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Alberto's Lost Birthday
A little boy and his grandfather embark on a quest to find the old man's missing birthday in Diana Rosie's debut novel, Alberto's Lost Birthday.
Alberto is an old man. But he doesn't know how old - he remembers nothing before his arrival at an orphanage during the Spanish civil war.
He rarely thinks about his missing childhood, but when seven-year-old Tino discovers his grandfather has never had a birthday party, never blown out candles on a birthday cake, never received a single birthday present, he's determined things should change. And so the two set out to find Alberto's birthday.
Their search for the old man's memories takes them deep into the heart of Spain - a country that has pledged to forget its painful past. As stories of courage, cruelty and love unfold, Alberto realises that he has lost more than a birthday. He has lost a part of himself. But with his grandson's help, he might just find it again.
Alberto is an old man. But he doesn't know how old - he remembers nothing before his arrival at an orphanage during the Spanish civil war.
He rarely thinks about his missing childhood, but when seven-year-old Tino discovers his grandfather has never had a birthday party, never blown out candles on a birthday cake, never received a single birthday present, he's determined things should change. And so the two set out to find Alberto's birthday.
Their search for the old man's memories takes them deep into the heart of Spain - a country that has pledged to forget its painful past. As stories of courage, cruelty and love unfold, Alberto realises that he has lost more than a birthday. He has lost a part of himself. But with his grandson's help, he might just find it again.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2015
15 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
Diana Rosie
4 books23 followersAuthor of Alberto's Pippo & Clara and Lost Birthday
Published by Mantle, Pan Macmillan.
WHSmiths Fresh Talent Autumn 2016.
Amazon Rising Stars 2016.
Agent @Diana_Beaumont
Diana Rosie has been a tour guide in South America, a designer in Hong Kong, an Olympics volunteer in London and an advertising copywriter all over the place.
Diana now writes books in a country cottage where she lives with a husband, two children and a big dog.
She is thinking of buying some noise cancelling
headphones.
Published by Mantle, Pan Macmillan.
WHSmiths Fresh Talent Autumn 2016.
Amazon Rising Stars 2016.
Agent @Diana_Beaumont
Diana Rosie has been a tour guide in South America, a designer in Hong Kong, an Olympics volunteer in London and an advertising copywriter all over the place.
Diana now writes books in a country cottage where she lives with a husband, two children and a big dog.
She is thinking of buying some noise cancelling
headphones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 21, 2016
I received a copy of this via NetGalley in return for a fair and honest review.
This was an adorable, if a little heartbreaking at times, story of the wonderful Alberto and his family, and his journey to discover where he came from, who he really is and, more importantly to his grandson, when is his birthday!
Alberto lives a fairly simple life tending his lemons and almonds with the occasional help of his young grandson, Tino, so when his daughter Rosa's husband is injured in a work accident, she asks him to take care of Tino for a while which he is more than happy to do to help out.
As all young children, Tino is full of questions and is amazed when he finds out his grandfather has never celebrated a birthday as he's never known when it was. So they both decide to start a quest to try and discover the lost part of Alberto's childhood. This is when the story is punctuated with flashbacks to 1937 and we start to learn more about the Civil War during which Alberto ends up in an orphanage and how the characters around him at that time are involved in trying to save themselves but also do the best for this little boy who has nobody.
Some wonderful characters dealing with some difficult times makes for an extremely interesting story and the relationship between Alberto and his grandson is just so sweet and delightful.
have to say I'm also now extremely intrigued to try the chocolate bread mentioned in the story!!
This was an adorable, if a little heartbreaking at times, story of the wonderful Alberto and his family, and his journey to discover where he came from, who he really is and, more importantly to his grandson, when is his birthday!
Alberto lives a fairly simple life tending his lemons and almonds with the occasional help of his young grandson, Tino, so when his daughter Rosa's husband is injured in a work accident, she asks him to take care of Tino for a while which he is more than happy to do to help out.
As all young children, Tino is full of questions and is amazed when he finds out his grandfather has never celebrated a birthday as he's never known when it was. So they both decide to start a quest to try and discover the lost part of Alberto's childhood. This is when the story is punctuated with flashbacks to 1937 and we start to learn more about the Civil War during which Alberto ends up in an orphanage and how the characters around him at that time are involved in trying to save themselves but also do the best for this little boy who has nobody.
Some wonderful characters dealing with some difficult times makes for an extremely interesting story and the relationship between Alberto and his grandson is just so sweet and delightful.
have to say I'm also now extremely intrigued to try the chocolate bread mentioned in the story!!
August 25, 2019
Eine schöne Geschichte über ein Opa, der im Waisenhaus, während des spanischen Bürgerkrieges, groß geworden ist und seine Herkunft und seinen Geburtstag nicht kennt. Sein Enkelsohn will unbedingt herausfinden, wann sein Großvater Geburtstag hat und die beiden machen sich auf eine Reise in die Vergangenheit.
