux's latest offers provocative tales of memory and desire. The sensual story of an unusual love affair leads the collection. The thrill and risk of pursuit and conquest mark the accompanying stories, which tell of the sexual awakening and rites of passage of a Boston boyhood, the ruin of a writer in Africa, and the bewitchment of a retiree in Hawaii. Filled with Theroux's typically exquisite yet devastating descriptions of people and places, The Stranger at the Palazzo D'Oro evokes "the complexities of matters of the heart with subtlety and grace" (People).
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
About the author
Paul Theroux
234 books2,450 followersPaul Edward Theroux is an American travel writer and novelist, whose best known work is The Great Railway Bazaar (1975), a travelogue about a trip he made by train from Great Britain through Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, through South Asia, then South-East Asia, up through East Asia, as far east as Japan, and then back across Russia to his point of origin. Although perhaps best known as a travelogue writer, Theroux has also published numerous works of fiction, some of which were made into feature films. He was awarded the 1981 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for his novel The Mosquito Coast.
He is the father of Marcel and Louis Theroux, and the brother of Alexander and Peter. Justin Theroux is his nephew.
He is the father of Marcel and Louis Theroux, and the brother of Alexander and Peter. Justin Theroux is his nephew.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 26, 2024
When I first picked this book off my shelves to read, it having languished there for many years, I didn't realise it was a book of short fiction - at least not until I got to the end of the title novella and launched into a totally different story!
The title novella is narrated by an American art student called Gil who, in the 1960's at the age of 21, is travelling through Europe and ends up in the Sicilian town of Taormina. Here, he encounters an Iraqi doctor called Haroun who is travelling with his German patient, Sabine (who is always referred to as The Grafin, or duchess in German). The pair are staying at the Palazzo d'Oro, an expensive hotel in the resort, and Haroun offers Gil the opportunity to stay there free of charge - providing he takes steps to woo The Grafin. This he does with eventual success, allowing Haroun to pursue his own homosexual exploits in the town....
This novella is followed by three stories involving teenager Andy, all coming-of-age stories set in America and involving some element of sexual discovery. There are then two further stories, one set in South Africa, involving a white farmer/writer who ends up in a relationship with a one-armed black woman teacher, and one set in Hawaii, involving a rich man who lusts over his cleaners, who are mother and daughter...
All the stories have a strong sexual element and quite strong sexual content at times, mostly of the dominant variety, and could be uncomfortable reading for some, especially as they could well be regarded as almost misogynistic in the way the female characters are regarded/treated. Not one of my favourite collection of short stories although it wouldn't prevent me from reading more by this author!! - 6/10.
The title novella is narrated by an American art student called Gil who, in the 1960's at the age of 21, is travelling through Europe and ends up in the Sicilian town of Taormina. Here, he encounters an Iraqi doctor called Haroun who is travelling with his German patient, Sabine (who is always referred to as The Grafin, or duchess in German). The pair are staying at the Palazzo d'Oro, an expensive hotel in the resort, and Haroun offers Gil the opportunity to stay there free of charge - providing he takes steps to woo The Grafin. This he does with eventual success, allowing Haroun to pursue his own homosexual exploits in the town....
This novella is followed by three stories involving teenager Andy, all coming-of-age stories set in America and involving some element of sexual discovery. There are then two further stories, one set in South Africa, involving a white farmer/writer who ends up in a relationship with a one-armed black woman teacher, and one set in Hawaii, involving a rich man who lusts over his cleaners, who are mother and daughter...
All the stories have a strong sexual element and quite strong sexual content at times, mostly of the dominant variety, and could be uncomfortable reading for some, especially as they could well be regarded as almost misogynistic in the way the female characters are regarded/treated. Not one of my favourite collection of short stories although it wouldn't prevent me from reading more by this author!! - 6/10.
May 5, 2024
Clever. Wise. Observant. Very Theroux.
October 1, 2016
At least partially written while Theroux was in Africa, travelling for his Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town, it only seems reasonable to read it concurrently.
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This book is made up of four short stories, all loosely themed around eroticism / lust and the complex (or simple maybe?) sexual relationships of people. Three feature characters in their 60s, the other a boy 'coming of age'.
