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The prize
Novelist Andrew Craig has not been sober in a very long time. After losing his wife in an auto accident he believes to have been his own fault, he turned to the bottle, and to his sister-in-law, Leah, who acts as his caretaker and live-in nurse. Then, when he is awarded the Nobel Prize in literature for his novel, "The Perfect State," a historical jab at communism, he heads for Stockholm, hoping to find a reason to live, and to write. The other laureates have their own problems, a heart surgeon who believes that sharing his award with an Italian colleague robs him of his glory, a married couple awarded the prize in medicine in the middle of a serious marital crisis, and others – including Max Stratman, whose heart isn't really up to the trip, but who needs the prize money to provide for niece, Emily. This novel delves into the lives, loves, dreams and nightmares of these characters, and others, building a panoramic view of the Nobel Prize, life in Stockholm, and the state of world politics in the years following World War II. It is rich and compelling, driving the reader from the pits of despair to the heights of inspiration. A wonderful novel by one of America's finest novelists. The Prize was made into a movie starring Paul Newman.
603 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1962
95 people are currently reading
916 people want to read
About the author
Irving Wallace
180 books292 followersIrving Wallace was an American bestselling author and screenwriter. His extensively researched books included such page-turners as The Chapman Report (1960), about human sexuality; The Prize (1962), a fictional behind-the-scenes account of the Nobel Prizes; The Man, about a black man becoming president of the U.S. in the 1960s; and The Word (1972), about the discovery of a new gospel.
Wallace was born in Chicago, Illinois. Wallace grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was the father of Olympic historian David Wallechinsky and author Amy Wallace.
Wallace began selling stories to magazines when he was a teenager. In World War II Wallace served in the Frank Capra unit in Fort Fox along with Theodor Seuss Geisel - more popularly known as Dr Seuss - and continued to write for magazines. He also served in the First Motion Picture Unit of the Army Air Force. In the years immediately following World war II Wallace became a Hollywood screenwriter. He collaborated on such films as The West Point Story (1950), Split Second (1953),and Meet Me at the Fair (1953).
After several years in Hollywood, he devoted himself full-time to writing books. Wallace published 33 books during his lifetime.
Wallace was born in Chicago, Illinois. Wallace grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was the father of Olympic historian David Wallechinsky and author Amy Wallace.
Wallace began selling stories to magazines when he was a teenager. In World War II Wallace served in the Frank Capra unit in Fort Fox along with Theodor Seuss Geisel - more popularly known as Dr Seuss - and continued to write for magazines. He also served in the First Motion Picture Unit of the Army Air Force. In the years immediately following World war II Wallace became a Hollywood screenwriter. He collaborated on such films as The West Point Story (1950), Split Second (1953),and Meet Me at the Fair (1953).
After several years in Hollywood, he devoted himself full-time to writing books. Wallace published 33 books during his lifetime.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
May 4, 2018
[Original review, May 4 2012]
Amazing revelations! Read all about it! Nobel Prize is rigged! Swedish women are hot babes and totally into casual sex! Older Swedish men are Nazis! Alcoholic writers immediately recover when they find true love! Irving Wallace writes crappy formulaic bestsellers with minimal background research [Is this last one correct? - Ed]
_________________________
[Update, May 4 2018]
Incredible developments! Ghost of Irving Wallace writes sequel! Swedish meatballs labelled cultural appropriation! Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump share Peace Prize for not starting nuclear war! Swedish Academy sacked and burned to ground by mob of angry women [You're making this up, right? - Ed]
Amazing revelations! Read all about it! Nobel Prize is rigged! Swedish women are hot babes and totally into casual sex! Older Swedish men are Nazis! Alcoholic writers immediately recover when they find true love! Irving Wallace writes crappy formulaic bestsellers with minimal background research [Is this last one correct? - Ed]
_________________________
[Update, May 4 2018]
Incredible developments! Ghost of Irving Wallace writes sequel! Swedish meatballs labelled cultural appropriation! Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump share Peace Prize for not starting nuclear war! Swedish Academy sacked and burned to ground by mob of angry women [You're making this up, right? - Ed]
April 9, 2020
Também poderia ser um almanaque sobre a Suécia.
November 24, 2011
Thank you Amazon for helping a resurgence of the novels of Irving Wallace, through Kindle and the books. He was so good and it really was heartbreaking because it seemed for so long he was being forgotten. I've re-read THE SEVEN MINUTES, THE PLOT, THE SEVENTH SECRET, THE PIGEON PROJECT and THE PRIZE and it has been an absolute joy.
