If your sentiments following reading of this work are closer to those expressed in the second Spotlighted review (the reader who "forces" himself to the end of this first novel and then apparently quits), be forewarned that this 4-part narrative, of which "Justine" is only the first quarter, did not begin to "grab" me until I was well into the second volume. Initially I was attracted to the philosophical hype (Durrell's claim that he's representing modern physics and the space-time continuum), but soon that "bait" became insignificant to the love story, the author's love affair with a cross-section of humanity (as represented by the microcosmic Alexandria), conveying knowledge of the ways of the heart no less intimate than that of the most private personal relationships.

"The Alexandrian Quartet" is capable of captivating and transporting you to a place that you've never been and which perhaps never was, but at its completion you'll be fully convinced that you were there. Even as I was reading the novel as a college student, I knew better than to wish to go to the "real" Alexandria, which is less a geographical location than a metaphor for consciousness itself, that place where desire meets its true objects. (Because I wanted to share part of that place with my daughter, I named her after one of the characters in the novel--Melissa. Happy to say she did not take up the same profession as Durrell's Melissa.)

that this book is "important" in the scope of modern literature. but much like elliot's comment, i don't think we're sure why. i can't begin to say everything i think about this book in a review here, but where other reviews criticize it i think are the points where this book proves its merit.
alexandria is the main character; where else does another book give a city credit as being alive and in control before or after the cyberpunk genre?
the character's actions and plot seem secondary; brilliantly so, i think an overlooked hallmark of "postmodern" things (books, movies, theories, etc)is that they are as pointless as your own life. if less people expected a hollywood "plot line" for their existance, people wouldn't be so f'ing miserable all the time. so at some point a few authors decided to quit jerking you around...don't take it so personally. as brendan behan did say "i enjoy swimming, but i don't know what it's about", that type of approach to more "modern" works may help more people enjoy them for the tiny universes it seems they were intended to be...and begin to understand what the works are in fact "about".
the self-concious, artsier points of the prose that come off a bit overdone; you might consider that it is narration by a character and these blemishes are, upon multiple reads, obviously intentional and "insight" into the narrator.
i've read this thing so many times and it never gets old, i love the self-referencing to the diaries, the book about justine called "moeres"(sp?)...it's like a detective story in many ways and he is a spy though all he basically does is have his own apartment raided to make his roommate paranoid. brilliant detail after brilliant detail and indeed a cyclical and disjointed construction but so necessarily so, it's all a world and a happening and one of the most brilliantly exectuted books of its kind...i can go on for days about this thing and likewise it can be read again and again and again...
i won't complain about his lack of stature in the literary world i can only suggest that you read this.

The writing contained in this novel is the finest I have ever read. Like Alice slipping down the rabbit hole, you won't be able to stop yourself. I just shake my head when I hear of people who put this book down --unfinished -- in utter frustration. I don't know what stops them, perhaps they are intimidated by a person who can write page after page of unbelievably beautiful prose without breaking a sweat. I can't explain it; I only know that this is a place I can't wait to visit again.

If the Alexandria Quartet was an allstar team (as i think it certainly should be, put it against any series of stories, bible included:)) then Justine would have to be the superstar. Balthazar and Mountolive, solid role players, stars in their ownright, but still fall in the shadow of their older sister. Now I've heard talk that Clea is really the true star, and I really want to agree - however Justine started it all and somehow holds a slight edge over Clea, which doesn't mean that Clea gives any quarter to any book - she just came happened to come second.
I was surprised to see 1 and 2 star reviews. I'd suggest to these people to read it again. All four together form this incredible little space in a world far away - characters so enjoyable and delightful - a city and culture so different yet completely understandable. Justine starts is all off and if you commit totally during those first few pages, the rest will be one of the most satisfying reads you've had the pleasure of.
The premise of Justine could be seen a simple. It's about love and how much pain it can cause. Alone Justine would be a simply stunning book, but leading off for 4 makes it a true revelation. There is pain and joy in this book at anyone can relate to, in fact embrace, and once you get there, the book is difficult to put down.
Lawrence Durrell doesn't miss a word, doesn't blink an eye, planting surprises in each corner of his mysterious Alexandria. Reading this book one can't help but think of another way to live, in another place, with all the secrets that hide in the eyes of everyone you see.
Justine is a great book. Sometimes it takes a little effort to get the prize.

I have never read a book as well penned as Justine. It is the type of book that could send an aspiring writer into a bout of deep depression as they are confronted with a tapestry of words ostensibly woven out of gold. My only consolation is that L.D. wrote this in a time where there was no Cable TV, Internet, MSN messenger, cell phones, etc. I read the other reviews and was apalled when I read how other "book fanatics" found this book to be complete rubbish. My advice to them is learn how to really communicate with a book...it requires a lot more concentration, intention, and commitment than watching Sex in the City.

It is not an easy read. It is not full of banal dialogue or easily digestible platitudes. It is composed of mellifluous and thoughtful utterances, indelible landscapes, and psychological/metaphysical nuances (yes, nuances!). This is a book that all writers need to read. It offers you a porthole into the headspace of a fellow artist, tormented, self deprecating, yet proud at the same time.

Arabs, Jews, Copts, and Kabbalists collide, coexist, and sometimes even influence eachother in the Alexandria Quartet. Watching the way these religions served as cultural molds instead of moral guidelines served as a barometer for the times juxtaposing the religious extremism that has made such a comeback in the Middle East today. Egypt has been written about since the beginning of time, and the Middle East is the origin of civilization as we know it. Alexandria is the backdrop for a pre/post WWII drama and is rife with adultery, prostitution, STDs, alcoholism, foreign affairs, and most importantly to me; the loyalty that unifies family and friends.

This book tops my Great Books List...a list that includes Tolstoy, Joyce, Proust, etc... If you are willing to put in the time and effort required for this masterpiece of English literature, you will be handsomely rewarded.