This wasn't one of my favorite Dickens novels. I enjoyed reading it although I had already heard about the Dickensian ending which left me without anyThis wasn't one of my favorite Dickens novels. I enjoyed reading it although I had already heard about the Dickensian ending which left me without any real feeling of uncertainty or suspense. The plot line, in comparison to the complexities that run through his later works, is relatively simple. There is the classic theme of long lost relative, good versus evil, social commentary etc. that is common in CD's works, but it lacks the multi-strand approach of the narratives seen in works such as "Our Mutual Friend". In some ways this makes it easier to read, but it lacks the depth of such later novels.
It is also well renown for the introduction of the grotesque - most notably the loathsome villain of the piece, Daniel Quilp. However, I personally find this characterization overdone and melodramatic. There is really nothing redeeming about him at all and the depth of his unpleasantness somehow makes him less sinister than Bradley Headstone or Ralph Nickleby. I was appalled by the anti-semitic characterization of Fagin in Oliver Twist but even he seemed less grotesque than Quilp.
It's also a little mawkish at times, although I do find that it is refreshing that an author is not at all unwilling to kill people off, even when that might be the last thing that the reader wants to happen. I still feel that I would have liked to have seen Harry Potter and Voldemort kill one another a la Holmes and Moriarty but that's another discussion entirely. Dickens can not, unlike in Oliver Twist, be accused of that here. There is a trail of dead bodies! One of the most poignant, and still relevant themes is Nell's grandfather's gambling obsession and the depths to which it takes him. I have never had a gambling addiction but from what I have heard, this is a perfect description of a descent into that affliction, and how it destroys trust and relationships. Amazingly realistic depiction from the mid-nineteenth Century. At least it appeared so to me.
This is one of the novels replete with classic Dickensian London - the Thames being fairly prominent as a symbol and agent of destruction, drowning being one of CD's favorite ways of disposing of the good, bad and ugly. There is also fog and damp in keeping with the more unpleasant characters who appear hear.
It took me a long time to read and OCS never really grabbed me as some of his others have. There is much to enjoy here especially the following passage that is such a perfect summation of what is happening to Donald Trump now that it deserves repeating here:
"And now indeed it seemed that Quilp's malignant career was drawing to a close, and that retribution, which often travels slowly - especially when heaviest, had tracked his footsteps with a sure and certain scent and was gaining on him fast. Unmindful of her stealthy tread, her victim holds his course in fancied triumph. Still at his heels she comes, and once afoot, is never turned aside".
It's passages like this that remind me what a joy it is to read classic fiction in general and Dickens in particular. This perfectly encapsulates what I think is going on now, although I am sure many will disagree with me. In any event, this is so well written, and so often holds true in my view, that it makes me view CD as a literary genius. It's a good novel, but in my opinion, nowhere near his best....more
I am not sure that I appreciated this fine novel as well as I should. I read it over a lengthy period when I was extremely pre-occupied with things goI am not sure that I appreciated this fine novel as well as I should. I read it over a lengthy period when I was extremely pre-occupied with things going on in my life as well as traveling (which is normally good for reading but not this time). So, although I enjoyed the first Hardy I have read, it was more of a trial than it should have been given the great prose and classic tale.
Since I am relatively new to the whole world of the classics, I have the advantage of not being aware of the plot of many of them, so I do approach them without too many preconceptions. I had heard of TH's classic work, of course, but I had never read any of it nor seen any on the many screen adaptations.
Despite the many and tiresome biblical references that infest this narrative, or maybe because of them, the central plot is a classic story of a love triangle. However, whilst there is certainly a villain in Alec (who it is very subtly hinted is a rapist) the hero, if we should so deem Angel, is scarcely a heroic figure. Alec's characterization is almost comically melodramatic. A villain replete with mustache and sinister manners. Puts me in mind of the Hooded Claw from cartoons in my childhood. He is certainly a cad to consider it mildly.
Tess is the central and strong, much maligned character. I understand that the subtitle characterizing her as a pure woman was much pilloried at the time but she is clearly, as is the way with tragedies, the cruel victim of vile machinations. Her emotional turmoil as she is wronged, finds and loses love, recaptures her husband only to face a final denouement at Stonehenge are extremely gripping.
Obviously there is symbolism here aplenty - the awful duplicity of the time being well covered and the role of the sexes to the fore. As I say I find overt biblical references everywhere as well as more subtle ones, and I am not sure what Hardy was trying to do here. The end is certainly sad, although one can see that coming as soon as Angel returns although I must admit I was hoping for some other ending. It is good to see that Hardy, unlike some other authors including my favorite, Dickens, had the courage of his convictions to end the novel in such a way. Great Expectations is the ultimate cop out in this area in my opinion.
The text is delightfully descriptive of the Wessex landscape and Hardy cleverly uses imagery to hint at the base sexuality that underlies what is going on for much of this narrative (with Alec at least) without overtly stating it which would, and did, offend the sensibilities of the time. As always, I love reading about strong heroines. We know all about square jawed heroes rescuing fair maidens and such plot lines are nauseating so it is refreshing to read a novel such as this, especially given the time of writing.
One can see that Hardy is also a poet as his prose is flowery and descriptive. At times it goes on too long and one wishes for the plot to move on a bit faster. This may be a function of the original writings being installments, as was often the case then. There is definitely literary realism going on here with a great deal of emphasis on rural life where the novel is entirely set.
