I've just finished reading Penelope Fitzgerald's 'Offshore' - and, I don't get it. I'm sure there are lots of people who think it's a work of pure genius, but it's not for me.
I found the story structure rambled, and I was often guessing at who the speaker was. For a very short novel, there were a lot of characters with a lot going on. It read rather like a mid-season episode of a soap opera you've never seen. The conclusion of the novel resolved nothing. In fact, there isn't a single story line that was satisfactorily wrapped up, and that bugs the heck out of me. I have no idea what happened to any of these characters, so really what was the purpose of asking me to care for them over the past 181 pages? I see no point.
I'm rambling. Suffice to say I did not enjoy this book.
Next book is William Golding's "Rites of Passage" - third nautical related book in a row! I'm starting to feel a bit queasy...
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
It Is Possible To Like Something You Do Not Understand
I finished reading Murdoch's "The Sea, The Sea" at midnight last night, only took me twenty-freaking-days! I'm now approximately three books behind schedule, with two rather intense books looming on the reading list: Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children" and Thomas Keneally's "Schindler's Ark" are currently sitting at positions 3 & 4 in my queue. I'm actually rather looking forward to "Midnight's Children" but I'm slightly intimidated by it as well. I may adjust my reading schedule slightly by going back to read some of the titles I was unable to locate earlier, mainly because I don't want to be struggling with my reading during the holiday season. I will be busy and emotional as is.
Ok, back to "The Sea, The Sea". I actually really enjoyed this book, although I'm not sure I really 'got' it. There are a lot of philosophical passages where characters are just talking heads espousing their particular theories on life, love, and the cosmos - it's all relatively simple to understand, but it does slow down the plot progression quite a bit. I enjoyed the descriptions of the atmosphere (sea and buildings mostly) and also the food related passages as they continued to be very poetic and very amusing, respectively.
The purpose of the story itself remains a bit of a mystery to me, but given it's style as a diary/memoir that almost suits it. I'm sure subsequent readings will show the plot structure more clearly, in those 'aha' moments where you can see what the author is doing because you already know what comes next. It's so easy to seem bright on the second or third reading of a book! Maybe I'm just not intelligent enough to understand it the first time through.
I did enjoy Murdoch's use of mystery and paranormal elements, and also the enigma of the spiritual mysticism - quiet frankly I loved Cousin James, and I rather think he should have had his own novel! Charles was... Well, I'm left thinking he's a fairly horrible person, but I suppose he's really no different than any of us. Even if he does use terrorist tactics on his friends and family. It's really just an extreme example of what most people do.
Anyway, as I said, I did enjoy the novel, and I'm glad I purchased a copy so I'll be able to re-read it in the not-so-near future. If you haven't read it, I do recommend it. It's a very interesting read.
My next book is Penelope Fitzgerald's "Offshore" - the jacket reviews sound promising, so I'm looking forward to this one. Plus, it's only 181 pages!
Happy Reading!
Ok, back to "The Sea, The Sea". I actually really enjoyed this book, although I'm not sure I really 'got' it. There are a lot of philosophical passages where characters are just talking heads espousing their particular theories on life, love, and the cosmos - it's all relatively simple to understand, but it does slow down the plot progression quite a bit. I enjoyed the descriptions of the atmosphere (sea and buildings mostly) and also the food related passages as they continued to be very poetic and very amusing, respectively.
The purpose of the story itself remains a bit of a mystery to me, but given it's style as a diary/memoir that almost suits it. I'm sure subsequent readings will show the plot structure more clearly, in those 'aha' moments where you can see what the author is doing because you already know what comes next. It's so easy to seem bright on the second or third reading of a book! Maybe I'm just not intelligent enough to understand it the first time through.
I did enjoy Murdoch's use of mystery and paranormal elements, and also the enigma of the spiritual mysticism - quiet frankly I loved Cousin James, and I rather think he should have had his own novel! Charles was... Well, I'm left thinking he's a fairly horrible person, but I suppose he's really no different than any of us. Even if he does use terrorist tactics on his friends and family. It's really just an extreme example of what most people do.
Anyway, as I said, I did enjoy the novel, and I'm glad I purchased a copy so I'll be able to re-read it in the not-so-near future. If you haven't read it, I do recommend it. It's a very interesting read.
My next book is Penelope Fitzgerald's "Offshore" - the jacket reviews sound promising, so I'm looking forward to this one. Plus, it's only 181 pages!
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
But What Of The Sea Monster?
I should be reading but I feel an obligation to 'blog', especially since I ought to have finished reading "The Sea, The Sea" last night, by the terms of my schedule, and I haven't. According to my KOBO I'm only 32% complete. I don't feel bad - it's a large book, and I've been busy. So there.
I've never read any thing by Iris Murdoch before, so I'm not sure whether this particular book is any indication of her natural writing style, but I kind of hope it isn't. It's divided into three sections (Prehistory, History & Postscript) with the Prehistory styled as a day-by-day memoir, and the History as recent events being recalled in a slightly more formal way. I, of course, have no idea what the third section is like and will not hazard a guess. So far the novel is entirely the first-person narration of Charles Arrowby, a recently retired director who has moved from London to a strange, isolated house on a rocky shore by "the sea" to repent of what he calls his 'egoism'. His peace there is disrupted by women (and some men) from his past, the gentle mockery of the locals, and an assortment of seemingly paranormal events.
The Prehistory has passages describing the sea which are deeply lyrical, with a beautiful rhythm that echoes the waves against the rocks. There are also many humorous segments relating meals, and there is mention of Charles having considered writing a four-minute cookbook. It was also exciting, with a sea monster and a 'haunting' - it really got my heart rate going at one point! Maybe I just scare easily, but it was good! I was really enjoying the Prehistory section, even though I kept thinking that it could probably have benefitted from a more thorough editing. I realize that the train of thought/meandering style was fully intentional, but I still found it slightly irritating.
Now that I'm into the History section, however, the tone seems to have changed completely - and not just because it is now being written by Charles in a reflective state. That is actually an improvement, because the story has a more directional flow to it (yay plot!). On the downside, the paranormal element seems to have been dropped (temporarily, I hope!) in favour of more of a Hallmark movie theme of angst ridden longing. The Charles of this middle section sounds to me like a fourteen year old girl, humming and hawing over what he should do and what did she actually mean. I really hope it's just a phase.
Completely random, non-content related thoughts - I'm annoyed with myself that I wasn't able to finish reading the library copy of this novel before it was due back. It's resulted in my having to purchase a copy on my aforementioned KOBO. I love my e-reader, but I feel like it's mocking me with it's "percentage read" indicator. I wish it would give me actual novel pages read and remaining. It's just a personal preference, and something I'm sure I'll get over. Although it does frustrate me when, for instance, 'Charles Arrowby' refers to "100 pages" ago and I can't just flip back. Oh well.
As it turned out the KOBO site also had copies of Stanley Middleton's "Holiday" and David Storey's "Saville" so I bought them, too. Whenever I read those two will now be out of chronological order, so I'm thinking of them as 'treat' books for myself. Writing that down I realize it sounds a bit (!) crazy, but I'm ok with that.
I set up a display of all the Man Booker Prize winning books we have in stock at work, thought you all might enjoy a look at it. (Pictures of books on KOBO are a bit dull.) There are 28 titles represented here, of the 46 current winners. Yikes! What was I thinking!
Happy reading!
I've never read any thing by Iris Murdoch before, so I'm not sure whether this particular book is any indication of her natural writing style, but I kind of hope it isn't. It's divided into three sections (Prehistory, History & Postscript) with the Prehistory styled as a day-by-day memoir, and the History as recent events being recalled in a slightly more formal way. I, of course, have no idea what the third section is like and will not hazard a guess. So far the novel is entirely the first-person narration of Charles Arrowby, a recently retired director who has moved from London to a strange, isolated house on a rocky shore by "the sea" to repent of what he calls his 'egoism'. His peace there is disrupted by women (and some men) from his past, the gentle mockery of the locals, and an assortment of seemingly paranormal events.
The Prehistory has passages describing the sea which are deeply lyrical, with a beautiful rhythm that echoes the waves against the rocks. There are also many humorous segments relating meals, and there is mention of Charles having considered writing a four-minute cookbook. It was also exciting, with a sea monster and a 'haunting' - it really got my heart rate going at one point! Maybe I just scare easily, but it was good! I was really enjoying the Prehistory section, even though I kept thinking that it could probably have benefitted from a more thorough editing. I realize that the train of thought/meandering style was fully intentional, but I still found it slightly irritating.
Now that I'm into the History section, however, the tone seems to have changed completely - and not just because it is now being written by Charles in a reflective state. That is actually an improvement, because the story has a more directional flow to it (yay plot!). On the downside, the paranormal element seems to have been dropped (temporarily, I hope!) in favour of more of a Hallmark movie theme of angst ridden longing. The Charles of this middle section sounds to me like a fourteen year old girl, humming and hawing over what he should do and what did she actually mean. I really hope it's just a phase.
Completely random, non-content related thoughts - I'm annoyed with myself that I wasn't able to finish reading the library copy of this novel before it was due back. It's resulted in my having to purchase a copy on my aforementioned KOBO. I love my e-reader, but I feel like it's mocking me with it's "percentage read" indicator. I wish it would give me actual novel pages read and remaining. It's just a personal preference, and something I'm sure I'll get over. Although it does frustrate me when, for instance, 'Charles Arrowby' refers to "100 pages" ago and I can't just flip back. Oh well.
