Interesting to read at least one reviewer cautions against reading this as a ‘first’ Murdoch and another celebrates it as a much-loved satisfying ‘firInteresting to read at least one reviewer cautions against reading this as a ‘first’ Murdoch and another celebrates it as a much-loved satisfying ‘first’ Murdoch. What do I think? Like typical Murdoch protagonists I’m indecisive and all over the place, constantly questioning what I think about it all, about the fuss, the theatre, coincidences, awkwardness, philosophy, strange happenings and so-called intelligent people doing silly things, all the while thinking this is another amazing, unfathomable Murdoch achievement. Does such gibberish make you feel like shaking my shoulders and telling me to get a grip, a dose of objectivity and write a logical review? Well, that’s just how I felt about most of the characters in this novel - shake them, tell them to behave, tell them to stop constantly self-reflecting and moaning. Talk about making mountains out of molehills… Dame Iris Murdoch, I’ve said it before: You are simply brilliant. ...more
Richard Flanagan supplied a forward to this personal account of the contentious failure in off-shore processing and detention of asylum seekers. It saRichard Flanagan supplied a forward to this personal account of the contentious failure in off-shore processing and detention of asylum seekers. It says it all:
“Reading this book is difficult for any Australian. We pride ourselves on decency, kindness, generosity and a fair go. None of these qualities are evident in Boochani’s account of hunger, squalor, beatings, suicide and murder.”...more
My goodness, Mr Hardy. Although this might not be my favourite, you never disappoint. In fact, you delight and confound me.
I know you write through thMy goodness, Mr Hardy. Although this might not be my favourite, you never disappoint. In fact, you delight and confound me.
I know you write through the lens of the Victorian era with all its repressed sexuality and social norms, but oh boy, your descriptions of the young female characters, in this case Elfride, as mere shadows of their intelligent male counterparts might come across as somewhat condescending in our times.
I was intrigued by the numerous passages devoted to Elfride arguing with her first love that his love and praise for his mentor from London was a cruel and irksome barrier against her affections. We would call this intense male bond a ‘bromance’, but I accept I needed to stop reading your text through a 21st Century lens.
In ‘A Pair of Blue Eyes’ you give me not only the unfortunate misunderstandings and coincidences that plague your protagonists but also the enchanting and sometimes eerie English landscapes. ...more
I thought this novel, undeniably full of vile language and barbaric behaviour, was a great read. What does that say about me?
Before I knew it was a noI thought this novel, undeniably full of vile language and barbaric behaviour, was a great read. What does that say about me?
Before I knew it was a novel, the TV series hooked and reeled me in, and I wondered how such a storyline could be effectively translated from book to screen. Now I’ve read the novel, the adaption was, in my opinion, done very well and I would consider watching the series again, with fresh and convinced eyes.
In contrast to many favourable responses, there are some who have written excellent reviews expressing distaste for this text. I respect this, I really do. We are lucky to respectfully share opposing views on this platform.
For me, this novel worked.
Some of the landscape scenes were notable: “There is open water stretching to the south of them, but to the north, a granular and monotone landscape of ice boulders and melt pools, sculpted smooth by wind in places, but elsewhere cragged, roughened and heaved upright into sharp-edged moguls by the alternations of the seasons and dynamisms of temperature and tide.”
Ian McGuire did also write in a way that made me shiver with the iciness and wince at the foul odours – and yes, there were quite a few unpleasant descriptions of god-awful stenches. No euphemisms used here.
I was curious to know if he had researched the legitimacy of the profanity uttered by his characters and pleased to see he was interviewed about this at the end of the book: “… no one really knows how 19th century whalers talked, so what I tried to do was to imagine a plausible and (just as importantly) lively and interesting version of the 19th century whaler-speak. They’re clearly not speaking contemporary English but they’re not speaking a more usual Dickensian version of Victorian English either. I wanted it to be somewhere in-between those alternatives – to feel old, but old in an unfamiliar kind of a way. There is a lot of inventive swearing in ‘The North Water’, but they’re working-class men squeezed together for several months in a dangerous and hostile environment so it made sense to me that they would sear almost constantly.”
Maybe that serves both as a spoiler and warning?
