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Jess Walter

Beautiful Ruins

Jess WalterFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012

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Book Brief

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Jess Walter

Beautiful Ruins

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

337

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Italy • 1960s

Theme
Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter is a historical fiction romance set across multiple decades and locations, interweaving the lives of several characters affected by the filming of the 1963 movie Cleopatra, including a would-be actress and her infatuated Italian hotelier, as they navigate the complexities and dreams shattered by the film industry.

Bittersweet

Mysterious

Nostalgic

Emotional

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

3.8

192,614 ratings

61%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jess Walter's Beautiful Ruins is praised for its imaginative narrative, captivating characters, and clever interweaving of multiple timelines and perspectives. While some critics highlight its emotional depth and humor, others feel the plot can be overly complex and the pacing inconsistent. Overall, it's a richly crafted read that skillfully blends romance, history, and satire.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Beautiful Ruins?

Readers who enjoy intricate, multi-layered narratives with a blend of humor and poignancy, such as those found in Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See or Amor Towles's A Gentleman in Moscow, will find themselves captivated by Jess Walter's Beautiful Ruins. It appeals to those who appreciate both historical and contemporary settings interwoven seamlessly.

3.8

192,614 ratings

61%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

337

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Italy • 1960s

Theme
Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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