As it turned out the KOBO site also had copies of Stanley Middleton's "Holiday" and David Storey's "Saville" so I bought them, too. Whenever I read those two will now be out of chronological order, so I'm thinking of them as 'treat' books for myself. Writing that down I realize it sounds a bit (!) crazy, but I'm ok with that.
I set up a display of all the Man Booker Prize winning books we have in stock at work, thought you all might enjoy a look at it. (Pictures of books on KOBO are a bit dull.) There are 28 titles represented here, of the 46 current winners. Yikes! What was I thinking!
Happy reading!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Better Late Than Never
Ok, so obviously I'm quite far behind now. It took me 13 days to finish 'Staying On' - 13!! That's a crazy long time to finish a novel that was barely over two-hundred pages long. I have fantastic excuses, but none of them will help me to catch up on my reading list. Gaining an hour last weekend didn't even help me - I don't think I read at all last Sunday. At least it's still early days, and with luck I'll be able to catch up.
I really enjoyed Paul Scott's 'Staying On', in fact it's probably my favourite of the "Indian" novels so far. Scott's humour is much cruder, almost juvenile when compared to Farrell's. In addition to the social humour of class structure there was a heavy dose of sexual and toilet humour, which I felt made it an overall funnier novel. Which means it automatically gets high marks from me - yay comedy!
It was also a profoundly honest and sad story. I think I may have put off finishing it because I didn't want to reach that sad ending that I knew was coming. Even though the book opens telling us that Tusker will be dying, I was concerned that it may be a maudlin ending and I hate feeling that I've been coerced into tears. I was needlessly worried, as it turned out the balance of comedy and tragedy was perfect. Tusker and Lucy remind me of my parents, but their situation reminds me of my grandparents. I felt connected to the story in a very human way, so Yes I cried, but they were honest tears.
The supporting characters 'BillyBoy' and Ibrahim are both very fun, and it's nice that they aren't just stereotypes but unique and flawed individuals. As usual I'm sure that I'm missing the "real" or deeper meanings of the novel - particularly with these two characters, whose religious identities combined with their "sinful" flaws must be intended as allegory or some such thing. I really don't know what the subtext is, I just feel that it's trying to tell me something that is just outside my reach. I'm trying not to worry too much about that, though.
I attended the Calgary Public Library's 'Read Like a Writer' talk on the 6th, which was one of the events from the One Book One Calgary program of events, with Steven Galloway and Writer-in-Residence Naomi Lewis in discussion. I was slightly disappointed by the Q&A sessions, which seemed more focused on writing than reading, but that's the nature of a Q&A. What I liked, however, was Ms Lewis saying that the first time you read a novel you should suspend your disbelief, don't try to dissect what the author was doing, just enjoy the story. I'm going to try to do that more. It seems to me that our educational system encourages a constant analysis while reading, even with fiction, and while I never try to analyze the genre writing I love so much (that would take the fun out of it!) I automatically try to analyze 'literature'. Obviously literary analysis has it's place, but I'm beginning to accept that it is not during the first read through.
My next book is Iris Murdoch's "The Sea, The Sea" which is just over 500 pages. So I'm not going to make up any time this week, but I am going to try to relax and enjoy the book.
Happy Reading!
I really enjoyed Paul Scott's 'Staying On', in fact it's probably my favourite of the "Indian" novels so far. Scott's humour is much cruder, almost juvenile when compared to Farrell's. In addition to the social humour of class structure there was a heavy dose of sexual and toilet humour, which I felt made it an overall funnier novel. Which means it automatically gets high marks from me - yay comedy!
It was also a profoundly honest and sad story. I think I may have put off finishing it because I didn't want to reach that sad ending that I knew was coming. Even though the book opens telling us that Tusker will be dying, I was concerned that it may be a maudlin ending and I hate feeling that I've been coerced into tears. I was needlessly worried, as it turned out the balance of comedy and tragedy was perfect. Tusker and Lucy remind me of my parents, but their situation reminds me of my grandparents. I felt connected to the story in a very human way, so Yes I cried, but they were honest tears.
The supporting characters 'BillyBoy' and Ibrahim are both very fun, and it's nice that they aren't just stereotypes but unique and flawed individuals. As usual I'm sure that I'm missing the "real" or deeper meanings of the novel - particularly with these two characters, whose religious identities combined with their "sinful" flaws must be intended as allegory or some such thing. I really don't know what the subtext is, I just feel that it's trying to tell me something that is just outside my reach. I'm trying not to worry too much about that, though.
I attended the Calgary Public Library's 'Read Like a Writer' talk on the 6th, which was one of the events from the One Book One Calgary program of events, with Steven Galloway and Writer-in-Residence Naomi Lewis in discussion. I was slightly disappointed by the Q&A sessions, which seemed more focused on writing than reading, but that's the nature of a Q&A. What I liked, however, was Ms Lewis saying that the first time you read a novel you should suspend your disbelief, don't try to dissect what the author was doing, just enjoy the story. I'm going to try to do that more. It seems to me that our educational system encourages a constant analysis while reading, even with fiction, and while I never try to analyze the genre writing I love so much (that would take the fun out of it!) I automatically try to analyze 'literature'. Obviously literary analysis has it's place, but I'm beginning to accept that it is not during the first read through.
My next book is Iris Murdoch's "The Sea, The Sea" which is just over 500 pages. So I'm not going to make up any time this week, but I am going to try to relax and enjoy the book.
Happy Reading!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Oh Thank Goodness! It Is a Funny One!!
So, I'm only two chapters into Paul Scott's Booker winner, "Staying On", but so far I'm enjoying it. We're back in India for this novel, but this time with a retired British army couple. Who are very funny in a curmudgeonly way. I think I love them. The story is jumping around a bit in terms of timeline, but it's fairly easy to follow. Hurrah!
I'm feeling a bit stressed about my reading schedule today. I spent a little longer than I intended on "The Cellist of Sarajevo" and I'm going to lose about six hours of reading time to social activities this week. Normally I imagine I would just shrug this off, knowing that I'll be able to make up the lost hours and I should still be able to finish this novel by Monday, at the latest. However, I came across another book on my list yesterday, which I've never seen before. Have you seen "Sacred Hunger" by Barry Unsworth? It's a doorstop! And it's not the only Booker winner with an epic page count, either! How on earth am I going to keep on schedule when I come to these massive tomes?
I am, quite frankly, concerned. My only hope is to finish a few more of the shorter novels in less than 8 days, banking up days for the longer novels. In theory, this will work, it makes perfect sense - however, I know me. My psychology does not work this way. If I finish a book early, I will most likely reward myself with a non-Booker book, as I did last week. Chances are also good that finishing this non-Booker novel will take longer than the 'extra' time I banked by finishing early, as happened last week. All this means that I am having doubts about getting through all 46 Booker winners by next September. Hopefully facing the issue, being aware of it, will help to keep me on track. Admitting you have a problem is half the battle, right?
Happy Reading!
I'm feeling a bit stressed about my reading schedule today. I spent a little longer than I intended on "The Cellist of Sarajevo" and I'm going to lose about six hours of reading time to social activities this week. Normally I imagine I would just shrug this off, knowing that I'll be able to make up the lost hours and I should still be able to finish this novel by Monday, at the latest. However, I came across another book on my list yesterday, which I've never seen before. Have you seen "Sacred Hunger" by Barry Unsworth? It's a doorstop! And it's not the only Booker winner with an epic page count, either! How on earth am I going to keep on schedule when I come to these massive tomes?
I am, quite frankly, concerned. My only hope is to finish a few more of the shorter novels in less than 8 days, banking up days for the longer novels. In theory, this will work, it makes perfect sense - however, I know me. My psychology does not work this way. If I finish a book early, I will most likely reward myself with a non-Booker book, as I did last week. Chances are also good that finishing this non-Booker novel will take longer than the 'extra' time I banked by finishing early, as happened last week. All this means that I am having doubts about getting through all 46 Booker winners by next September. Hopefully facing the issue, being aware of it, will help to keep me on track. Admitting you have a problem is half the battle, right?
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
A Thoughtful Read
I finished reading "The Cellist of Sarajevo" on the bus home tonight. It is one of the most tragically beautiful books I've ever read, and I highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to attending a number of the One Book, One Calgary events over the next month and just wish my schedule allowed me to attend a couple more, because there are so many interesting events that will be taking place. I'm very impressed with the Calgary Public Library, for the book choice and the event schedule. If you're in the city, read "The Cellist of Sarajevo" and come out to some events, I think you'll find it's worth the time. I'm not going to say much about the story, because I think you should read it and experience it yourself, but I'll do my best to convey part of my experience of this reading.
Completely ignoring the content for just a moment, this novel was a really pleasant read. The language is clear and concise, and the organizational structure is straight forward, an absolute treat to read. I never felt the need to flip back and re-read a passage, and I never once felt that I was 'working' to read - it was pure experience for me. I think the word for this is probably 'accessible' but I feel that word has developed a negative connotation in the literary circles where they seem to think 'accessible' means a lesser artistic value. I, however, think accessibility in writing is a great thing. So, I really loved Galloway's writing style in this novel.
Now, that does not mean this was an 'easy read' - the emotion of this story is intense, and the deeper questions of humanity, hatred and civilization are very thought provoking. Normally, I'll think about whatever book I'm reading while I work on "mindless" tasks during the day - walking to the store or bus, while I'm shelving books, during commercials while I watch TV - but with this novel, I couldn't stop thinking about it. It was so intense it affected how I think about my daily activities. Emotionally, I've been a bit of a wreck - I can't think of another book that made me cry, not by a character's death but by their view of life. It was that beautiful. But, it's also sad, frightening, heartbreaking, and hopeful.