Minor quibble = at times, dialogue was separated from the text or description leading up to it which meant it jumped a line and made it initially unclear which character was speaking. ...more
Peter Lucas is a friend and another on the growing list of Tasmanian/Australian authors making their mark in a competitive industry. He wrote the draftPeter Lucas is a friend and another on the growing list of Tasmanian/Australian authors making their mark in a competitive industry. He wrote the draft for this novel in the 1990s, and then put it aside. When I had the privilege to read it decades later, the eerie parallels with our recent global pandemic did not escape me. With Covid-fatigue, I questioned whether we were ready for a ‘virus-hits-humanity’ story, but with the benefit of the time taken for editing and publication, any concerns were allayed. The original manuscript certainly showed potential and I’m pleased to see sharp editing has elevated it to a more satisfying read. The text has also been ‘upgraded’ and contextualised to include passing, yet chilling references to Covid. Peter does not stray too far from anticipated dystopian themes – that nature finds a way and reminders of our innate ability to pursue survival against all odds - but effectively augments his take on the genre with well-developed characters and an Australian setting. ...more
4.5 stars. There is little I need to say other than the nuances and messages of the novel, for example the awful consequences of rejection, are not tra4.5 stars. There is little I need to say other than the nuances and messages of the novel, for example the awful consequences of rejection, are not translated well to the big screen or any TV series. I’m yet to finish a movie adaptation because I found them unconvincing and silly. Shelley’s original text countered all my misgivings. I exchanged thoughts (and there were quite a few about language, structure and debate on who is the ‘villain’) with my buddy reader @Marge Moen, and why it falls just below a 5-star rating from me. As usual, her insights were invaluable and, again, align with mine in many ways. For comparison and out of interest, we plan to ‘buddy-read’ the updated 1831 text sometime next year....more
The first chapter roped me in. I wasn’t sure where the story was taking me but was on the edge of my seat by the end.
This is the second novel I’ve reaThe first chapter roped me in. I wasn’t sure where the story was taking me but was on the edge of my seat by the end.
This is the second novel I’ve read and enjoyed by Nic D’Alessandro (his first: ‘Convergence on the 42nd Parallel’), a Tasmanian author.
I went in cold, did not read the blurb, and I’m glad of that. I didn’t know what to expect but knew the author was interested and skilled in aviation, therefore not surprised when this element featured. As they say, write about what you know, and this is a good example of just that.
As the excitement builds, the aviation details are described in a way that allows the reader to understand it all.
I didn’t initially warm to the protagonist, but that’s not a criticism. It made the read more interesting and set up good character development for a series.
D’Alessandro’s writing style is sharp:
‘She tries to smile, but it slips and slides off her face.’
‘I find the diner, eventually, and push open the door. No need for the bell—the hinges shriek like a bird of prey.’
If the following snippets grab your attention, then this novel could be your next:
“She had a high, clear forehead and a mouth that might have a spectaIf the following snippets grab your attention, then this novel could be your next:
“She had a high, clear forehead and a mouth that might have a spectacular smile. Just not here or for now.”
“Cold sober he looked brittle as a relic, his complexion an unvaried shade of wet gravel.”
“…two paintings in the center of each of the blank walls, one gray on white, the other white on gray to ring the changes. They might have been Picassos from his plumbing period. Or a layout for steam pipes in an igloo. Either way they gave the room the all-round charm of an automated milking parlor.”
“I didn’t knock or put on the light, just walked inside and followed the sounds of an orchestra that came and went in waves so canned and hollow they might have been playing between decks in a submarine.”
There are far better reviews and I can add little to them. They all point to sassy, taught and thrilling storytelling reminiscent of the Hollywood film noir, throwbacks to smoke-filled haunts. Janet Roger knows how to drip feed the events (yet, sometimes the information comes in a gush and pushes the story along like a fast train). The reader has little choice but to keep pace.
I would add the landscape of post-WWII London is a character in its own right. Mostly a gloomy setting, the writing allowed me to feel the winter chill, the uncomfortable scenes of flattened buildings, their slow reconstruction struggling to hold back the past or hide the city’s underbelly of vice.
