Still Life by Sarah Winman is an expansive novel with a great cast of characters. The basic summary is that an English soldier during WWII saves a man in Florence. That man later leaves his home and possessions to the English soldier, who takes a chance and moves from East End London to Florence.
Beyond the basics, there is so much happening in this novel. The soldier and main character is named Ulysses Temper. During the war his captain, Darnley, teaches him how to appreciate art. In a random meeting, Ulysses and Darnley enjoy an amazing glass of wine with an art historian Evelyn, whose father is HW Skinner and who is friends with EM Forster and Constance Everly. Some of these characters are real people and others are great fictions.
After the war, Ulysses returns to the East End London to live above his friend Col’s pub. He reconnects with a long-time friend Cressy, and learns that his wife Peg had a daughter Alys while he was away at war. When Ulysses learns that he has inherited money and property, Cressy and Alys come with him to Florence where they set up a pensionne for British and American travellers. They meet another cast of characters, and collectively survive and flourish.
This is such a big hearted book about love in all its forms. Plus, there’s all the art and food you could expect from a novel mostly set in Italy.
Published by Penguin Random House Canada