When you read "The Cellist of Sarajevo" - and really, you should. You must. It's fantastic. - I suggest getting yourself a nice recording of "Albinoni's" Adagio in G Minor to accompany your reading. It may seem a bit obvious, but I found it really enhanced my reading experience.
I'm back to the Booker tonight. Sadly, my beloved library seems to have lost it's only copy of David Storey's "Saville" which means I'm moving on to read Paul Scott's "Staying On". It also means I need to locate and purchase four books, but I'm going to hold off a bit and see if I need to order any more - figure I should save on shipping if I can.
Oh, and a quick confession. I actually read two books this week, because I felt I needed a little emotional break from the Cellist. I chose to read Helene Hanff's "84 Charing Cross Road" - it was a sweet nostalgic treat for a couple of mornings, a very quick and pleasant book. You like books? You've tried to find an elusive book? (Gosh, do I ever know what that's like!) You'll enjoy this sweet story of friendship.
Happy Reading!
Completely ignoring the content for just a moment, this novel was a really pleasant read. The language is clear and concise, and the organizational structure is straight forward, an absolute treat to read. I never felt the need to flip back and re-read a passage, and I never once felt that I was 'working' to read - it was pure experience for me. I think the word for this is probably 'accessible' but I feel that word has developed a negative connotation in the literary circles where they seem to think 'accessible' means a lesser artistic value. I, however, think accessibility in writing is a great thing. So, I really loved Galloway's writing style in this novel.
Now, that does not mean this was an 'easy read' - the emotion of this story is intense, and the deeper questions of humanity, hatred and civilization are very thought provoking. Normally, I'll think about whatever book I'm reading while I work on "mindless" tasks during the day - walking to the store or bus, while I'm shelving books, during commercials while I watch TV - but with this novel, I couldn't stop thinking about it. It was so intense it affected how I think about my daily activities. Emotionally, I've been a bit of a wreck - I can't think of another book that made me cry, not by a character's death but by their view of life. It was that beautiful. But, it's also sad, frightening, heartbreaking, and hopeful.
When you read "The Cellist of Sarajevo" - and really, you should. You must. It's fantastic. - I suggest getting yourself a nice recording of "Albinoni's" Adagio in G Minor to accompany your reading. It may seem a bit obvious, but I found it really enhanced my reading experience.
I'm back to the Booker tonight. Sadly, my beloved library seems to have lost it's only copy of David Storey's "Saville" which means I'm moving on to read Paul Scott's "Staying On". It also means I need to locate and purchase four books, but I'm going to hold off a bit and see if I need to order any more - figure I should save on shipping if I can.
Oh, and a quick confession. I actually read two books this week, because I felt I needed a little emotional break from the Cellist. I chose to read Helene Hanff's "84 Charing Cross Road" - it was a sweet nostalgic treat for a couple of mornings, a very quick and pleasant book. You like books? You've tried to find an elusive book? (Gosh, do I ever know what that's like!) You'll enjoy this sweet story of friendship.
Happy Reading!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
An Ending Worthy Of A New Begining
Finished reading 'Heat and Dust' on the bus home tonight.
Remember on Monday how I lamented the book seemed too short?? Now, I'm really feeling that way! The end of the novel left me feeling completely unresolved, so much so that I can't bring myself to call it the 'conclusion'! It's so frustrating! I want to know what happens!!!! Urgh!!!!!!!!!
Deep breath.
Ok. To be fair, the Conclusion of the novel actually makes a lot of sense and totally fits in with the rest of the story. It's a brilliant statement about life, continuity, reincarnation, or some such thing. It was a really interesting, deeply entertaining novel. Even if the ending was really disappointing to me. I enjoyed the rest of the story, and I would read another book by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. However, if the ending of That book disappoints me too, I'll probably give her up.
So, if anyone knows a novel by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala that has a really, truly satisfying Conclusion - please let me know, and I'll add it to my reading list for next year!
One last thing about 'Heat and Dust' before moving on - has anyone ever counted how many times the title is used in the course of this novel? It's probably not as often as it feels like, but it was often enough that if it weren't the title I would still have noticed it's repetition. Weird.
The next Booker book I'm going to read is 'Saville' by David Storey, the 1976 winner. Funnily enough, I don't actually have a copy of it on hand. It's on hold for me at the library, but I haven't gotten down to pick it up yet, so in the meantime, I'm going to read a non-Booker book!
Alright, settle down.
Calm? You may continue.
I've mentioned before that the Calgary Public Library has a One Book, One Calgary event ( http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/one-book-one-calgary ) going on through November, and I'm really excited about this year's book! I work in a used book store, and my customers have said some great things about Steven Galloway's 'The Cellist of Sarajevo' so I'm going to read it next. This way I'll be able to participate in the OBOC events, and talk to my customers about the book when they ask me if I've read it! Seems like a pretty goo plan to me!
Happy reading!
Remember on Monday how I lamented the book seemed too short?? Now, I'm really feeling that way! The end of the novel left me feeling completely unresolved, so much so that I can't bring myself to call it the 'conclusion'! It's so frustrating! I want to know what happens!!!! Urgh!!!!!!!!!
Deep breath.
Ok. To be fair, the Conclusion of the novel actually makes a lot of sense and totally fits in with the rest of the story. It's a brilliant statement about life, continuity, reincarnation, or some such thing. It was a really interesting, deeply entertaining novel. Even if the ending was really disappointing to me. I enjoyed the rest of the story, and I would read another book by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. However, if the ending of That book disappoints me too, I'll probably give her up.
So, if anyone knows a novel by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala that has a really, truly satisfying Conclusion - please let me know, and I'll add it to my reading list for next year!
One last thing about 'Heat and Dust' before moving on - has anyone ever counted how many times the title is used in the course of this novel? It's probably not as often as it feels like, but it was often enough that if it weren't the title I would still have noticed it's repetition. Weird.
The next Booker book I'm going to read is 'Saville' by David Storey, the 1976 winner. Funnily enough, I don't actually have a copy of it on hand. It's on hold for me at the library, but I haven't gotten down to pick it up yet, so in the meantime, I'm going to read a non-Booker book!
Alright, settle down.
Calm? You may continue.
I've mentioned before that the Calgary Public Library has a One Book, One Calgary event ( http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/one-book-one-calgary ) going on through November, and I'm really excited about this year's book! I work in a used book store, and my customers have said some great things about Steven Galloway's 'The Cellist of Sarajevo' so I'm going to read it next. This way I'll be able to participate in the OBOC events, and talk to my customers about the book when they ask me if I've read it! Seems like a pretty goo plan to me!
Happy reading!
Monday, October 24, 2011
What Was Your Name, Again?
Just a little over half-way into 'Heat and Dust' - and I'm already feeling a bit sad that it's such a short novel (only 181 pages) because I'm really enjoying it. I feel like 'The Siege of Krishnapur' gave me a really strong basis for enjoying this novel, which is also set in India just 65- and 110-years later. It's been pretty cool, like returning to a well-loved vacation destination where everything feels familiar even though it's all different since the last time you were here.
The story is split between 1923 and the mid-70's where a young woman has come to India to 'research' the life of her grandfather's first wife, Olivia, who ran off with a Nawab (the 1923 story line). The Nawab is a particularly interesting character, domineering and possessive but with charisma, though I can't help but think of his friends and 'guests' as being victims of rather brutal psychological abuse. I have a suspicion that the "romance" will not turn out well.
In the modern story line, I find I'm actually a lot shocked by the naiveté of this young woman (who seems to be nameless?) in her passive regard to what amounts to sexual assault. This probably says more about my world (a world that has always been dealing with HIV and is 97% unanimous that assault is Never a woman's "fault") than it does about the character, who is living in the era of "free love". But I was still shocked - I was, in fact, all "but he could have Anything! You don't want to have sex with him, but you just let him anyway?? What are you thinking! Have some self-respect!" and when a follow-up scene involved a pilgrimage meant to cure infertility, I was all "aw shit! Now you're gonna have that nasty man's kid - smooth move! Grrr. Frowny face.". I'm also a bit concerned about the developing relationship between her and the man she's renting from, which seems to alarmingly echo the situation (if not the dynamics) of the relationship between Olivia and the Nawab. Sometimes I worry that I get too involved with characters.
Now that I'm onto my sixth Booker prize winner (yay!!) I feel safe in making a few generalizations about these early winners. First, and so obvious that it probably doesn't bear mentioning but I will anyway, there's a really heavy British colonial feel to all the books I've read so far. It's not surprising, because the Booker is for "a citizen of the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland" but I didn't realize it would be so... noticeable. The only novel so far which lacked that strong colonization feel was 'G.' which was a bit more international, even though the character was essentially British.
My second observation is that, Dang! There are a lot of literally insane characters! It's become like a game of "where's Waldo" with me scouting out for the crazy person in every book - and usually, I don't have to look that hard. In "Elected Member" it was Norman; in "Troubles" it was Edward; in "G." well gee!; in "Siege of Krishnapur" I'd say the Padre won it; in "Conservationist" it was Mehring; and now in "Heat and Dust" there are a few options, but the obvious one is Ritu. It is a bit disturbing, but also amusing. I'm also kind of wondering if it is a trend that will continue through all 46 books. I'm betting it does.
Anyway, I'm enjoying the novel and glad to feel engaged again. Last week was a bit of a slough.
Happy reading!