These reviews explain and criticize and praise the books more than I am able. But, I can say, they are just so much fun to read. Wallace loved words and he had such a generosity of heart and mind, as shown by how he believed would be the result for the world with THE WORD. His books for the most part are long and so compelling. He was a writer who wrote big bestsellers and they were for real. I don't believe money deals were part of it then or chicanery.
He wrote such gigantic themes so huge, it is amazing. And simply good writing. He could conjure imagination and make them fact. THE PRIZE just towers by the words of a master. THE SEVEN MINUTES is still, I think, an excellent book on censorship and freedom of speech. The dialogue, the characters, are so intelligent. Sometimes, I will read bestsellers that try to fit in his domain, and I really felt stupid reading them.
It seems that he is very little dated, and that surprises me, but it should not. He wrote about sex, from Chapman to Freeburg, turning one book upside down for another. He seemed just immensely happy writing and I hope so. And fine non-fiction like THE SUNDAY GENTLEMAN, his early articles. Always entertaining and he taught with amazement.
He wrote about politics and an underground world where Hitler lived for decades afterwards we thought he had died, and Eva Braun living on. He did write predictive fiction. I think THE R DOCUMENT being published again because of the patriot act and the parallel started it..
He taught us so much about Alfred Nobel, the prize, medicine, science, history of books, trials, the newspaper business, how to make false papyrus, and he had the audacity to write the book of James himself, facts and dates and incidents, always putting human level and a man of immense knowledge and literate. He wrote books concerning world shattering. He dreamed gigantic.
I am just saying that is for me that's all and thank you for the wonderful books returning. Once, on the Tonight Show, Irving Wallace, with that trademark pipe, and a great smile and laugh, talked to Johnny about a party that Wallace had had for writers. He said, he was talking with Rod Serling, and Rod pointed at William Goldman and said "that is a real writer."
What a fantastic thing, such a huge compliment from one of the the best writers there has ever been, to another great writer, about another fantastic writer. And those were just three of the writers there.
These reviews explain and criticize and praise the books more than I am able. But, I can say, they are just so much fun to read. Wallace loved words and he had such a generosity of heart and mind, as shown by how he believed would be the result for the world with THE WORD. His books for the most part are long and so compelling. He was a writer who wrote big bestsellers and they were for real. I don't believe money deals were part of it then or chicanery.
He wrote such gigantic themes so huge, it is amazing. And simply good writing. He could conjure imagination and make them fact. THE PRIZE just towers by the words of a master. THE SEVEN MINUTES is still, I think, an excellent book on censorship and freedom of speech. The dialogue, the characters, are so intelligent. Sometimes, I will read bestsellers that try to fit in his domain, and I really felt stupid reading them.
It seems that he is very little dated, and that surprises me, but it should not. He wrote about sex, from Chapman to Freeburg, turning one book upside down for another. He seemed just immensely happy writing and I hope so. And fine non-fiction like THE SUNDAY GENTLEMAN, his early articles. Always entertaining and he taught with amazement.
He wrote about politics and an underground world where Hitler lived for decades afterwards we thought he had died, and Eva Braun living on. He did write predictive fiction. I think THE R DOCUMENT being published again because of the patriot act and the parallel started it..
He taught us so much about Alfred Nobel, the prize, medicine, science, history of books, trials, the newspaper business, how to make false papyrus, and he had the audacity to write the book of James himself, facts and dates and incidents, always putting human level and a man of immense knowledge and literate. He wrote books concerning world shattering. He dreamed gigantic.
I am just saying that is for me that's all and thank you for the wonderful books returning. Once, on the Tonight Show, Irving Wallace, with that trademark pipe, and a great smile and laugh, talked to Johnny about a party that Wallace had had for writers. He said, he was talking with Rod Serling, and Rod pointed at William Goldman and said "that is a real writer."
What a fantastic thing, such a huge compliment from one of the the best writers there has ever been, to another great writer, about another fantastic writer. And those were just three of the writers there.
November 13, 2012
An older story but not out of date. An excellent author and a thoroughly researched novel (15 yrs). The prize of the title is the Nobel prize and the book contains MANY references to historical Nobel awards and anecdotes as well as considerable Swedish dialogue by which the author seems to want to demonstrate his acquired Swedish vocabulary. A very readable story though about an American winner, his adventures in Sweden and recovery from an alcoholic condition.
July 27, 2020
I was born in 1962 and was looking for a book from that year for a challenge. This one was available on Audible and so I decided to listen to it, and I am so glad that I did. Incredibly thoroughly researched and filled with information, it is still a story about people and I found all of them to be complex, unique and real.