Auch wenn das Buch nicht sehr viel über den Bürgerkrieg vermittelt, kann man sich vorstellen, wie schwierig es damals war. Wer gehörte zu welcher Seite, wie die Gefahr immer präsent war und wie hart die Anhänger von Franco durch gegriffen haben.
Die Suche nach dem verloren Geburtstag ist nette, leicht geschriebene Lektüre. 3,5 Sterne.
Auch wenn das Buch nicht sehr viel über den Bürgerkrieg vermittelt, kann man sich vorstellen, wie schwierig es damals war. Wer gehörte zu welcher Seite, wie die Gefahr immer präsent war und wie hart die Anhänger von Franco durch gegriffen haben.
Die Suche nach dem verloren Geburtstag ist nette, leicht geschriebene Lektüre. 3,5 Sterne.
April 14, 2018
Wenn der Großvater
Tinos Vater liegt nach einem schweren Arbeitsunfall im Krankenhaus, die Mutter umsorgt ihren Mann unermüdlich. Der Junge macht sich große Sorgen. Der Einzige, der ihn etwas von seinem Kummer ablenken kann, ist sein Großvater Alberto. Von ihm lässt er sich die alten Geschichten erzählen. Tino ist überrascht und traurig als er erfährt, dass sein Großvater das eigene Geburtsdatum nicht kennt. Um sowohl dem Jungen zu helfen als auch die Tochter zu entlasten, wagt Alberto eine Reise in seine Vergangenheit. Gemeinsam mit seinem Enkel macht er sich auf den Weg, nach seinem unbekannten Geburtsdatum zu suchen.
Wenn der Großvater mit dem Enkel eine Reise macht, kann nur etwas Gutes dabei herauskommen. Und sei es nur, dass beide durch die gemeinsam verbrachte Zeit ein noch engeres Verhältnis bekommen. Die Angst um den Vater raubt Tino manchmal den Schlaf, doch die Ablenkung, die die Suche nach Albertos Vergangenheit mit sich bringt, bietet gerade das rechte Maß an Abenteuer und Ablenkung. Auch wenn Tinos Gedanken oft bei seinem Vater sind, möchte er unbedingt, dass sein Großvater, sein geliebter Apu, endlich einen eigenen Geburtstag feiern kann. Unermüdlich gehen die Beiden den Hinweisen nach, die nach der langen Zeit, die seit Albertos Kindheit vergangen ist, noch zu finden sind.
Wie schön für ein Kind, wenn es einen Großvater hat, der über eine schwere Zeit hinweghelfen kann. Wie schön aber auch für einen Großvater, wenn er ein Enkelkind hat, dass ihm hilft, sich auf die Suche nach einer Vergangenheit zu machen, von der er fast vergessen hatte, dass er sie vermisst. Schritt für Schritt kann man Tino und Alberto auf ihrer gemeinsamen Suche begleiten. Zurückversetzt in die schweren und grausamen Zeiten des spanischen Bürgerkriegs, in Zeiten einer glücklichen Kindheit, die jäh beendet wird. Man erlebt, wie Tino mehr Zuversicht bekommt. Man freut sich mit Alberto über jeden Hinweis, der ihn näher zu seinen leiblichen Eltern bringt, der alte Freunde und liebe Bekannte zurückbringt. Der eigene Geburtstag, eine Selbstverständlichkeit, die man vielleicht nicht so gering schätzen sollte. Es ist ein Tag, hinter dem eine Geschichte steckt, die es sich zu erzählen lohnt. Wie schön, hier zu lesen, wie sich aus Fürsorge für einen Jungen und dessen liebevollem Interesse an seinem Opa, eine lebensvolle Geschichte ergibt.
Tinos Vater liegt nach einem schweren Arbeitsunfall im Krankenhaus, die Mutter umsorgt ihren Mann unermüdlich. Der Junge macht sich große Sorgen. Der Einzige, der ihn etwas von seinem Kummer ablenken kann, ist sein Großvater Alberto. Von ihm lässt er sich die alten Geschichten erzählen. Tino ist überrascht und traurig als er erfährt, dass sein Großvater das eigene Geburtsdatum nicht kennt. Um sowohl dem Jungen zu helfen als auch die Tochter zu entlasten, wagt Alberto eine Reise in seine Vergangenheit. Gemeinsam mit seinem Enkel macht er sich auf den Weg, nach seinem unbekannten Geburtsdatum zu suchen.