A classic of course, looking forward to reading more of this fine authors work....more
I've been meaning to read this, along with some other Conrad works for a while and it seemed sensible to start with what is commonly regarded as his sI've been meaning to read this, along with some other Conrad works for a while and it seemed sensible to start with what is commonly regarded as his seminal work. In my ignorance I hadn't even realized that "Heart of Darkness" is the inspiration for the movie "Apocalypse Now" even down to character names. Obviously the latter is transposed from the heart of Africa to the jungle of Vietnam and there is no smelling of napalm in the morning as far as Conrad is concerned but still.
I enjoyed it although the raptures into which it sends many other readers somehow escapes me. The structure is interesting; the narrator introducing a narrator who tells the story but I didn't find the characterization of Kurtz to be particularly compelling. I understand that he, like his celluloid creation, has somehow gone rogue in the back of beyond and established himself as a lord of his people. There are intimations of his despotic character, as well as signs that those in his orbit hold him in great reverence but I never really felt this was developed and I didn't feel a particular liking for, or abhorrence of him. In the end therefore, his fate was something about which I didn't really seem to care.
The descriptions of the Congo and the journey up river are magnificent and evocative. The overall theme of savagery that one can find equally in the African jungle and the city of London are certainly there, but somewhat understated in my opinion. Again, the novella format allows for a quick read and fast story development, but reduces the opportunity to delve deeper into the character of the main players. I think I will read it again after I have taken in some of his other works, including the introduction of Marlow to the reader. I suspect this will broaden out the story and the characterizations....more
A straightforward and entry level discussion of the main logical fallacies that one may come across (will come across) in debate and more importantly A straightforward and entry level discussion of the main logical fallacies that one may come across (will come across) in debate and more importantly perhaps, every day discourse. Interestingly, these are explained so that one can recognize their deployment, but there is also some advice as to how to use them yourself as a means of persuasion for your own ideas.
The idea is a good one and, although I like to think I can recognize many of the most egregious logical fallacies most commonly used, there was a lot of good stuff here although, as I say, pitched at an introductory level.
The title is somewhat melodramatic but I get that such things are important in selling books and it certainly makes one more likely to pick it up as I did! The explanations of the various fallacies are succinct and generally easy to follow and often delivered with some humor which I very much enjoyed. It is usual that the author chose to provide them in alphabetical order. I would have thought that putting fallacies of a similar type together, with a comprehensive index might have been a better approach but I have seen that tried to and it does have its own drawbacks.
A goodguide to recognizing the fallacies that most people, either deliberately or through lack of awareness, make every day. It is a short read and the doesn't take itself too seriously which is always enjoyable in a topic such as this....more
This was a challenging read - the last complete novel penned by Dickens. It is very entertaining but of all his books, even Bleak House, this multi-plThis was a challenging read - the last complete novel penned by Dickens. It is very entertaining but of all his books, even Bleak House, this multi-plot novel took a lot of concentration to stay with. There is wonderful imagery and satire here as Dickens weaves together plot strands around the general theme of money and it's ability to corrupt or otherwise generally change people. It is wonderful to work through, but it certainly challenged me.
The version I read was replete with notes on the text which was helpful. Some of these notes point to obvious uses of language but there are many references to other texts including bible verses, that I am sure I should have missed without this assistance. The imagery of dirt, grime, rivers, water, rebirth, death, drowning and redemption are everywhere in the narrative. These are well worn literary paths of course but in the hands of this genius, they are put together masterfully.
I had read that he was experimenting with some new literary approaches with this work and that may explain the different way he describes characters that, if the reader isn't paying full attention, are easy to miss. There are also allusions to happenings that are extremely subtle and again, very easy to miss as the text meanders through the imagery heretofore described. However, when Dickens starts to pull all of this together, it all makes sense but, even then, I sometimes had to go back and make sure I fully grasped the plot line.
This makes "Our Mutual Friend" unusual for me in Dickens' canon. I have had some issues following his plots before but this work makes his more biographical novels such as Oliver Twist and Great Expectations much more straightforward. I don't think this is a bad thing at all and the pictures he paints here of London are stark, bleak, and beautifully constructed. I very much enjoyed reading it but the lack of an obvious villain for much of the novel, and the ambiguity of the heroes, made for some discomfort in my reading brain for a while. This is a good thing. We should be challenged by classic fiction. I find this sort of writing vastly preferable to the stream of consciousness approach such as Faulkner's writings, in which I could discern no obvious plot and were merely an ordeal for me.
There is tremendous character development here, most of it around the general theme of money in one way or another. Redemption is a large part of it too, which is ably illustrated by that well known use of water analogies - rebirths, recovery from near drownings etc. I certainly missed the plot twists around Silas Wegg who is perhaps the most grotesque of the characterizations here, although he falls well short of loathsome Dickensian villains that really grab ones attention such as Uriah Heep and Wackford Squeers. Even a suave, devious villain such as Ralph Nickleby is absent here with Headstone also fulfilling a villain's role but without the deceit and cunning so typical of Dickens' more memorable bad guys.