The Prize came very close to 5 stars, however it felt a bit like two separate stories. One story involves how people are chosen to win the Nobel Prize and all the history of those prizes. The other story is a bit of a mystery/thriller about Communists and Nazis... and while he embroiled his characters in the mystery and used it to tie their stories together, I didn't enjoy this part as much. I know that he was writing about propaganda, but actually this part of the book just felt like he was writing the propaganda rather than writing about it.
The story involves six fictional Nobel Prize winners, as well as a huge supporting cast of their relatives and the Swiss people they meet when they are in Stockholm. Each character was fully fleshed out, and completely vulnerable and flawed. And this made them relatable even though most of us will never meet people like them. The week unfolds slowly, with the author including great detail about the things they do during their week in Stockholm. I especially loved the scenes when they were all talking to the press. It was so real that it felt like I should be able to find old footage n youtube. These conversations exposed things about each of them that they hoped to hide. And it quietly exposed some of what goes on behind the scenes.
I have seen reviewers complain about the historical bits and travelogue bits, but I loved them. Yes, they are lengthy, quiet and detailed and I am happy for it. There is no other book I can think of that can give me this kind of information. But, I have discovered that I read for both entertainment and education. If you are looking only to be entertained you may find these sections dull and overly-long.
There is one thing that lingers in my mind today, and that is the two questions I would ask Mr. Wallace if he were alive and accessible to me. What do you think about the recent #metoo scandal on the literary prize academy, which resulted in the suspension of the prize in 2018? And, how do you react the the fact that only 53 women, compared to 866 men, have won the prize across all categories?
The Prize came very close to 5 stars, however it felt a bit like two separate stories. One story involves how people are chosen to win the Nobel Prize and all the history of those prizes. The other story is a bit of a mystery/thriller about Communists and Nazis... and while he embroiled his characters in the mystery and used it to tie their stories together, I didn't enjoy this part as much. I know that he was writing about propaganda, but actually this part of the book just felt like he was writing the propaganda rather than writing about it.
The story involves six fictional Nobel Prize winners, as well as a huge supporting cast of their relatives and the Swiss people they meet when they are in Stockholm. Each character was fully fleshed out, and completely vulnerable and flawed. And this made them relatable even though most of us will never meet people like them. The week unfolds slowly, with the author including great detail about the things they do during their week in Stockholm. I especially loved the scenes when they were all talking to the press. It was so real that it felt like I should be able to find old footage n youtube. These conversations exposed things about each of them that they hoped to hide. And it quietly exposed some of what goes on behind the scenes.
I have seen reviewers complain about the historical bits and travelogue bits, but I loved them. Yes, they are lengthy, quiet and detailed and I am happy for it. There is no other book I can think of that can give me this kind of information. But, I have discovered that I read for both entertainment and education. If you are looking only to be entertained you may find these sections dull and overly-long.
There is one thing that lingers in my mind today, and that is the two questions I would ask Mr. Wallace if he were alive and accessible to me. What do you think about the recent #metoo scandal on the literary prize academy, which resulted in the suspension of the prize in 2018? And, how do you react the the fact that only 53 women, compared to 866 men, have won the prize across all categories?
December 30, 2012
Considerado um clássico da literatura norte-americana, “O Prémio” transformou-se num best-seller aquando da sua publicação em 1964, elevando Irving Wallace à galeria dos autores consagrados, autor que, diga-se, teve uma legião de fãs ao nível dos actuais escritores da moda.
Segundo o próprio Wallace, este romance foi maturado durante 15 anos, tendo o autor visitado em pormenor os locais, conhecido pessoas que serviram de modelo e lido muito acerca do assunto principal: Os Prémios Nobel.
O livro inicia-se com a comunicação do Prémio aos laureados da literatura, medicina, física e química. Numa primeira fase conhecemos a vida dos galardoados até ao momento em que lhes é comunicado a atribuição do Prémio que os apanha de surpresa.
Gostei desta fase. O autor mostra que por do génio há um simples ser humano com as suas fraquezas, vícios e virtudes. É esse o mote para todo o livro.
A Academia Real de Ciências sueca convida todos os premiados para a cerimónia da atribuição do prémio e é já em Estocolmo que se passa a grande maioria do romance.
Pessoalmente achei interessante o percurso dos premiados e as várias considerações e curiosidades sobre antigos Nobel, entre os quais o “nosso” Egas Moniz que é referido como um dos mais importantes premiados.
No entanto achei o romance demasiado longo, perdendo gradualmente interesse à medida que a história avança, porém o problema é esse mesmo, a partir de uma certa altura, o autor emprega uma velocidade de cruzeiro e o desenrolar da história acaba por ser muito lenta e algo enfadonha.
