Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

[Merilyn]

The novel begins with the arrival of a young 'dying' Hollywood actress at the tiny seaside town of Porto Verogna on the Italian Riveria where she meets young Pasquale Tursi the proprietor the towns only place to stay ' The Hotel Adequate View'. From here the novel introduces a number of different characters who in there own way have some relation to either Pasquale or the actress Dee Morary. Bender the war veteran is desperately trying to write a novel but finds himself drinking himself stupid instead. The failed Shane wants to see his film idea come to fruition and Claire is stuggling to find meaning in her choice of career. There if a bit of everything here love, tragedy, failure, ambition and hope. Reminicient of 'A visit from the goon squad' by Jennifer Egan 'Beautiful ruins' travels from past to present but comes together effortlessly in the end. The seemingly endless cast of characters may not be for everyone but overall this is an enjoyable read.