I very much enjoyed it and it is worth working through. Perhaps not his best work but it is a wonderful example of a complex, richly described narrative that has plenty to say about money, societal mores and norms as well as the human condition - there are love stories, jealousies and plenty of humor thrown it. Dickensian traits all....more
This book was, as I'm sure it was for many, assigned to me as a set text at school when I was perhaps 14 and altogether too young to appreciate it. InThis book was, as I'm sure it was for many, assigned to me as a set text at school when I was perhaps 14 and altogether too young to appreciate it. In fact, it left me with a jaundiced view of Dickens that lasted several decades.
This is one of the most enjoyable of his novels that I have read as I work through his canon. The opening of the book is famous and rightly one of the better known scenes in all Dickens, if not the whole of literature. From there the plot develops with, for CD, quite some pace as we follow Pip's life and development, via an unknown benefactor, from a blacksmith's apprentice to the life of a "gentleman".
Of course, this is a love story too, or at least a story of unrequited love as we are introduced to Miss Haversham and her adopted weapon against men; Estella. As ever when I read Dickens I am struck by the realism of his characterizations. Of course there are themes that run through all the plots, good versus evil perhaps uppermost among them as is the case here. As a result we are presented with some of the finest villains in all literature as well as, usually, flawed heroes. As we learn about the main characters though, we find aspects to dislike in the heroes, and elements of sympathy in many of the antagonists (although perhaps not Uriah Heep) and this is the case here.
Miss Haversham herself is an iconic literary villain. Her manipulation of Estella into vicariously acting out her vengeful plans resulting from being jilted are macabre and sinister. She, too, develops a compassionate side towards the end but the descriptions of her decaying, crumbling, shrine of a house are haunting and disturbing indeed. Dickens is so good at painting a picture with words, one can almost smell the decay and the malevolence that issues from the rooms where Miss Haversham dwells.
Pip is certainly flawed, although it is impossible not to like him. Told in the first person, we see the whole plot through his eyes and Dickens is extremely adept at this form of story telling although it must be very hard to outline plots in this way. Because of this, we know Pip very well by the end of the story and understand his thought patterns. Whilst overall a "good" character, there are elements of snobbery and disgust about him that are most unpleasant, especially in his dealings with his adoptive father, Joe. These are resolved eventually as the development of Pip's character (and his "expectations") is a central theme and this is beautifully written throughout.
We see changes in most other characters too (except Joe) as Pip discovers who is the source of his "Great Expectations". There is much symbolism and social comment here as always. The narrative takes place exclusively in and around London and we learn about crime and punishment in Victorian England, the issues of wealth and status, social class and people "knowing their place" and also Dickens' well known thoughts on these issues.
I am not a writer but it must be very hard to conclude a novel. I am disappointed in the published ending to Great Expectations. Fortunately this edition also provides the two or three paragraphs of the original ending. I much prefer the original that, apparently, Dickens was persuaded to change by some of his fellow authors and literary friends. It is well worth seeking this out as I find it by far the more convincing of the two. The published ending panders to the reader's desire for a happy ending and I find it very incongruous with all that has gone before. Did we really need to close it out that way? I wish Dickens had left the original which, like Hemingway in "A Farewell to Arms" would have been bolder in my opinion.
So the ending rather spoiled it for me since I thought Dickens cared more for realism that pleasing those looking to feel good at the end of a great novel. He's certainly never seemed reticent about doing so in other novels. Still, this is a great read and if, like me, you were put off by this book when first exposed to it, I strongly encourage you to become reacquainted with it. Dickens is a literary genius and not nearly as unapproachable as I thought for all those years....more
"The Right Stuff" is one of my favorite movies and the Tom Wolff book is perhaps even better. I have read Yeager's autobio too (which I very much disl"The Right Stuff" is one of my favorite movies and the Tom Wolff book is perhaps even better. I have read Yeager's autobio too (which I very much disliked) so I am predisposed to like books on this subject.
As others have mentioned here, this is more a study of aviation history up to the point of Yeager's famous flight, obviously charting the military development of aviation to that point. Therefore there is a lot of preamble to the times at Edwards where the deed was finally done. There is nothing wrong with this approach although it seems a little forced to me at times (referring everything back to the titular "demon" that supposedly lived beyond Mach 1.) Nevertheless, much of this was interesting and, indeed, new to me so I was grateful for it.
However this does mean that the actual, specific pursuit of supersonic flight is relegated to the last 20% of the book and I felt was, therefore, treated in a somewhat cursory manner. I understand that this is not a bio of Yeager (fortunately, as he was tiresome in his autobio) and the writing is light and well executed so it flows well but it just seemed a little lacking in depth for me. However the book does provide context and that is always welcome.
However there is something about the tone that bothers me a little. The ending is, necessarily perhaps, a little anticlimactic as was the feat of breaking the sound "barrier" itself ultimately. In other words, DH makes the reasonable point that Yeager was just one of the test pilots available and not the best one at that, and when he did break the barrier, it was somewhat without drama. This is fine but then we go into the conjecture that he wasn't actually the first to do so and that George Welch achieved it earlier in a power dive flying a Sabre. DH lobs this out there and he is correct to mention it, but I wish he had either developed this point more or merely mentioned it in the annoying footnotes that haunt this book. It's almost as though he is trying to create controversy and drama to end the narrative. If that was his intent, more depth would be welcome rather than conjecture. I guess maybe that's all we have.
