This richly colored memoir chronicles the exploits of a flamboyant Jewish family; from its bold arrival in cosmopolitan Alexandria to its defeated exodus three generations later. In elegant and witty prose; André Aciman introduces us to the marvelous eccentrics who shaped his life--Uncle Vili; the strutting daredevil; soldier; salesman; and spy; the two grandmothers; the Princess and the Saint; who gossip in six languages; Aunt Flora; the German refugee who warns that Jews lose everything "at least twice in their lives." And through it all; we come to know a boy who; even as he longs for a wider world; does not want to be led; forever; out of Egypt.
#507575 in Books 2008-07-22 2008-07-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .88 x 5.65l; .80 #File Name: 0312352492256 pages
Review
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Amazing and spot on...By GregulusLife before the stranglehold of the Abrahamic monotheistic religions exhibited true freedoms of both mind and body...today's society still has a firm foothold in the social dark ages...free your mind! The best governments/societies would embrace such perspectives as: if it doesn't hurt anyone; leave it be and if it makes them happy; so be it!18 of 20 people found the following review helpful. DisappointingBy Professor KI was looking for some scholarly works on the current and past use of psychoactives for a course I am creating. I personally found this work to be lame. The author relates his perceived persecution by his thesis committee in having to remove aspects of his thesis; then proceeds to present ancient Greece and Rome as a society with open and accepted drug use (poisoning to medical to recreational). The author may well be correct that these cultures were well versed in the use of botanicals; but the information is presented in such a personally opinionated way that it is distracting. The information contained may serve as a starting point to find further information; however; I do not feel I can use it as a reference for anything that I present to my students.26 of 30 people found the following review helpful. Surprising truths they hid from usBy blueskiesI just received a copy of this book this week; and literally couldn't put it down since I found the topic fascinating. The author describes his ordeal with a doctoral dissertation committee; who were insisting that he remove offending chapters from his dissertation. Those chapters became this book.It seems to be a huge secret that there was recreational drug use by the ancients. The cradle of democracy was full of druggies! I had some classical studies and none of this was EVER mentioned. But; the use of herbals and botanicals for medicinal purposes was known. The use of psychotropic substances for recreation and inspiration was decidedly not taught.For a very fascinating look at a still taboo subject; I suggest reading ths book. It is an easy read; despite the scholarly origin for the author. I would have liked more scholarly references but probably wouldn't have understood them since I have no background in ancient Greek. I was particularly interested in the way the author tied the frequent wars to use of botanicals for medicine and relief. Life was difficult back then andit probably did help to numb the fear and pain of a very hostile world to have potent drugs sold in the marketplace along with the kitchen produce.Very readable and informative and a little naughty. I had no idea that the founders of Western democracy were bisexual druggies until I read this book!
