Heaven and Earth

"Heaven And Earth" is a beautiful and evocative novel by Paolo Giordano that follows Teresa as she spends her summers in her father's childhood home in Puglia, Italy. She meets the three boys who live on the masseria next door, and they share a complex, intimate bond. However, a twisted kind of love and a dark secret threaten to break the bond, and when Bern commits a brutal act of revenge, Teresa must confront the consequences of her past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 24 June 2021
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

A novel that is both devastating and marveling, Sunday Telegraph has praised it as a highly enjoyable read. Giordano excels in capturing the rich textures, scents, heat, and colors of the Italian south, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. His portrayal of love's obsessions, its dominance, distortion, and the self-delusions and fantasies it fosters is particularly insightful.

"Heaven and Earth" is deeply rooted in the picturesque region of Puglia, allowing readers to almost feel the red soil beneath their sandals. The Daily Mail describes it as raw and evocative, a breathtaking and poignant creation that will leave you itching under the skin. Herald further acclaims it as a stunning achievement, with André Aciman, the author of "Call Me By Your Name," praising it as perfect, moving, honest, brilliant, and featuring characters that feel like old friends.

Andrew Sean Greer, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Less," also hails it as the perfect novel. Paolo Giordano is considered one of the few great writers working today, and Edmund White praises him as such. Every summer, Teresa travels to her father's childhood home in Puglia, located in the heel of Italy. There, she spends long afternoons immersed in the sun-struck stupor, reading her grandmother's cheap crime paperbacks.

The summer she meets the three boys who live on the masseria next door changes her life forever. Nicola, Tommaso, and Bern, raised like brothers on a farm that feels almost suspended in time, share a complex, intimate, and seemingly unassailable bond. However, as Teresa delves deeper into their lives, she discovers that no bond is unbreakable, and no summer is truly endless. Beneath the surface of their idyllic existence, resentment simmers.

"Heaven and Earth" is a captivating tale that explores the complexities of love, friendship, and the human condition. Giordano's writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the heart of Puglia. The characters are well-developed, and their relationships are nuanced and layered. The novel also sheds light on the social and cultural dynamics of the region, adding depth to the story.

In conclusion, "Heaven and Earth" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted novel that delves into the depths of the human experience. With its rich imagery, compelling characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book will leave you pondering its messages long after you've finished reading.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474612166