The story is split between 1923 and the mid-70's where a young woman has come to India to 'research' the life of her grandfather's first wife, Olivia, who ran off with a Nawab (the 1923 story line). The Nawab is a particularly interesting character, domineering and possessive but with charisma, though I can't help but think of his friends and 'guests' as being victims of rather brutal psychological abuse. I have a suspicion that the "romance" will not turn out well.
In the modern story line, I find I'm actually a lot shocked by the naiveté of this young woman (who seems to be nameless?) in her passive regard to what amounts to sexual assault. This probably says more about my world (a world that has always been dealing with HIV and is 97% unanimous that assault is Never a woman's "fault") than it does about the character, who is living in the era of "free love". But I was still shocked - I was, in fact, all "but he could have Anything! You don't want to have sex with him, but you just let him anyway?? What are you thinking! Have some self-respect!" and when a follow-up scene involved a pilgrimage meant to cure infertility, I was all "aw shit! Now you're gonna have that nasty man's kid - smooth move! Grrr. Frowny face.". I'm also a bit concerned about the developing relationship between her and the man she's renting from, which seems to alarmingly echo the situation (if not the dynamics) of the relationship between Olivia and the Nawab. Sometimes I worry that I get too involved with characters.
Now that I'm onto my sixth Booker prize winner (yay!!) I feel safe in making a few generalizations about these early winners. First, and so obvious that it probably doesn't bear mentioning but I will anyway, there's a really heavy British colonial feel to all the books I've read so far. It's not surprising, because the Booker is for "a citizen of the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland" but I didn't realize it would be so... noticeable. The only novel so far which lacked that strong colonization feel was 'G.' which was a bit more international, even though the character was essentially British.
My second observation is that, Dang! There are a lot of literally insane characters! It's become like a game of "where's Waldo" with me scouting out for the crazy person in every book - and usually, I don't have to look that hard. In "Elected Member" it was Norman; in "Troubles" it was Edward; in "G." well gee!; in "Siege of Krishnapur" I'd say the Padre won it; in "Conservationist" it was Mehring; and now in "Heat and Dust" there are a few options, but the obvious one is Ritu. It is a bit disturbing, but also amusing. I'm also kind of wondering if it is a trend that will continue through all 46 books. I'm betting it does.
Anyway, I'm enjoying the novel and glad to feel engaged again. Last week was a bit of a slough.
Happy reading!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Five Books Down, Forty-one To Go!
I finished reading "The Conservationist" last night - again, it took me longer than I'd hoped, but I'm right back on schedule now. So, yay.
As I said in my last post, I really wanted to like this novel, and to be able to say nice things about it. It was not a bad book, in fact some parts of it (particularly the descriptions of the farm) are quite beautiful. However, I'm still not certain that I actually understood the book, or even the main character. I don't like not understanding a book, it makes me feel stupid. The result is that I end up not liking the book because it's made me feel stupid, which is unfair to the book but kind of inevitable. I'm not a good person.
There may be spoilers. I apologize, but in my attempt to understand this book spoilers are not a major concern for me. If they are for you, please don't say I didn't warn you. I'm trying not to Spoil, but I can't make any guarantees. Sorry.
Still with me? Ok, let's go.
My basic understanding of the book is that Mehring, the hobby farmer, feels he has lost the love of his ex-wife, his teenaged son, and his former mistress. He travels the world, flirts with women, over-sees the management of his farm, but feels unfulfilled, empty, unloved. The only consistency in his life comes from his land, and he slowly falls in love with it, until it also rejects him - in the form of a rather gross scene following a flood. Maybe it's Mehring rejecting the farm, as he has slowly shut himself off from the rest of his life. I'm not really sure. The final scene with Mehring on the farm was gross but inevitable. I thought it was a pretty good ending for the farm, which may actually be the protagonist of the piece.
The character of Mehring left me feeling unresolved, even a little dirty. By the second half of the book I was doubting his sanity, and by the second last chapter I was sure he'd lost his dang mind. The novel is filled with rambling train of thought passages where Mehring jumps from thoughts of his farm, his lover, his son, his workers, his indiscretions, all in a completely random way, and then back to where he started. There are also frequent imagined conversations, to the point where I'm still not sure if some parts of the novel were just fantasy sequences. It was very annoying for me, but I suppose it's just one of those artistic choices - you'll either love it, or you won't.
On the 'next book' front, I'm moving on to the winner for 1975, "Heat and Dust" by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. This week I have no dental appointments, no knitting night, and only two hockey games. In theory, I'll be able to finish this book early.
We'll see about that.
Happy reading!
As I said in my last post, I really wanted to like this novel, and to be able to say nice things about it. It was not a bad book, in fact some parts of it (particularly the descriptions of the farm) are quite beautiful. However, I'm still not certain that I actually understood the book, or even the main character. I don't like not understanding a book, it makes me feel stupid. The result is that I end up not liking the book because it's made me feel stupid, which is unfair to the book but kind of inevitable. I'm not a good person.
There may be spoilers. I apologize, but in my attempt to understand this book spoilers are not a major concern for me. If they are for you, please don't say I didn't warn you. I'm trying not to Spoil, but I can't make any guarantees. Sorry.
Still with me? Ok, let's go.
My basic understanding of the book is that Mehring, the hobby farmer, feels he has lost the love of his ex-wife, his teenaged son, and his former mistress. He travels the world, flirts with women, over-sees the management of his farm, but feels unfulfilled, empty, unloved. The only consistency in his life comes from his land, and he slowly falls in love with it, until it also rejects him - in the form of a rather gross scene following a flood. Maybe it's Mehring rejecting the farm, as he has slowly shut himself off from the rest of his life. I'm not really sure. The final scene with Mehring on the farm was gross but inevitable. I thought it was a pretty good ending for the farm, which may actually be the protagonist of the piece.
The character of Mehring left me feeling unresolved, even a little dirty. By the second half of the book I was doubting his sanity, and by the second last chapter I was sure he'd lost his dang mind. The novel is filled with rambling train of thought passages where Mehring jumps from thoughts of his farm, his lover, his son, his workers, his indiscretions, all in a completely random way, and then back to where he started. There are also frequent imagined conversations, to the point where I'm still not sure if some parts of the novel were just fantasy sequences. It was very annoying for me, but I suppose it's just one of those artistic choices - you'll either love it, or you won't.
On the 'next book' front, I'm moving on to the winner for 1975, "Heat and Dust" by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. This week I have no dental appointments, no knitting night, and only two hockey games. In theory, I'll be able to finish this book early.
We'll see about that.
Happy reading!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Curious, But Also A Bit Confused
Ok, so I'm on book 5 this week, reading Nadine Gordimer's 'The Conservationist', which shared the 1974 Booker Prize with Stanley Middleton's 'Holiday'. Incidentally, 'Holiday' brings the total of books that I haven't been able to locate up to 3, so I'll be jumping ahead to 1975 once I finish 'The Conservationist'. I still haven't decided how I'm going to deal with these three missing books. I was hoping to get copies from a local independent book seller, but I haven't heard back from them on my request, I guess we'll see what happens.
I started reading this novel Sunday evening, and I'm about halfway through now, so it's been a fairly quick read. I want to say nice things about this book. I want to like it, even. Despite the style of Gordimer's writing. In particular her punctuation is irritating me, but I'm trying to accept it as a legitimate artistic choice. Really, I am. Especially since I realize that it is a choice many writers of " literature" make, although I'm honestly not sure why. There is nothing "wrong" with the story, and I want to like it. But the truth is, I'm not really sure what the story is.
I know what has happened so far in the novel, it's not as though I've been reading on auto-pilot, suddenly twenty pages on without knowing what I've read. It's just that I'm not certain of what point Gordimer is trying to get across to me. I put off writing this post for a couple days because I really hoped the story would become clearer to me, but so far no luck. Maybe I'm ten or fifteen pages away from clarification and tomorrow I'll regret this post. For now, though, I feel a bit lost.
The novel is a 'modern' work, set in South Africa of the early 1970's. There is, of course, racial tension, and also interesting environmental observations. Before I started the book I toyed with the title, wondering whether the conservation would be of a social status quo or environmentally based. It seems to me, so far, that it is in fact an ecological conservation - the main character owns a hobby farm and appears to be interested in maintaining native flora and fauna, to a certain degree. It is a bit of a contradiction, however, because it is still an operational farm, and his main business seems to be mineral sales. So, that's interesting.
The issue of race in a novel set in South Africa is a given. The opening chapter has the discovery of a black stranger murdered on the farm. The police response is partly horrifying, and partly comical. The man is briefly referred to throughout the novel, but never really as a man just as an object. It's a very alien concept to me, but at the same time it's really not that different from sex workers 'disappearing' in mainland British Columbia with no one raising an alarm. Once a society stops recognizing the humanity of any group, it's not a huge leap before they are being disposed of like a stray dog. It's very sad, but it's good to be reminded of how our 'group think' can lead us to commit horrible crimes.
The Indian family is also quite interesting. I don't have strong grasp of South African history, and it never actually occurred to me that society was even further divided. Not just 'white' and 'black' but also 'non-white' - living in a sort of limbo where you can own property and run a business, but not entirely legally, always with the threat of an eviction requiring constant bribe payments. It's definitely a situation where you can feel the pressure building, so I'm very interested in how that is resolved.
I'm aiming to be finished reading this novel by Thursday. I was hoping for tomorrow, but there's no way I'll make that. Currently all I really want is for this novel to coalesce in a coherent manner, and realize the potential of all these interesting aspects. I would love that.