O autor quis referir e interligar vários acontecimentos que supostamente influenciam a atribuição dos prémios e, inclusive, refere questões políticas e de interesse estratégico que estiveram por detrás de muitos prémios, porém, e hoje em dia isso surpreenderá alguém?
É um romance agradável, mas que perdeu actualidade, no entanto compreende-se o porquê do seu sucesso, pese embora o não considere um clássico.
Segundo o próprio Wallace, este romance foi maturado durante 15 anos, tendo o autor visitado em pormenor os locais, conhecido pessoas que serviram de modelo e lido muito acerca do assunto principal: Os Prémios Nobel.
O livro inicia-se com a comunicação do Prémio aos laureados da literatura, medicina, física e química. Numa primeira fase conhecemos a vida dos galardoados até ao momento em que lhes é comunicado a atribuição do Prémio que os apanha de surpresa.
Gostei desta fase. O autor mostra que por do génio há um simples ser humano com as suas fraquezas, vícios e virtudes. É esse o mote para todo o livro.
A Academia Real de Ciências sueca convida todos os premiados para a cerimónia da atribuição do prémio e é já em Estocolmo que se passa a grande maioria do romance.
Pessoalmente achei interessante o percurso dos premiados e as várias considerações e curiosidades sobre antigos Nobel, entre os quais o “nosso” Egas Moniz que é referido como um dos mais importantes premiados.
No entanto achei o romance demasiado longo, perdendo gradualmente interesse à medida que a história avança, porém o problema é esse mesmo, a partir de uma certa altura, o autor emprega uma velocidade de cruzeiro e o desenrolar da história acaba por ser muito lenta e algo enfadonha.
O autor quis referir e interligar vários acontecimentos que supostamente influenciam a atribuição dos prémios e, inclusive, refere questões políticas e de interesse estratégico que estiveram por detrás de muitos prémios, porém, e hoje em dia isso surpreenderá alguém?
É um romance agradável, mas que perdeu actualidade, no entanto compreende-se o porquê do seu sucesso, pese embora o não considere um clássico.
August 8, 2013
Awesome read; very well researched especially since it involves one of the most coveted prize give aways for achievements. A plot that will keep you gripped throughout. Wonder why it was not made into a movie? Must read! !
Apparently, so I am told a movie was made
Apparently, so I am told a movie was made
July 21, 2022
Costumo iniciar e terminar todos os livros, mas confesso que este só o terminei por insistência de uma amiga e ainda bem que o fiz.
Realmente as primeiras 150 pags foram um suplício mas a partir daí, que livro.
Realmente as primeiras 150 pags foram um suplício mas a partir daí, que livro.
December 11, 2019
Quién diría que las personas más destacadas y lúcidas del mundo son las más frágiles. La novela cuenta la historia de cinco personas cuyos caminos se cruzan por lo que para muchos creerían es el premio más representativo, que honra los logros del ser humano y su increíble genialidad, pero que al parecer para algunos que logran obtenerlo no representa gran cosa, basan sus prioridades en cosas más mundanas. Una novela entretenida y recomendable.
March 6, 2015
Irving Wallace's novel about the Nobel Prize was the #8 bestselling book in 1962. It took him over a decade to research and write. Unfortunately his research lays too heavily within the story and made the book overly long.
I could say that I got quite an education about the prizes but I would rather have looked all that up on Wikipedia and then enjoyed the story. Of course, Wikipedia did not exist in 1962.
By following the stories of six fictional Nobel winners, their associated wives or relatives, and some members of the Academy, he wove a pretty good tale. Each winner, whether scientist or writer, comes to Stockholm for Nobel week with personal baggage, vulnerable in different ways to the politics of the Nobel committees, to the press, and even to the world events of the times.
Though Wallace's characters are as much types as they are people, he gives each enough substance so that the reader becomes involved and participates emotionally in their changes. Of course, there are various romances spiced up with explicit sex (apparently Wallace is famous for that) but to his credit he makes of sex something seamless with the rest of life rather than sensational. He is clearly not in agreement with Puritanical views about its evilness.
Whenever he wrote about the trials and activities of the characters the story raced along. The historical bits, the travelogue style about visits to Stockholm's landmarks, and his descriptions of architecture, furnishings, restaurant meals and routes through the city were beyond boring. Unless you like that sort of thing, skimming is recommended.
In the end, he presents a balanced picture of the behind the scenes selections of the winners, the idiocy of such awards, as well as the positive effects on both the world and the winners due to recognition of great scientific work and literature.
I think the prize itself has been overshadowed by the many pop culture awards we have now, but I was still thrilled in recent years when Toni Morrison and Doris Lessing won. For me, the book was worth the read.