I am not sure of his take on this claim. He rightly points out that Yeager says that there is no proof (i.e. figures and data) to back up this claim but the author then egregiously attempts to shift the burden of proof by inserting the logical fallacy that: "there is no proof that he didn't do it". This is amateur and not worthy of a serious book like this. It spoiled it for me a little. There are various other assertions in the text that could do with some evidential statements to back them up too.
However, I am glad I read this as it galloped through aviation from the Wright brothers (even before them actually) to that day in 1947. As I say, some of the most interesting stuff was the contextual analysis leading to those events. Of course, this covers aspects such as World and are therefore necessarily highly superficial, but that is OK in a book not specifically aiming to cover the military history of that conflict for example. However, this is pretty much an introductory account of this human quest - if the reader has done any research, or read other books about Yeager et al, this will not add greatly to the some of her/his knowledge on the subject. It is easy to read and well written and will not take you long to work through....more
I probably didn't get the ultimate experience here since the version I read was "translated" from the original into modern English. I didn't feel thatI probably didn't get the ultimate experience here since the version I read was "translated" from the original into modern English. I didn't feel that I was quite up to consuming this in Middle English! Obviously elements of this classic work have made it into modern English and are referenced widely throughout literature so it seemed an important work to read, albeit in translation.
Parts of this were tremendously enjoyable, others were essentially preaching Christianity. The latter I found boring. Some of the stories were interesting and amusing, others I found lacking in interest. Overall, this certainly strikes me as an unfinished work. The introduction of the host, and the story tellers from whom we are about to hear ends abruptly after the Parsons tale which is a long and for me at least, boring diatribe on all the various means by which a person can sin against God. In the early stages of the narrative we are promised a competition of story telling along the route of a pilgrimage but this is never developed and we are ultimately treated to series of apparently unconnected tales. This is fine but makes me think Chaucer intended to wrap it up somehow but just never did so. There seems no context therefore.
As I say, some of the tales were entertaining, some bawdy, some amusing and some apparently containing a moral truth or two. Obviously since being written from the perspective of a pilgrimage they lean heavily on theology at times but ultimately I am not sure what Chaucer was really trying to say other than spin some entertaining yarns. In this he succeeds at times, but at other times I found the stories to be disjointed and lacking any terms of reference.
So, "The Canterbury Tales" falls into the category of classical literature that I am very glad I read as it gives me a broader perspective on the development of language and literature as well as story telling generally, but not something I particularly enjoyed whilst consuming it. It is not, of course, a novel but rather a literary collection, almost poetical at times and not written all at once. The rhyming is often a joy to read in itself and it is a marvelous work of literature, without question. Interesting to work through but unlike classic works such as Don Quixote, not something that grabbed me and kept me reading. I won't be returning to it any time soon but again, well worth a read from an appreciation of literature viewpoint....more
It is never satisfactory to read a translation of course. However, being unable to read this in the original language, I am not able to do anything elIt is never satisfactory to read a translation of course. However, being unable to read this in the original language, I am not able to do anything else. In this case, one hopes that the translation is reasonably accurate and reflects the literary style of the original. This is not possible for someone who isn't bilingual to determine of course, but I did very much enjoy the prose and the writing style.
This is supposedly one of the first "realist" novels, and some have deemed it to be the greatest ever written. I am not sure I would go that far but there is no question of its strong merit and readability, as well as what it has to say about the human condition. As with much classic and serious literature, this is not necessarily good! This is a dark theme of contrasts, in particular the titular character's disgust with her boring provincial life and husband, and the life she wishes she had that leads her into affairs and profligate spending and eventually to ruin.
There is certainly realism here. I find none of the characters likable. At all. Emma herself is on this quest for true love and excitement since these are things about which she has read. However she marries a boring man and then embarks on a life of cheating, duplicity, extravagance, Machiavellian sorties and general "bad behavior". Her husband is, to me, much the more sympathetic figure although he comes across as week and ineffectual. This is where Flaubert does have a genius though; all the characters are recognizable from our everyday lives. Dare we say it, recognizable within ourselves and this is uncomfortable.
The story is one that probably plays out everywhere, every day. Lies, scheming lovers, overly trusting spouses, attempts to generate excitement in an otherwise boring life. I doubt many end in such a dark way as this one does, and with one of the other unlikeable, albeit more minor character, prevailing to the detriment of the main protagonists.
There is a pleasure to be had here in the writing, the straightforward story telling and the fluidity of the story itself. It is easy to follow and one is not overly bogged down in the minutiae of separate story lines that need to be kept straight. There is pleasure in that too (Dickens being perhaps the prime example) but a story that unfolds along a linear path like Bovary has much merit too. Hard to imagine in these more, ahem, liberal times, that this novel should have been scandalous in its depictions of the morals and sexual relationships of Madame Bovary, but apparently this was so.
The writing, albeit in translation is wonderfully flowing and imparting the details of the scenes with delightful smilies and use of language. A couple of examples:
“One's duty is to feel what is great, cherish the beautiful, and to not accept the conventions of society with the ignominy that it imposes upon us.”
“But, in her life, nothing was going to happen. Such was the will of God! The future was a dark corridor, and at the far end the door was bolted.”