The title story, first in the line up deals with the loss of youth. It is more correctly a novella, and is considerably longer than the other stories. Set in Sicily, in the 1960's it tells the tale of a young man and his love affair with an older woman. Narrated by an elderly man, telling the story of his youth - as a young American art student travelling the world. He meets a sophisticated older woman at a hotel pool - she is a countess, travelling with her doctor companion.
The second story is titled Boyhood Secrets and is four short stories from slightly different periods in the life of a central character Andy. They are all themed around coming of age, sexual discovery and growing up. Think Stand By Me for the era and the setting - we, that's what it felt like to me.
Next up is An African Story, probably the weakest of the stories for me. This story talked about an African novelist (also a white Farmer) - outlining the plots of a number of his books, then finally telling the story of the author, where he upsets his marriage to manage an affair with a much younger black school teacher. The results aren't really as he expects.
The final story is of a wealthy retired judge in Hawaii who falls in lust with his cleaning ladies - a mother and daughter duo, pursuing them to Vegas on their twice yearly gambling holiday.
The stories are all provocative, erotically charged in places, and have some good character depth. Enjoyable as light reading. Somewhere between three and four stars, I think three, leaving space for some of his many other books I own but have not read to improve on this!
----
This book is made up of four short stories, all loosely themed around eroticism / lust and the complex (or simple maybe?) sexual relationships of people. Three feature characters in their 60s, the other a boy 'coming of age'.
The title story, first in the line up deals with the loss of youth. It is more correctly a novella, and is considerably longer than the other stories. Set in Sicily, in the 1960's it tells the tale of a young man and his love affair with an older woman. Narrated by an elderly man, telling the story of his youth - as a young American art student travelling the world. He meets a sophisticated older woman at a hotel pool - she is a countess, travelling with her doctor companion.
The second story is titled Boyhood Secrets and is four short stories from slightly different periods in the life of a central character Andy. They are all themed around coming of age, sexual discovery and growing up. Think Stand By Me for the era and the setting - we, that's what it felt like to me.
Next up is An African Story, probably the weakest of the stories for me. This story talked about an African novelist (also a white Farmer) - outlining the plots of a number of his books, then finally telling the story of the author, where he upsets his marriage to manage an affair with a much younger black school teacher. The results aren't really as he expects.
The final story is of a wealthy retired judge in Hawaii who falls in lust with his cleaning ladies - a mother and daughter duo, pursuing them to Vegas on their twice yearly gambling holiday.
The stories are all provocative, erotically charged in places, and have some good character depth. Enjoyable as light reading. Somewhere between three and four stars, I think three, leaving space for some of his many other books I own but have not read to improve on this!
May 21, 2022
I love Paul Theroux and this is my first encounter with his short stories. The novella 'The Stranger at the Palazzo d'Oro" I liked much, even though the ending was a little bit profane. "An African story" was great, I also liked the "Disheveled nymphs", especially the first part when talking about the character of the protagonist. However, "A Judas memoir" started promisingly, but it ended badly and I did not even read the last part.
Paul Theroux is astonishing with building up characters and, for that matter, with reflecting on them. There is so much depth in his writings. Especially when it comes to sexuality and sexual desire, he is simply great. Still, his stories sound so real, that they degrade a little bit. Because reality is not so adventurous or stylish, there are always downfalls and some profanity. Which makes him credible and very interesting, and yet, in the case of this specific compilation, too unpleasant for my taste. Anyways, his choice of themes and topics is unusual and very imaginative as always.
Paul Theroux is astonishing with building up characters and, for that matter, with reflecting on them. There is so much depth in his writings. Especially when it comes to sexuality and sexual desire, he is simply great. Still, his stories sound so real, that they degrade a little bit. Because reality is not so adventurous or stylish, there are always downfalls and some profanity. Which makes him credible and very interesting, and yet, in the case of this specific compilation, too unpleasant for my taste. Anyways, his choice of themes and topics is unusual and very imaginative as always.
February 19, 2023
Formata din mai multe povestiri scurte, decadente si captivante, este mai mult o carte +18, ce ne arata cum barbatii incearca sa vaneze femeile pentru a se ascunde de probleme in bratele lor si implicit prin sex. Dar din vanat, in cele din urma, ele ajung sa controleze pradatorul.