August 19, 2011
Found it quite fascinating.. the procedures involved in notifying the laureates of their Nobel prize, etc.. also since the hero decides to take an unconventional route to the destination, you get a vibrant peek into the lifestyle of the swiss.. fun and informative at the same time.
the latter part of the book is where you discover the nazi connectiona and then all the different plotlines.. basically revolving around each of the nobel laureates is quite involving.. left me wanting more.
note: had seen the movie a while back.. now want to see it again :)
the latter part of the book is where you discover the nazi connectiona and then all the different plotlines.. basically revolving around each of the nobel laureates is quite involving.. left me wanting more.
note: had seen the movie a while back.. now want to see it again :)
September 22, 2013
An article on "How Nobel Prize was born" made me remember that I did not add this to my list of books read.
I first read it in mid 60s (the original book was published in 1962) and reread it about 10 years ago. It is one of my all time favorite books and probably the best of Irwing Wallace, I have read (may be the first too).
I first read it in mid 60s (the original book was published in 1962) and reread it about 10 years ago. It is one of my all time favorite books and probably the best of Irwing Wallace, I have read (may be the first too).
October 4, 2013
Long and compelling with Wallace at his best.. great imagination, research, & creative character development.
Having read the book over 40 years ago, it was still fun to read again about his authentic description of the restaurants, streets, hotels, etc. in Stockholm.
Having read the book over 40 years ago, it was still fun to read again about his authentic description of the restaurants, streets, hotels, etc. in Stockholm.
April 10, 2013
Ya lo he leído como 2 veces, pero tenía rato que no lo hacía, me gusta mucho, creo que es una obra muy buena de un escritor un poco mediocre, vale la pena.
March 2, 2024
The story takes place in Stockholm, where the winners of the Nobel Prize gather. They are:
Dr. Claude Marceau and Dr. Denise Marceau, winners of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, "for their research into the structure of sperm and their discovery of the revivification of sperm for artificial fertilization in the selection of races". The couple are in the midst of a marital crisis, the details of which we learn as the story progresses.
Dr. Max Stratman, winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics, "for the discovery of photochemical conversion and the process of accumulating solar energy, as well as the practical application of the same energy to produce solid and synthetic fuels used in rockets". Stratman is a sympathetic Jewish physicist of a certain age who has managed to escape from a concentration camp and take with him his niece, whom he has raised as his own daughter. It is she who will accompany him to the award ceremony, and it will be during this journey that we will discover that she too has a shocking secret.
Dr. John Garret was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine, "as a reward for his participation in the discovery of anti-reactive substances designed to overcome the immune barrier in heart transplantation and for the invention of his surgical technique that allows a heterograph of the heart to be successfully performed in a human body". The feeling of being in the spotlight and having finally achieved the recognition he deserved was short-lived, however. Upon discovering that the prize has been awarded to him and a Dr. Farelli, John Garret focuses on finding ways to unmask what he considers to be nothing less than a plagiarist. But things aren't always what they seem...
Andrew Craig won the Nobel Prize for Literature for a work written before he went into a downward spiral that threw him into poverty, alcohol and an addictive relationship with his sister-in-law, Leah. But appearances can sometimes be deceiving, and those who seem to be focused on doing good don't always have the best motivations for doing so.
nce you've got an idea of the characters you're going to meet, what can I tell you? Essentially that, as with other books by this author, there is a lot of hidden dirt that is brought to light. For me, this is one of the features I like best: the way Irving Wallace manages to start by giving us a certain image of the characters, which leads us to form a certain value judgment, and then peels away layer after layer, revealing something that was far beyond the obvious and which, as a rule, differs greatly from the initial idea we formed.
Another feature that couldn't be missing was... a conspiracy involving Russians. And how well done! We have the Nobel Prize, mixed with behind-the-scenes schemes to ensure the nomination of a certain winner, mixed in turn with an even bigger scheme through which the Russians intend to fight the capitalist West. A typical scenario in this author's books.
The book is long (741 pages), but as something is always happening, I wouldn't say it's a chore to read. Especially as we have chapters dedicated to each of the nominees, where we follow their dramas and wanderings, and moments where the stories intersect, making everything much more interesting.
You can read more reviews on my blog
UmBlogueSobreLivros
Dr. Claude Marceau and Dr. Denise Marceau, winners of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, "for their research into the structure of sperm and their discovery of the revivification of sperm for artificial fertilization in the selection of races". The couple are in the midst of a marital crisis, the details of which we learn as the story progresses.