I find other elements that amuse me in this narrative, most especially some of the snide remarks about religion put into the mouths of some of the characters. Can't help feeling this is what Flaubert felt, along with the frequent and relatively admiring references to Voltaire. A great read, pity that I found no characters to like or admire but, I guess, that is the point of realism sometimes....more
This is the first novel I have read that was penned by this author of great repute. I very much enjoy reading books, be they non-fiction or novels, thThis is the first novel I have read that was penned by this author of great repute. I very much enjoy reading books, be they non-fiction or novels, that cover times in the past when, as LP Hartley famous opined: "they do things differently". This is a good example of a story set over many years when the concept of an upper class family was still to the fore. I guess there still exists such a thing today, when we have to put up with priggery of the likes of the vile Jacob Rees-Mogg.
The story unfolds from an original premise of the titular revisitation by the narrator Charles Ryder. We are then whisked back in time to discover his connection with the building and also the family that there resided, his friendship with Sebastian and courtship of his sister Julia. The narrative unfolds over time, covering his initial (homosexual?) meeting and friendship with Sebastian at college, through to the time of the old lord's passing at Brideshead at the end.
In the meantime he had time for a wife (adulterous marriage on both sides it seems, principally hers although Charles didn't seem to marry for anything other than convenience). Although not overtly covered, it seems clear that the Sebastian/Charles relationship was homosexual. His subsequent courting of Julia is replete with statement such as "Sebastian being the forerunner" and also the physical similarities between the two siblings.
Sebastian is clearly an alcoholic from early on in the plot and this is covered well by Waugh as he descends further into that diseases dread grip. He ends up a hopelessly lost soul and I find the narrative of wasted youth and promise compelling, but I don't think this is developed fully. The more important theme is that of the religious redemption in particular, Catholicism.
Clearly this was something dear to EW's heart having converted, apparently, to that particular brand of religiosity himself. This is what spoils the end of this novel for me. We had the chance to see one of the main protagonists stay true to what he had espoused for most of his life and refuse the sacraments on his death bed from the unctuous and supercilious, not to say awfully self important priest. Of course he doesn't and goes through a death bed repentance which afflicts both his daughter and eventually the narrator too. It is almost comical to me that EW foreshadows this when Charles upbraids the clergy for swinging in at the last minute, when the patient's faculties are disorientated and they are perhaps most scared, to provide absolution. Then the story immediately goes there. This is clumsy and predictable story telling in my view and I was disappointed in this denouement. I understand this is perhaps the whole point of his theme but it seemed trite and cliched to me.
Still, I enjoyed it and will certainly seek out more of Waugh's novels.
Reading plays isn't the best way to appreciate them in my opinion. Of course, there is so much to enjoy in Shakespeare and so many words and turns of Reading plays isn't the best way to appreciate them in my opinion. Of course, there is so much to enjoy in Shakespeare and so many words and turns of phrase that he introduced to the lexicon, that it is still an enjoyable experience.
I have never read, and I don't think even seen Hamlet performed. it is certainly a compelling story and a fits the true definition of a tragedy since most of the main protagonists end up meeting various grisly fates. What is interesting is the language and, of course, the famous lines for which this play is deservedly famous.
It does pay to read an edition such as this one (borrowed from my high school children!) since there are archaic words that sometimes require definition. It is obviously important to understand as much as possible as the story develops since, when reading, one is denied the opportunity of seeing actors performing their craft on stage.
The plot is so well known it is not worth rehashing here but I greatly enjoyed going over matters in the text as they developed. Hamlet's rage and thirst for revenge is understandable but as in many other literary works where this forms a central plot theme (Count of Monte Cristo, Wuthering Heights et al) this quest defiles him, makes him an unpleasant character and drains a lot of reader sympathy from him. This is a well trodden literary path of course but Shakespeare is in the vanguard and does it very well.
As always when I have read a play, I feel the desire to see it performed soon!...more
I've written it many times within these pages: I am not a sophisticated literature reader. I love the way long novels unfold and I am always on the loI've written it many times within these pages: I am not a sophisticated literature reader. I love the way long novels unfold and I am always on the lookout for meanings and metaphors and symbolism within the hallowed pages of classic fiction. However, on some occasions, I completely fail to understand what an author is trying to say and the style in which she or he writes. Absalom, Absalom! is just such a novel (along with other highly regarded works Catch-22 and Slaughterhouse 5).
I never got into it and eventually it was a slog through interminable sentences that seemed to last a whole page. Told from different perspectives I never got clear in my head, in ways that seemed like an excuse to use pretentious prose. I accept that this is more on me than it is on Faulkner who is regarded as one of the leading luminaries in literature. I'm sorry, I just don't get it.
I will come back to him and try another of his works as it may just be that this passed me by. It is a shame that I found this novel so hard to read since I have great interest in the civil war and the historical times around that (and how that resonates today; especially today). I need to read some analysis of this work since I really just didn't get it....more
Frankenstein is a classic, and perhaps frequently misunderstood work. I am not a fan of horror movie but this is not what I would call a horror story Frankenstein is a classic, and perhaps frequently misunderstood work. I am not a fan of horror movie but this is not what I would call a horror story itself, although there are elements of suspense and a monster who commits murder here but they are tame stuff.