Wenn der Großvater mit dem Enkel eine Reise macht, kann nur etwas Gutes dabei herauskommen. Und sei es nur, dass beide durch die gemeinsam verbrachte Zeit ein noch engeres Verhältnis bekommen. Die Angst um den Vater raubt Tino manchmal den Schlaf, doch die Ablenkung, die die Suche nach Albertos Vergangenheit mit sich bringt, bietet gerade das rechte Maß an Abenteuer und Ablenkung. Auch wenn Tinos Gedanken oft bei seinem Vater sind, möchte er unbedingt, dass sein Großvater, sein geliebter Apu, endlich einen eigenen Geburtstag feiern kann. Unermüdlich gehen die Beiden den Hinweisen nach, die nach der langen Zeit, die seit Albertos Kindheit vergangen ist, noch zu finden sind.
Wie schön für ein Kind, wenn es einen Großvater hat, der über eine schwere Zeit hinweghelfen kann. Wie schön aber auch für einen Großvater, wenn er ein Enkelkind hat, dass ihm hilft, sich auf die Suche nach einer Vergangenheit zu machen, von der er fast vergessen hatte, dass er sie vermisst. Schritt für Schritt kann man Tino und Alberto auf ihrer gemeinsamen Suche begleiten. Zurückversetzt in die schweren und grausamen Zeiten des spanischen Bürgerkriegs, in Zeiten einer glücklichen Kindheit, die jäh beendet wird. Man erlebt, wie Tino mehr Zuversicht bekommt. Man freut sich mit Alberto über jeden Hinweis, der ihn näher zu seinen leiblichen Eltern bringt, der alte Freunde und liebe Bekannte zurückbringt. Der eigene Geburtstag, eine Selbstverständlichkeit, die man vielleicht nicht so gering schätzen sollte. Es ist ein Tag, hinter dem eine Geschichte steckt, die es sich zu erzählen lohnt. Wie schön, hier zu lesen, wie sich aus Fürsorge für einen Jungen und dessen liebevollem Interesse an seinem Opa, eine lebensvolle Geschichte ergibt.
February 24, 2016
A charming, heart breaking and compassionate story, following the search of a young boy Tino to find his grandfather Alberto's birthday.
So descriptive of rural Spain, I could taste the olives and smell the lemons!
A beautiful portrayal of the relationship of Tino with his grandfather.
My attention was completely held with this mystery search with flashbacks to the time of the Spanish Civil War and the many traumas faced by Spanish children including Alberto, Tino's grandfather.
I can see this book making a very poignant movie! A superb first novel and I cannot wait for the second one from this talented author.
So descriptive of rural Spain, I could taste the olives and smell the lemons!
A beautiful portrayal of the relationship of Tino with his grandfather.
My attention was completely held with this mystery search with flashbacks to the time of the Spanish Civil War and the many traumas faced by Spanish children including Alberto, Tino's grandfather.
I can see this book making a very poignant movie! A superb first novel and I cannot wait for the second one from this talented author.
April 6, 2016
This is a beautiful book. My favourite read in well over a year.
September 8, 2016
Well put together "memoir" of the Spanish Civil war - easy reading, sweet characters and touching storyline. In places the structure felt a little clumsy but overall v nice.
August 19, 2018
I really enjoyed this book and especially liked the way the story was told. Alberto is an elderly man whose young grandson Tino decides they must go on a search for Alberto's lost birthday. Alberto was orphaned as a child, during the Spanish Civil War, and he cannot remember much of anything about his past, much less his birthday. Together the old man and the young boy travel through Spain, following thin threads of Alberto's memory to try and track down his past. In alternating chapters, we read about Alberto's past, told from the POV of different people who are a part of the story of how Alberto and his birthday became lost. It's told in reverse order, just as Alberto and Tino follow the trail backward in time. It was a very touching story, and the relationship between Alberto and his grandson was very sweet.
March 2, 2016
Alberto is a lovely old man, he can only remember being at an orphanage as a young boy. Tino is his grandson, his father has been in a work accident and Tino goes to stay with Alberto (Apu) and he starts to talk about the lost birthday and how they should try and find out. Alberto is not keen to try but it is helping Tino not worry so much about his father. So off they go to discover the truth.
This story is set in the now and 1937 in Spain- This part of the story is told from different people about Alberto and the war that was going on at that time. The people that Alberto and Tino met along the way were lovely and I wish they were real because I would have loved to have sit down with them.
This story was beautiful. I had tears in my eyes by the end of the story. You will read about the horror of war through the eyes of a child. The choices people make for good or bad. Love, heartache and of course joy.
This story is set in the now and 1937 in Spain- This part of the story is told from different people about Alberto and the war that was going on at that time. The people that Alberto and Tino met along the way were lovely and I wish they were real because I would have loved to have sit down with them.
This story was beautiful. I had tears in my eyes by the end of the story. You will read about the horror of war through the eyes of a child. The choices people make for good or bad. Love, heartache and of course joy.
April 26, 2016
3.5 stars for sure.
