(by JD Jung)
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Robert Hellenga last month. He was one of my favorite authors who wrote with emotion, warmth and sensuality. Robert shared his love of Italy as well as the complexities of the human condition.
I was first introduced to his work by reading The Italian Lover, one of the most absorbing works of literary fiction that I have ever read. After that, I just had to learn more about the protagonist, Margo Harrington. That brought me to the prequel, The Sixteen Pleasures. I still couldn’t get enough, so I grabbed an earlier work featuring a supporting character, Alan “Woody”Woodhull, The Fall of a Sparrow which was full of as much passion and depth as the other two. That brought me to Philosophy Made Simple which featured Margo’s father. Rudy Harrington, who was trying to find the meaning of life.
I later emailed Robert, begging him to write more novels featuring these characters. He cordially responded that it would not happen.
Still, I bought The Confessions of Frances Godwin, which, though it didn’t feature any of the previous characters, was a compelling read. As with The Italian Lover, Hellenga seemed to understand the middle-aged woman’s mind. And, as in the other novels, he exploreed universal questions pertaining to the human existence, whether it be from a male or female perspective.
I haven’t read all of his novels, but I just bought his last one today, Love, Death & Rare Books. I can’t wait to start it.
Robert Hellenga and his masterful writing will be sorely missed.
(Please click on the titles above to read the reviews and learn more about these magnificent books.)
(Update: A Review of Love, Death & Rare Books has been posted on UnderratedReads.)
