The History of Love

By: Nicole Krauss

Narrated by: George Guidall, Barbara Caruso, Julia Gibson, Andy Paris

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Nicole Krauss' first novel, Man Walks Into a Room, was shortlisted for the Los Angeles Times Book Award and her short fiction has been collected in Best American Short Stories. Now The History of Love proves Krauss is among our finest and freshest literary voices.

It has been decades since Leo Gursky first surrendered his heart, then wrote a book about it, at the tender age of 10, and he's been in love with the same person ever since. Leo believes his book is lost to time, but what he doesn't know is, not only has it survived 60 years without him, it has also been an inspiration to others. Fourteen-year-old Alma was even named for a character from the book. When she realizes how deeply the story touched her lonely mother, she embarks on a search for answers.

The History of Love is an imaginative tale of love and loss that is at once funny, mysterious, and deeply passionate.

Don't miss Nicole Krauss and Salman Rushdie at The New Yorker Festival.

©2005 Nicole Krauss (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"An intriguing books-within-a-book narrative....Venturing into Paul Auster territory in her graceful inquiry into the interplay between life and literature, Krauss is winsome, funny, and affecting." (Booklist)
"Writing with tenderness about eccentric characters, [Krauss] uses earthy humor to mask pain and to question the universe. Her distinctive voice is both plangent and wry, and her imagination encompasses many worlds." (Publishers Weekly)
"If for no other reason than the range of voices she has persuasively created, Ms. Krauss would stand out as a prodigious talent....Ms. Krauss's work is illuminated by the warmth and delicacy of her prose." (The New York Times)

Wonderful-Yes it was over too soon

In a world of fast paced, too-quickly written fiction, this beautiful work of art is slow and lush. The language is simple and strong. The images evoke a tangible reality. The characters (specifically Leo Gursky) are developed from youth through senility with a careful, respectful hand. "The History" could have been written by an older writer, but Nicole Krauss' youth is filled with promise.

Historical iterary references are beautifully and realistically incorporated into fiction.

But the most amazing aspect of the book (which is a story about a book) is the voice, the language. Leo Gursky, one of the primary narrators, speaks in the first person of his past and present, his fears, longings, regrets. What might be called "digression" in another writer, here is done so naturally that the reader/listener travels with Leo from Poland to New York and back without disruption. Switching between a young narrator and Leo is equally smooth and credible. I longed to finish it, regretting it was over.

I too want to find Alma (all the Almas). I suffered to learn Issac may have (ultimately did) know of his father for a time when his father knew of him. Young Alma, the child in all of us, the seeker, the caretaker, the lover of life sought her father in every way she could.

The end, a little confusing for me. Did it happen this way? Did young Alma fill for Leo the void he carried those many years? Or had he, as he suggested, lost his mind?

And the surprising ascension of *Bird* to secretly help his sister's search, earning himself the title of *lamed vovnik,* added even more depth and parallelism.

I admit I borrowed the book from the library. Between listens, I went back and read from the book to clarify some of the plot that I feared I had missed.

The last 30 minutes (30 pp or so) were satisfying and explanatory and moving and wonderful.

Did I cry? Yes. A bit, at the end, from happiness. Did I laugh? Yes. Many, many times.

palpable poetry on the page

I enjoyed this audiobook enough to know that I'd want to re-read and savor certain passages. One really needs to be able to *read* this to get at the narrative's richness. When I bought the book, I was surprised to see how much Krauss had taken into account the page layout -- indeed, the rhythm of turning pages and unfolding revelations. It's a beautiful book-thing, and I don't know how effectively an audiobook can approximate the white space of the page.

Shocking, stirring, heart-warming, heart-breaking.

It's everything. I couldn't put it down. A story that spans 3 generations and a couple of continents, of dishonesty and mistaken identity and of every person's need to know who he or she is. It's complicated, confusing, frustrating. . . and it's divine. See for yourself.

Remarkable work of lyric beauty

How could someone as young as Nicole Krauss know the thoughts and words of a man in his 80s? This is a very romantic book that also shows a great respect for the diverse history and culture of Jewish people. The narration is almost ideal. I say "almost" because Julia Gibson's voice sets my teeth on edge (just as it did in Vanishing Acts). However, I did not let it stop me from giving it the top rating, probably because I could listen to George Guidall 24/7. Give it a try.

History of Love

A slow moving book with at least four readers. Very average or below.

What a tangled web ,

After hours of being confused it all came together.......and yet! The story was just okay.

Real, Illusion,Love and Aging

This was an interesting and well-told story.... But I was often muddled as I fumbled through distortion and time which was a kaleidoscope shifting all the way through. As the self-doubting characters struggled for truth, I found I was doubting my own ability to follow them...but in the end I was moved and glad I did. Go after the truth, but don't expect to find it, and you just might.

Beautiful and Moving

From the minute the narration starts, it reads like poetry.
I loved this moving book and hated to hear it end.

Beautifully written. Perfect narration.

This should be everyone's first audiobook. It is my first review. This book is destined to be a classic. Pulls you in and never lets you go. Brilliant blend of youth and age, humor and tears, love and life. Story lines that blend and intertwine into a vibrant tapestry. I experienced every emotion and am truly satisfied with this work as a whole. Brilliant.

Why did I wait so long?

I am so happy that I FINALLY listened to the History of Love. I have to emphasize the FINALLY part because I purchased this book about 2 years ago and it was one of those books that I had planned on listening to immediately, but never did. I even had it in my iPod for at least a year, so that can tell you that I was committed to listening (eventually) to it. Oh my god, what took me so long…this book is amazing! At least for me, this book turned out to be a treasure because had I know what awesomeness awaited me, I would have listened to this book sooner. I enjoyed every minute of this book. This book is so beautifully written and Nicole Krauss is a great writer. Her writing is nuanced, simple and strong. She’s seriously brilliant. Each character in this book is rich and strong and there was not one character that I didn't like - I can't say that about most books. I loved each of their stories and wish there was a follow up. I esp. want to know what kind of person Alma becomes. I loved her spirit, her curiosity, her introspection and dedication to her family. Her journey introduces us then gives us many moments to know her mother, her brother, Misha, and most of all at of Leo. Leo is the main character and the story begins with him and Alma is his counterpart. They embark on different journey's, have different life stories but in the end they are like Lego and fit. I can't recommend this book enough - it's that good. Take your time to savor this book.