I imagine Alfred Hitchcock would have panted over a scriptwriter’s submission for this, lining up his 1940s Hollywood stars and having a say in which talented composer to recruit for the eerie and dramatic film score: “I’ll shoot it in black and white, old boy. Can’t have colour interfering with the all that London fog and grime, can we?” ...more
First book for 2023, and it’s a classic, gothic fiction. My first read by a Brontë sister since reading 'Jane Eyre'. First and only novel by Emily BronFirst book for 2023, and it’s a classic, gothic fiction. My first read by a Brontë sister since reading 'Jane Eyre'. First and only novel by Emily Brontë. Second buddy read with Marge Moen: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/2... And I can't wait to read Marge's insights. Emily is one of the three Brontë sisters who initially needed to publish their novels under male pseudonyms - I think that spells volumes about their writing on repression and societal norms of the time.
I can understand why people either love or hate ‘Wuthering Heights’, or are the very least perplexed by it. This is not an easy, pleasant read. And that's probably its appeal for me.
I sit firmly in the 'love' camp.
So much meanness, violence, ugliness. So many characters suffer from fragile health. Such contrast between strong (aggressive) and weak (sickly) characters.
Revenge is a major aspect of the apparent tortured love storyline. How else can it be described, but a kind of warped love story?
It is dark, broody and harsh, at times excruciatingly cruel.
How did Emily Brontë think up these characters and themes? Surely she drew from some of her own experiences? I must do some post-read research.
A few takeaways =
My expectations were met.
I also responded well to the symbolism: ‘Catherine’s face was just like the landscape - shadows and sunshine flitting over it in rapid succession; but the shadows rested longer, and the sunshine was more transient…’
Ellen, the devoted, long term nanny, maid-come-servant endured so much. Too much.
The old religious-fanatic Joseph, another servant who also suffered through generations of the main characters, spoke in a Yorkshire dialect. Brontë was clever to capture this, but I couldn’t understand a lot of it. I fear I’ve missed some important plot details. Maybe there’s an edition with a translation as footnotes?
At times, I got a little confused who was who. Brontë invariably switches from Christian names to titles or surnames, and gives offspring the same names as their parents or relatives.
Ah, now I’m nitpicking, and I didn’t want to do that!
I was a little bewildered how Heathcliff, the male anti-hero, turned out so badly. I wanted to like him more. Then again, I’m glad Brontë didn’t give us stereotypical characters. Maybe I would have been critical if Heathcliff turned out to be all lovey-dovey?
See what this novel has done to me? I’m babbling.
Kate Bush’s hit by the same name makes a lot more sense to me now.
An expected 5-star rating just falls short, but that's not to say I didn't love it! 4.5 stars from me. I thought about that trick of raising it to 5 stars, but then thought no, that doesn't paint the right picture. Ah, still babbling thanks to Cathy and Heathcliff......more
No plot or character spoilers from me. Just a well-deserved 5/5 rating and a few general comments.
I’m so glad I read this modern classic!
Not long ago, No plot or character spoilers from me. Just a well-deserved 5/5 rating and a few general comments.
I’m so glad I read this modern classic!
Not long ago, I watched the latest Netflix adaptation, but it had its limitations. Something just didn’t gel.
When my ‘buddy reader’ friend, Marge from the US, suggested this, I gulped but thought, what the heck, give it a go. Thank you, Marge. You did me such a great favour.
Although I’ve reviewed a few novels that translate much better on the big screen, this is the reverse. Credit to Daphne du Maurier’s expert writing. I was hanging on just about every sentence and all the melodrama (loved it!) soared out of ‘ho-hum’ up to lofty heights with her prose. Her use of seasons, weather and the natural environment to evoke moods and atmosphere rivals the likes of Thomas Hardy and the Brontë sisters.
Hint. Don’t watch or google anything about ‘Rebecca’. Go in cold. If, like me, that’s not the case, it’s not fatal. A post-Netflix movie read could make du Maurier’s storytelling the more impressive.
I might check out Alfred Hitchcock’s interpretation from the 1940s. Did he have a thing for Daphne? He also took on one of her other famous novels, ‘The Birds’. That’s on my ‘to read’ list too…
There are some good novels that elicit just a simple response and short critique. ‘Fields of Grace’ is one of them.