Endearing and enjoyable, quite slow-paced at times but i didn't really mind that. I must say, however, that the characters were a bit one-dimensional. The plot was lovely and intricate but I felt the book lacked the raw emotion one would expect from the main character considering the circumstances. Overall, I think it was a little too safe and dreamy and the author stayed on the surface of emotions, making it a bit dreary and monotonous. If, however, you enjoyed books like the hundred-year-old man who climbed out of the window and disappeared, this is a solid follow up of that. An endearing old man on a quest to discover his past in the sunny Spanish vineyards.
Endearing and enjoyable, quite slow-paced at times but i didn't really mind that. I must say, however, that the characters were a bit one-dimensional. The plot was lovely and intricate but I felt the book lacked the raw emotion one would expect from the main character considering the circumstances. Overall, I think it was a little too safe and dreamy and the author stayed on the surface of emotions, making it a bit dreary and monotonous. If, however, you enjoyed books like the hundred-year-old man who climbed out of the window and disappeared, this is a solid follow up of that. An endearing old man on a quest to discover his past in the sunny Spanish vineyards.
March 18, 2017
Lovely book. Very gentle read which really evokes life in civil war rural Spain. Bit of a tear jerker but the author brings to life these characters and you end up completely absorbed in their world. Thoroughly enjoyable and easy read. Highly recommend.
January 25, 2024
Really love how this book made me feel 🥹 I discovered this while looking for more books with setting in Spain for my Enero in España reading challenge. Who would have thought I’d find a treasure. Thank you for making me feel warm with love and tenderness, Tino and Apu.
4.5 rounded up ✨ Didn’t want to be pedantic over the minor trivialities of the story :)
4.5 rounded up ✨ Didn’t want to be pedantic over the minor trivialities of the story :)
September 19, 2018
A good story here. Told in both current time and in past times in different character POV. I read the whole book in one sitting, I just couldnt put it down and had to know more. The ending was both sad and happy at the same time, which I've never felt from a story before.
April 5, 2017
A very enjoyable book. I enjoyed how the person and tense changed as alternate chapters were accounts from various characters.
Would love to read another Diana Rosie book.
Would love to read another Diana Rosie book.
February 16, 2016
Hardcover, Knaur HC
01.02.2016, 336 S.
ISBN: 978-3-426-65393-7
16,99 €
Zum Buch: http://www.droemer-knaur.de/buch/8747...
Zum Inhalt:
Der 7-jährige Tino ist erschüttert, als er erfährt, dass sein geliebter Großvater Alberto nicht weiß, wann er geboren ist, und deshalb noch nie Geburtstag gefeiert hat. Dabei ist das doch der eine, wundervolle Tag, der einem allein gehört und an dem man sich so sehr geliebt fühlt! Nur hat Alberto als Kind im spanischen Bürgerkrieg sein Gedächtnis verloren, und damit auch dieses besondere Datum. Nie hat er nach Spuren seiner Vergangenheit gesucht, aber jetzt, am Ende seines Lebens, überredet Tino ihn zu einer Reise quer durch Spanien, zurück zu jenem Waisenhaus und den Menschen, die vielleicht mehr über Alberto wissen könnten als er selbst.
Meine Meinung:
Ich möchte mich erst einmal beim Knaur Verlag über die überraschende Zusendung dieses Rezensionsexemplares bedanken. Habe mich sehr darüber gefreut.
Das Cover finde ich sehr gut gelungen, passt auch zur Geschichte mit dem Jungen und dem alten Mann.
Ich bin sofort gut in das Buch rein gekommen, der Schreibstil war sehr flüssig, ich habe das Buch innerhalb von zwei Tagen durchgelesen.
Was mich an diesem Buch sehr beeindruckt hat, ist zum einen die Warmherzigkeit, die diese Geschichte ausstrahlt. Desweiteren fand ich es sehr erstaunlich, dass Alberto der Suche erst nur seinem Enkelsohn zuliebe zugestimmt hat und je weiter die Suche voran schritt, mit stetig wachsender Begeisterung diese verfolgt hat.
Das Buch war auch richtig von spanischem Flair umgeben, das hat mir auch gut gefallen.
Insgesamt hat das 'Buch eine sehr lebensbejahende Botschaft, was ich sehr schön finde. Es gab auch immer mal wieder kleine überraschende Wendungen, die sehr gut in die Geschichte gepasst haben.
Alles in allem kann ich dieses Buch auf jeden Fall weiter empfehlen, eine schöne warmherzige Geschichte für zwischendurch, mich hat das Buch gut unterhalten. Ich gebe diesem Buch 4 Sterne.
01.02.2016, 336 S.
ISBN: 978-3-426-65393-7
16,99 €
Zum Buch: http://www.droemer-knaur.de/buch/8747...