Theroux ne descrie relatia tumultoasa si schimbatoare, a unui tanar american sarac, ce ajunge in Sicilia in anii 1960 si este fascinat de frumoasa aristocrata Fabiola.
"Fabiola voia o poveste de dragoste, voia sa o ador."
Theroux ne descrie relatia tumultoasa si schimbatoare, a unui tanar american sarac, ce ajunge in Sicilia in anii 1960 si este fascinat de frumoasa aristocrata Fabiola.
"Fabiola voia o poveste de dragoste, voia sa o ador."
October 19, 2017
The book opens with the novella - The Stranger at the Palazzo d’Oro - a tale of lust and repulsion set in Sicily and my favorite of the fictional stories presented in this collection.
August 2, 2015
I have encountered Theroux's non-fiction work in "Sunrise with Seamonsters" previously, and this way was my first bite into his fictional works. One thing duly noted is, that Paul Theroux is an exceptional story teller and his experiences with traveling around the world and jotting the ambience down into words, is a class apart.
The book is focused majorly on the 'needs, wants and desires' of us, mere mortal humans and majorly on the sexual facets of these needs, wants and desires. The Strangers at the Palazzo D'oro has everything that a young one really aches to have. The cliche of being with an older woman, having all those carnal fantasies of being satisfied by a dominatrix, being the domineering personality and the want of affluence in everyday life without having to work for it. The descriptions of the places and the vibes of the story are gripping.
In the second short story, named as "The Judas Memoirs" the theme focuses on the early years of being a boy and some adventures growing up under the shadow of religion and running towards the end of the tunnel towards the light of "self-discovery".
The most alluring of all the short stories for me was the "African story" where the author writes about a South African writer/farmers roller-coaster like life with all the rags and riches involved with immense detail. The strong desire of Lourens Prinsloo and his passion towards writing leave a very intimate touch of Theroux's encounter with the reader's imagination.
The last story of "Disheveled Nymphs" was a bit of an awkward tell-tale. Although a different vantage, the core idea sticks to the Human desires, and what more can one easily relate to Human Desire and the Desires of Sex, Lust with some beautiful expressions in English Language.
All in all, Theroux has a distinction of his own in non-fiction writing and a much appreciated prowess in fiction writing too, and one needs a keen eye to know the fine line separating them.
The book is focused majorly on the 'needs, wants and desires' of us, mere mortal humans and majorly on the sexual facets of these needs, wants and desires. The Strangers at the Palazzo D'oro has everything that a young one really aches to have. The cliche of being with an older woman, having all those carnal fantasies of being satisfied by a dominatrix, being the domineering personality and the want of affluence in everyday life without having to work for it. The descriptions of the places and the vibes of the story are gripping.
In the second short story, named as "The Judas Memoirs" the theme focuses on the early years of being a boy and some adventures growing up under the shadow of religion and running towards the end of the tunnel towards the light of "self-discovery".
The most alluring of all the short stories for me was the "African story" where the author writes about a South African writer/farmers roller-coaster like life with all the rags and riches involved with immense detail. The strong desire of Lourens Prinsloo and his passion towards writing leave a very intimate touch of Theroux's encounter with the reader's imagination.
The last story of "Disheveled Nymphs" was a bit of an awkward tell-tale. Although a different vantage, the core idea sticks to the Human desires, and what more can one easily relate to Human Desire and the Desires of Sex, Lust with some beautiful expressions in English Language.
All in all, Theroux has a distinction of his own in non-fiction writing and a much appreciated prowess in fiction writing too, and one needs a keen eye to know the fine line separating them.
January 18, 2009
This book veers between two themes: (a) stories that are reflections on sexual exploits and desires of people who reach the magical age of sixty, and (b) stories that highlight the dark secrets that accrue in the coming of age of a boy (Andy). It seemed to me that Theroux ran out of the number of pages required to fully exploit either of these themes and cobbled the stories together, sandwiching Andy's stories between the 60 year-olds' memories.
That said, Theroux's sense of place is vivid - be it Italy in the '60's or Vegas or South Africa - definitely a plus for a writer who has invested a lot of his life in travelling the world.