*Almost forgot to include a photo!
I started reading this novel Sunday evening, and I'm about halfway through now, so it's been a fairly quick read. I want to say nice things about this book. I want to like it, even. Despite the style of Gordimer's writing. In particular her punctuation is irritating me, but I'm trying to accept it as a legitimate artistic choice. Really, I am. Especially since I realize that it is a choice many writers of " literature" make, although I'm honestly not sure why. There is nothing "wrong" with the story, and I want to like it. But the truth is, I'm not really sure what the story is.
I know what has happened so far in the novel, it's not as though I've been reading on auto-pilot, suddenly twenty pages on without knowing what I've read. It's just that I'm not certain of what point Gordimer is trying to get across to me. I put off writing this post for a couple days because I really hoped the story would become clearer to me, but so far no luck. Maybe I'm ten or fifteen pages away from clarification and tomorrow I'll regret this post. For now, though, I feel a bit lost.
The novel is a 'modern' work, set in South Africa of the early 1970's. There is, of course, racial tension, and also interesting environmental observations. Before I started the book I toyed with the title, wondering whether the conservation would be of a social status quo or environmentally based. It seems to me, so far, that it is in fact an ecological conservation - the main character owns a hobby farm and appears to be interested in maintaining native flora and fauna, to a certain degree. It is a bit of a contradiction, however, because it is still an operational farm, and his main business seems to be mineral sales. So, that's interesting.
The issue of race in a novel set in South Africa is a given. The opening chapter has the discovery of a black stranger murdered on the farm. The police response is partly horrifying, and partly comical. The man is briefly referred to throughout the novel, but never really as a man just as an object. It's a very alien concept to me, but at the same time it's really not that different from sex workers 'disappearing' in mainland British Columbia with no one raising an alarm. Once a society stops recognizing the humanity of any group, it's not a huge leap before they are being disposed of like a stray dog. It's very sad, but it's good to be reminded of how our 'group think' can lead us to commit horrible crimes.
The Indian family is also quite interesting. I don't have strong grasp of South African history, and it never actually occurred to me that society was even further divided. Not just 'white' and 'black' but also 'non-white' - living in a sort of limbo where you can own property and run a business, but not entirely legally, always with the threat of an eviction requiring constant bribe payments. It's definitely a situation where you can feel the pressure building, so I'm very interested in how that is resolved.
I'm aiming to be finished reading this novel by Thursday. I was hoping for tomorrow, but there's no way I'll make that. Currently all I really want is for this novel to coalesce in a coherent manner, and realize the potential of all these interesting aspects. I would love that.
*Almost forgot to include a photo!
Congratulations to Julian Barnes!
Julian Barnes "The Sense Of An Ending" has won the 2011 Man Booker Prize! It was the fourth time that Barnes was on the Shortlist, and his first win - so I'm certain he's very chuffed, despite having in the past referred to the prize as a "posh bingo".
It sounds like a potentially depressing read, to me anyhow, but I'm sure it's beautiful. The chairwoman of the judges says it is:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15361273
So, Congratulations, Mr. Barnes! I look forward to reading your book - in about 11 months time!
It sounds like a potentially depressing read, to me anyhow, but I'm sure it's beautiful. The chairwoman of the judges says it is:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15361273
So, Congratulations, Mr. Barnes! I look forward to reading your book - in about 11 months time!
2011 Man Booker Prize
T-minus 4 hours and counting till the announcement of the 2011 Prize winner!! I'm excited, how about you?
This years shortlist was announced September 6th, but if you missed it here it is
http://www.themanbookerprize.com/prize/thisyear/shortlist
Naturally, I haven't read any of the nominees yet, so I can't even guess about which will win. However, I'm kind of hoping it's 'The Sisters Brothers' because it looks like a lot of fun, and I want to read it anyway!
I'll post again this evening with an update on this weeks book, and of course this years winner!
This years shortlist was announced September 6th, but if you missed it here it is
http://www.themanbookerprize.com/prize/thisyear/shortlist
Naturally, I haven't read any of the nominees yet, so I can't even guess about which will win. However, I'm kind of hoping it's 'The Sisters Brothers' because it looks like a lot of fun, and I want to read it anyway!
I'll post again this evening with an update on this weeks book, and of course this years winner!
Friday, October 14, 2011
Stay On Target, Stay On Target!
'The Siege of Krishnapur' was much darker, and far more intense than I had anticipated. It was still full of comic moments but it is more a gallows humour than the light social wit that I was expecting. That having been said, I still really enjoyed this novel. I don't feel the need to own a copy, but I would read it again and I feel safe recommending it to other readers.
I am deeply impressed by how alive Farrell's characters were in this novel. The character arcs were fascinating, although I would have liked to have been returned to the view point of one of the ladies towards the end of the novel, as they were primarily observed during the closing chapters. I'm trying to avoid spoilers, but I was very impressed with how the three main ladies managed under the circumstances. Farrell had a very astute view of women, and his female characters all feel very True, which is fantastic. The jealousy, vanity and pettiness of a group of women is all there, but also the tenderness, insecurity and ultimate strength of women really shines through. I just would have liked to have spent some time 'with them' during the darkest moments of the story.
The debates over religion, philosophy, politics, science and medicine were also fascinating. We debate many of the same subjects now, although the exact questions and issues may have changed, and I found the arguments alluded to today's debates. I had to frequently remind myself that the novel was written nearly forty years ago, and the actual topics being debated were contentious over one hundred and fifty years ago - it's shocking how fresh they seem! For all our technology, I guess we haven't really advanced much at all.
I suppose the most chilling part of Farrell's writing is the fact that it is based, in large part, on fact. 'Troubles', with all it's distanced and imaginary violence, felt almost farcical but 'Siege of Krishnapur' was quite blunt and even horrific. I'm curious to read some of the factual documents cited in the afterword, but I'm concerned that they may be even more graphic. Perhaps the Victorian sensibilities of the authors kept them more palatable, but I rather doubt it.
Anyway, tomorrow I start a new book! Always a good day! I took another look at my calendar tonight and given my initial estimate of eight days per book, with today being Day 33, I'm only one day behind. I keep telling myself as long as I'm finished the last book by September 11th 2012 "it's a win!" but I still hope I can finish the next book a couple days early to get back on course!
I am deeply impressed by how alive Farrell's characters were in this novel. The character arcs were fascinating, although I would have liked to have been returned to the view point of one of the ladies towards the end of the novel, as they were primarily observed during the closing chapters. I'm trying to avoid spoilers, but I was very impressed with how the three main ladies managed under the circumstances. Farrell had a very astute view of women, and his female characters all feel very True, which is fantastic. The jealousy, vanity and pettiness of a group of women is all there, but also the tenderness, insecurity and ultimate strength of women really shines through. I just would have liked to have spent some time 'with them' during the darkest moments of the story.
The debates over religion, philosophy, politics, science and medicine were also fascinating. We debate many of the same subjects now, although the exact questions and issues may have changed, and I found the arguments alluded to today's debates. I had to frequently remind myself that the novel was written nearly forty years ago, and the actual topics being debated were contentious over one hundred and fifty years ago - it's shocking how fresh they seem! For all our technology, I guess we haven't really advanced much at all.
I suppose the most chilling part of Farrell's writing is the fact that it is based, in large part, on fact. 'Troubles', with all it's distanced and imaginary violence, felt almost farcical but 'Siege of Krishnapur' was quite blunt and even horrific. I'm curious to read some of the factual documents cited in the afterword, but I'm concerned that they may be even more graphic. Perhaps the Victorian sensibilities of the authors kept them more palatable, but I rather doubt it.
Anyway, tomorrow I start a new book! Always a good day! I took another look at my calendar tonight and given my initial estimate of eight days per book, with today being Day 33, I'm only one day behind. I keep telling myself as long as I'm finished the last book by September 11th 2012 "it's a win!" but I still hope I can finish the next book a couple days early to get back on course!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Almost Completely Unrelated to the Booker
I have the coolest job in the world.
I work in a used bookstore, and a major part of my job is entering books into our store database. This means that I spend more than half of my work day looking at books. How cool is that?
Today, while entering books I came across one titled 'Ten Poems To Change Your Life' by Roger Housden. Curious as to whether I had read any of these poems, I took a look at the contents and discovered My New Favourite Poem, "Ode To My Socks" by Pablo Neruda.
I get frequent requests for the poetry of Neruda, but I've never read any before. I'm also an avid knitter, with a particular passion for socks. Obviously, I was meant to read this poem. You should also take a few minutes to read it.
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ode-to-my-socks/
I really relate to that urge to save precious items for 'special occasions' and Neruda reminded me that the beauty of anything is in the use of it, not in it's mere existence. Use the good china. Write on your souvenir paper (I can't be the only person with souvenir paper...). Love with all your heart. Wear your hand knit socks. It's all about living life rather than waiting around. Beautiful, inspiring stuff. I'm looking forward to reading some more Neruda - after I finish knitting my new socks.
Back to the Booker business.
I am exactly one month into my Booker challenge. I should have finished Siege of Krishnapur today but I didn't, I still have 80 pages to go, which means that I am for the first time behind schedule. I'm not actually concerned about this. I probably should be, but I'm not. I don't have the next book in my possession yet (it's coming home from the library tomorrow) and I should be able to finish SoK on the way into work, so I'll be able to start the new book either tomorrow evening or on the way to work Friday. Tonight instead of reading I spent the evening knitting. I think you know why.
I feel pretty good about it.