Zum Inhalt:
Der 7-jährige Tino ist erschüttert, als er erfährt, dass sein geliebter Großvater Alberto nicht weiß, wann er geboren ist, und deshalb noch nie Geburtstag gefeiert hat. Dabei ist das doch der eine, wundervolle Tag, der einem allein gehört und an dem man sich so sehr geliebt fühlt! Nur hat Alberto als Kind im spanischen Bürgerkrieg sein Gedächtnis verloren, und damit auch dieses besondere Datum. Nie hat er nach Spuren seiner Vergangenheit gesucht, aber jetzt, am Ende seines Lebens, überredet Tino ihn zu einer Reise quer durch Spanien, zurück zu jenem Waisenhaus und den Menschen, die vielleicht mehr über Alberto wissen könnten als er selbst.
Meine Meinung:
Ich möchte mich erst einmal beim Knaur Verlag über die überraschende Zusendung dieses Rezensionsexemplares bedanken. Habe mich sehr darüber gefreut.
Das Cover finde ich sehr gut gelungen, passt auch zur Geschichte mit dem Jungen und dem alten Mann.
Ich bin sofort gut in das Buch rein gekommen, der Schreibstil war sehr flüssig, ich habe das Buch innerhalb von zwei Tagen durchgelesen.
Was mich an diesem Buch sehr beeindruckt hat, ist zum einen die Warmherzigkeit, die diese Geschichte ausstrahlt. Desweiteren fand ich es sehr erstaunlich, dass Alberto der Suche erst nur seinem Enkelsohn zuliebe zugestimmt hat und je weiter die Suche voran schritt, mit stetig wachsender Begeisterung diese verfolgt hat.
Das Buch war auch richtig von spanischem Flair umgeben, das hat mir auch gut gefallen.
Insgesamt hat das 'Buch eine sehr lebensbejahende Botschaft, was ich sehr schön finde. Es gab auch immer mal wieder kleine überraschende Wendungen, die sehr gut in die Geschichte gepasst haben.
Alles in allem kann ich dieses Buch auf jeden Fall weiter empfehlen, eine schöne warmherzige Geschichte für zwischendurch, mich hat das Buch gut unterhalten. Ich gebe diesem Buch 4 Sterne.
June 5, 2020
A Sentimental Journey
Seven-year old Tino is amazed to learn that his beloved grandfather Alberto has never had a birthday party because he does not know his birth date.
Alberto has no memory of his childhood before arriving at an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War.
It is decided that grandfather and grandson will take a journey to find Alberto’s lost birthday.
The story unfolds via the voices of the people in Alberto’s past as the two travel the countryside.
The way in which Alberto recovers his lost memories gave me pause, but the mellow uncomplicated prose and the relationship between grandfather and grandson is what gives this novel its warmth.
Seven-year old Tino is amazed to learn that his beloved grandfather Alberto has never had a birthday party because he does not know his birth date.
Alberto has no memory of his childhood before arriving at an orphanage during the Spanish Civil War.
It is decided that grandfather and grandson will take a journey to find Alberto’s lost birthday.
The story unfolds via the voices of the people in Alberto’s past as the two travel the countryside.
The way in which Alberto recovers his lost memories gave me pause, but the mellow uncomplicated prose and the relationship between grandfather and grandson is what gives this novel its warmth.
April 15, 2016
I enjoyed reading the story of Alberto, an elderly Spanish man orphaned during the Spanish Civil War, and his quest (alongside his young grandson) to discover his birth date. The author uses various viewpoints and narrators to reveal the story and the novel is well researched. Through her characters, she explores some of the issues facing the Spanish people and foreign fighters of the period. This period of history is fascinating and sometimes difficult to understand and I think that the author does a great job in making sense of it and bringing it to life for the reader.
June 8, 2016
Ich hab es wirklich gerne gelesen und war sicher, dass ich 4 Sterne vergebe - aber am Ende war alles doch etwas zu "dick aufgetragen". Ich habs trotzdem gerne gelesen... Ich überlege noch...
November 3, 2023
When the father of seven-year-old Tino has a serious accident at work and ends up in hospital, Tino temporarily goes to stay with grandpa so that his mother has room for hospital visits.
Tino becomes obsessed with the fact that his grandfather, Alberto, does not have a birthday. Alberto doesn't know when he was born - not even in what year, so he never celebrates his birthday. Alberto's earliest memory is arriving at an orphanage as a little boy during the Spanish Civil War.
To give Tino some distraction from the problems with his father, grandpa takes him on a road trip by public transport in search of his birthday.
The book has a nice setup. Each time it is a chapter in the present, alternating with a chapter set in 1937 and earlier - in reverse chronological order, each time told by a different character. As a reader you are always one step ahead of Alberto and Tino in their quest.
Although this book is partly set during the Spanish Civil War, it is not a war book with good or evil or something like that. I liked that this is a simple and realistic story, without Disney-like scenes, frills and superheroes.
This heart-warming story is beautifully written with nice descriptions of Spanish landscapes, culture, dishes and characters. Definitely a good read.