There is little to add to the detaiThere are some good novels that elicit just a simple response and short critique. ‘Fields of Grace’ is one of them.
There is little to add to the detailed positive reviews already posted.
What I will add: Wendy Waters is masterful in creating sharp, clear and witty dialogue, often with multiple characters, that allows the reader to feel they are actually party to the conversations. This is very clever.
She is also apt at descriptive text: “The garden must have been beautiful once. An ancient walnut tree with branches knotted like philosopher’s fingers…”
Her knowledge, research and retelling of the theatre, film and music circles of pre-WWII Europe is praiseworthy. There are obvious personal connections to the themes in her novel that make it the more intriguing.
I’ve just put down this book. I’ve decided not to overthink a review, but first I had to take a breath; stare out the window SPOILER ALERT TO A DEGREE
I’ve just put down this book. I’ve decided not to overthink a review, but first I had to take a breath; stare out the window for a while.
My heart aches. I have a multitude of emotions, not excluding a type of joy. What a novel! Judith Guest knew what she was doing here.
But let me start off with the 1980 movie of the same name, directed by Robert Redford. I’ve watched it three times. Yes, the sets and clothing may be dated, but the story is for all-time. This film won Oscars for best picture, best director, best adapted screenplay and best supporting actor to Timothy Hutton (back then, he was the youngest recipient at age 20), with identical Golden Globe Awards, giving Mary Tyler Moore best actress.
I was told the movie remained true to the book. And boy, it sure does. Achingly so.
Given I’m a fan of this movie, it was natural to approach the novel with all the faces and characters already formed in my mind. This can be a trap but, in this instance, it was flawless. The roles and performances of Moore and Donald Sutherland as the parents, and Hutton as Conrad, their son, aligned with what I read on the pages. The supporting cast matched all the secondary characters in the book.
Conrad. What a great name for a young man to carry such a weight on his shoulders…
This story is about an ‘ordinary’ family in the process of fracturing. Rarely do we get to read such plausible text about the awkwardness and tragedy of familial bonds that shift and waver. Of course, there are both subtle and brutal layers. Both the book and the film expertly peel off these layers at the right pace. Readers may relate to some characters more than others, but I make no judgments on behaviours. There are no rule books on how we should behave in crises, are there?
I love it when there is no hesitation to award a book 5 stars. ‘Ordinary People’ belongs to that category.
I’m now interested to know how readers found this in reverse, meaning they read the book before watching the movie. Did the characters in the book translate well on the screen?...more
I have been a fan of yours for a long time, and it has been a long time since I have read one of your novels.
I started ‘The BeDear Dame Iris Murdoch.
I have been a fan of yours for a long time, and it has been a long time since I have read one of your novels.
I started ‘The Bell’ many years ago but didn’t finish it. I became distracted and maybe felt that I had had my fill of the Murdoch craft for a while. From memory, I also found it difficult to read the small font. Had you still been alive today, you would be amused to know most, if not all, novels are now printed in 1.5 or double line-spacing and in larger font! We also have e-books!
Your book is compact but it must have a large word count. If printed today in the requisite typesetting, it no doubt would be classed as a ‘door stopper’.
My copy ‘The Bell’ (published in 1958) sat on my bookshelf for decades and now the pages have a quaint, old-worldly yellow tinge. I’ve returned to it with a renewed excitement and the benefit of reading glasses.
It has all the hallmarks of your expertise. For example, in the span of a half-to a full page you can describe emotions and reactions that take just one second in real time – and with that, we enter entirely into your characters’ mindsets.
Your storyline, that centres on an eclectic ensemble of anxious and odd characters, striving to live together but doomed to fail in an experimental closed Anglican lay community, is brilliant. You give us philosophy (you have been called a philosopher, haven’t you?), religion (and characters conflicted by their religious beliefs), symbolism, human relationships (good and bad), awkward human interactions (oh, you do that so well), British sharp wit, penance, social commentary on adulty and homosexuality. Your delicate and astute handling of the latter is brave and masterful, although steeped in the restrictions and prejudices of your time.