A couple of the longer stories, particularly the title story and "Scouting for Boys" could have been shorter. His male 60 year olds, seem to have a chronic obsessive vulnerability for sex with 20 somethings, often with dire consequences. And his teens have a longing for sex that they do not know much about...wait till they reach sixty!
The stories took some time to get into, but then gripped and clipped at a good pace, even though I felt the flow of language was a bit choppy - perhaps some tighter editing may have helped.
A good introduction to Theroux.
That said, Theroux's sense of place is vivid - be it Italy in the '60's or Vegas or South Africa - definitely a plus for a writer who has invested a lot of his life in travelling the world.
A couple of the longer stories, particularly the title story and "Scouting for Boys" could have been shorter. His male 60 year olds, seem to have a chronic obsessive vulnerability for sex with 20 somethings, often with dire consequences. And his teens have a longing for sex that they do not know much about...wait till they reach sixty!
The stories took some time to get into, but then gripped and clipped at a good pace, even though I felt the flow of language was a bit choppy - perhaps some tighter editing may have helped.
A good introduction to Theroux.
Read
February 12, 2023I don’t actually want to read this; I didn’t want to finish it. I finished, surprisingly, the title story. I like the premise and the setting, Taormina, but I did not enjoy reading this. I actually disliked it a lot. This was my second attempt at reading Theroux’s fiction and both times have been unsuccessful. I’ve read two of his nonfiction books and enjoyed them. There are just so many better books to read in the world that don’t make me miserable or hate men or bored or cynical and bitter. The Stranger at the Palazzo d’Oro was a fine short story but just not for me and over glamorized “rape” and missed an opportunity for the positive empowerment of women’s sexuality, especially older women.
January 16, 2021
As many reviewers noted, these stories are very erotic. It wasn't the eroticism that I disliked about Theroux's book; rather it was the lack of agency on the part of the female-identifying characters. It's a matter of personal preference, I suppose, but I found all of the stories to have a misogynistic slant. Obviously it's an author's obligation and right to portray whatever reality they'd like, but when it comes to my leisure reading, I'll choose something that is both sex-positive and feminist.
December 17, 2008
Theroux at his finest communicates life directly in a fashion that I've rarely encountered. So much of recent fiction I've found self-conscious, cerebral, and detached. Theroux has magic when he allows himself to use it -- evoking place and character profoundly and honestly.
August 29, 2017
Borderline Erotica-too Sexy! I ate it up! I love Paul Theroux's works.
August 3, 2023
One of those authors the tiktok kids make fun of because of the weird unrealistic way they describe a woman’s body.
February 14, 2018
Rahmenhandlung: 60 jähriger Mann fährt in ein Dorf, das er in seinen jüngeren Jahren mal besucht hat. Dort sieht er ein "Mädchen", dass sich oben ohne sonnt. Er gibt ihr 300€ damit sie mit ihm schläft. Dann will er doch nicht weil er findet sie ist eine "hungrige kleine Hure."
Eigentliche Geschichte: Ich bin nur zur hälfte gekommen, dann hab ich beschlossen mein Leben ist zu kurz um es mit so einem Buch zu verschwenden. Der Mann aus der Rahmenhandlung ist jetzt ein junger Mann der bezahlt wird mit einer 14 Jahre älteren Frau zu schlafen. Sie wird ständig mit einem kleinen Mädchen verglichen, das nicht alleine zurechtkommt, und aus irgendeinem Grund nicht schafft vor dem Weggehen aufs Klo zu gehen. Sonst erfährt man in der ersten Hälfte des Buchs nichts über sie (über die anderen Charaktere auch nicht). Angeblich erfährt man in der zweiten Hälfte des Buches nich etwas über sie, aber so lange hab ich nicht durchgehalten.
Eigentliche Geschichte: Ich bin nur zur hälfte gekommen, dann hab ich beschlossen mein Leben ist zu kurz um es mit so einem Buch zu verschwenden. Der Mann aus der Rahmenhandlung ist jetzt ein junger Mann der bezahlt wird mit einer 14 Jahre älteren Frau zu schlafen. Sie wird ständig mit einem kleinen Mädchen verglichen, das nicht alleine zurechtkommt, und aus irgendeinem Grund nicht schafft vor dem Weggehen aufs Klo zu gehen. Sonst erfährt man in der ersten Hälfte des Buchs nichts über sie (über die anderen Charaktere auch nicht). Angeblich erfährt man in der zweiten Hälfte des Buches nich etwas über sie, aber so lange hab ich nicht durchgehalten.