Tino becomes obsessed with the fact that his grandfather, Alberto, does not have a birthday. Alberto doesn't know when he was born - not even in what year, so he never celebrates his birthday. Alberto's earliest memory is arriving at an orphanage as a little boy during the Spanish Civil War.
To give Tino some distraction from the problems with his father, grandpa takes him on a road trip by public transport in search of his birthday.
The book has a nice setup. Each time it is a chapter in the present, alternating with a chapter set in 1937 and earlier - in reverse chronological order, each time told by a different character. As a reader you are always one step ahead of Alberto and Tino in their quest.
Although this book is partly set during the Spanish Civil War, it is not a war book with good or evil or something like that. I liked that this is a simple and realistic story, without Disney-like scenes, frills and superheroes.
This heart-warming story is beautifully written with nice descriptions of Spanish landscapes, culture, dishes and characters. Definitely a good read.
December 22, 2017
Bewertet mit 5 Sternen
Zum Buch:
Tino ist sieben Jahre alt, als sein Papa einen Unfall hat und im Krankenhaus liegt. Da seine Mama beim Papa ist, muss Tino bei seinem Opa Alberto bleiben.
Nun stellt Tino fest, dass Alberto nicht weiß wann er Geburtstag hat und so machen sich die beiden auf die Suche nach Albertos Vergangenheit und nach seinem Geburtstag ...
Meine Meinung:
Ein wunderschönes Buch mir einer unglaublich berührenden Geschichte.
Immer abwechselnd wird in der Gegenwart und in der Vergangenheit erzählt. Schritt für Schritt nähern wir uns der Geburt von Alberto und seine Geschichte hat mich richtig gepackt.
Es ist jetzt kein spannender Thriller, oder eine gefühlsduselige Liebesgeschichte sonder eher ein Buch welches gerne übersehen wird. Dabei hat es mich wirklich gefangen und sehr gut unterhalten.
Sehr gerne möchte ich mehr solch wunderschönen Geschichten lesen.
Fazit:
Ein Buch, genau nach meinem Geschmack. Ichmag es, wenn es über zweierlei Zeiten geht und mit Familiengeheimnissen kann man mich auch immer Ködern.
Dieses Buch hat alles, was gute Unterhaltung braucht. Einen schönen Schreibstil und wunderbare Worte.
Einfach ein Genuss.
Zum Buch:
Tino ist sieben Jahre alt, als sein Papa einen Unfall hat und im Krankenhaus liegt. Da seine Mama beim Papa ist, muss Tino bei seinem Opa Alberto bleiben.
Nun stellt Tino fest, dass Alberto nicht weiß wann er Geburtstag hat und so machen sich die beiden auf die Suche nach Albertos Vergangenheit und nach seinem Geburtstag ...
Meine Meinung:
Ein wunderschönes Buch mir einer unglaublich berührenden Geschichte.
Immer abwechselnd wird in der Gegenwart und in der Vergangenheit erzählt. Schritt für Schritt nähern wir uns der Geburt von Alberto und seine Geschichte hat mich richtig gepackt.
Es ist jetzt kein spannender Thriller, oder eine gefühlsduselige Liebesgeschichte sonder eher ein Buch welches gerne übersehen wird. Dabei hat es mich wirklich gefangen und sehr gut unterhalten.
Sehr gerne möchte ich mehr solch wunderschönen Geschichten lesen.
Fazit:
Ein Buch, genau nach meinem Geschmack. Ichmag es, wenn es über zweierlei Zeiten geht und mit Familiengeheimnissen kann man mich auch immer Ködern.
Dieses Buch hat alles, was gute Unterhaltung braucht. Einen schönen Schreibstil und wunderbare Worte.
Einfach ein Genuss.
May 13, 2018
Inhalt
Alberto ist ein alter Mann, doch wie alt, das weiß er nicht, denn er kann sich nicht an die Zeit erinnern, bevor er in den Wirren des Spanischen Bürgerkriegs in ein Waisenhaus kam. Dass er sein Geburtsdatum nicht kennt, hat ihn nie gestört, doch als sein Enkel Tino entdeckt, dass er noch nie seinen Geburtstag gefeiert hat, dass er noch nie eine Glückwunschkarte bekommen und noch nie die Kerzen auf einem Kuchen ausgeblasen hat, ist dieser wild entschlossen, dies zu ändern. Gemeinsam begeben sich Großvater und Enkel auf eine Reise in die Vergangenheit.
Meinung
Eine sehr schöne Geschichte die einen sehr emotional berührt. Es hat mir richtig gut gefallen wie Alberto Stück für Stück mehr aus seiner Vergangenheit erfahren hat und zusammen mit seinem Enkel eine sehr emotionale Zeit erleben darf.
Fazit
Ein sehr schönes Buch was einen sehr bewegt.
