Burden of Desire
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Book Overview
Set against a vived backdrop of a world at war,Burden of Desireopens with a cataclysmic explosions that provides the novel's extraordinary central metaphor. The blast and its aftermath, which devastates Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1917, rocks the lives of the three major characters, and ensures that the world as they know it will never be the same again. Brilliantly blending suspense and eroticism with rich historical detail, Robert MacNeil sets the stage for one of the most provocative tales of desire and obsession to be found in recent fiction. Magnificent in scope,Burden of Desireis work of rare emotional power in which acts of love and war come vividly and sensually to life.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0385420196
ISBN13:9780385420198
Release Date:February 1992
Publisher:Nan A. Talese
Length:466 Pages
Weight:1.93 lbs.
Dimensions:1.5" x 6.4" x 9.4"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Burden of Desire
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 19 years ago
Historical fiction dealing with a little known historical event, the Halifax Explosion. Most people associate Halifax Nova Scotia with the Titanic Cemetery. The story of the Halifax Explosion is actually more horrendous because many more lives were lost than on the Titanic and injuries were far greater. Excellent writing and intriguing sub-plot. I read this book before visiting Halifax which made my visit even more meaningful.
Totally Captivating
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Based upon an actual event in history I was swept away, brought into the web of this story, constantly wanting to read on to what was next and what I expected did not happen, great ending!!!
A big, juicy thoroughly enjoyable story
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
What a delight to read a story that captivates on so many different levels. The three main characters come to life and you can't help but care what happens to them and the people around them. The history of the Halifax explosion and its aftermath was fascinating. It really is amazing how little Americans know about Canada and Canadian history. Put it all together and you've got a story with sex, mystery, politics and religion that keeps you guessing how its going to turn out right up to the very end. A novel to truly get lost in for hours at a time.
Beautifully written. Very Sensual.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
This book was informative and beautifully written. I loved Julia's story. Her dairy entries were so sensual and personal. MacNeil brought a beautiful woman to life for me. He wrote with such a feminine voice. There were times in the book, though, where it was a little too textbook-like in the Freudian discussions. Overall, I loved it and have bought his "Voyage"
An extremely readable historical romance.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
This was a very fast read for me. Indeed I was sorry to reach the end of it. MacNeil's reporting skills are evident in a strong, straightforward narration, filled with interesting (at least to me) detail on the tragic Halifax harbor explosion in 1917 and, more broadly, on Canada itself during WWI when it really seemed to establish its own national identity. Readers should also find the novel's characters both well-drawn and appealing, and its numerous sub-plots come together naturally in the satisfying conclusion. I strongly agree with one reviewer's comment that this is a refreshingly "humane" work. I recommend "Burden of Desire" highly.
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