Book Reviews
The Last Enchantments is a discover-thy-own-true-self story written by Charles Finch, a Chicago-based author and Printers Row Journal contributor well known for moody mysteries. It succeeds on some levels. It baffles on many more. It is at times wonderfully written and at times not wonderful at all. I harbor affection for the book it might have been.
Beth Kephart - Chicago Tribune
[A] privileged young man stretching his way through the unavoidable emotional growing pains of, well, growing up—is at turns charming and annoying.... Finch is an able narrator, and The Last Enchantments moves quickly. Bank on a focused, four-hour session to sweep through it. You'll have a nice time, but much like college, you won't necessarily want to go back.
Tucker Shaw - Denver Post
Will Baker, formerly a staffer on the failed John Kerry campaign, decides to salve his wounded ego by spending a year at...Oxford.... The strength of Finch’s novel is its vivid portrayal of Oxford University in all its history, along with the school’s ancient and quirky traditions, and colorful student body and faculty. Sadly, readers may find this deft scene-setting wasted on a protagonist as vacuous and aimless as Will.
Publishers Weekly
(Starred review.) Young man studies abroad, falls in love with his new surroundings, and meets a beautiful woman: that sounds like the gist of every campus story ever told, but Finch's charming effort distinguishes itself with its personal touch.... Finch's first contemporary novel...often reads less like fiction than as memoir, and will be enjoyed by readers of both —Michael Pucci, South Orange P.L., NJ
Library Journal
[A] lyrical ode to youth, idealism and love in a contemporary novel about a young man's year of graduate studies at Oxford University.... Finch brings each character to life with striking effectiveness as they struggle with issues of class, the political climate, academics and their futures. A portrait of university life that's contemplative and nostalgic.
Kirkus Reviews
Last Enchantments (Finch) - Book Reviews
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