"Albertos verlorener Geburtstag" von Diana Rossi ist im Knaur Verlag erschienen und hat 336 Seiten.
Das Buch kostet als gebundene Ausgabe 16,99€ und als ebook 14,99€.
Alberto ist ein alter Mann, doch wie alt, das weiß er nicht, denn er kann sich nicht an die Zeit erinnern, bevor er in den Wirren des Spanischen Bürgerkriegs in ein Waisenhaus kam. Dass er sein Geburtsdatum nicht kennt, hat ihn nie gestört, doch als sein Enkel Tino entdeckt, dass er noch nie seinen Geburtstag gefeiert hat, dass er noch nie eine Glückwunschkarte bekommen und noch nie die Kerzen auf einem Kuchen ausgeblasen hat, ist dieser wild entschlossen, dies zu ändern. Gemeinsam begeben sich Großvater und Enkel auf eine Reise in die Vergangenheit.
Meinung
Eine sehr schöne Geschichte die einen sehr emotional berührt. Es hat mir richtig gut gefallen wie Alberto Stück für Stück mehr aus seiner Vergangenheit erfahren hat und zusammen mit seinem Enkel eine sehr emotionale Zeit erleben darf.
Fazit
Ein sehr schönes Buch was einen sehr bewegt.
"Albertos verlorener Geburtstag" von Diana Rossi ist im Knaur Verlag erschienen und hat 336 Seiten.
Das Buch kostet als gebundene Ausgabe 16,99€ und als ebook 14,99€.
January 16, 2018
Questo libro è un regalo. Lo specifico perché nella mia libreria più recente in mezzo a fantascienza e young adult/bimbominkia è una vera e propria anomalia.
“Il colore della gioia” è una favoletta piena di buoni sentimenti con un finale agrodolce, situazioni “telefonate” e personaggi “standard” (troppe virgolette, shame on me). Non sto dicendo che non mi sia piaciuto, però non essendo il mio genere di letteratura lo guardo con occhi un po’ cinici.
Ho però molto apprezzato la struttura narrativa, con i flashback al contrario.
Detto questo…bah, è un genere di libri che apprezzo fino ad un certo punto, essendo in generale una brutta persona. Se però avete una propensione al diabete leggetelo, non rimarrete delusi.
(A proposito: il titolo. Purtroppo le traduzioni italiane -film e libri- hanno il vizio di modificare i titoli "ad minchiam", questo non fa eccezione. L'originale sarebbe "Alberto's Lost Birthday". Evidentemente alla casa editrice un titolo così esplicativo sembrava brutto).
“Il colore della gioia” è una favoletta piena di buoni sentimenti con un finale agrodolce, situazioni “telefonate” e personaggi “standard” (troppe virgolette, shame on me). Non sto dicendo che non mi sia piaciuto, però non essendo il mio genere di letteratura lo guardo con occhi un po’ cinici.
Ho però molto apprezzato la struttura narrativa, con i flashback al contrario.
Detto questo…bah, è un genere di libri che apprezzo fino ad un certo punto, essendo in generale una brutta persona. Se però avete una propensione al diabete leggetelo, non rimarrete delusi.
(A proposito: il titolo. Purtroppo le traduzioni italiane -film e libri- hanno il vizio di modificare i titoli "ad minchiam", questo non fa eccezione. L'originale sarebbe "Alberto's Lost Birthday". Evidentemente alla casa editrice un titolo così esplicativo sembrava brutto).
November 17, 2019
This book managed to emotionally manipulate me to damp eyes, even as I was critically assessing it as lacking in many areas. The mysteries were easy to guess and the structure is bizarre to the point of unsatisfying: there is a single lead character whose present-day adventure is told in 3rd person past tense chapters which alternate with chapters set in the past, each with a different point-of-view character which are told in 1st person present tense. The worst thing about this book is its flat, cliche-ridden prose which brings out none of the emotions of the characters, nor the beauty of Spanish rural landscape, or the atmosphere of the Spanish Civil War. The geographical and personae coincidences were stretched beyond credulity. However, despite all those flaws, I was very much hooked into the story. I wanted to stay travelling with the characters and piece together all the elements of Alberto’s past. In spite of its poor qualities I really enjoyed reading this book.
December 13, 2016
When young Albertino finds out that his grandfather Alberto does not remember when his birthday is, he is dismayed that his beloved Apu has never had a birthday celebration and is determined to rectify the situation. Alberto's birthday is lost in the mist of memories from the Spanish Civil War that he has blocked from his consciousness for 65 years. Alberto and Tino set out on a quest to find his birthday that inevitably uncovers much more than a date of birth. The story that unfolds is a mixture of whimsy, pathos and the brutality of war; a successful blend if a little contrived, with an ending that is just a tad too sentimental for me, and doesn't quite do justice to an otherwise well crafted and satisfying story.
