Eight short stories; often built on dialog; to tell about some aspects of life in todays world; its contradictions and; above all; the difficult search for new values.The tale "The Refusal"; which gives the title to this short collection; was written in the aftermath of the fall of the Twin Towers: the episode is present in watermark; it could be any other situation of war and violence to which; unfortunately; we are too accustomed nowadays; but that people cannot accept; because the normality are not death; violence or massacre; that make people lose their reference points; as it is also stated in the tale "War". In an absurd world where the only parameter for the evaluation is the high efficiency in our job (as it is ironically stated in "The Zoo" and "The new Managind Director" ); perhaps all is not lost: there are still stories of love and jealousy ("Annalisa"); the natural instinct arrives yet to prevail on our rationality ("The Jump"); the people try to build new relationships; to find new formulas to love each other and live together: see for example the stories told in "The Foreigner"; which presents the difficulties; but also the beauty of a relationship between people of different nationalities and cultures so distant as Italian and Somali; or even "On the edge of the bed"; which describes the formation of a family quite different from the pattern we are accustomed to consider; with the common life of a husband; a wife; the husbandrsquo;s lover and the two children that the man has had with the two women.
#372652 in eBooks 2012-08-08 2012-08-08File Name: B008LMDABU
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ... Incredible Man By Debra LaComette November 2016 I thoroughly enjoyed this bookBy Debra LaCometteAn Incredible Biography of an Incredible ManBy Debra LaComette November 2016I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Upon reading this book. which I really took my time. I felt completely immersed in the life of Louis.Louis from early on seem to live on the edge.He was fortunate in the aspect that he was able to discover at an early age. what his passion was and how it would develop into a lifelong career despite the many obstacles he faced.His attitude and his approach to life and its variables was so incredibly positive.That may have very well been 50% of his success.He also had the uncanny ability to ward off anger. hate and pure racism which seemed to consistently be one step in front of him.Louis also seemed to be unusually obsessed with his horn and his productivity with it. It makes one wonder. where did he get that drive? It appeared to be there day in and day out. he could not stop or rest till the 24 hour day was completed.I felt the author spent much time and effort researching his text and also had the ability to remain objective in his relaying of the information.I would highly recommend this book. not only if one is interested in the history of Jazz. but also to appreciate Louis Armstrong. not only as an incredible musical genius but as an extraordinary human being as well.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. FascinatingBy T. MacfarlaneReally enjoyed this one. I particularly like the balance found by the author between Louis personal and musical lives. not easy to do but essential in understanding and telling the story of an artist. The author neither flinches nor judges. neither adores nor idolizes. In the end. I had the feeling of knowing this great musician and remarkable man. He lived a rely original and authentic life. and we (particularly we musicians) are much the richer for it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I Enjoyed The Ride!By ethan kenningThis is a well written and researched biography of Louis Armstrong. one of the founding fathers of american jazz. His colorful life and innovative playing style inspired and set the tone for generations of musicians. His influence on american music is unparalleled. He rose from a childhood of extreme poverty in New Orleans to become the american good will ambassador of music. I enjoyed the ride.