Dr. Max Stratman, winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics, "for the discovery of photochemical conversion and the process of accumulating solar energy, as well as the practical application of the same energy to produce solid and synthetic fuels used in rockets". Stratman is a sympathetic Jewish physicist of a certain age who has managed to escape from a concentration camp and take with him his niece, whom he has raised as his own daughter. It is she who will accompany him to the award ceremony, and it will be during this journey that we will discover that she too has a shocking secret.
Dr. John Garret was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine, "as a reward for his participation in the discovery of anti-reactive substances designed to overcome the immune barrier in heart transplantation and for the invention of his surgical technique that allows a heterograph of the heart to be successfully performed in a human body". The feeling of being in the spotlight and having finally achieved the recognition he deserved was short-lived, however. Upon discovering that the prize has been awarded to him and a Dr. Farelli, John Garret focuses on finding ways to unmask what he considers to be nothing less than a plagiarist. But things aren't always what they seem...
Andrew Craig won the Nobel Prize for Literature for a work written before he went into a downward spiral that threw him into poverty, alcohol and an addictive relationship with his sister-in-law, Leah. But appearances can sometimes be deceiving, and those who seem to be focused on doing good don't always have the best motivations for doing so.
nce you've got an idea of the characters you're going to meet, what can I tell you? Essentially that, as with other books by this author, there is a lot of hidden dirt that is brought to light. For me, this is one of the features I like best: the way Irving Wallace manages to start by giving us a certain image of the characters, which leads us to form a certain value judgment, and then peels away layer after layer, revealing something that was far beyond the obvious and which, as a rule, differs greatly from the initial idea we formed.
Another feature that couldn't be missing was... a conspiracy involving Russians. And how well done! We have the Nobel Prize, mixed with behind-the-scenes schemes to ensure the nomination of a certain winner, mixed in turn with an even bigger scheme through which the Russians intend to fight the capitalist West. A typical scenario in this author's books.
The book is long (741 pages), but as something is always happening, I wouldn't say it's a chore to read. Especially as we have chapters dedicated to each of the nominees, where we follow their dramas and wanderings, and moments where the stories intersect, making everything much more interesting.
You can read more reviews on my blog
UmBlogueSobreLivros
July 13, 2020
Aunque dure un año para poder terminar el libro, tiene que ver más con que solo fueron 12 capítulos en 900 hojas; por lo que la inversión de tiempo para sentarse, tomar el libro, y leer un capítulo era el problema para seguir leyendo.
Si eso fuera el unico problema del libro seria un clasico que todos deberian de leer, pero no lo es. la verdad es que irving wallace crea personajes que disfrutas leer y tiene un ritmo al escribir que aunque sean muchas hojas cuando en verdad estas leyendo pasan las hojas de forma muy rapido, esos son sus grandes pros pero tambien tiene mucho en contra. la verdad es que el libro si es de su tiempo (fue publicado en 1962) los hombres tienen ambicion, errores y aciertos durante el libro completo, pero las mujeres en lo general solo estan ahi para alentar, castigar, enamorar, festejar y hacer todo para el hombre de su vida. el peor caso de esto es el personaje ganador del nobel por literatura Andrew Craig, dado el premio que recibe y siendo esta novela, pasamos mucho mas tiempo con el y con las diferentes mujeres que pasan por su vida durante la semana del nobel, una mujer trata de atraparlo y tenerlo para ella, otra mujer debe salvarlo de si mismo y darle satisfaccion sexual para que el se pueda recuperar, una mujer quiere atraparlo y usarlo su genio para continuar su carrera, y una mujer "virginal" se enamora de el y debe ser rescatada por el, justo antes de recibir el premio nobel.
podria recomendar de forma más plena este libro a pesar de los descrito con anterioridad pues si esta muy bien escrito este libro pero luego leí las últimos 100 hojas y adicionalmente a lo dicho con anterioridad todavía debemos agregar una parte estilo James Bond que solo podrá ser solucionado por el ingenio y la inteligencia del gran ganador del premio nobel.
Si eso fuera el unico problema del libro seria un clasico que todos deberian de leer, pero no lo es. la verdad es que irving wallace crea personajes que disfrutas leer y tiene un ritmo al escribir que aunque sean muchas hojas cuando en verdad estas leyendo pasan las hojas de forma muy rapido, esos son sus grandes pros pero tambien tiene mucho en contra. la verdad es que el libro si es de su tiempo (fue publicado en 1962) los hombres tienen ambicion, errores y aciertos durante el libro completo, pero las mujeres en lo general solo estan ahi para alentar, castigar, enamorar, festejar y hacer todo para el hombre de su vida. el peor caso de esto es el personaje ganador del nobel por literatura Andrew Craig, dado el premio que recibe y siendo esta novela, pasamos mucho mas tiempo con el y con las diferentes mujeres que pasan por su vida durante la semana del nobel, una mujer trata de atraparlo y tenerlo para ella, otra mujer debe salvarlo de si mismo y darle satisfaccion sexual para que el se pueda recuperar, una mujer quiere atraparlo y usarlo su genio para continuar su carrera, y una mujer "virginal" se enamora de el y debe ser rescatada por el, justo antes de recibir el premio nobel.