Again Dame Iris, you would be amused to learn that your abundant use of the word ‘gay’, with its derivatives ‘gaily’ and ‘gaiety’, holds a different colloquial meaning in today’s society. We have ‘gay marriage’ now, and homosexuality has been decimalised in many countries. My feeling is that you would have supported this, or at that very least, provided a detailed philosophical argument for and against it.
A few times, when I was side-tracked and skim read some passages, I returned and re-read them. I wanted every word to count. And they did.
I also learned a new word: rebarbative. You used that many times, therefore I had to google it - that’s a modern term used with ‘the Internet’ that took off at a time when your faculties were affected by the insidious Alzheimer’s Disease. What would you have thought of the Internet, I wonder?
I know many current readers find it difficult to warm to your dense, philosophical writing. I can understand that. However, for me, to return to your writing was a pleasure.
I’ve also watched a film, simply called ‘Iris’, about your life, relationships and health decline. It starred Kate Winslet and Dame Judy Dench respectively as your young and older selves. It was heartachingly honest and gives insight into what inspired you to be a novelist.
I confess, the ‘The Sea, the Sea’ remains my favourite, and I will read it again soon. In the meantime, ‘The Bell’ deserves almost equal praise and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I’ve noticed there are many of your TV interviews available on YouTube (another modern media invention). I look forward to hearing some of your wisdom that has been archived for future generations. We also have ‘book bloggers’ today who talk about some of your other books that I’ve read: ‘The Unicorn’, ‘A Fairly Honourable Defeat’ and ‘The Philosopher’s Pupil’.
It gives us several rewards. There are historical and educational elements pitted throughout overlapping storylines that converge A successful novel.
It gives us several rewards. There are historical and educational elements pitted throughout overlapping storylines that converge and then lure us into a brutal finale, but for a glimmer of hope.
By his unambiguous dedication, Michael McLellan sets us up for his tapestry of struggle and grief: “This novel is dedicated to the human race. I fear for us.”
A prophetic dedication considering the events that have taken place since the book’s 2017 publication.
‘In the Shadow of the Hanging Tree’ teases the reader with expectations that some likeable characters will persevere and overcome, only to plunge us into the reality of an unforgiving frontier and time.
The interweaving storylines are told from the perspectives of emancipated slaves, displaced indigenous people, lovers and hangers-on from the civil war, plus some social class thrown in. The landscapes are presented as either picturesque or harsh, depending on the character’s circumstances. These people make mistakes, have regrets or are downright horrible. The descriptions of their demise are skilfully told.
The text is matter-of-fact and sentences are often clipped. McLellan makes this work well. For me, the simplicity of the text echoed the starkness of the prairie or the shortness of life in the emerging ‘wild west’.
This is the eighth book I’ve read by contemporary authors registered on Goodreads. All have been excellent and I look forward to the trend continuing. ...more
I really like this book. I really like the author’s style. This is a story about family, friendships, illness, impending grief (many of us have been thI really like this book. I really like the author’s style. This is a story about family, friendships, illness, impending grief (many of us have been there) and the complexities of relationships (many of us have experienced this). Most families have their quirks, secrets and struggles. Many families have the public façade of being loving and kind. We know this is not always the case, and it is the awkward moments between family members in this book - raw, harsh and often witty -that gives it its edge. I often compared it to the ‘difficult-to-watch’ family dynamics in 1980s film ‘Ordinary People’, which, in my mind, is a masterpiece in showing distain through subtle actions rather by dialogue. I got the same from this book. The author asserts ‘A Matter of Life and Death’ is entirely fiction. This is a surprise given the level of detail and insight into the subject matter. If Andy Marr has not brought some personal experience to his story, it is a true testament to his storytelling. I congratulate him....more
A sharp murder/mystery, and a good one. A story of initial opportunistic greed taking terrible turns for the worse and plunging the protagonist in too A sharp murder/mystery, and a good one. A story of initial opportunistic greed taking terrible turns for the worse and plunging the protagonist in too deep. We might know of similar stories and Steve S. Saroff starts off giving us what appear to be stereotypes, but then he shifts gear and the characters develop some intriguing layers. This certainly held my interest....more
Why would I swoon over a children’s book published in 1954 and given to me a decade later? Why would th10 BIG and BRIGHT stars from me! Read many times.
