I picked up this book because everyone I knew was reading it and praising its beautiful prose (beautiful is an understatement, really: Vallejo’s writing is a delicacy, and the translation into English by Charlotte Whittle is masterful), the seamless way in which the author weaves the events that took place in the ancient world and compares them to the present in order to help the reader truly understand their significance, and the honest declaration of love for books that these pages truly are. Reading Papyrus has helped me understand and visualize ancient Rome and Alexandria in new and different ways, and value the written word even more. We owe so much to those who came before us and treasured and protected historical texts embodied in rolls, clay tablets, vellum, metal, wax, wood, and paper for future generations −for us! Irene Vallejo brings their efforts and vicissitudes to our attention with captivating precision and grace.
Papyrus is the perfect read for booklovers everywhere. You don’t need to be a scholar to enjoy it. Vallejo tells her tale in an accessible and endearing way. If you want to find out where books come from, as well as how and why they have become such an important presence in our lives, you will definitely love Papyrus. Get your copy now! You won’t regret it.
You must be logged in to post a comment.