The Light in the Piazza Original Novel

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 9/4/05 at 9:51pm

Have any of you read it? How was it? I'm quite interested in reading it.

[NYCtheater]

Posted: 9/4/05 at 10:11pm

I loved the novel. It's actually quite short - about 110 or so pages and is a quick read, but it's a beautiful story. It's interesting to see the similarities between the book, musical and movie. I definitely recommend reading the book. :)

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 9/4/05 at 10:47pm

Thank you very much. I plan on reading the book.

[flaemmchen]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 10:17am

I loved loved loved the novel! It's just as evocative as the show, though, as NYCtheater said, there are subtle differences in the details of the story. The newest reissue of the novel comes in a compilation of Spencer's other Italian stories, which are also worth a read.

Updated On: 9/5/05 at 10:17 AM

[bcectchc]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 10:23am

The musical is not a strict adaptation of the novel. I was in attendance at a concert-style performance of the show in Weston, Vermont in July and Adam read the first chapter for us before the concert started. He told us that he had only ever read the novel ONCE, and then created the musical from his memory of the story. He said that he definitely did NOT scrutinize the novel for every detail of Spencer's story. I found that fascinating.

I must say that that evening was one of the finest experiences of my life!

[Hoof]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 12:18pm

I was a little disappointed with the novel- but it was still a good read. I appreciate the story and musical more now, so it's definitely not a waste.

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 9/5/05 at 12:46pm

Give it a read. It's a nice little novella and won't cost you much in terms of time or money to read it. I got my copy for about a dollar on half.com -- it was definitely worth that.

Posted: 9/5/05 at 1:15pm

I also belive the movie withe Olivia DeHavilland is a fantastic movie, and is worth checking out.