Something to Remember You By: A Perilous Romance

It's something of a crime that Gene Wilder has retired from acting. The legendary funnyman, known for some of the funniest films ever made, in recent years has become an author, turning out one book every two years or so.His latest, "Something to Remember You By" (St. Martin's Press), is his fourth work of fiction following the novels "My French Whore" and "The Woman Who Wouldn't," and the short story collection "What Is This Thing Called Love?" Like his previous books, it's a charming, low-key romantic tale that is both funny and sad.Set during World War II, the story concerns Tom Cole, a Jewish corporal injured during the Siege of Bastogne, Belgium on Christmas Day 1944. He recuperates in a hospital in London, and following his release, falls in love for the first time with an enigmatic Danish girl named Anna. Wilder is a hopeless romantic at heart, and the early scenes of Tom and Anna having beautiful dinners at a small café and then making love are thoughtfully and poignantly written.As it becomes clear that Anna is not the girl Tom thought, the story unfortunately wanes a bit as Tom becomes part of an elaborate plot to rescue several women from a concentration camp. The ending is also rather flat. Of Wilder's three novels, this is probably the least successful, but it is a fine work nonetheless, with enough clever dialogue, quirky characters, and genuine romance to make it worth reading.Wilder, who turns 80 this summer, has not appeared in a feature film in more than 20 years. I guess we should be glad that at least he is entertaining us with the written word, although it would be so nice to see him back on the big screen again.

This WWII novel is a fast read but it leaves one wanting a good desl more of the story. Its a badic romance between two peole working in intelligence who seemingly manage the impossible with ease. There is not much detail if you are a person who likes to really know the ins and outs of how things are accomplished. It could have been a much more staisfying read if the author had really fleashed out his characters and his story

This is a terrific fictional work of Mr. Gene Wilder. It shows an unusual vantage point of a love during the Great War. Very touching. I highly recommend it.

Excellent read. The story held my attention right through to the end.

Gene, with his "infectious" smile and his clever wit could win over anyone. Couple that with his innate ability to compose, and it cannot be beaten. My wife Loves him, and his literature. We are tickled to see Gene offer up his work to us to share and enjoy ! Thank you Gene, GOD bless you. : ^ )

It will make a nice gift for my brother and came with a nice note as well

Gene ilder is an amazing, quiet writer. He is sensitive and gives all the feeling of the story. I have 3 other of his books and none have disappointed! You'll love this along with his others. Something very special..........

I bought this for my daughters birthday. Both her and I are fans. She has read this book and she has enjoyed this book.

It's quite odd, but to my mind this novel falls into two parts, just as if the plot had been reset and started all over again yet displaying a completely different attitude.In the first half Tom Cole, the hero, falls in love with a woman, loses track of her and rescues her. Like in today's average Hollywood blockbuster this happens quite smoothly. Troubles and problems are introduced, only to be solved in the simplest way, the villains are one-dimensionally villanous and subsequently dealt with. Since it is mostly written in dialogue imagining this novel as a movie came quite natural to me. Moreover I could even imagine which actor would be best fit to play which part, which made it a real funread.The second part of the story, where Tom yet again is sent on a rescue mission, this time to save a friend, proved to me more satisfying. For here the villains are far less stereotype and the suffering becomes more real, all in all it's more diverse. All in all this contrasting element was so interesting that it made up for some flaws, like the sketchiness of the plot and the factual error of having a generation growing up between Hitler's rise in 1933 and the winter of 1944/45.

Arrived promptly, love it, many thanks

thought this book was absolutely amazing. if you like his other books you'll love this...just shows how talented Gene Wilder is :)