March 26, 2022
The title story has a wonderful beginning, a sixty-year-old American painter returns to an idyllic Italian village, and recalls a love affair with an upper class woman, the Grafin, in his youth. I felt it fell apart towards the end. The twist for me felt unconvincing, and a tad misogynistic, as all Theroux's writing does really. Lots of sexual objectification, but I guess this is sort of the point as it's about male desire from the first person perspective...
April 7, 2024
The four short stories and novellas here feel like left over odds and ends from Theroux's various travels, but they are well crafted and united in the theme of sexuality in late middle age, described here as a state of frustrated urges, nostalgia, and the the revolt of both mind and hormones against aging flesh. The narratives are taught and engaging and leave room for reflection. I read through quite quickly and quite enjoyed it.
May 10, 2019
Man kann dieses kleine Buch fast nicht weglegen. Die Spannung ist enorm, das Geschehen und die Dialoge sind von einer schlichten aber äusserst wirkungsvollen Dichte. Einen kleinen „Abzug“ gibt es einerseits für die doch manchmal etwas sehr vulgären Szenen und andererseits für das meines Erachtens nicht ganz gelungene Ende.
January 8, 2021
Hmmm. This book took me unawares. Firstly I thought it was a novel but it's actually a collection of stories.
Secondly each story has an underlying level of kink that was unexpected.
I thought the first (and longest) story was excellent. As was the second short story. The others were a bit too drawn out for my liking, although the last one was well done, and only let down by the rushed ending.
Secondly each story has an underlying level of kink that was unexpected.
I thought the first (and longest) story was excellent. As was the second short story. The others were a bit too drawn out for my liking, although the last one was well done, and only let down by the rushed ending.
November 28, 2023
Zero stars. The inside of this man’s brain is rapey and disgusting. The only reason I’m glad he’s written this book is that it outs his vile mind to women everywhere so that they know to stay far, far away from him. If you are a man who likes this book, I urge you to go to therapy and to warn every woman you meet.
May 19, 2024
I randomly remembered this book today. Jesus Christ, this is a terrible collection of short stories. I remember feeling stumped as I finished it and looked over the glowing praises on the cover... really? This guy? You think he's a good writer? This is all straight from some guy's personal Geocities erotica site. Misogynist drivel.
December 31, 2020
Nastiness and cruelty, but so eccentric and precise it's almost a pleasure.
August 27, 2021
gut geschrieben, der inhalt allerdings das komplette Gegenteil...
June 14, 2022
Bloody hell the latter part of this book. It was tremendously difficult to conclude. The writing felt tedious for a big chunk of it, though I did enjoy the first half so there’s that.
August 20, 2016
Der Maler Gilford Mariner musste 60 Jahre alt werden, um seine Geschichte erzählen zu können. Er reist zurück an den Ort, wo 1962 sein Leben eine entscheidende Wendung nahm. In Taormina auf Sizilien will er nochmals erleben, was sich damals abgespielt hat, als er als junger Student in Italien umherreiste und malte. Auf der Terrasse des Palazzo d’Oro beobachtet er ein ungleiches Paar, das auf ihn aufmerksam wird und ihn einlädt. Aus dieser kurzen Begegnung werden vier Wochen intensiven Zusammenseins, in denen Gil versucht, das Geheimnis der Gräfin und ihres Arztes Haroun zu erkunden. Vier Wochen, in denen er in eine ungleiche Affäre versinkt, die ihn anzieht und gleichzeitig abstößt. Diese reife Frau, die tagsüber so schroff und abweisend sein kann und nachts vor Sehnsucht bettelt und sich erniedrigt. Gil ist sich bewusst, dass sie ihn aushält, seinen Aufenthalt und neue Kleidung finanziert als Gegenleistung für seine Dienste und doch genießt er auch das süße Leben. Erst als er eine junge Amerikanerin trifft, gelingt es ihm, das Geheimnis der Gräfin zu lösen und sein eigenes Leben wieder zu leben.