I work in a used bookstore, and a major part of my job is entering books into our store database. This means that I spend more than half of my work day looking at books. How cool is that?
Today, while entering books I came across one titled 'Ten Poems To Change Your Life' by Roger Housden. Curious as to whether I had read any of these poems, I took a look at the contents and discovered My New Favourite Poem, "Ode To My Socks" by Pablo Neruda.
I get frequent requests for the poetry of Neruda, but I've never read any before. I'm also an avid knitter, with a particular passion for socks. Obviously, I was meant to read this poem. You should also take a few minutes to read it.
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ode-to-my-socks/
I really relate to that urge to save precious items for 'special occasions' and Neruda reminded me that the beauty of anything is in the use of it, not in it's mere existence. Use the good china. Write on your souvenir paper (I can't be the only person with souvenir paper...). Love with all your heart. Wear your hand knit socks. It's all about living life rather than waiting around. Beautiful, inspiring stuff. I'm looking forward to reading some more Neruda - after I finish knitting my new socks.
Back to the Booker business.
I am exactly one month into my Booker challenge. I should have finished Siege of Krishnapur today but I didn't, I still have 80 pages to go, which means that I am for the first time behind schedule. I'm not actually concerned about this. I probably should be, but I'm not. I don't have the next book in my possession yet (it's coming home from the library tomorrow) and I should be able to finish SoK on the way into work, so I'll be able to start the new book either tomorrow evening or on the way to work Friday. Tonight instead of reading I spent the evening knitting. I think you know why.
I feel pretty good about it.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Just A Shorty
Day 28 - 153 pages into book 4, "The Siege of Krishnapur". Feeling a little guilty for not posting recently, so I figured I'd fire off a quick one before settling in to read for the night!
I'm enjoying this novel almost as much as I thought I would. It's very much like "Troubles" but a slightly more difficult read for me, mainly because I'm not familiar with some of the Indian phrases. But I'm managing. I'm not finding it as witty as "Troubles" was either, however I suspect that's due to the slightly darker subject matter. While it's true that both novels deal with a small group of British 'colonists' living under the threat of a 'native uprising' while trying to maintain appearances and uphold their British moral superiority (ha! Haha!) the actual threat is much more Real in this novel than it was in the situation in "Troubles". In that novel, the violence was usually a few steps removed and sometimes just the result of over-active imaginations, but here there is actual blood in the drawing room (that's a bit of a lie, but I'm trying to avoid any Spoilers!) so the humour of the situation is slightly lessened.
Other interesting similarities between the two novels include main characters being referred to by title rather than name, the location (country and building) as a rich character in their own right, and to a certain extent the portrayal of the female characters. At first, I admit, I was slightly disappointed by these similarities, especially since "Troubles" struck me as such a unique story. In retrospect, I shouldn't have been surprised since these are the first two novels of Farrell's so-called 'Empire Trilogy' which implies a certain amount of continuity, and now that I'm nearly half-way through I don't even mind it anymore. The writing is top notch, and the setting and action are sufficiently different that it is a highly entertaining read.
Speaking of which, this was meant to be a short post. Thank you for reading, I'm off to do the same!
I'm enjoying this novel almost as much as I thought I would. It's very much like "Troubles" but a slightly more difficult read for me, mainly because I'm not familiar with some of the Indian phrases. But I'm managing. I'm not finding it as witty as "Troubles" was either, however I suspect that's due to the slightly darker subject matter. While it's true that both novels deal with a small group of British 'colonists' living under the threat of a 'native uprising' while trying to maintain appearances and uphold their British moral superiority (ha! Haha!) the actual threat is much more Real in this novel than it was in the situation in "Troubles". In that novel, the violence was usually a few steps removed and sometimes just the result of over-active imaginations, but here there is actual blood in the drawing room (that's a bit of a lie, but I'm trying to avoid any Spoilers!) so the humour of the situation is slightly lessened.
Other interesting similarities between the two novels include main characters being referred to by title rather than name, the location (country and building) as a rich character in their own right, and to a certain extent the portrayal of the female characters. At first, I admit, I was slightly disappointed by these similarities, especially since "Troubles" struck me as such a unique story. In retrospect, I shouldn't have been surprised since these are the first two novels of Farrell's so-called 'Empire Trilogy' which implies a certain amount of continuity, and now that I'm nearly half-way through I don't even mind it anymore. The writing is top notch, and the setting and action are sufficiently different that it is a highly entertaining read.
Speaking of which, this was meant to be a short post. Thank you for reading, I'm off to do the same!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
I Finished My Berger, May I Have Desert Now?
Day 23, another book completed, I'm still on schedule (in fact, slightly ahead!) and I'm feeling pretty good about that! Tomorrow I start reading 'The Siege of Krishnapur' by J.G. Farrell which I'm really, really looking forward to. I loved 'Troubles' (have you read it yet? What are you waiting for! Go get yourself a copy, I'll wait here. Got it? Good. Let's continue) and after the disaster that was 'G.' I could really use an enjoyable piece of fiction. My book shelf has been mocking me with it's stacks of delicious urban fantasy, steampunk, romance, and mystery, but I haven't given in! I will stay strong!
I was actually surprised by the final section of 'G.' which turned out to be the most coherent part of the entire novel, and was almost lyrical in parts. The scene at the ball, in particular, had a lovely rhythmic flow to it that was almost beautiful. Not only was the phrasing more appealing, I felt for the first time in the entire book that the "principle protagonist" was more than just a politicized penis, that he was a character with intentions and (dare I say it?) emotions. I actually Felt Something for the character. It was oh so brief, and in no way redeemed the book for me, but I was relieved that the past eight days of reading weren't a complete waste. Not as relieved as I am that I will never have to read another book by Berger for the rest of my life, but relieved.
I was actually surprised by the final section of 'G.' which turned out to be the most coherent part of the entire novel, and was almost lyrical in parts. The scene at the ball, in particular, had a lovely rhythmic flow to it that was almost beautiful. Not only was the phrasing more appealing, I felt for the first time in the entire book that the "principle protagonist" was more than just a politicized penis, that he was a character with intentions and (dare I say it?) emotions. I actually Felt Something for the character. It was oh so brief, and in no way redeemed the book for me, but I was relieved that the past eight days of reading weren't a complete waste. Not as relieved as I am that I will never have to read another book by Berger for the rest of my life, but relieved.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Like Pulling Teeth
I was all ready to make comparisons between pulling teeth and reading deconstructionist fiction following my wisdom tooth removal today - but, the dental appointment was so much easier and more pleasant than reading 'G.'!
I love reading, and I've never really understood how someone could not enjoy it - fiction takes you out of your everyday life, while affirming your connections with the rest of humanity. It's a beautiful experience to read a book. Someone has imagined these characters, this world, these events and through the written word they have re-created their ideas within your own imagination - it is really an incredible feat, bordering on magic!
This novel is not providing anything even close to that. It's driving me a bit crazy. The story itself is not bad, but I simply cannot enjoy it with the constant interruptions of Berger writing about his writing. In fact, I will go so far as to say that I hate this novel. I had a moment of panic this afternoon when I decided that I would never read another book by Berger, and couldn't remember whether he had two Booker winners! Thankfully, another 124 pages and it's done. Plus, my next book is 'The Siege of Krishnapur' by J.G. Farrell, so things are looking up!
I love reading, and I've never really understood how someone could not enjoy it - fiction takes you out of your everyday life, while affirming your connections with the rest of humanity. It's a beautiful experience to read a book. Someone has imagined these characters, this world, these events and through the written word they have re-created their ideas within your own imagination - it is really an incredible feat, bordering on magic!
This novel is not providing anything even close to that. It's driving me a bit crazy. The story itself is not bad, but I simply cannot enjoy it with the constant interruptions of Berger writing about his writing. In fact, I will go so far as to say that I hate this novel. I had a moment of panic this afternoon when I decided that I would never read another book by Berger, and couldn't remember whether he had two Booker winners! Thankfully, another 124 pages and it's done. Plus, my next book is 'The Siege of Krishnapur' by J.G. Farrell, so things are looking up!
Friday, September 30, 2011
It is Art - I Hope
Four days into reading 'G.' and I'm only 62 pages in. Ugh. I could make excuses (I'm on pain killers, I had knitting club, there was a hockey game, the guy sitting next to me on the bus Would. Not. Shut. Up.) but the truth is I'm just not enjoying this book. Which makes me sad, so I'm hoping it's just a slow starter and within the next five pages it will totally grab me, then I'll stay up reading all night and 8 am will find me cursing my alarm clock and trying to justify taking a sick day to continue reading.
Ya, I don't think it's very likely.
I was really looking forward to "the story of G., a young man forging an energetic sexual career in Europe during the early years of this century" (from the book jacket). It sounds engaging and salacious; cultured, yet racy enough that I would blush to admit that I'm even reading it. So far, not so much. In fact, it just seems really pretentious. This novel is making me feel stupid and uncultured.
I can't figure out the narrative voice, for one thing. Berger keeps referring to "the principle protagonist of this book" which has me screaming 'Show, don't tell!' every time. It feels so clumsy, as though this was a working draft he accidentally sent to the publisher. There is a passage in the second chapter that really bothered me:
"Who are you? he asks the old man.
The old man comes to the bed and sits on it. In face of the arrested time just ending, the boy may be as old as the man.
What the old man says I do not know.
What the boy says in reply I do not know.
To pretend to know would be to schematize.
Meanwhile development is so retarded, progress and consequence so slow that the determination not to cry out is left inviolate. It can endure for hours."