podria recomendar de forma más plena este libro a pesar de los descrito con anterioridad pues si esta muy bien escrito este libro pero luego leí las últimos 100 hojas y adicionalmente a lo dicho con anterioridad todavía debemos agregar una parte estilo James Bond que solo podrá ser solucionado por el ingenio y la inteligencia del gran ganador del premio nobel.
novels-fondly-remembered
January 27, 2021Just in time for the presentation ceremony - the ins and outs of the Nobel Prizes as they were about 1961. While the novel starts somewhat slowly, as the emotional problems of the various characters are presented, the pace picks up as soon as the laureates reach Stockholm. The laureates are fictional, but the whole novel is interspersed with anecdotes and vignettes from the history of the Nobel Prizes, and the Stockholm locations are so authentic that to this day they can be followed on Google maps. Wallace understandably shows the most affection towards his literary laureate, while the other characters are somewhat schematic; and we learn a lot about Swedes as the author saw them at the time. Forget about credibility or dated mores - the plot is a wonderful, entertaining read for winter evenings.
January 19, 2022
There is something fascinating about reading vintage fiction. There's a lot of sexism and sexual drama in here - is that a reflection of a time or part of the fiction? Maybe both - and Wallace was known for it in his works - but that's a different matter. The first have of this book was tedious and I wondered why I was bothering. The characters are deeply built yet I still got confused among them sometimes. Then, in the second half, the plot quickly unfolds, even if a bit of suspended reality is required to buy in.
I don't think I'll quickly forget some of the weirdness in this book. For example - one character gets done spending pages talking about some horrific sexual abuses she endured as a hostage- only for the very next sentence to be how badly the man who has just rescued her from a kidnapping situation wants to "own" and "possess" her! Tone-deaf and tacky.
I don't think I'll quickly forget some of the weirdness in this book. For example - one character gets done spending pages talking about some horrific sexual abuses she endured as a hostage- only for the very next sentence to be how badly the man who has just rescued her from a kidnapping situation wants to "own" and "possess" her! Tone-deaf and tacky.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2021
I’m reading it now. I read it before in the early seventies. Was forgotten all about it except that I liked it at that time. Because I want te recommend it to someone I thought to read it at first again myself. Am approaching the half of the book now.
Did I ever read the book for sure? I have difficulties with the english now. Did I understand it reading it fifty years ago? I wonder. What did I pick up from it then? No idea.
Anyhow I enjoy reading it now. I have to laugh about the persons, especially Andrew Craig, the writer, how he is behaving and how his sister in law is worrying.
Four persons came to Stockholm for their Nobel Price. They all bring their life stories in.
I think it’s a clever book.
Did I ever read the book for sure? I have difficulties with the english now. Did I understand it reading it fifty years ago? I wonder. What did I pick up from it then? No idea.
Anyhow I enjoy reading it now. I have to laugh about the persons, especially Andrew Craig, the writer, how he is behaving and how his sister in law is worrying.
Four persons came to Stockholm for their Nobel Price. They all bring their life stories in.
I think it’s a clever book.
December 13, 2024
بعد از یک دوره طولانی مشغولیت، بالاخره امروز فرصت شد دوباره کتاب بخونم، واقعا هم بهش احتیاج داشتم
برای همین رفتم سراغ کتاب "جایزه" که چند ماه قبل در تماشاخانه شمایل بعد از نمایش" دهن بند" هدیه گرفتیم.
قبلا هم یک بار سعی کردم بخونم اما نشد، کتاب سرگرم کننده بود و متن روان داشت. کتاب راجع ب جایزه آلفرد برنارد نوبل هست که به افرادی تقدیم میشه و سعی شده به زندگی خصوصی شخصیت هایی که در یک دوره جایزه گرفتن بپردازه، اگرچه به گفته نویسنده، داستانِ شخصیت ها خیالی هست اما بنظرم هدف داستان اینه بگه کسانی که در یک زمینه موفقیتی کسب می کنن الزاما در همه زمینه ها آدم های برتر نیستند و گاهی کُمیت زندگی شون می لنگه...
برای همین رفتم سراغ کتاب "جایزه" که چند ماه قبل در تماشاخانه شمایل بعد از نمایش" دهن بند" هدیه گرفتیم.
