Benjamin's Gift

By Michael Golding

Book Overview

From the acclaimed author of Simple Prayers, hailed by Thomas Keneally as a work of magic (and) a journey of wonder, comes the rich and captivating tale of an extraordinary father and son. Jean Pierre Michel Chernovsky is a paragon of the Gilded Age, a product of both Old World and New, and a collector of all things beautiful. Benjamin Chernovsky is his adopted orphan of the Depression, a boy whose remarkable beauty is flawed by a strawberry birthmark on his right cheek and throat and whose mind is blessed with a disturbing and miraculous gift. United by something more binding than blood, rivals for the affections of one indomitable and exotic woman, they will embark upon an odyssey filled with wild adventures and startling discoveries, a journey that will alter them -- and their century -- forever.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446675717
• ISBN13: 9780446675710
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Magical and Captivating

One of my top ten favorite books. It's impossible to put it down. A wonderful book about the bonds of life, and the many unexpected places they can take us. Though at times some of the side characters seem one sided, the Hero, Benjamin makes up for the lack. The story takes you through a historical time with a magical twist. Absolutely wonderful. I recomend this book to all!

My apologies that it's taken me this long to say "Thank you"

A contemporary fairy tale which bypasses the logical mind and enters one's heart and soul directly. Thank you Michael.

Golding's Magical Gift

I loved this book! The characters are marvelous -- warm, funny, and alive -- and the story is surprisingly moving. Golding has a gift for language and his lightness is deceptive; you are pulled into a tale that you will not forget. I loved Golding's first book, SIMPLE PRAYERS and BENJAMIN'S GIFT is every bit as wonderful. Don't hesitate to buy it.

Loved it.

From page one, this book grabbed me. Really enjoyed the characters and the way the author tells a story using the same surrealistic approach Gabriel Garcia Marquez uses in 100 Years of Solitude. Characters you don't want to say goodbye to when the book is finished and a way of telling a sad yet happy story with a bittersweet ending that makes you smile and cry at the same time. Excellent. Can't wait for Golding's next book.

Captivating & magical story of a special gift.

BENJAMIN`S GIFT is one of the most original stories it has been my pleasure to read. As the story unfolds, Benjamin discovers at a very young age that he has a special gift which allows him to transport himself from one place to another at will. He uses this gift in a variety of ways over a period of several decades. The plot is both captivating and magical,and keeps one always wondering just how Benjamin will decide to ultimately use this special gift. It isn`t often that you find a writer whose talent and gift for language leaves you anxiously awaiting each new sentence. Treat yourself to a wonderful experience and read this book!