Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

I saw the movie years ago and finally got around to reading the book. The two are different. It's interesting to read about Einar's inner life and how it feels like to him that Lily comes from within as her own person.

They are both artists. Einar paints scenes from the bogs where he grew up, colorless landscapes. It fits his shy personality very well. Greta is lively. She is a tall blonde from Pasadena, CA and has that American attitude. Her paintings evolve with Lily and they take on color and boldness like Pasadena. It's interesting how their painting styles reflect the person. I love that.

The story is set in Copenhagen which I've never read a story set there, I don't think. Names are interesting to read. Christianhavn and such.

The movie tends to be focused on Lily and it's her story while the book explores Greta as much. We see her back story and her life that led her to this point. I would say she gets credit for helping Lily feel comfortable in her skin. There were times she begged and begged to bring Lily out. I know this is historical fiction based on real people and I have to think that some of the stuff really happened in some way. I'm sure we don't know all the little details that David fills in.

I thought the ending was weak. I'm sure some people will appreciate it. There are times I think that open-ended endings work, but I don't feel like it worked here, especially since we know how the story goes. This is set in the 20s and 30s before WWII. I keep thinking about their lives. They have no idea what is about to roll over them for the next decade.

The mood is sad and contemplative overall.

I did enjoy this story. I feel like David Ebershoff writes like a painter and he layers things onto the page like a canvas. It's beautifully written.

The story really is about a marriage and what goes on between two people. Greta really did love Einar and Einar loved Lily, but Einar disappeared. It's so interesting how it's written. Just a fascinating story.