قبلا هم یک بار سعی کردم بخونم اما نشد، کتاب سرگرم کننده بود و متن روان داشت. کتاب راجع ب جایزه آلفرد برنارد نوبل هست که به افرادی تقدیم میشه و سعی شده به زندگی خصوصی شخصیت هایی که در یک دوره جایزه گرفتن بپردازه، اگرچه به گفته نویسنده، داستانِ شخصیت ها خیالی هست اما بنظرم هدف داستان اینه بگه کسانی که در یک زمینه موفقیتی کسب می کنن الزاما در همه زمینه ها آدم های برتر نیستند و گاهی کُمیت زندگی شون می لنگه...
March 28, 2022
An absolute surprise! I decided to read this book because two of the lead characters (and another plot figure) are named Stratman. But I could not put this book down. The quickest read of a 700-page novel. Wallace develops such strong characters, delving in and out of a compellingly intricate plot placed in Stockholm during Nobel Week. While the ending was a bit of a trite disappointment, the resolutions were satisfying.
April 13, 2024
I read this book a long time ago but I remember almost all the stories of the different Nobel prizes.
I was very young and I was disturbed by the infatuation of one of the scientists with one especially beautiful and callous model and the self discovery of his wife. Also, the problem between other two scientists, one of them Italian, who is accused of stealing the discovery and it is the different methods used by both men, of course, the Italian’s is the improvisation.
I was very young and I was disturbed by the infatuation of one of the scientists with one especially beautiful and callous model and the self discovery of his wife. Also, the problem between other two scientists, one of them Italian, who is accused of stealing the discovery and it is the different methods used by both men, of course, the Italian’s is the improvisation.
September 4, 2024
اینجوری که از ریویوهای دیگه انگلیسی متوجه شدم، اصل کتاب یه رمان طولانی ۶۰۰ صفحهایه که مفصل در مورد شخصیتها و تاریخ جایزه نوبل و اینا صحبت میکنه. اما ترجمه فارسیش احتمالا بخش زیادی از کتاب رو یا حذف کرده یا خلاصه کرده. نمیدونم اگه کامل بود خسته کننده تر میشد یا نه ولی چنگی به دل نمیزد، یه مشت آدم رندوم که اومدن جایزه بگیرن و مشکل شخصی دارن در کنار شلنگ گرفتن به آکادمی نوبل. ۱۰ صفحه آخرش یه کم هیجان داشت فقط.
October 6, 2024
Me costó mucho engancharme con la historia de este libro, relata varias historias de personajes ganadores del nobel y como es su realidad detrás de un premio de fama mundial, a la mitad del libro puede que te atrapé las historias que se van desarrollando porque muestra el punto climax de cada una de las historias y las lleva de manera satisfactoria, pero en general es un libro que no estaría en mi top 50.
November 16, 2019
The best of the author. Deals about the Noble Prize winners and the changes that take place in their lives during the Noble week when they all arrive to Stockholm to receive their prizes. Incredible writing of Irving Wallace can be seen when one reads this book. But this was a bit lengthy book containing around 830 pages.
May 31, 2020
There are 3 things I enjoyed about this book:
The window you have into another time and how Irving describes it excellently.
How human and psychologically deep the characterization is of each character.
The good and bad nature of each human portraited, with flaws and strengths, especially around the main character, Andrew.
Some ideas/ideals might be slightly outdated, but still a great read.
The window you have into another time and how Irving describes it excellently.
How human and psychologically deep the characterization is of each character.
The good and bad nature of each human portraited, with flaws and strengths, especially around the main character, Andrew.
Some ideas/ideals might be slightly outdated, but still a great read.
April 4, 2022
half way through it i started just skimming through the pages cause it was so unnecessary long. way too much random boring information given. too many characters. i only really cared about andrew and emily romance even though andrew sleeping with another woman was a turn off and was definitely the reason i started neglecting the book
February 21, 2025
Una interesantísima novela que pretende enseñar al mismo tiempo que narrar. A través de sus páginas aprendemos sobre los mecanismos de selección de un Premio Nobel desde la Academia Sueca, así como el proceso luego de ser anunciado. Nos acompañan diversas anécdotas, de múltiples Premios Nobeles, recopiladas por Wallace para amenizar la trama.
August 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this in that it is comfortably cheesy and earnest. It is ridiculously long and politically incorrect about women but I expected it to be based on when it was written. The villains are villainous and the heroes’ flaws from the first chapters seem to disappear as the plot unfolds , maybe to make the villains seem even more dastardly.
October 29, 2018
Very enjoyable book built around the Nobel Prize and the six laureates, their lives and the drama surrounding their selection and reception of the award. Very lengthy book, 761 pages, but a delightful read.
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