A couple enjoyable stories and a couple that did not connect with me. Her writing is brilliant as always but I wouldn’t say these are examples of her A couple enjoyable stories and a couple that did not connect with me. Her writing is brilliant as always but I wouldn’t say these are examples of her best work. Just my opinion. ...more
As usual Ms Wharton perfectly describes the confusion of emotions that come to a person. The story was good but I thought the ending needed much tidyiAs usual Ms Wharton perfectly describes the confusion of emotions that come to a person. The story was good but I thought the ending needed much tidying up. It was as if Ms Wharton just gave up on it.
I don’t think most young people would understand the premise of the story. To find out that someone had sex outside of marriage is hardly the shocking and heartbreaking thing it used to be. ...more
Brilliant writing that peers deep into the human soul. Unfortunately I think the theme is dated and won’t be understood by most modern readers. The plBrilliant writing that peers deep into the human soul. Unfortunately I think the theme is dated and won’t be understood by most modern readers. The plot involves the main character and their decision to do something immoral and unethical for money. Consequently the character struggles against their conscience. What the person actually did to get the money, something shocking and in bad taste at the time this was written, is something completely acceptable in today’s society. I cannot see readers under age forty or so, being able to understand what the problem is. People today have a baseness, a lack of ethics, that would make understanding the problem nearly impossible. However, reading this book is an eye opening experience that shows how far civilization has fallen. ...more
Three and a half stars. The jokes were good and some of the characters, especially Shylock, were really hilarious. If I could play any character in thThree and a half stars. The jokes were good and some of the characters, especially Shylock, were really hilarious. If I could play any character in this play, I’d be Shylock as that character is just hilarious and there’s so much open to interpretation. I usually don’t care for Shakespeare’s comedies as I find the humor either too bawdy or too obscure. This play had me laughing on page one.
The problem is that I’m not sure if it’s a morality play about a jerk, ( Shylock was determined to get that pound of flesh) or two jerks ( Antonio had been mocking, tripping, and spitting on Shylock for years.) or if it’s outright antisemitism. I can’t tell. Some of the dialog is so antisemitism and yet some is so obviously just humor so I’m not sure if it’s all meant to be funny.
I took off a star because the last part about the rings seemed tacked on. Also the two main characters, Shylock and Antonio, are left hanging in limbo. Shylock’s end is explained but since it happens off screen we are left wondering. And Antonio has been depressed for the entire play and never has any resolution. His character is just left hanging as everyone moves on with their great lives. That just strikes me as a cop out.
If you enjoy Poe, give this a try. The vocabulary is dated which for some of us adds nuance. The stories are creepy. I kept getting a faint LovecraftiIf you enjoy Poe, give this a try. The vocabulary is dated which for some of us adds nuance. The stories are creepy. I kept getting a faint Lovecraftian feel. ...more
The writing is superb but the story goes from reality into fantasy which I’m not a big fan of. A man walking in the woods decides to take a nap. Has aThe writing is superb but the story goes from reality into fantasy which I’m not a big fan of. A man walking in the woods decides to take a nap. Has an odd dream. Things get a little strange after he wakes up. He finds a box with five mystical bottles inside. Bottles of ointment that change you....more
Reading a first persons perspective of a Black Plague outbreak or the great London fire is interesting, as are the descriptions of the lives and commoReading a first persons perspective of a Black Plague outbreak or the great London fire is interesting, as are the descriptions of the lives and common beliefs of the people of the times; but for me the best part of the book was the gossip. William Penn for instance: his cheapness; his dreaded awful dinner parties; his occasional habit of emptying his shit pot near Pepys front door. It didn’t stop them from being friends, but the way Pepys mutters to his diary about it was very funny. “ William Penn served a venison tart that stank like the devil” . I found myself laughing out loud several times while reading this book. Also must mention the art. I hadn’t expected much but the art is spot on. It’s the exact people, places and usually painted or etched in the 1660’s. Worst thing about this diary is that it doesn’t go on for another twenty years. ...more
Can’t believe Trollope wrote this. A fourth of the way through and it’s a two star book so I’m not bothering to read anymore. Some people may like reaCan’t believe Trollope wrote this. A fourth of the way through and it’s a two star book so I’m not bothering to read anymore. Some people may like reading about the Irish Potato Famine, which features in the book. The author apparently witnessed it firsthand so really gives the book realism. ...more
One of the top five books I’ve ever read that explore marriage. This book does a great job of exploring people’s ideas about marriage. Like New Grub SOne of the top five books I’ve ever read that explore marriage. This book does a great job of exploring people’s ideas about marriage. Like New Grub Street, there is a feeling of understanding and commiseration towards intellectuals.
Some reviews claim this book is anti women or anti marriage. I strongly disagree. The book simply brings to light the truth: that being married is more difficult than being single. Being married means having to consider someone else’s happiness and this inevitably leads to some resentment. Marriage is complicated. This book does a great job of laying it all out. ...more
I started this book last year and although the writing style was wonderful, the story didn’t appeal to me ( a teenage starlet whose mother practicallyI started this book last year and although the writing style was wonderful, the story didn’t appeal to me ( a teenage starlet whose mother practically tells her to have an affair? Not my cup of tea)
But I restarted the book last week and I’m so glad that I did. The story isn’t at all what I thought it was. It isn’t about being filthy rich and gaffing all over Europe looking for amusement: It’s about being human; the meaning of life; how we treat each other and the effect that has on others.