Was sich vordergründig nach einer unzählige Male gehörten, banalen Liebesgeschichte – oder eher einer aufgrund von Macht und Geld ungleich verteilten Affäre – anhört, gewinnt durch Therouxs Schreibstil ungeahnte Tiefe. Atmosphärisch gelingt es ihm die 60er Jahre auf Sizilien vor dem inneren Auge auferstehen zu lassen; leicht reist man in diese Zeit des rauschenden Lebens in Italien zurück, dass so viele Europäer und Amerikaner angezogen hat, um auch die Kriegszeit zu vergessen und das dekadente und sinnfreie Leben zu genießen. Davon träumt auch der junge Gil, der sich vom offenkundigen Reichtum angezogen fühlt, wo er doch sonst sehr spartanisch leben, reisen und essen muss. Auch wenn er das Verhältnis von Gräfin und Arzt nicht durchschauen kann, ist er bereit sich hinzugeben und auf das Spiel einzulassen, das sie mit ihm spielen.
In ebendiesem Spiel gewinnt der Roman an Format. Zwei erwachsene Menschen, die das Leben, die Menschen und die gesellschaftlichen Mechanismen durchschaut haben und sie gnadenlos dieser bedienen, um ihre eigenen Interessen zu verfolgen. Sie spielen nicht mit Gil, sie missbrauchen ihn, nicht nur physisch, sondern schlimmer noch: psychisch. Durch ihn erhalten sie ihren Beifall und Bestätigung. Er als Person ist irrelevant, nur das, was er darstellt, ist für sie wichtig: unbeschwerte Jugend, eine Leichtigkeit und Freiheit, die ihnen abhandengekommen sind. Auch wenn sie individuelle Charaktere sind, offenbart die Gräfin am Ende dem jungen Amerikaner, dass das Leben doch zyklisch verläuft und dass das, was er gerade erlebt hat, lediglich eine Wiederholung dessen ist, was sich seit ewigen Zeiten abspielt: der Traum von der ewigen Jugend, der Neid auf die Unbedarftheit der jungen Menschen, das, was man selbst in diesem Alter nicht schätzen konnte, weil man auf die älteren, ihre Macht und Reichtum blickte und so übersah, was man selbst hat.
Was sich vordergründig nach einer unzählige Male gehörten, banalen Liebesgeschichte – oder eher einer aufgrund von Macht und Geld ungleich verteilten Affäre – anhört, gewinnt durch Therouxs Schreibstil ungeahnte Tiefe. Atmosphärisch gelingt es ihm die 60er Jahre auf Sizilien vor dem inneren Auge auferstehen zu lassen; leicht reist man in diese Zeit des rauschenden Lebens in Italien zurück, dass so viele Europäer und Amerikaner angezogen hat, um auch die Kriegszeit zu vergessen und das dekadente und sinnfreie Leben zu genießen. Davon träumt auch der junge Gil, der sich vom offenkundigen Reichtum angezogen fühlt, wo er doch sonst sehr spartanisch leben, reisen und essen muss. Auch wenn er das Verhältnis von Gräfin und Arzt nicht durchschauen kann, ist er bereit sich hinzugeben und auf das Spiel einzulassen, das sie mit ihm spielen.
In ebendiesem Spiel gewinnt der Roman an Format. Zwei erwachsene Menschen, die das Leben, die Menschen und die gesellschaftlichen Mechanismen durchschaut haben und sie gnadenlos dieser bedienen, um ihre eigenen Interessen zu verfolgen. Sie spielen nicht mit Gil, sie missbrauchen ihn, nicht nur physisch, sondern schlimmer noch: psychisch. Durch ihn erhalten sie ihren Beifall und Bestätigung. Er als Person ist irrelevant, nur das, was er darstellt, ist für sie wichtig: unbeschwerte Jugend, eine Leichtigkeit und Freiheit, die ihnen abhandengekommen sind. Auch wenn sie individuelle Charaktere sind, offenbart die Gräfin am Ende dem jungen Amerikaner, dass das Leben doch zyklisch verläuft und dass das, was er gerade erlebt hat, lediglich eine Wiederholung dessen ist, was sich seit ewigen Zeiten abspielt: der Traum von der ewigen Jugend, der Neid auf die Unbedarftheit der jungen Menschen, das, was man selbst in diesem Alter nicht schätzen konnte, weil man auf die älteren, ihre Macht und Reichtum blickte und so übersah, was man selbst hat.
