[.ca] Love and Glory (ISBN 0440146291)

The Great Versatility of Robert B. Parker:
Years ago, when I first discovered Spenser and immediately read them all I decided to take a chance with "Love and Glory". It truly shows the versatility of Parker. It is a roller-coaster of emotions which will endure the ages of time. I recommend it highly!

Real insight into the thinking of well-known author:
If you enjoy the Spenser novels, you will probably enjoy this - although the novel is not about Spenser. The main character wants to win the fair haired maiden at any cost and in that sense is romantic. What is lacking is any real history of the main character that would give him more life. The ending is like a fairy tale. The main reason I read this was to provide insight into the thinking of the author who created Spenser, who in my opinion is a wonderful character. If I hadn't read the Spenser novels and really enjoyed them I doubt I would have read and enjoyed this novel.

One of the most beautiful and insightful love stories ever:
It is hard to comprehend what the other reviewers here missed. This is a deeply moving and timeless story of love, loss, horror, redemption, pursuit, return and sacrifice. The writing is clean, evocative and will touch you. You will feel, you will cry, you will understand.

Of course it's autobiographical...:
I didn't know there was any question of it. I first picked this book up years ago at the library because the opening is set at Colby College, a school attended by several friends and acquaintances and just up I-95 from here. I enjoyed it enough to follow the librarian's advice and try the Spenser novels (there were only a few then). It is generally assumed here in New England, home of Parker, Spenser, and Boone, that the story is based on Parker's own experiences. I'm buying a copy now for my son's girl friend, a Colby alumna.

A romance novel this isn't!:
Parker is an exceptionally good author but this is by far his worst work. At the very least, this novel is his pathetic attempt at emulating the day time soap operas and he fails miserably.