The Hare with Amber Eyes is a beautifully written story about an aristocratic family and their art collection. The book begins with the author, Edmund de Waal, discovering a vase (made by his great-uncle) in his parents’ home. This discovery prompts Edmund to begin researching his family’s history and he soon discovers that they were once quite wealthy and had amassed a large art collection. However, during World War II the family was forced to flee Vienna and all of their possessions were either sold or stolen. The only thing that survived was a small ceramic hare sculpture which had been given to Edmund’s grandfather by an artist friend just before the war began. As Edmund investigates further he learns more about his ancestors and the fascinating stories behind some of the pieces in their former art collection.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone with an interest in art, history, or family stories. The writing is beautiful and the story is intriguing.
Pros :
- The author has a beautiful writing style which brings the story to life
- The book is filled with interesting historical information about art and the aristocratic family featured in the story
- The narrative flows gracefully from one chapter to another, making it an enjoyable read
Cons :
- The story can be slow at times
- The author spends a lot of time discussing the artworks in great detail, which some readers might find boring
- The book doesn’t have much of a plot
Learn more about the author
Edmund de Waal is an artist and writer. He was born in London, England in 1960.
Reader Reviews
“The Hare with Amber Eyes is a beautifully written and engaging account of an aristocratic family’s fall from grace and subsequent efforts to rebuild their lives. The author does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life and sharing their stories, which are at once tragic and inspiring. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in European history or art.”
“This is a stunning book – beautifully written and so full of interesting information. I loved the way it traced Edmund’s family history, from their origins in Russia to their life in Vienna and eventual exile during World War II. The art pieces described were all very fascinating, and I was touched by the stories behind them. A truly wonderful read!”
“An absolutely beautiful book – I could not put it down. The author’s writing is so descriptive that you feel like you are right there in the room with him, looking at all of the art pieces mentioned. A real family saga, full of tragedy and triumph.”
“This book is a must-read for anyone interested in art, history, or psychology. It weaves together the story of an aristocratic family and their art collection with tales of war and loss that are both heartbreaking and inspiring.”