September 7, 2012
My opinion:
The book is actually made of some short stories that make you go deeper and deeper into some kind of dance with the same theme, but different characters.
I will not talk about the characters because I would not have something really intriguing to say about them, but I will let some words to speak for themselves about this book.
Is one of those books that you read because you leave on the road and you cannot get yourself out of the book because even though you realise that every single neuron is screaming to let them loose, the book is also one of those books that are being “made” in that way so you can ask for… more!
My first advice is that you should NOT read this book if sexual themes are not in your plan.
Mister Theroux describes this book the same theme: men that are feeling the need to overcome their own problems with the help of women. Sex is feeling like is in its own home and some “turn on” situations are represented by simple gestures: swallowing or simply moving your neck. As a predator, I mean me, I felt like I was violating any gesture of getting included in society of these women, I felt powerful and yet submissive.
Feelings are deeper than this, but I am being put in this stubborn situation of not being able to express them and not because of the tiredness but because I feel like I would say too much. Is one of those books that do not let you say too much because it might be followed by a fall of spoilers for everyone.
Women, in this one, are more that objects that are willing and sacrificing for it, but in a way the situation escapes from the hands of the author when the women are the ones who become the ones who can control the predator. As I was saying, the book is a really “turn on”, at least for me it was, but in the same time it might let you with a bitter taste that won’t go not even with a spun full of honey.
I recommend this book for all those of you who do not suffer from heart diseases, for those who can keep their temper easily and for those who do not get disgusted just because.. and the most important thing is that I do recommend this book for those over 18+!
The book is actually made of some short stories that make you go deeper and deeper into some kind of dance with the same theme, but different characters.
I will not talk about the characters because I would not have something really intriguing to say about them, but I will let some words to speak for themselves about this book.
Is one of those books that you read because you leave on the road and you cannot get yourself out of the book because even though you realise that every single neuron is screaming to let them loose, the book is also one of those books that are being “made” in that way so you can ask for… more!
My first advice is that you should NOT read this book if sexual themes are not in your plan.
Mister Theroux describes this book the same theme: men that are feeling the need to overcome their own problems with the help of women. Sex is feeling like is in its own home and some “turn on” situations are represented by simple gestures: swallowing or simply moving your neck. As a predator, I mean me, I felt like I was violating any gesture of getting included in society of these women, I felt powerful and yet submissive.
Feelings are deeper than this, but I am being put in this stubborn situation of not being able to express them and not because of the tiredness but because I feel like I would say too much. Is one of those books that do not let you say too much because it might be followed by a fall of spoilers for everyone.
Women, in this one, are more that objects that are willing and sacrificing for it, but in a way the situation escapes from the hands of the author when the women are the ones who become the ones who can control the predator. As I was saying, the book is a really “turn on”, at least for me it was, but in the same time it might let you with a bitter taste that won’t go not even with a spun full of honey.
I recommend this book for all those of you who do not suffer from heart diseases, for those who can keep their temper easily and for those who do not get disgusted just because.. and the most important thing is that I do recommend this book for those over 18+!
July 11, 2014
The Stranger At The Palazzo D'Oro
Paul Theroux
Hamish Hamilton Books
Paul Theroux creates highly evocative ambience in each of the six tales in his collection, The Stranger at the Palazzo D'Oro. In the title story, about bored wealthy tourists in an Italian seaside resort of the early sixties, we follow an older man revisiting his past, comprehending finally the events of forty years earlier. The tale's end alleviated my discomfort, but be ready for the S&M slant.
The ensuing set of three tales falls under the umbrella title of Boyhood Secrets, and explores young American boys unravelling the world through their emerging and untried sexuality. Mr Theroux's precise ear and accurate eye combined with his ability to portray the images and sounds these senses bring him, convey worlds we have long forgotten.
In An African Story, Prinsloo, the white farmer and writer, is an older man tricked into marriage and out of his massive properties. Or is he? And the final tale, wherein a wealthy retired lawyer, understanding both sides of the legal equation when it comes to activities in which he considers indulging, has a marvellous little twist.