Why would I swoon over a children’s book published in 1954 and given to me a decade later? Why would this review end up being one of the longest I would write?
It’s often about the context.
In this case, the context of childhood experiences that can reappear and become gloriously exaggerated at the other end of our lives. A context that allows us to feel sentimental for a while, to reminisce about our parents and growing up in a child’s world free of adult complexities. To feel grateful that, like me, some of us experienced easy upbringings, blissfully unaware that that was not always the case for many children. This story of ‘Colin the Cowboy’ was a part of my upbringing.
When I joined Goodreads, this was the first book I searched for - but failed to find it until I met a savvy German Goodreads Friend who uploaded it for me (see below).
Okay, let’s get one thing out of the way. It’s my best-ever book, but I never understood why Enid Blyton used a hyphen in the word ‘cowboy’, writing it as ‘Cow-boy’. Maybe that was how it was written decades ago? I am going to be as bold as the protagonist in the story and omit the hyphen in this review.
‘Colin the Cowboy’ is a simple story about a blond, wide-eyed wannabe real cowboy who looked just like me as a kid - ah, yes, all those childhood fantasies flooding back to me…
(If you’re bored with this review already, please try and hang in there).
So now, I float down the river of childhood memories -
When my parents emigrated to lutruwita/Tasmania from England, this book accompanied me. I still have it. A birthday gift from my grandparents. I treasure it.
I tried to instil the same enthusiasm for it in my children and then the grandchildren, but there was tough competition with the likes of ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’, ‘The Gruffalo’ and the 'Mr and Little Miss' series. As a result, ‘Colin the Cowboy’ sat on the bookshelf, waiting patiently for the right ‘context’ to come along that would allow him to shine once more.
Disclaimer: I am aware quite a number of Enid Blyton’s books became controversial and I am certain the somewhat patronizing approach to American First Nation people in ‘Colin the Cowboy’ would understandably raise eyebrows today, but hope we can look beyond this in the context of this review.
The storyline in a nutshell: Colin has a wooden horse, but he’s not satisfied and wants a real one. Colin meets a tall, dark, handsome ‘real’ cowboy who shows him a 'real' horse called Thunder. He says: "See if you can mount him - but be careful, or he might run away with you!" Colin is most excited. He fetches a saddle and then he mounts the beautiful horse.
Okay, so I pause here to admit I didn’t uncover any subtext or metaphors in all this when I was an innocent child, but I have a habit of searching for such things in my book reviews as an adult - so I must not overthink all this stuff in the context of this review.
Colin urges Thunder to go faster. He is brave and invincible, but of course, he gets thrown off and lands on a prickly cactus plant. Along comes a little Indian boy called Red-Feather who’s beached his canoe on the banks of the nearby river. Red-Feather has a guitar slung over his shoulder - he looks really cool. Red-Feather frees Colin from the cactus and the two quickly become very good friends. It doesn’t take long for Red-Feather to invite Colin back to meet his tribe: From the text: "Colin leaps gaily into the canoe… and upsets it at once! Into the water they go - what a good thing it is shallow just there!" My younger sister and I used to giggle at what came next. A double page spread of Colin and Red-Feather sitting butt naked, except for their hats, around a camp fire, the guitar strategically placed to hide any rude bits - censorship in the 1960s, remember. Colin plays Red-Feather’s guitar (no, I’m not going to overthink this) and the little Indian sings loudly,
“Dry us, little camp fire, and our clothes too, and make us warm and happy!” Nope, not going to overthink that one either!
In the morning, the two best buddies arrive at the Indian camp, enjoy a wonderful party of dance, games and "the most enormous meal". They stage a shooting competition - Colin has his gun and Red-Feather shoots with his bow and arrows. There’s drama when a mad bull escapes. And you guessed it. The two buddies lasso it and save the tribe from danger. There is a grand celebration then everyone is euphoric and tired. We are not told where Colin sleeps that night, but my guess is he shared a tee pee with his new best mate. The next day, it’s time for Colin to leave. The two friends exchange clothing… maybe that’s a metaphor? Colin now has moccasins, a blue leather coat (very stylish) and an outrageously oversized headdress of long white feathers, and Red-Feather is now dressed as a cowboy…
(I've just realised Blyton did not hyphenate cow-boy within the text, just on the book cover. I’m confused).