Followed a bit later by:
"Everything you write is a schema. You are the most schematic of writers. It is like a theorem.
Not beyond a certain point.
What point?
Beyond the point where the curtains are drawn back.
Come back to the boy.
Who says that?
The old man does.
What does the boy feel?
Ask the old man."
Who is telling this story, and why are they arguing with themselves? I've read that section three times, and it makes no sense to me from a story-telling perspective. The most I can say for it is that I completely empathize with the "development is so retarded, progress and consequence so slow that the determination not to cry out is left inviolate. It can endure for hours." because that's how I'm feeling about this story. Get on with it, already!! Oh, and the scene with the horse and "Two Men"?? What was that???
The relationships between the characters are all interesting, at least. Particularly the 'principal protagonist's' parents (who doesn't love alliteration!) have a neat love/hate thing going on, and his relationship with Miss Helen was very realistic (although I do feel a bit scandalized by the description of a five year old masturbating).
The political undercurrents, while not subtle, are also interesting. However, I suspect that my background education in European fascism and Marxism are not thorough enough to truly appreciate the politics of the novel. Perhaps if I weren't reading this on a schedule I would take some time to research the fundamentals and hard facts in hopes of a deeper understanding, but seeing how much I'm enjoying the novel based on it's own merits (!!!) I rather doubt that I would bother.
My general impression so far is that 'G.' is a work of "art" - but in a bad, stuffy, elitist way. My darling Father always says, "It's art, don't touch it". I believe Art should, however, touch you - it should bring you to a greater sense of beauty, truth, self, life, something! Art should be alive, and so I hold out hope that this novel finds a way to truly engage me. Otherwise, this could be a really long weekend.
Ya, I don't think it's very likely.
I was really looking forward to "the story of G., a young man forging an energetic sexual career in Europe during the early years of this century" (from the book jacket). It sounds engaging and salacious; cultured, yet racy enough that I would blush to admit that I'm even reading it. So far, not so much. In fact, it just seems really pretentious. This novel is making me feel stupid and uncultured.
I can't figure out the narrative voice, for one thing. Berger keeps referring to "the principle protagonist of this book" which has me screaming 'Show, don't tell!' every time. It feels so clumsy, as though this was a working draft he accidentally sent to the publisher. There is a passage in the second chapter that really bothered me:
"Who are you? he asks the old man.
The old man comes to the bed and sits on it. In face of the arrested time just ending, the boy may be as old as the man.
What the old man says I do not know.
What the boy says in reply I do not know.
To pretend to know would be to schematize.
Meanwhile development is so retarded, progress and consequence so slow that the determination not to cry out is left inviolate. It can endure for hours."
Followed a bit later by:
"Everything you write is a schema. You are the most schematic of writers. It is like a theorem.
Not beyond a certain point.
What point?
Beyond the point where the curtains are drawn back.
Come back to the boy.
Who says that?
The old man does.
What does the boy feel?
Ask the old man."
Who is telling this story, and why are they arguing with themselves? I've read that section three times, and it makes no sense to me from a story-telling perspective. The most I can say for it is that I completely empathize with the "development is so retarded, progress and consequence so slow that the determination not to cry out is left inviolate. It can endure for hours." because that's how I'm feeling about this story. Get on with it, already!! Oh, and the scene with the horse and "Two Men"?? What was that???
The relationships between the characters are all interesting, at least. Particularly the 'principal protagonist's' parents (who doesn't love alliteration!) have a neat love/hate thing going on, and his relationship with Miss Helen was very realistic (although I do feel a bit scandalized by the description of a five year old masturbating).
The political undercurrents, while not subtle, are also interesting. However, I suspect that my background education in European fascism and Marxism are not thorough enough to truly appreciate the politics of the novel. Perhaps if I weren't reading this on a schedule I would take some time to research the fundamentals and hard facts in hopes of a deeper understanding, but seeing how much I'm enjoying the novel based on it's own merits (!!!) I rather doubt that I would bother.
My general impression so far is that 'G.' is a work of "art" - but in a bad, stuffy, elitist way. My darling Father always says, "It's art, don't touch it". I believe Art should, however, touch you - it should bring you to a greater sense of beauty, truth, self, life, something! Art should be alive, and so I hold out hope that this novel finds a way to truly engage me. Otherwise, this could be a really long weekend.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Second Book Completed, Book Skipped, Book Commenced
I finished reading 'Troubles' at 11:45 last night - talk about cutting it close! For reasons which had nothing to do with the book, I had a difficult time maintaining a reading schedule this week, resulting in a 'mad sprint' to read over 200 pages in the last day and a half. Hardly fair to the novel, which was Fantastic and deserves to be savored! I don't usually re-read books, but I can tell you that I will most definitely be revisiting the Majestic!
For me, this novel was everything that a great piece of 'literature' should be, with the added attractions of being funny and set in Ireland. I enjoyed the lyrical phrasing and the 'news paper' breaks, which provided a broader view of the situation. I enjoyed rooting for the Major to win the girl. In fact, I loved all the characters.
I particularly liked the parallels of the Majestic and the country both crumbling around their respective residents. There were problems when the Spencers/British took over, but rather than working to correct these problems they just went along their merry way, until the situation was so far gone there was no help for it. It was a beautifully rendered allegory that brought depth to the story without overburdening it.
Most importantly, though, I enjoyed reexamining my own opinions of the Troubles, particularly in the context of post-WWI Britain. I've never given much thought to how it must have been for a veteran of the Great War to find himself caught in such an intangible civil war. It's really quite horrific. I still firmly side with the "Shinners" but it has given me a broader view of the social ramifications of the 'war'. I've usually thought of the conflict in terms of Sinn Fein/IRA versus the Black and Tans, but of course each side also had civilians. While it is easy for me to see the side of the Irish, I appreciate the viewpoint of the colonizing British a bit more now.
Anyhow, I absolutely loved, and I would most definitely recommend, J.G. Farrell's "Troubles" - and I'm looking forward to reading the second book of his so-called 'Empire Trilogy' in a couple of weeks!
For now, continuing with my reading list, I had to skip ahead chronologically again, having been unable to lay my hands on a complete copy of V.S. Naipaul's short story collection, "In A Free State". All I could locate was a volume of "Selected Short Stories" which only contained part of the collection, which is no good to me. I will, of course, come back to it as soon as possible. In the meantime I have moved on, so my third book is "G." by John Berger. I am not previously familiar with this title, so I'm looking forward to it. Read on!
For me, this novel was everything that a great piece of 'literature' should be, with the added attractions of being funny and set in Ireland. I enjoyed the lyrical phrasing and the 'news paper' breaks, which provided a broader view of the situation. I enjoyed rooting for the Major to win the girl. In fact, I loved all the characters.
I particularly liked the parallels of the Majestic and the country both crumbling around their respective residents. There were problems when the Spencers/British took over, but rather than working to correct these problems they just went along their merry way, until the situation was so far gone there was no help for it. It was a beautifully rendered allegory that brought depth to the story without overburdening it.
Most importantly, though, I enjoyed reexamining my own opinions of the Troubles, particularly in the context of post-WWI Britain. I've never given much thought to how it must have been for a veteran of the Great War to find himself caught in such an intangible civil war. It's really quite horrific. I still firmly side with the "Shinners" but it has given me a broader view of the social ramifications of the 'war'. I've usually thought of the conflict in terms of Sinn Fein/IRA versus the Black and Tans, but of course each side also had civilians. While it is easy for me to see the side of the Irish, I appreciate the viewpoint of the colonizing British a bit more now.
Anyhow, I absolutely loved, and I would most definitely recommend, J.G. Farrell's "Troubles" - and I'm looking forward to reading the second book of his so-called 'Empire Trilogy' in a couple of weeks!
For now, continuing with my reading list, I had to skip ahead chronologically again, having been unable to lay my hands on a complete copy of V.S. Naipaul's short story collection, "In A Free State". All I could locate was a volume of "Selected Short Stories" which only contained part of the collection, which is no good to me. I will, of course, come back to it as soon as possible. In the meantime I have moved on, so my third book is "G." by John Berger. I am not previously familiar with this title, so I'm looking forward to it. Read on!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Fickle and Mathematically Challenged
Books I Wanted To Read Today:
Ghost Story, by Jim Butcher
Daniel O'Thunder, by Ian Weir
Round Heeled Woman, by Jane Juksa
First You Build A Cloud, by K.C. Cole
Curtains: Adventures of an Undertaker in Training, by Tom Jokinen
A Nomad of the Time Stream, by Michael Moorcock
Dead Iron, by Devon Monk
Johannes Cabal the Detective, by Jonathan L. Howard
Benighted, by Kit Whitfield
Hounded, by Kevin Hearne
Books I Read Today:
Troubles, by J.G. Farrell
I knew this would happen, but I'd hoped to make it more than ten days! This in no way means that I am not enjoying 'Troubles' - I am!! Loving it! Reminds me a bit of Monty Python, sometimes! - it just means that I am a fickle reader. Probably a fickle person in general. The important thing is I successfully resisted the temptation to read a non-Booker. Even though, technically, I started reading Ghost Story before I started my Booker challenge, so I should really finish it. But then, I'd be finished it, and I would be sad.
I was feeling very pleased with myself on Sunday, being ahead of schedule and all. The reality is, Elected Member may have been one of the easiest books I've ever read. And I like 'cozy' mysteries! Now, I have only four days left to finish 'Troubles' and I'm not yet a third of the way through it. Two of those are work days. I admit, I'm feeling a touch of nerves. Goodness help me when hockey, knitting club, and all the good tv series start up over the next month! What on earth possessed me? How will I manage to focus with so much delicious entertainment tempting me?
