In 1944 Tuscany, when the young English soldier Ulysses Temper encountered Evelyn Skinner, a middle-aged art historian, during the Allied troop's advancement, two souls find beauty amongst the rubble of war-torn Italy. Their unlikely friendship sets off a series of events that shape Ulysses's life for the next four decades.

STILL LIFE is a beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of human emotions with sympathy and tenderness. The story starts slow but becomes immersive and captivating with relatable characters that are each flawed in their ways but convey the beauty of humanity nonetheless. Winman expertly illustrates how a group of friends spanning generations can come together to make a family.

At times, the plot doesn't seem to be going anywhere. And while that usually annoys me, I was fascinated by Winman's gorgeous prose infused with compassion and humor. Ultimately, STILL LIFE is a portrait of life: you don't know where it's going, and all you have is now. So live your life with kindness, gratitude, and love.

My only gripe is the last chapter. While it provides insights into Evelyn's early life, it felt somewhat unnecessary and took away from the emotions built up throughout the rest of the book. Regardless, STILL LIFE is an emotionally impactful read that left a lasting impression on me.