Of much greater import, and what is often lost when this novel is referred to, is the humanity of the monster and how he compares to Frankenstein. The latter does not really come out of this well having transgressed the bounds of science to then let loose his creation on an unsuspecting world. A creation no less, that is eight feet tall, of hideous countenance and immensely strong and agile to boot. The monster is not described in detail but seems almost magical in his abilities to haunt his creator and be one step ahead all the time, not to mention an uncanny ability to appear at critical moments and then virtually vanish.
However there is a large section of the narrative, perhaps the best in the novel, where he explains his despair at being lonely and being hated by all those he comes across. He tells his story and it is difficult not to feel sorry for him, even though his descent into evil against innocents can hardly be condoned. It seems that Frankenstein himself actually feels bad for him, although, of course, that is tempered by the fact that the monster is basically killing off all those nearest and dearest to him.
It has been said that these two characters represent the duality of man, and in particular, Frankenstein himself. They both certainly do come across as human, with human frailties. Frankenstein seems inordinately stupid at times and self centered, failing to grasp the threat to his new wife when that threat is obvious and palpable from the start of his dual with his creation. This part of the narrative strains credibility greatly in my view and isn't a strong passage in the story.
The ending is well conceived as the monster and his creator chase one another and the end, poignant and well contrived. Another classic work where it is hard to believe the age of the author - only 19 when Shelley wrote this. The history is interesting too - marriage to Percy Shelley and a summer with notable romantic poets including Byron. There is much to study about this great work of course - elements of tragedy, nods to greek mythology such as the Promethean legends and as I say, an examination of what it means to be human and the danger of isolation and tampering with the natural law of things.
Frankenstein is a fascinating character and one can't help feeling that he suffers egregiously for his folly. The worst part is not that he is attacked himself, but that he has to see those around him pay yet price. This is perhaps the ultimate horror and he certainly knows it. It is perhaps to his credit that he wrestles with his monster's request to build him a mate which ultimately leads to what happens thereafter. It is refreshing that the original work, albeit gothic, contains few of the celluloid cliches such as Igor-like helpers, lonely castles with thunderstorms perpetually overhead and electric sparks arcing everywhere as the monster is brought to life. Indeed, the genesis of life in the creature is not really explained in any detail.
Very enjoyable actually to read the source of a term that has entered the everyday lexicon....more
Picking up new authors, especially literary giants, can be an interesting exercise. This seemed like a good place to start with the work of the mercurPicking up new authors, especially literary giants, can be an interesting exercise. This seemed like a good place to start with the work of the mercurial and difficult to understand Franz Kafka. I am all for darkness in literature - not for me the "once upon a time they all lived happily ever after" works of fiction. That is why I have been drawn to Edgar Allen Poe and, to a certain extent, Dickens.
However Kafka is a different beast entirely. I am sure that his writing is replete with complex allegory and symbolism and I need to study him a little more. Clearly issues of family and the father-son relationship are uppermost in his thoughts in many of these works but The Penal Colony is very dark and disturbing as is the main work herein: The Metamorphosis.
I read this novella in one evening and it was probably not a great idea. It wasn't a horror piece per se (although it has resonance in latter day horror movies like "The Fly") but it was disturbing and depressing and sad. It made my mind very active when I was trying to sleep. It is such a surreal story that juxtaposes an everyday situation (work issues, money, family tensions etc.) with the most grotesque circumstances imaginable in Gregor's overnight change. The way his family treats him is perhaps understandable, but bleak indeed. Kafka apparently disliked the end on this novella (ending works seems to have been an issue for him) but I find it rounds off nicely with the metamorphosis of the family themselves, metaphorically at least.
Some of the short stories here I just, frankly, didn't really understand. There is much debate in literary circles among minds much smarter than mine about some of the meanings contained in the stories. I very much enjoyed being challenged by reading some of these seminal works and will definitely return to Kafka again. As I say, reading such works is very mind broadening I think, as one really has to concentrate to even begin to understand what's going on. Not easy but very enjoyable....more
This book resided on my virtual "to read" shelf for quite some time and then two people mentioned it to me in the space of a couple of weeks and I wasThis book resided on my virtual "to read" shelf for quite some time and then two people mentioned it to me in the space of a couple of weeks and I was due a break from my jaunt through classic fiction so I finally read it.
Salt is a substance that I have generally regarded in a somewhat negative light - the cause of hypertension and other circulatory disorders for example - but there is a lot here in terms of historical significance. The history is very much skewed towards the consumption of salt i.e. its use in a variety of culinary dishes but perhaps more importantly, as a preservative. It is in this latter category that it assumed its most influential role, up to the time when refrigeration became practicable.
It was therefore necessary for a wide range of meat and other foodstuff preservation and manufacture making it an essential provision of sea voyages, transportation of foodstuffs etc. Despite its prevalence on Earth, it hasn't always been easy to produce/mine. There are options from the evaporation of brackish waters and sea water to mining rock salt from salt domes etc. These techniques are well covered in the text as well as recipes from various ancient (and some more modern) cookbooks that make use of the ingredient.
There are diversions into other peripheral areas that are interesting - caviar and the fate of the mighty sturgeon for example. It is clear, to a much greater extent than I had appreciated, that salt was a source of tremendous influence and power throughout the centuries. This is never better illustrated than the shocking and deplorable suppression of local Indian salt manufacture by the British in time of Empire to protect indigenous industry. As a Brit myself I am perpetually ashamed by the antics of Empire builders and this is but another sordid example of rampant imperial disgrace.
