A short dystopian novel or rather a collection of scenes involving the same characters. It seems more pertinent now in our censorious culture that it A short dystopian novel or rather a collection of scenes involving the same characters. It seems more pertinent now in our censorious culture that it may have done when it was first published...more
There is a great deal to enjoy in this book. The writing is beautiful and there are some excellent descriptive passages about animal behaviour and natThere is a great deal to enjoy in this book. The writing is beautiful and there are some excellent descriptive passages about animal behaviour and nature and the passing of the seasons. It is also refreshing change to have a post-apocalyptic story featuring a female lead character. This does bring much to the story as it allows maternal impulses and ideas to be discussed. There is also some general consideration of the nature of personhood from a female perspective.
However, there are some difficulties. This is a view of nature and animals described by a town-dweller. It is clear that the writer only has experience of animals as pets and know little of wildlife in general. The descriptions of the cat and dog behaviour is quite accurate but that of other animals much less so. The descriptions of general husbandry and crop management are quite inaccurate.
It is difficult to see this as a feminist text. As one would anticipate, the reflections on womanhood are often reflections on being human and equally pertinent to men and women. The specifically feminine is only a minor theme in the text. This is not really a female Robinson Crusoe, there is some rearing but no creating, and, in the main, survival is effected by scavenging on the things that civilisation (the men - the huntsman and Hugo) left behind: when these run out so does everything else. The ending is very bleak and shocking in its effect; by killing the man she kills all hope and any future. It seems the problem is not man but rather mankind....more
This is a large tome. If your passion is exegesis of Biblical texts to consider modern moral and psycholgical issues then this may be just the book foThis is a large tome. If your passion is exegesis of Biblical texts to consider modern moral and psycholgical issues then this may be just the book for you. But be prepared it is very lengthy and quite repetitive. Although there are useful insights into issues such as work and sacrifice there is a lot of reading to be done to uncover them. It you enjoy Bible study rush out and get this, if not read the summaries and reviews....more
This was interesting in that it tackled the sequelea of the fall of the wall. However, it is essentially too slight and it never manages to understandThis was interesting in that it tackled the sequelea of the fall of the wall. However, it is essentially too slight and it never manages to understand why some of those from the East, or the poor in the west, hold the views they do. Perhaps blind to the predicaments of the poor it is impossible for him to understand them...more
Mae'n stori byr a syml. Yn bosib rhy syml oherwydd yr cymeriadau yn du a gwyn a ddim hollol credadwy.Mae'n stori byr a syml. Yn bosib rhy syml oherwydd yr cymeriadau yn du a gwyn a ddim hollol credadwy....more
Over long for the content which makes it at times hard work. Flashes of the author's insights make the book worthwhile but not one of her best.Over long for the content which makes it at times hard work. Flashes of the author's insights make the book worthwhile but not one of her best....more
As with many collections of short stories this is quite patchy. There are a couple of gems, many "so so" tales and a few that fail badly. These are ofAs with many collections of short stories this is quite patchy. There are a couple of gems, many "so so" tales and a few that fail badly. These are often intended to shock and the reader shouldn't be surprised that they often do. However, the problem with pushing at boundaries is that sometime you burst them and are left with an unpleasant mess. That happens here too....more
I read a positive review of this book in "The Idler" and decided to give it a try. The review did not give a lot of details of the plot away, so as noI read a positive review of this book in "The Idler" and decided to give it a try. The review did not give a lot of details of the plot away, so as not to spoil the ending. I will do likewise as the sting in the tail of this tale is extremely good and I'd not want to lessen it. The review did not mention that this was a book for "young adults" and this was a surprise when I looked at the cover of the book I received. I am not the target demographic, indeed I'm about as far as you can get from being a young adult while not being dead. However, don't let this categorization deter you, this book is worth reading no matter how long your teeth are. Some reviewers have staken objection to the writing style findong it choppy and staccato. But these are meant to be the monologues of a troubled teenager and the style is very apt. In addition there is great descriptive skill in the text and occasional humourous playing with words. It is short, it is easy to read and it will hook you after the first few pages. Give it a try. ...more
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