The Little Book: A Novel

I have waited too long to write a review of this book. I loved it so much, that I struggled to find the words to describe why, to do it justice. I still have not found the words, but I do know that this is one of my favorite books of all time! Selden Edwards created a masterpiece here, one full of beautifully formed characters, perfectly constructed plot, and beautiful, unforgettable settings.I could not understand how anyone could realistically accomplish the intricacy of the plot of this story that slithers purposefully and constructively through time. Then I read the Author's Note and realized that this historical fiction was devotedly crafted over a period of over thirty years, a time during which Mr. Edwards added touches, revised, and reconstructed. In short, this book is nothing less than amazing.Many of the historical details found in this book are accurate. Having been exposed to the late nineteenth century Vienna in college and having uncovered a profound interest in this time and place, Mr. Edwards used lots of facts in which to bring his realistic characters to life. He also allowed his fictional characters to interact with actual historical figures.This book is told by Flora, the mother of the main character, Wheeler Burden. She tells the story of how her son one day in 1988 found himself suddenly walking the streets of Vienna in 1897. He had no recollection of how he happened to get there. It was fortunate that Wheeler had learned so much about this very dynamic time period during his days in High School from Professor Esterhazy. He was able to set about the task of living there.This book challenged me intellectually, made me ponder things that never before interested me, and made me savor and appreciate the fine craftsmanship that went into this book. As I said, this is one of my favorite books of all time. Considering the number of books I read, this is high praise. Yet, it still seems insufficient praise for a book of this quality! Thanks for this unforgettable book, Mr. Edwards.

This is a time travel novel involving the Burden family: son, Wheeler, his father, and his grandfather. We first meet Wheeler, an iconic figure in his time, both former rock star and now editor of his private school teacher's book about late 19th century Vienna. He appears in that time and place and meets his father there, appearing younger than his son. His father was apparently transported during his interrogation/death by the Gestapo. Complicating matters, the grandfather is also present in his current time and Wheeler stole from him when he first arrived. We see many recursive loops and potential complications as Wheeler falls in love with a young American and his father plots to kill Hitler as a child. Sigmund Freud aslo plays a key role in the story. We also get background history on the family and some of the unusual items in their pasts fall in place. It was an intriguing and clever book with a good dose of history mixed in.

I've known this book since its publication, and it stands as one of my favorite novels to go back to every handful of years. As our world feels more uncertain with each passing year, this story of predestined outcomes acts as a salve for everyday angst. Highly recommended.

I've always been interested in time travel, so that's why I chose this book. It started with great ideas and ended okay, but a large chunk in the middle was quite tedious and boring. But ... I was interested enough to see it through to the end. There was too much talk about turn of the century politics, arts and literature in Vienna for my personal taste.

A friend of mine suggested I get my hands on a new book, "The Little Book", by Selden Edwards. I am glad that I followed her sage advice. This book is creative, well-written, entertaining, and educational. I love it when a book is both challenging and comfortable at the same time, like slipping into a old lounge chair while watching an intelligent thriller. The writing is so gosh-darn good, I'm jealous at the same time as I am savoring every deliciously put-together sentence.The main character in the story, Wheeler, has traveled back into time and landed right in the middle of 1897 Vienna. It's an interesting time in history and also an interesting time for Wheeler who uses everything at his disposal- his knowledge of history, his knowledge of his past, and his knowledge of his family's past to blend in and survive. Along the way he meets folks who have touched his life or the lives of those close to him in one way or another, in one time and place or another. If this all seems confusing, it's not, Edwards does as a fantastic job of making things crystal clear to the reader and at the same time keeping the reader on her toes.This book is a triumph as a mystery, a thriller, a romance, and strictly on its literary merits, don't miss it.

Have read it twice!. Wonderful, absorbing time travel novel with incredibly interesting and intriguing plot line and charismatic characters.

El producto es el adecuado por sus especificaciones y material segùn lo descrito en el momento de la compra on line

Einmalige Geschichte, sehr schöne Sprache, hoch interessante Reise in verschiedene Zeitepochen, vor allem ins historische künstlerische Wien in der Aufbruchzeit

Don't be fooled by the title!This is a big book in every way: a book that will tick all the boxes and cling to your memory from the moment you turn the last page.Wheeler Burden suddenly finds himself displaced from 1988 San Francisco to 1897 Vienna, and the description of that city at that time simply takes your breath away.Though not an out and out time travel tale it nevertheless brings together all the delights that you could wish for from that genre: Wheeler suddenly confronted by his much younger father and so on.To say anymore would ruin the classic moments as they unfold, all nicely interwoven with the appearances of Sigmund Freud, Mark Twain, Gustav Mahler and Buddy Holly.Beware: if you have a little of the sentimentalist about you, this book will tear at your heartstrings like no other. If you aren't a sentimentalist then I feel sorry for you - you are missing that warm feeling I have now whenever I recall this clever story.It doesn't get any better than this.

Selden Edwards ist ein erstaunlicher Erstling (und wahrscheinlich auch Einzling) gelungen. Seine abstruse Zeitreise-Prämisse verwebt er auf äußerst spannende Art und Weise mit der ersten Hälfte des letzten Jahrhunderts. Dabei schafft er es auch noch, weitestgehend schlüssige Figuren zu zeichnen, die vielleicht ein bisschen zu willig ihr verwegenes Schicksal hinnehmen. Unterhaltend ist das aber allemal und es fesselt von der ersten bis zur letzten Seite. Es ist verwunderlich, dass sich noch kein deutscher Verleger gefunden hat. Aber auch das Original baut sprachlich keine großen Hürden auf.