I was introduced to this book via the Massey University Book Club. After Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf this is my favourite book.
It is centred in the city of Florence and starts just before the end of World War II. Ulysses Temper, a British Soldier fighting in Italy meets an art historian Evelyn who is helping to track down works of art, hidden from the Germans.Ulysses is the driver for a Captain Darley a well educated officer who has been teaching him about the beauties of Italian art and culture as they travel up Italy.
He finds Evelyn who is in her early 60’s fascinating (he is 23) and an unlikely lifetime friendship is formed.
The other background is the East End of London which is where Ulysses is from. Many characters emerge here.
Through a series of events starting in Florence and Ulysses rescue of a suicidal Italian man, he returns to Florence along with Alys the daughter of his estranged wife Peg.
This book is outstanding. Rich in culture, characterisation and with a twisting plot, the book takes us on a journey through the years in a very satisfying way.I listened to the audio version and then read the book. The world of Still Life is still buzzing excitedly in my head. Have others read it? This one is going straight to my reread list.