Mixed Review
I have mixed feelings about this book. Take Pickett’s use of diction so lofty many college professors would feel like idiots. At times, this language is eloquent and beautiful without ever sounding too purple. However, at a distance, the very same language gives an almost silly levity to an otherwise jittery, narcissistic character. Then there’s the way women practically throw themselves at the protagonist. All I can see is Paul Giamatti when I listen to this book, and he’s not a particularly dashing dude. It made more sense as the book progresses and it becomes clear that Raymond is tall and in possession of a full head of hair. This audiobook felt overall like a closure story, one written to show that Raymond finally found peace. Overall, the writing was beautiful and inspiring. I found myself writing every night after listening to more of the book. However, the character of Raymond Miles was way too in his own head for me to get into him. One of the best parts of this book was the celebration of the emerging wine industry in Chile. This book is masterfully narrated by Scott Brick. It’s always a delight to listen to a book read by him.