Philip and the Others: A Novel (English and Dutch Edition) - Hardcover

Nooteboom, Cees

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 080711376X ISBN 13: 9780807113769

Publisher: Louisiana State Univ Pr, 1988

Synopsis

A tale of a young man's trip through Europe and the unusual people he encounters during his journey of self-discovery as he attempts to attain perfection

About this title

Language Notes:

Text: English, Dutch (translation)

Review:

Dutch writer Nooteboom's first novel, written in 1955, begins with young Philip visiting his uncle Antonin Alexander----~'a strange man." The uncle asks whether Philip has brought a gifL This question, with Philip's response, becomes a recurring ritual that frames the novel. As a young boy, Philip is hesitant: "I don't think so, Uncle." He dutifully cuts flowers from a neighboring garden to present to his uncle. Much of Philip's puzzlement and wonder during his visit form the foundation of a coming-of-age story. Why has his uncle never married? Why does he wear rings on his fingers? What is the story behind the collection of books, each one inscribed to Paul Sweeloo, in the room where Philip stays? Philip leaves his uncle's house and has a series of adventures that reverberate with the mystery of his visit with Uncle Alexander. Many of the people Philip meets tell him stories. In a sense, Philip chases stories. He searches for a girl, Marcelle, described to him in a tale told by a stranger. One fantastic scene involves Marcelle attending a concert where audience members sit at grand pianos and play so beautifully that they give the conductor a standing ovation and play an encore. Eventually, Philip meets Marcelle; he also returns to his uncle. Alexander asks whether Philip has brought him a gift. Philip, full of stories he might offer his uncle, says he has not. Is this the end of the story or a new beginning? -- From Independent Publisher

About this edition

• Publisher: Louisiana State Univ Pr
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 080711376X
• ISBN 13: 9780807113769
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 107