Invisible Love

I first read a book by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt (EES) a number of years ago. It was The Most Beautiful Book in the World. One of the very best books I ever read. EES writes beautifully and the translation was marvelous. One savors every word and sentence. Yet his books are quick reads because you cannot put them down. Invisible Love is a delightful book of five short stories and a chapter of author comments. The first story tells the tale of two gay men who wished to be married in a time when it was forbidden them. They entered a cathedral as a wedding was about to start and then, from the rear of the church, used that ceremony to create one of their own. The tale of the partners to each of the weddings are then interwoven throughout the fifty page short story. EES deftly displays his skill as a writer. The second story is a sixty five year tale of a man and his relationship with several dogs, each of which was very important to him, perhaps because the dogs, in their own way were more decent than many people he encountered. As I read this story I was reminded of one of the few striking sermons I heard in my life on the theme of “My dog is my spiritual advisor.” The point is that dogs bear no prejudice based on race, religion, age, gender preference or other superficialities. They value us based on the respect we show them. Each of these beautifully written stories leaves the reader with an opportunity to reflect on important values and relationships in our life. Once more, each is a well crafted tale. Alas, I only have two more of EES’s books left to read. I think most readers will enjoy this book. Do yourself a favor and if you have not yet read The Most Beautiful Book in the World, also order that.

So grateful for the excellent reviews & the reduced price on this, otherwise I never would have given this a chance as I hate short stories. Until these, I have never enjoyed them. But wow, what a wonderful surprise! I loved every one of them. What an incredible writer! Try Invisible Love, you won't be disappointed.

I could not put it down. Wonderful short stories, each different and each with an unexpected twist. I am going back to read it again tonight!

This man could not write anything less than a 5-star book!

Often set in Paris, the short stories in this collection are beautiful reflections on love and life. They are funny, touching, human. One gets an intimate sense of the characters who really come alive in these short stories. The structure of the stories is superbly crafted. I am now reading everything available in English by this remarkable author.

This book is remarkable. From the language, to the plots of the stories and the implicit connection between them the author creates a true masterpiece. I like Schmitt's other works too but this one strikes me as even more humane and compassionate which doesn't come at the price of the complexity of both story and characters.

Excellent short stories. Very creative and very moving. Came upon this book by accident and it is terrific.

Amazing author with yet another amazing set of stories - could not put the book down.

amazing story

This type book isn’t what I would normally read. I LOVED it ,each story was so realistic,moving and very emotional. I will definitely be reading more of this authors books

A book of short stories all good, the second story is deeply moving and poignant

Just wonderful in every way... touching, thoughtful, insightful, imaginative, beautiful, humain, endearing... Need I go on? .. oh ... and so beautifully written also...

Simply brilliant writer. Can't put down. Disappointed there are no more stories at the end.