I was in Peru a couple of years ago and was entranced by the centuries old salt pans near Cusco but this is given the must perfunctory treatment here which makes me wonder; how much else is missed that doesn't conform to the narrative that leans heavily on European and Asian adventures in salt production? This may be unfair; after all, not everything can be covered in a 450 page book but still.....
I personally found the political ramifications on the salt trade the most interesting, although they conform to all the stories of commodity trading and horse trading we have heard in relation to other items of great societal value. However it is perhaps the peripheral stories that held the most interest for me. For example the story of the Dead Sea, of Turks and Caicos and the plight of the Sturgeon and the Tuna. Certainly a lot here that is of interest in what is essentially a ubiquitous and not very interesting salt. There is some coverage of other salts here too which is welcome, but obviously the salt we are talking about here is not merely the combined result of a base and an acid but essentially covers the story of Sodium Chloride.
I enjoyed it and whilst some parts dragged a little, the overall writing is light in touch and tells the story well....more
Bleak House is generally regarded as one of Dicken's greatest novels. It is formidable in terms of its depth and breadth of characters as well as the Bleak House is generally regarded as one of Dicken's greatest novels. It is formidable in terms of its depth and breadth of characters as well as the novel way the narrative runs. The two narrators technique (Esther's narrative and a third person narration) is interesting and I have seen it critiqued in literary circles but I think it works well. I like to see how the two story lines run parallel but only touching occasionally. It is also great to see such a strong female lead which I think is unique in Dicken's work.
I read this after Oliver Twist and was pleased to see (apart from one reference in the text to the supposed prowess of jewish financial expertise) no repeat of the horrible jewish stereotyping that made its odious presence felt in Twist. In Bleak House we have a fantastically complex story line that develops over a number of threads, tied together by the interminable chancery lawsuit that is "Jarndyce and Jarndyce". Clearly Dickens is no fan of the English legal system there was at the time of writing and this is heavily critiqued by the book and the theme that runs through it.
Having said that, there are wonderful plot and character developments throughout. It is true that there is no out and out villain and/or vile character such as Squiers, Heep or Ralph Nickleby but there are wonderful characterizations including John Jarndyce, Esther herself, Capstone, Skimpole and Tulkinghorn. There are, of course, the usual cadre of grotesques that we come to expect in Dickens including the horrible Smallweed and the obsequious Vholes. Wonderful names abound as usual although until one really gets into the novel (and even then sometimes) it can be hard to keep the characters straight.
It is a long read to be sure, but very rewarding. I really like this type of Dickens novel. It was written when he was arguably at the height of his powers and it shows. The language is wonderful although, with such flowery prose it is easy to miss plot nuances or even major events so one has to pay attention. It is very rewarding though.
Before I read Dickens in any depth, I had used the term "Dickensian" without perhaps understanding what I meant by that term. However upon reading his work, one really gains an appreciation of the times about which he was writing and the repellent, comically so in many cases, characters that he comes up with to illustrate the horrors as he saw them. There is a lot of darkness in his novels - people die who appeared to be relatively blameless but this adds to the realism and poignancy of the story lines. I expected relatively straightforward accounts of fog shrouded streets and slums and whilst these elements are there, the depth of depiction of societal, legal and social ills is all there and deeply explored. I very much enjoy immersing myself in his novels.
Bleak House is one to the better ones in my opinion. There are weird things in here too such as spontaneous human combustion that speaks to strange ideas (not to say loathsome ideas too) that the author held, but his is a very rewarding and complex read....more
Opinions clearly vary on this lengthy novel that has become iconic and sometimes nominated for the title of the "Great American Novel" despite its pooOpinions clearly vary on this lengthy novel that has become iconic and sometimes nominated for the title of the "Great American Novel" despite its poor reception on publication. I enjoyed it very much but I can see why some find it difficult and I was becoming rather bored with it at the end. The reason has been much covered in the reviews here and can be summed up by the interminable time Melville takes to get to the point.
I understand that the titular whale is an almost mythical monster and therefore grows in the imagination by remaining invisible, except by reputation, until the very end of the book when he appears to wreak havoc on the Peaquod and virtually all who sail in her. However by the time we get there we have been subjected to lengthy and frequent accounts of whales and whaling which are undeniably interesting but are essentially documentaries rather than plot lines. In my view this disrupts from the narrative.
The novel starts very differently with Ishmael's account but as the book wears on that account seems to become less and less personal and more of a general narration. There are also point of view changes which, whilst not confusing, are sometimes a little incongruous. The final three chapter denouement is also somewhat perfunctory after all that has gone before although it is strung out over 3 days. The fates of the sailors are not particularly well described in my opinion and the ending is cursory.
There is some excellent character description of course with Ahab and Starbuck principally concerned with revealing themselves to the reader. One is not terribly sympathetic to Ahab's monomania throughout but he does have a touching moment of introspection where he considers his life spent at sea and all the sacrifices that has entailed. It is as though he knows Moby Dick will get him in the end, as does Starbuck who tries to prevent his final clash with the whale.
