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Too Many Sparrows in Zaragoza
How far can the good life go before it turns bad? This is the moral issue Nadi, the young psychologist from Malta, is made to face when she visits her old friend in Zaragoza. What starts off as a relaxing holiday soon becomes a revelation. The charismatic Maltese ex-pat Luis, her host in Zaragoza, has stumbled upon a lifestyle replete with eccentricities and the imagination. He is living a hedonistic, aesthetic, liberal life with a group of like-minded Spaniards. A group of young people rebelling against life's boring routine. They want to enrich their lives with constant beauty, inspired by Romans, Greeks, nature, al-Andalus, theatre and everything else life has to offer. Nadi is instantly taken in. She adopts Luis' lifestyle. But at what cost? In a time when traditional values and modern principles are colliding more and more, this is a relevant examination of moral values in the 21st century. All in the backdrop of rich, charming and regal Zaragoza.
482 pages, Hardcover
First published April 19, 2013
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 23, 2013
"Too Many Sparrows in Zaragoza" by Justin Fenech is a very unique read. I don’t typically read books of this genre, but was intrigued by Fenech’s story because the synopsis sounded like something I might enjoy, and indeed I did. One of the aspects I found most redeeming about the book was that it was such an original story. It didn’t feel formulaic or predictable in the way that many novels do, and everything from the setting to the characters to the philosophical questions the book raises feel fresh. Fenech has a talented way with words that paints a very vivid, life-like picture of the town of Zaragoza, which, although I had never heard of prior to reading the book, now feel like I vacationed to.
The book not only takes the reader on a journey through Zaragoza and Spanish culture and charm, but also on a path of questioning the notion that “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” Through Fenech’s character development and plot, his work also explores how friendships and people change over time and our resistance to this change. Overall, it’s an enlightening trip, a memorable read, and a fun way to “visit” another part of the world.
I enjoy books that go much deeper than the surface plot of the story, even if it is as enjoyable of a plot as “Too Many Sparrows in Zaragoza.” Luckily, this book does just that. While telling an entertaining story, the book is ultimately a lot more about human nature, what we think we want may not actually be what we want, and interpersonal relationships.
This book is definitely a lengthy read, but well worth the time you’ll invest in it, and in fact, I found reaching the ending to be bittersweet; I was sorry to end my time engrossed in this story. While this isn’t generally a genre I gravitate towards, I’d be excited to read anything else put out by Fenech in the future.
The book not only takes the reader on a journey through Zaragoza and Spanish culture and charm, but also on a path of questioning the notion that “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” Through Fenech’s character development and plot, his work also explores how friendships and people change over time and our resistance to this change. Overall, it’s an enlightening trip, a memorable read, and a fun way to “visit” another part of the world.
I enjoy books that go much deeper than the surface plot of the story, even if it is as enjoyable of a plot as “Too Many Sparrows in Zaragoza.” Luckily, this book does just that. While telling an entertaining story, the book is ultimately a lot more about human nature, what we think we want may not actually be what we want, and interpersonal relationships.
This book is definitely a lengthy read, but well worth the time you’ll invest in it, and in fact, I found reaching the ending to be bittersweet; I was sorry to end my time engrossed in this story. While this isn’t generally a genre I gravitate towards, I’d be excited to read anything else put out by Fenech in the future.
June 15, 2013
I really enjoyed reading "Too Many Sparrows in Zaragoza" by Justin French. This is the first book I have read by Justin French. The story is about Nadia, a psychologist from Malta, who goes to Zaragoza to visit her old friend Luis. Each day she goes out to explore Zaragoza sometimes with Luis and other times by herself. The way the book is written in such details it feels like the reader is exploring Zaragoza with Nadia. Luis has stumbled upon a new lifestyle abundantly supplied with eccentricity (unusual or odd behavior) and a wild imaginatio which differed from Nadia's lifestyle. She becomes friends with Luis's friends. She really likes Jamie and Elixabeta because they seemed to be a prefect fit for each other. Roman, Jasmina, and Pablo were more like Luis in what they thought was fun. Will Nadia's trip to Zaragoza turn out to be the adventure she planned on? Will Luis and Nadia's friendship change after she returns home?
After reading this story it makes me want to visit Zaragoza and Malta to experience the culture described in the book. I look forward to reading more books written by Justin French. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
After reading this story it makes me want to visit Zaragoza and Malta to experience the culture described in the book. I look forward to reading more books written by Justin French. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2013
This is perhaps one of the most beautiful 'coming of age' books that I have read. The protagonist, Nadia, is about to embark on a hedonistic quest to enjoy all of the delights that Zaragoza, and indeed life, has to offer. Her guide, Luis, helps her explore the delightful city, often with little more than their imaginations as the platform. Nadia, a psychologist, finds that there are many lessons to be learned.
Justin Fenech attacks each little detail in his wondrous tale with elegance and panache. Be it psychology, art, history, philosophy, religion or politics, the effortless flow of his text had me transfixed with its elegance. Featuring beautiful idealism, use of the sensuous Spanish language - you can't help but love the term of endearment 'Querida' and an educated look at life from several different view points, be they Surrealism, Atheism or Darwinian theory.
Alas, for Nadia and Luis - the idyllic interlude is not to last.. and Luis might just be a little too free thinking in his outlook on life...
This is 5 Stars brilliant!
Justin Fenech attacks each little detail in his wondrous tale with elegance and panache. Be it psychology, art, history, philosophy, religion or politics, the effortless flow of his text had me transfixed with its elegance. Featuring beautiful idealism, use of the sensuous Spanish language - you can't help but love the term of endearment 'Querida' and an educated look at life from several different view points, be they Surrealism, Atheism or Darwinian theory.
Alas, for Nadia and Luis - the idyllic interlude is not to last.. and Luis might just be a little too free thinking in his outlook on life...
This is 5 Stars brilliant!
December 2, 2013
Wrong book, correct author.
Interesting tact. In reality this book is a social cause against shark fin hunting and exploitation wrapped up in fiction.
The author shows much promise as a fiction author and did a good job in writing in a cause dollied up as fiction. Really not a bad read and at the very least a very informative one.
WaAr
Interesting tact. In reality this book is a social cause against shark fin hunting and exploitation wrapped up in fiction.
The author shows much promise as a fiction author and did a good job in writing in a cause dollied up as fiction. Really not a bad read and at the very least a very informative one.
WaAr
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews