Breaking of Eggs, The
Powell, JimFeliks Zhukovski, born in Poland, resident of Paris, is a man of order and routine and leftist sympathies. His life has centred around publishing a travel guide to the eastern bloc. When the Iron Curtain is swept aside, so too are the assumptions and convictions underpinning his life. This is a story of Europe, wartime and aftermath, and what happens when you are forced to question what you have always believed. Thoughtful in content, light-hearted in style. What's Hot - May 2013
Comments from Groups
A true book club read. Dannevirke 001 The group, except for one, found it to be an astonishingly good book. Extremely well written and set in a diverse and complex scenario. Thoroughly recommended. Christchurch 166 Our group enjoyed this moving story and the skilful writing style, combining historical events and storytelling. Auckland 167 We enjoyed this intelligent and well written book and it generated much discussion within the group. We would recommend this book. Paraparaumu 001 There was a mixed reaction to this book. The majority enjoyed it appreciating its overall plot and themes of national identity and a possibly unfulfilled life. Auckland 015 Could have been our best book and therefore best discussion this year. Members loved the combination of novel, character and politics. Hamilton 007 An amazing story, one that we all thoroughly enjoyed. Written in a fairly light-hearted manner, it nevertheless covered all the emotions. A great lesson in geography and history; well written with good characters. Quite thought-provoking with many "what ifs" - very much recommended. Whitby 002 The members all agreed that the book was a worthwhile read. We enjoyed seeing the development of Feliks, from a non emotional, static introvert, to his realisation that a perspective of events had a bearing on perception. Circumstances led him to meet his brother, which set him on a path to investigate changes in Europe, politics and eventually to confront his past. Finding overwhelming emotion when hearing from his mother, helped Feliks to realise he was not just an onlooker, but actually part of a relationship. He no longer thought only of himself, but came to realise he belonged to a home, family and friends. Katikati 001 We liked the book. It was interesting that a lot of things that happened to the main character, were perceived by his brother to mean the opposite. The politics/war was interesting but overbearing at times. It led to a varied discussion on perspectives, war time and history. Auckland 248 Most of the group found it a challenge, but it created a long discussion. Christchurch 262 We thought that parts of this book (ie the mother's letter) were very well written, but most of us found the constant self examination and politics of the narrator repetitive and, at times. tedious. Tauranga 038 "Clever writing" was the consensus of opinion. The questions gave us much to discuss and think about. Hamilton 024
Pages
342
342
Year
2010
2010
Reviews
05-10-2021
A really really good book. Most enjoyed the questions.
03-12-2020
Most of us really enjoyed this book and we had a good discussion around the different elements of the narrative. A couple of the group found the time and situation changes hard to navigate and felt they made for disjointed reading.
25-01-2019
Everyone enjoyed this book. We had probably the longest and deepest discussion of any we have had in the 3-4 years of our group. Highly recommended.
25-01-2019
People really enjoyed this book. We found the change within the main character wonderful as he came to realise very important 'truths' about his family and life.
25-01-2019
Best book this year.
25-01-2019
No low scores, but our group very divided into those who loved this book and those who felt frustrated with some 'conveniences'. Great history lesson and discussion though!
25-01-2019
Most of us enjoyed the book - interesting to read a different aspect on communism. We found Feliks to be very irritating in his insistence that his views were always 'right" and others were deluded, though the humour brought a lighter side to him. Some members thought it was too intellectual, and that all the loose ends tied up too neatly at the end. A fascinating look at an aspect of history ( the plight of Poland - invaded by both Nazis and Russians) that isn't often addressed.
25-01-2019
Our Group all enjoyed "The Breaking of Eggs". An interesting story portrayed through an average man as his life changed radically when he came in touch with his past. His outlook broadened through travel to America where he met different people and family members he hadn't seen in years; changing his views from the narrow outlook of his pervious life. A book to make one think.
25-01-2019
All loved this book.
25-01-2019
Everyone really enjoyed this. Well-written and thought provoking on many levels.
22-06-2018
We all loved this book. Feliks appears unemotional in the first part of the novel until he finds the letter from his mother. A must read.