Still Life

Sarah Winman’s work of fiction weaves in some real aspects, creating a wonderful read. The writing flows almost poetically, and I particularly enjoyed meeting my favourite but frustrating character, Ulysses Temper.

In 1944, we meet Ulysses, a young British soldier and former globe maker, stationed in Italy with his commanding officer Captain Darnley. They cross paths with Evelyn Skinner, an art historian in her sixties.

The backdrop is World War Two, drawing to a close. Evelyn and Captain Darnley share a passion for art, which rubs off on Ulysses. Evelyn becomes a pivotal figure in his life.

Ulysses marries Peggy, incase he never returned from the war. They’re more infatuated with each other and on and off lovers. Peggy, an independent woman, yearns for adventure.

When Ulysses returns from the war, Peggy had fallen in love with an American named Eddie and bears his child, Alys, nicknamed “kid” by Ulysses. Despite never hearing from Eddie, Peggy holds onto hope of seeing him again. Ulysses and Peggy divorce amicably, allowing Peggy freedom to pursue her dreams. They remain close, though Ulysses seems easygoing, perhaps because he’s not easily affected.

Ulysses inherits an unexpected property in Italy. Initially bemused, he discovers more than he expected. It’s a property and more. He travels there with Cressy, his father’s old friend, now his own, who also brings along a Blue parrot named Claude, a good judge of character who often speaks meaningful sentences. To his surprise, he’s given charge of Alys, as Peggy feels she’s not cut out for motherhood. Alys is strikingly similar to Eddie, reminding her of her pain in never hearing from him.

There is so much to say about this book as it spans through to the 80’s. Throughout the book we get to see the characters in London and Italy and they remain a tight network of friends all rooting for each other. Throughout the ups and downs of life we see the bond between them all grow and I loved the different mentions of birdlife such as swifts being spoken about in such a beautiful way. Plus Cressy who had a connection with trees often seeking guidance from them.

The characters felt real and the addition and description of the real event of the flood
In 1966 flood of the Arno in Florence . I looked it up and it killed 35 people and It is considered the worst flood in the city's history since 1557. The community of Florence including some of the London friends came to support the volunteers and the clean up.

We get to know a lot about the characters and the meaning of love, loss, war and survival.

Everyone needs to read or listen to this book. It’s an absolute delight and was in love with it from beginning until I end . In fact I have already recommended it to lots of people .

I shall now be downloading another one of Sarah’s books and hope she is narrating that one too 🙏🏻

I bought this book based on the preview voice which was lovely. The way voices sound are important for bedtime listening. However 5-6 min into the book she voices another character and I can listen anymore. It’s dreadfully shrill - and can’t continue. Sorry the book itself might be great but the audio adaption is painful.