Although this was set in the 1920’s, the problems and desires are still what we have today....more
The best writing that I have experienced in years. The writing style here is breathtaking; a masterpiece. Some of the phrases are so overwhelming beauThe best writing that I have experienced in years. The writing style here is breathtaking; a masterpiece. Some of the phrases are so overwhelming beautiful that I wanted to lay the book aside and wallow in certain passages, playing them over in my head. The plot and characters are so intriguing though, that's it's difficult to lay the book aside.
I did not expect to like this book. I am not a fan of American literature. The story starts off subtly. The symbolism, however, was overwhelming. I will never forget the descriptions of The Valley of Ash. Wow.
Many books written in the past are dated for today's audience. This book is not one of them. On going partying, trying to befriend the latest cool people, unhappy marriages, aimlessly partying, it is as true today as it was then.
I expected a book of hypocrisy: aimless rich vs poverty stricken heros or some such nonsense. Instead I found relatable people in relatable situations.
What a fun read! I guess it's always fun to read someone else's mail. Mary's letters to her sister are chatty, full of gossip and sound advice and encWhat a fun read! I guess it's always fun to read someone else's mail. Mary's letters to her sister are chatty, full of gossip and sound advice and encouragement. Mary's letters are written in simple, straightforward English. They are not convoluted nor filled with big words that aren't used today. Her book is very approachable by today's readers.
The descriptions of the parties and clothes were a delight. At one party Mary attended, all the guests dressed as shepards and shepardesses. The party was held outdoors and the food and drinks were secreted about in the trees and amongst the boulders.
I liked reading about how they decorated their houses and gardens too. It was trendy during this time, apparently, to have a grotto: a sort of cave people could walk into. Mary is decorating hers with shells. Mary has so many hobbies and interests. She likes painting, sketching, reading, and collecting by shells. She always seems to be working on some craft project too.
I also liked seeing how much things cost. Mary's friend went to an estate auction to buy some paintings. A Rembrandt went for 32 £.
Another thing I liked were the homemade medical recipes that Mary sent to her sister. Most of the ingredients you can still find today.
It was unsettling how often death occurred back then. It was a fact of life; people died all the time. Some of the deaths recorded in this memoir are unforgettable. Like the young man, recently married to his sweetheart, out riding with friends and family one day, and his horse stumbled. The man had just taken his gun out and accidentally clutched at it as his horse stumbled. He was shot through the head! Right there in front of family, friends and his new bride! So tragic yet accidents happened so often. Not as often as disease however.
It's a great time period to read about but I certainly am glad to live in this time period rather than hers....more
Started off not liking it ( those weird sections that rhyme. Plus all the double dealing and lies made it hard to know who was really lying) but it grStarted off not liking it ( those weird sections that rhyme. Plus all the double dealing and lies made it hard to know who was really lying) but it grew on me. Now it's one of my top five Shakespeare plays. ...more
This was not at all what I was expecting. These thesis caused a schism in the church. They caused an ongoing bloodbath that went on for decades. This This was not at all what I was expecting. These thesis caused a schism in the church. They caused an ongoing bloodbath that went on for decades. This was huge! The nailing of these thesis were one of the monumental moments of civilization. I had pictured Martin Luther shouting and waving his hammer about as he nailed them to the door. I had pictured the thesis as: 1) Pope is a liar! I expected each thesis to show biblically that the Catholic church was not based on the Bible. but they were nothing like that. Not at all. I had to read them 4 times to be sure I was understanding what Luther was trying to say. I was shocked.
Luther's only beef was with the sale of indulgences. That's it. His arguments were common sense and not antagonistic towards the pope or the church. He seemed rather polite in his arguments. Such as how the pope would surely prefer you to do good works instead of buying indulgences. Give your money to the poor rather than to the pope, who is already rich. The pope would rather have your prayers than your money.
I was disappointed that Luther didn't really sock it to the corrupt church, but considering the after effects of these polite thesis, he was wise to keep it toned down.
What is scary/sad/ confusing is the great Sir Thomas More wrote a scathing rebuttal to these thesis. How is it possible to refute arguments like these? ...more
So. Bizarre. Had to read some stories twice. The symbolism was sometimes elusive for me.
This collection of short stories have been called fairy tales,So. Bizarre. Had to read some stories twice. The symbolism was sometimes elusive for me.
This collection of short stories have been called fairy tales, but moral fantasies is a better description for them.
One story took place in a country called Normalia. It had started off as a mental institution and as it got over crowded it simply kept growing until it was the size of a country. When it was written it was probably a comment on Nazi Germany. I found it also a fitting description of North Korea.
A couple stories were romances. A couple were about attempting to become a great artist. In another, a man has a discussion with his stove.
Great book but it helps to be open to the symbolism; in some stories more than others. ...more
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