Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: The Buffalo Soldier : A Novel by Chris Bohjalian ISBN: 0-375-72546-6 Publisher: Vintage Pub. Date: 25 February, 2003 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.23 (30 reviews)
Rating: 3
Summary: Bland...missing Bohjalian usual flavor.
Comment: Strangely enough, after finishing this book, I realized that what kept me reading was more my interest in the outcome of Alfred's life (the foster child) and his relationship with Paul & Emily Hebert (his neighbors), than in the main characters themselves, Laura & Terry Sheldon.
I found them to be very superficial and cold. The author seems to only scratch the surface, of these foster parents, emotions and feelings. Something is missing, Laura is bland & colourless and her husband Terry is self centered & arrogant. I could not feel, (even in the end, them seemed fake) compassion and/or empathy towards this duo, no matter how hard I tried.
All the depth and emotion of this story revolves around the genuine loving attachment that slowly progresses between the Heberts & Alfred and also their mutual affection for each other & a horse named Mesa.
I enjoyed that each chapter began with a little more insight into the history of the United States Calvary. I applaud Chris Bohjalian for introducing the reader to the story of the Buffalo soldiers in such an innovative style.( It merited the third *)
After reading ''Midwives'' by the same author, which surpasses by far ''The Buffalo Soldier'', I must admit being somewhat deceived.
Rating: 5
Summary: A Solid Story
Comment: The Buffalo Soldier was an easy, solid read. It's the story of a young African American foster child, Alfred, who after being shuffled around from home to home, lands at the Sheldon residence. Although Terry, a Vermont State Trooper, and Laura, director of an animal shelter, appear at first glance to be perfectly qualified foster parents, the case isn't quite so true. The drowning of the Sheldon twins two years earlier has left Laura in a fog of depression resulting in marital deterioration. Will the arrival of Alfred help to resolve their issues or will it worsen their situation?
And what about Alfred? Follow him in his journey of adjusting to a predominantly white town, prejudice, and an unlikely friendship that inspires him to overcome through the study of the true Buffalo Soldiers. I commend Bohjalian for his very real depiction of foster children and their behavior. Alfred must exist in every foster child.
What I liked about this novel is that it's a very likely, possible account of the challenges a marriage is faced with after the death of a child. The topic of prejudice and friendship seal the deal on a captivating storyline.
Rating: 5
Summary: A solid story with a strong heart.
Comment: Firstly I'd like to commend the reader of this eight audio cassette version, Ms. Alison Fraser, for having done as superb a narration I've yet heard on an audio version of any book. Secondly, the story itself has little to do with "The Buffalo Soldiers" story itself, yet the author, even by mentioning them very little in comparison with the rest of the story, manages to incorporate the essence of "The Buffalo Soldiers" themselves so that without it, I don't think this book could make it. Beginning with the tragic deaths of two little girls and the effect their deaths has on their family, Laura, their mother and Terry, their father, and intricately weaving in the story of a young, black, foster child, this story manages to capture and tug at your heart quite strongly. Terry is a "tough guy" state trooper you have to be careful not to dislike, but by tape 2 I was transfixed, listening more and more each day, needing outcomes. The author's message seems clear, triumph over tragedy, victory despite adversity, harsh realities we ignore when we could help, yet this tender story of Alfred, a ten year old black child, says so much more. Chris Bohjalian speaks to prejudice, to nightmares, to heartaches, to love and to spirit in the harsh settings of today and during the Buffalo Soldier's time as well. The story is brilliantly crafted and excellently told. This one, well, you might, perhaps, come to believe in your dreams again.
 |
Title: WATER WITCHES by Chris Bohjalian ISBN: 0684826127 Publisher: Touchstone Books Pub. Date: 08 April, 1997 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
 |
Title: Trans-Sister Radio by Chris Bohjalian ISBN: 0375705171 Publisher: Vintage Pub. Date: 14 August, 2001 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
 |
Title: The Law of Similars by Chris Bohjalian ISBN: 0679771476 Publisher: Vintage Pub. Date: 14 March, 2000 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
 |
Title: Midwives: A Novel by Chris Bohjalian ISBN: 0375706771 Publisher: Vintage Books Pub. Date: 08 November, 1998 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
 |
Title: Idyll Banter : Weekly Excursions to a Very Small Town by Chris Bohjalian ISBN: 1400052157 Publisher: Harmony Books Pub. Date: 16 December, 2003 List Price(USD): $22.00 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
