Brilliant as ever

Julian Barnes never fails to delight. insightful, intuitive - masterful observation of being human.

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A novel and touching book, the likes of which I’ve never read before

A novel and touching book, the likes of which I’ve never read before.

I came across this book by chance in a sale and was totally unprepared for what was to come, leaving my somewhat thrown by the first act (no spoilers).

Such was my unpreparedness that I almost gave up but, being a third through, I persevered. I am glad I did because I was treated to an insight into grief and loss that I didn’t know I needed as much as I did.

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4 people found this helpful

Entertaining, informative, beautiful, sad, moving

Entertaining musings on the technical and psychological changes in humanity's ability to view itself heralded by the invention and combination of photography and aeronautics. Then follows a deeply personal detailing of the writer's experience of romantic love, loss and grief. Beautiful and sad, and powerfully moving.

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1 person found this helpful

Superb

brilliant and heart rending. words are inadequate, yet I am deeply touched by the author's.
Beautifully written and beautifully read.
And combined, it seems with rare scholarship. Thank you. KB

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Well written but not his best

I did enjoy this short book and the final section dealing with the loss of his wife was both touching and fabulous. I hold back on my rating however as the initial set up, all about balloon flight, went on far too long for me. I know that's Julian's style but this time, as I say, it felt too long a preamble.

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2 people found this helpful

Captivating

Julian Barnes draws the reader easily into his books and his own reading of his writing is captivating. The final section was an exploration of personal grief, in these days without the comfort of a belief in an afterlife. Very moving.

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Extraordinary writing about ballooning and grief

I selected this book on a whim not knowing quite what to expect primarily on the basis that I loved Julian Barnes' previous book Flaubert's Parrot and this was on sale at the bargain price of one pound (I don't mind admitting that I like a bargain). It starts off as an intriguing history of the pioneers of ballooning in nineteenth century France before the author gets distracted and starts to talk about his love for his late wife. The beauty of this book, narrated by the author, is the heartfelt way that he talks of his personal all consuming grief. It would take a hard person not to be moved by this writing.

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enjoyable loved his narration

Mr Barnes writes a good book took me a while to get into it but that was possibly me having listened to light weight stuff before but once on the right wave leghnth really enjoyed it recommend it

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The tropics of grief

Would you listen to Levels of Life again? Why?

Totally and utterly heartbreaking.His exploration of his own grief of losing his wife of 30 years is detailed and totally honest

What did you like best about this story?

his honesty and total love of his wife

Which scene did you most enjoy?

It hurts as much as it's worth,so in a way one relishes the pain. if it didn't matter,it wouldn't matter

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

i was in flood of tears

Any additional comments?

the most beautiful book i have read in years

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12 people found this helpful

Levels of life and death

I found it very helpful personally. but i found the writer rather smug at times.

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