Obviously there is a ton of symbolism here with frequent references to biblical fictions with which Melville is clearly well versed. The whole plot line bears more than a passing reference to Jonah and his encounter with the whale and the text is liberally sprinkled with biblical references to, in particular, the King James version of the Old Testament. This is a classic story of a quest, but one tainted by Ahab's tunnel vision and hatred. I tend to side with the whale of course who, as Starbuck movingly entreats Ahab "does not seek thee" .
Too long of course and with the ending, ultimately a little disappointing but the prose is wonderful and the sidetracks into whaling "culture" are nonetheless interesting. Very glad I finally read it....more
It seems to be cheating somewhat to count Usher as a book when it is no more than a short story that takes only a short amount of time to read but EAPIt seems to be cheating somewhat to count Usher as a book when it is no more than a short story that takes only a short amount of time to read but EAP packs a lot into these 30 pages or so, replete with well described details of the titular house that, he implies as does Roderick Usher himself, is actually a sentient entity.
I am not a fan of the horror genre as currently manifested by Hollywood but I have developed a great fascination with the gothic genre in classical literature and, given that, it is remiss of me not to have read Poe before now. In such a short work there is obviously no time for complex character development and much of the narrative is, instead, given to descriptions of the house both inside and out.
The writing is full of dark illusions to the maladies that afflict the Usher siblings and what are, I assume, illusions to the general decay of the human body and spirit that occur during old age. I have read that there are illusions to an incestuous relationship between the two but I didn't particularly get that. There are clearly some dark issues of hypochondria at play and illusions to self-fulfilling prophecies as well as mental illness in the consideration of the living house. There are the popular themes that Poe addresses such as illness, decay, fear of death, premature burial etc.
It is pretty gripping for a short read although the actual story is necessarily pretty straightforward. I enjoyed it and look forward to reading more of his tales....more
Obviously one of the most iconic novels ever written and one that has a hold on human imagination and has spawned many similar works over the centurieObviously one of the most iconic novels ever written and one that has a hold on human imagination and has spawned many similar works over the centuries. I enjoyed the book but I found it somewhat unsatisfactory on a number of levels.
The story itself is, of course, very well known and the vast bulk of it concerns Crusoe's 28 year stay on a deserted island, latterly joined by Friday and subsequently a group of sailors who had suffered a mutiny. There is considerable repetition in the text as Crusoe is constantly worried about being devoured by "wild animals or savages" and this fear is made real by encounters with cannibals on a number of occasions as well as wolves on his journey back to England.
Ultimately a story that discusses Crusoe's introspection as to his fate and his situation. There is a lot of interesting self-examination as he makes the best of his situation and how well off he is once he gets himself settled. Unfortunately he then ascribes this to religion and the scriptures although at the end there is a vague reference to the inquisition and his unease with Roman Catholicism that is never developed and I wonder why. I kept thinking there was going to be more on this but the point was never developed.
It is obviously important to remember when this novel was penned to avoid relativism but still, with the benefit of 300 years I find the idealized slave/master relationship that exists between Friday and Crusoe uncomfortable ("my man Friday") as well as his conversion to christianity although, Defoe points out one of the most theological illogicalities coming from the mouth of Friday which, of course, he can't explain. Since slavery is sanctioned in the bible this is less problematic for the author.
Which leads me to the final few chapters of the book which cover Crusoe's deliverance from the island. I find this account perfunctory and unsatisfactory in the light of what has gone before. DD skips over some aspects with the excuse that he doesn't want to bother the reader with a log of activities so we get one line telling us that he sailed to England. Then there is an in depth account of his trip across Europe, or rather, one incident of the wolves and the bear in the mountains. This is then followed by a very brief literary gallup across the rest of the trip including his trip from Calais to Dover.
Then we are treated to a short description of his sale of his Brazilian estate (with the vague reference to the inquisition) and his return to the island plus a promise to maybe write some more at a later date. Now, I was done at this stage and wasn't ready for DD to provide a Count of Monte Cristo length account since this novel is basically about the island and his adaptation to living there. I also found it strange that, after living 28 years (mostly on his own) there is very little coverage of his adjustment to life back in Europe beyond casual references. The fate of Friday is also left largely in limbo.
So I was disappointed in the ending which rather spoilt the novel for me. Almost as though Defoe ran out of ideas as to how to end it but perhaps I miss some literary nuances in these final chapters. Perhaps this is a metaphor for the ordinariness of life and how that life goes on....more
Not one of my favorites from the rich literary ground of Russian literature. I am not sure why. There is nothing wrong with the story, which is semi-aNot one of my favorites from the rich literary ground of Russian literature. I am not sure why. There is nothing wrong with the story, which is semi-autobiographical and clearly draws on the authors own time imprisoned. It is a good story of redemption from, and survival in prison with stories of how his four year's passed, the relationships he made, how prison works etc.
For some reason I never really got into the narrative which I found a little heavy in terms of the prose style. I know this is how Dostoyevsky writes and of course, it is likely to suffer from translation issues which I understand. I think this is me, I just never really felt that engaged. I might try it again at a later date as I am sure I have missed a lot in the writing. I worked my way through "Crime and Punishment" which took work for sure, but this one didn't grab me in the same way.
Interesting in part, certainly grim at times but for some reason didn't do it for me....more
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