An Arab and a Jew open a restaurant together across the street from the United Nations.... It sounds like the beginning of an ethnic joke, but it's the axis around which this gutsy, fun-loving, and alarmingly provocative novel spins, in which a bean can philosophizes, a dessert spoon mystifies, a young waitress takes on the New York art world, and a rowdy redneck welder discovers the lost god of Palestine-while the illusions that obscure humanity's view of the true universe fall away, one by one, like Salome's veils. ...
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An Arab and a Jew open a restaurant together across the street from the United Nations.... It sounds like the beginning of an ethnic joke, but it's the axis around which this gutsy, fun-loving, and alarmingly provocative novel spins, in which a bean can philosophizes, a dessert spoon mystifies, a young waitress takes on the New York art world, and a rowdy redneck welder discovers the lost god of Palestine-while the illusions that obscure humanity's view of the true universe fall away, one by one, like Salome's veils. Skinny Legs and All deals with today's most sensitive issues: race, politics, marriage, art, religion, money, and lust. It weaves lyrically through what some call the "end days" of our planet. Refusing to avert its gaze from the horrors of the apocalypse, it also refuses to let the alleged end of the world spoil its mood. And its mood is defiantly upbeat. In the gloriously inventive Tom Robbins style, here are characters, phrases, stories, and ideas that dance together on the page, wild and sexy, like Salome herself. Or was it Jezebel?
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Seller's Description:
Good. No dust jacket. About The Book: -An Arab and a Jew open a restaurant together across the street from the United Nations...It sounds like the beginning of an ethnic joke, but it`s the axis around which spins this gutsy, fun-loving and alarmingly provocative novel, widely acclaimed as among Robbins`s very best. As a dessert spoon mystifies, a waitress takes on the art world and a rowdy redneck discovers the lost god of Palestine, the illusions that obscure humanity`s view of the true universe fall away, one by one. A defiant and upbeat novel that refuses to look away from the end of the world. -> the publisher of this PAPERBACK book is Poolbeg Press Ltd in 2002 booksalvation have grade it as Good and it will be shipped from our UK warehouse The text is in English.
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Good. Simply Brit – welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there's something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality.
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Good. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 432 p. Contains: Illustrations. May show signs of wear, highlighting, writing, and previous use. This item may be a former library book with typical markings. No guarantee on products that contain supplements Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Twenty-five year bookseller with shipments to over fifty million happy customers.
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Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 432 p. Contains: Illustrations. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 432 p. Contains: Illustrations. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
I'd read the first few paragraphs to anybody - it gets some really puzzled looks!
Following some really 'out there' characters, and some inanimate ones, to lift the 'veils' that conventional thought has slipped over our eyes is an interesting approach. It's too bad that Robbins then substitutes some of his own, in a new-age kind of way.
A great read, nonetheless.
p1976
May 24, 2007
Absurd and Humane
I was convinced to read this book, after many times being told to check out Tom Robbins, when a friend told me that one of the main characters was a can of beans. After she told me that, I knew I would enjoy it. And enjoy it I did. This novel taps into the same waters as epic Greek or Christian mythology, and turns all notions of heroism and destiny on their heads. While the plot is unpredictable and engaging, some of the best parts are when Robbins just goes off on a tangent for pages and pages at a time. They remind me a bit of Douglas Addams's observations on the absurdity of human behavior. These passages are wonderful in that they expose the hypocrisy and arrogance the human race feels regarding their place in the universe. In recounting the trials and tribulations of a younng newlywed artist, a can of beans, and those that surround them, Robbins creates a new mythology which brings to light some of the most important spiritual issues people face in this day and age. God (or Goddess) bless him for it.