Paul Theroux manages to express in his clever stories every hue from the most delicate pastel to the intensely garish. The Stranger at the Palazzo D'Oro is intriguing. Definitely recommended.
First published in Good Reading Magazine
Paul Theroux
Hamish Hamilton Books
Paul Theroux creates highly evocative ambience in each of the six tales in his collection, The Stranger at the Palazzo D'Oro. In the title story, about bored wealthy tourists in an Italian seaside resort of the early sixties, we follow an older man revisiting his past, comprehending finally the events of forty years earlier. The tale's end alleviated my discomfort, but be ready for the S&M slant.
The ensuing set of three tales falls under the umbrella title of Boyhood Secrets, and explores young American boys unravelling the world through their emerging and untried sexuality. Mr Theroux's precise ear and accurate eye combined with his ability to portray the images and sounds these senses bring him, convey worlds we have long forgotten.
In An African Story, Prinsloo, the white farmer and writer, is an older man tricked into marriage and out of his massive properties. Or is he? And the final tale, wherein a wealthy retired lawyer, understanding both sides of the legal equation when it comes to activities in which he considers indulging, has a marvellous little twist.
Paul Theroux manages to express in his clever stories every hue from the most delicate pastel to the intensely garish. The Stranger at the Palazzo D'Oro is intriguing. Definitely recommended.
First published in Good Reading Magazine
December 29, 2010
Bought in Heathrow airport, I was hoping that this would be somewhere near as gripping as the Roald Dahl I couldn't find. Theroux's fiction can be a bit of a let-down (Saint Jack, Chicago Loop) or intensely entertaining (My Secret History, The Mosquito Coast) but it is almost always worth reading. This novella had its points to put about truth and beauty, not to mention sex and death, but Theroux is not as bitter and vicious as he once was. I felt that he wanted to be as vile as he could in the story, but drew back from the worst excesses his prose could describe. The self-loathing and cruelty of all the characters was underneath the surface and remained unexposed upon a rock that the author didn't want to look under, although he occasionally shot a glance in that direction. It left me feeling unsatisfied, as Theroux is at his best in the unbridled loathing of his own creations, and this book could have gone further in exploring the themes of age, loneliness, sex and relationships from his twisted and bitter viewpoint. As I've noted before, Theroux is increasingly looking on the bright side of life, and that's not what we pay him for!
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February 5, 2009Fans of Theroux's previous 24 books will be no strangers to the sex, suspense, and eroticism peppered throughout this collection. As middle age passes him by, Theroux seems ever more fascinated by men's obvious weaknesses, displayed here in all their follies. Critics suggest an autobiographical element to these stories, which draw inspiration from familiar Therouxian territory. His stylistic range is amazing, and, as always, he writes pitch-perfect dialogue. It's the stories that raise questions. Some critics loved the title novella; others disliked its cloying sexual details. The other stories fared better. It's an uneven collection, but many readers will find some strange sort of solace in these odd, often beautifully rendered, pieces.
This is an excerpt from a review published in Bookmarks magazine.
June 18, 2010
This is a compilation of stories, some of which I enjoyed, some of which I found myself thinking about other things while I read. The first story is about a 21 year old art student who is traveling around the world and meets a doctor and a woman who the young man ends up being paid to pursuing because he is paid by the doctor. In the end he finds out the womans story is about seeking sensuality in the golden age. The second story I found myself intently following was about a group of children who found freedom in the woods, as the unviel the scandal of inappropriate actions from their pastor/boy scout leader as he takes advantage of children in the woods. Other stories include the ruin of a write in Africa and the bewitchment of a retiree in Hawaii.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 8, 2012I really enjoyed the title story. It's a surprising and erotic coming of age story about a young, American expatriate.
Do you find her attractive?
I had to admit that I did. She was pretty in a brittle old-fashioned way. She was chic, she was demanding. Yes, she was much older than me— I could not tell how much; thirty-five, perhaps— and I was twenty-one. Be strangely , her age did not prejudice me against her. I was attracted to here for it, for the oddness of it. She was certainly unlike any woman I had ever met— in fact, she was a woman; I didn't know any women [...]
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