Anyway, Red-Feather’s dad (Eagle-Feather - um Gottes willen, all these hyphens!) gives Colin a beautiful little foal as thanks for his bravery, to be kept at the camp until Colin returns - as a man?
I think I get the hyphen thing now. Enid Blyton wrote cowboy as ‘Cow-boy’ to match Red-Feather and Eagle-Feather as a sign of unity and equality. Nice.
All jokes aside, I do love Colin and Red-Feather. They still hold a special place in my old heart.
For this book to come back to me in the context of Goodreads interactions, is very rewarding.
I thank Michael, my Goodreads friend from Germany, for finding the publication somewhere on the net and uploading my photo of my well-worn cover of ‘Colin the Cow-boy’....more
4 big stars! Please don’t expect an intelligent, savvy review from me on this one! I wouldn’t know where to start, therefore an immediate subjective res4 big stars! Please don’t expect an intelligent, savvy review from me on this one! I wouldn’t know where to start, therefore an immediate subjective response is best. I approached ‘A Most Unfortunate Affair’ with a degree of smugness thinking, here’s another WWI book that will give us the ubiquitous misery of WWI trench warfare (which it does, in part) and a ‘tally ho, off we go chaps’ boy’s own adventure (which it is, at times). How wrong was I… Edward B. Crutchley has succeeded in baffling, challenging, irritating and delighting me with this somewhat strange story of rivalry between two flawed protagonists who jostle around each other, attempting to get the upper hand. There are some ‘cloak and dagger’ events that creep up on you. All this in the arena of a terrible war, appearing to mirror the distrust and distain usually directed at the so-called real enemy. I didn’t know where it was heading or what it was supposed to be. I looked for hidden messages, only to be taken down rabbit holes that never provided satisfactory answers… MY TYPE OF BOOK! Others will disagree, but I often want to finish a book and think, ‘What was that all about?’ The author may have other views; he may believe his story and his characters’ motives are clear cut, and that I am way off track with my (over)analysis, but, as a reader, I own the luxury of forming my own take on it all. The research into the historical detail is commendable, as is the imagination of Crutchley to think up such a curious storyline. I really enjoyed this one....more
4 stars from me! Why do I sound surprised? Well… From the outset, I knew I was heading into unknown territory with this one - speculative fiction/dysto4 stars from me! Why do I sound surprised? Well… From the outset, I knew I was heading into unknown territory with this one - speculative fiction/dystopian (maybe with hints of science fiction?) is not my usual genre of choice – but have gained a lot from it. ‘In Ora’ is an accomplishment on a couple of levels: English is not the author’s first language. This added to the story’s appeal for me; and There are mysterious storylines that hold your interest. There is an air of unreality (expected with speculative fiction), but not beyond the imagination of what could actually occur in reality. Reading it at a time when Russia had invaded Ukraine (March, 2022), and when I felt what I was seeing on the news was steeped in ‘unreality’, this read had more impact on me. The characters are well-developed and the protagonists, dare I say, likeable, believable, but still show some vulnerabilities. There is a love story of sorts here! This novel could have benefited from some sharp editing, an outsider’s perspective, to ‘tighten up’ the text, but all in all, a work I respected and enjoyed....more
Observations (note, I am deliberately avoiding the word ‘criticism’): At times, the biblical analogies of Cain and Abel, good vs.One word: Remarkable.
Observations (note, I am deliberately avoiding the word ‘criticism’): At times, the biblical analogies of Cain and Abel, good vs. evil were weighty, but Steinbeck peels away the layers of society in such an engrossing way that nothing can blemish the craft of his storytelling and character development.
Highlight: Steinbeck created a chilling, complex but, to me, fascinating female character who is unrivalled. Are there hints of misogyny? Maybe. Or just another biblical pretext to show the stark contrast between good and evil?
Regret: This should have been a Goodreads buddy read! I needed to discuss, debate, marvel, rant, curse, question, clarify, talk, talk and talk about this novel.
Action: Looking forward to checking out more reviews (including the not-so-favourable ones for balance) and will seek out the film of the same name that features James Dean. ...more
Loading...