June 24, 2023
"Alberto's Lost Birthday" was such a sweet read. If it weren't for the fact that I read another book by the author, "Pippo and Clara" which I absolutely loved, I'd totally give this book a solid 4-star rating.
The story was simple. Starting with an old man trying to figure out his "lost birthday," his journey went back in time during the Spanish civil war. The descriptions of the country and the war time Spain were well written. The story was amazingly sweet, yet bitter. An enjoyable read but just a little plain. Regardless, Ms. Diana Rosie is such a gifted storyteller with the innocent voice that I adore. There are always hope and positivity in her story. I do recommend this book. 3.5 stars.
The story was simple. Starting with an old man trying to figure out his "lost birthday," his journey went back in time during the Spanish civil war. The descriptions of the country and the war time Spain were well written. The story was amazingly sweet, yet bitter. An enjoyable read but just a little plain. Regardless, Ms. Diana Rosie is such a gifted storyteller with the innocent voice that I adore. There are always hope and positivity in her story. I do recommend this book. 3.5 stars.
July 15, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ I rediscovered this book after having designed both covers many years ago. It is the first book I had ever read post production. Funny to hold and see your work, on a regular basis.
This story is sweet. At times slow, but I really enjoyed being held in the relationship of Alberto and Tino. It reminded me of how special my grandma was to me.
I don’t love when books switch between two timelines, between chapters, and this one also went between various characters. I really have no idea who Señora Ortiz is, yet she seemed important at the end 😅
I particularly loved Angelita’s line “If I had not been in love before, I believe I would be happy […] But I have been and I know what is missing.”
All in all a lovely, quaint read about Spain, aging, trauma, and the civil war.
This story is sweet. At times slow, but I really enjoyed being held in the relationship of Alberto and Tino. It reminded me of how special my grandma was to me.
I don’t love when books switch between two timelines, between chapters, and this one also went between various characters. I really have no idea who Señora Ortiz is, yet she seemed important at the end 😅
I particularly loved Angelita’s line “If I had not been in love before, I believe I would be happy […] But I have been and I know what is missing.”
All in all a lovely, quaint read about Spain, aging, trauma, and the civil war.
March 15, 2017
Loved this book from start to finish, couldn't put it down. The author pulled you into the story with the first page. The characters were brilliant and having the story told from the different characters just brought the story to life. Alberto was brilliant, an old man who had no memory of his childhood and Albertino (Tino) his grandson couldn't bear the thought of his grandfather not knowing his birthday. So with some persuasion Alberto agreed to take a trip and try and re-connect with his childhood and birthday. What he found will take your breath away and have you close to tears. Will definitely read more of this authors books.
April 6, 2022
This was a sweet little book and the perfect vibes to read when it’s your own birthday too!
Based in Spain, this book is about a grandfather who grew up during the Civil War as an orphan and knowing nothing of his heritage, family or his birthday. He goes on an adventure with his adoring little grandson Tino, heading back to the town where his memories begin, on a mission to find out where he has come from, and most importantly for Tino, to find his grandfather’s lost birthday.
A cosy and easy read about tracing your history and the value in a family network. Filled with loads of Spanish cultural references which I loved, I found it tricky to keep tabs on the bouncing between current day and the historical timeline as it wasn’t consecutive but otherwise the story was charming and a good holiday read.
Based in Spain, this book is about a grandfather who grew up during the Civil War as an orphan and knowing nothing of his heritage, family or his birthday. He goes on an adventure with his adoring little grandson Tino, heading back to the town where his memories begin, on a mission to find out where he has come from, and most importantly for Tino, to find his grandfather’s lost birthday.
A cosy and easy read about tracing your history and the value in a family network. Filled with loads of Spanish cultural references which I loved, I found it tricky to keep tabs on the bouncing between current day and the historical timeline as it wasn’t consecutive but otherwise the story was charming and a good holiday read.
July 30, 2017
Delightful story about the relationship between grandfather and grandson. Alberto was orphaned in the Spanish Civil War and doesn't know when his birthday is, Tino the grandson decides this cannot continue and so their quest to find out about Alberto's history begins. Told with flashbacks to the war with the various characters involved in Alberto's life the story unfolds. Gentle and beautifully told, easy reading and a pleasure.
February 3, 2021
Beautifully said
With thanks to Diana Rosie for once again another outstanding book. Set in Spain during war time in the horrific Times of total unrest comes the beautiful tale of Alberto and Tina and the amazing relationship they shared, and Tino's want for his grandfather to find his birthday it takes into the past of a very young Alberto I can't praise this book enough.
With thanks to Diana Rosie for once again another outstanding book. Set in Spain during war time in the horrific Times of total unrest comes the beautiful tale of Alberto and Tina and the amazing relationship they shared, and Tino's want for his grandfather to find his birthday it takes into the past of a very young Alberto I can't praise this book enough.
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