I've been thinking that audio books may hold the answer. I always feel like I'm "cheating" when I listen to an audio book, but it would allow me to use my knitting time to sneak in extra stories. I wouldn't lose any of my valuable reading time (I'm looking at you, T.V.! No, wait... that's the problem!) but I would still get to, well, Cheat. No decision yet, but I will keep you posted.
Before I forget, I wanted to apologize. It seems that I am terrible with numbers, and I've had to go back and correct a couple of my previous posts. Not sure if you noticed, but I counted the days wrong on one post and got the year of 'Troubles' wrong in my last post. Yeesh, you'd think I failed tenth grade math. Twice. Anyhow, I'll try to proofread more carefully in the future. Wish me luck on That!
'Troubles' is keeping me very entertained, at the moment. I never thought it would be so funny! I've laughed aloud more than a few times, and I've read bits out loud to share the funny bits too. The Major has a habit of commenting how "Irish" things are whenever it gets a bit mad or daft, and that makes me laugh every time. Of course, it's also dealing with rather serious matters and I find I spend a lot of time thinking about the politics of Mr Farrell (and the Major!). The Troubles (historically speaking) are very much Catholic Irish versus Protestant English, and Farrell makes that very clear. But the Major seems weary of strife, and even indifferent to the struggles going on around him, completely worn out from the "Great War". The only emotion he seems to have toward the whole affair is disgust. Despite that, my overall impression is of support for the Sinn Fein. Maybe that says more about my politics than the book, time will tell.
I am excited that this is the first in Farrell's Empire series - and the second of the series won the Booker prize as well, so I get to read that in a few weeks! I'll have to wait until next September to read the third, though. Or more likely April 2013, the way my reading list is growing!
Ghost Story, by Jim Butcher
Daniel O'Thunder, by Ian Weir
Round Heeled Woman, by Jane Juksa
First You Build A Cloud, by K.C. Cole
Curtains: Adventures of an Undertaker in Training, by Tom Jokinen
A Nomad of the Time Stream, by Michael Moorcock
Dead Iron, by Devon Monk
Johannes Cabal the Detective, by Jonathan L. Howard
Benighted, by Kit Whitfield
Hounded, by Kevin Hearne
Books I Read Today:
Troubles, by J.G. Farrell
I knew this would happen, but I'd hoped to make it more than ten days! This in no way means that I am not enjoying 'Troubles' - I am!! Loving it! Reminds me a bit of Monty Python, sometimes! - it just means that I am a fickle reader. Probably a fickle person in general. The important thing is I successfully resisted the temptation to read a non-Booker. Even though, technically, I started reading Ghost Story before I started my Booker challenge, so I should really finish it. But then, I'd be finished it, and I would be sad.
I was feeling very pleased with myself on Sunday, being ahead of schedule and all. The reality is, Elected Member may have been one of the easiest books I've ever read. And I like 'cozy' mysteries! Now, I have only four days left to finish 'Troubles' and I'm not yet a third of the way through it. Two of those are work days. I admit, I'm feeling a touch of nerves. Goodness help me when hockey, knitting club, and all the good tv series start up over the next month! What on earth possessed me? How will I manage to focus with so much delicious entertainment tempting me?
I've been thinking that audio books may hold the answer. I always feel like I'm "cheating" when I listen to an audio book, but it would allow me to use my knitting time to sneak in extra stories. I wouldn't lose any of my valuable reading time (I'm looking at you, T.V.! No, wait... that's the problem!) but I would still get to, well, Cheat. No decision yet, but I will keep you posted.
Before I forget, I wanted to apologize. It seems that I am terrible with numbers, and I've had to go back and correct a couple of my previous posts. Not sure if you noticed, but I counted the days wrong on one post and got the year of 'Troubles' wrong in my last post. Yeesh, you'd think I failed tenth grade math. Twice. Anyhow, I'll try to proofread more carefully in the future. Wish me luck on That!
'Troubles' is keeping me very entertained, at the moment. I never thought it would be so funny! I've laughed aloud more than a few times, and I've read bits out loud to share the funny bits too. The Major has a habit of commenting how "Irish" things are whenever it gets a bit mad or daft, and that makes me laugh every time. Of course, it's also dealing with rather serious matters and I find I spend a lot of time thinking about the politics of Mr Farrell (and the Major!). The Troubles (historically speaking) are very much Catholic Irish versus Protestant English, and Farrell makes that very clear. But the Major seems weary of strife, and even indifferent to the struggles going on around him, completely worn out from the "Great War". The only emotion he seems to have toward the whole affair is disgust. Despite that, my overall impression is of support for the Sinn Fein. Maybe that says more about my politics than the book, time will tell.
I am excited that this is the first in Farrell's Empire series - and the second of the series won the Booker prize as well, so I get to read that in a few weeks! I'll have to wait until next September to read the third, though. Or more likely April 2013, the way my reading list is growing!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
So Far, So Good
Day 9, Book 2! I'm on schedule and I'm loving the new book! In trying to continue chronologically, my next book is 'Troubles' by J.G. Farrell, the winner of the Lost Man Booker Prize for a book written in 1970 but awarded in 2010. This was due to a change in the awarding process that meant an entire years' worth of work was excluded for the prize in 1970. The whole affair is detailed on the Man Booker website, for which there is a link in my first post.
I started reading the book yesterday, and actually got so absorbed in it that I didn't put it down until after midnight! Farrell's prose is flowery and lyrical, funny and heart wrenching, and I really love it! I thought I might enjoy this book, simply because it is set in Ireland, and I love most things Irish. But I hadn't expected to be so swept up by the writing! I was even a little concerned when I noticed there were no chapter breaks, as I like having a structure for my reading. It stops me from reading until past midnight! Oh well.
'Troubles' is set in 1919, and starts out with Major Archer coming to Ireland to claim the fiancé he only vaguely remembers meeting some years ago while on leave. They have written to each other during the war, but their meeting is that of two strangers. It reminds me rather forcibly of a modern Internet couple meeting for the first time - the emotions one conjures up for the imagined person to whom you are writing have no basis in reality. No one is exactly how they portray themselves to be in writing, for better or for worse!
The Major is also recovering from "shell shock", and in an Ireland of 1919 I'm certain that will have repercussions. I think a certain level of familiarity with Irish history is probably necessary to fully understand this book, but there is enough supplementary information in the text that you can probably get along without it.
For now, enough writing! I have a book to read!!
I started reading the book yesterday, and actually got so absorbed in it that I didn't put it down until after midnight! Farrell's prose is flowery and lyrical, funny and heart wrenching, and I really love it! I thought I might enjoy this book, simply because it is set in Ireland, and I love most things Irish. But I hadn't expected to be so swept up by the writing! I was even a little concerned when I noticed there were no chapter breaks, as I like having a structure for my reading. It stops me from reading until past midnight! Oh well.
'Troubles' is set in 1919, and starts out with Major Archer coming to Ireland to claim the fiancé he only vaguely remembers meeting some years ago while on leave. They have written to each other during the war, but their meeting is that of two strangers. It reminds me rather forcibly of a modern Internet couple meeting for the first time - the emotions one conjures up for the imagined person to whom you are writing have no basis in reality. No one is exactly how they portray themselves to be in writing, for better or for worse!
The Major is also recovering from "shell shock", and in an Ireland of 1919 I'm certain that will have repercussions. I think a certain level of familiarity with Irish history is probably necessary to fully understand this book, but there is enough supplementary information in the text that you can probably get along without it.
For now, enough writing! I have a book to read!!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
A Book Completed
Day Seven, and I've finished reading my first Booker Prize winner!
The characters all did basically what I expected of them, and none of the major revelations surprised me too much. I suspect that the shock value has not fared well with the passing of years, and perhaps in 1969 when it was published it may have even been slightly scandalous. I have nothing to support this, but I like to think that it's true because, quite honestly, without some level of shock value I fail to see how this book was the "very best book of the year'.
I did enjoy the story, if not the telling of it. The flashbacks and frequent POV changes irritated me. Any one character alone couldn't have told the whole story, I know that, but maybe that's a part of the issue that I have with it. Each character stays contained within themselves, never really growing to understand each other in a new way. They each try to shoulder the entire blame for the familial disfunction (a blame I believe may lay with Sarah) but they never learn the truth about each other. I'm trying to see where the character arch is within this story, and I don't see it. I don't believe that any of them has changed, for better or for worse. Their situation is different, but they are the same. Pretty disappointing, really.
I read a small review (after I'd finished the book!) which claims that not only was Norman the scapegoat for his family, but the entire family was a scapegoat for the Jewish people throughout history. Taken that way I find the final pages of the novel much deeper, but I'm not really convinced of that viewpoint. I'll have to ruminate on it a bit, see how the whole of the novel percolates through my brain in the coming days. I'll get back to you on it.
I don't feel as accomplished as I'd hoped I would, mainly because the book wasn't as challenging as I'd hoped it would be. There were parts of it that I enjoyed, and parts which I didn't, but nothing about this book really challenged my world view at all. I've always thought that was something great literature was meant to do. After all, if I'm not reading for the pure escapism of the story, I should at least grow as a person from the experience of having read that book. Maybe I'm just expecting too much from ink and paper, but I rather hope I'm not. Again, we'll see if a few days or weeks of contemplation enriches the experience for me.
Tomorrow I start a new book!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Darn Life, interfering with my reading!
Hey! So, here we are on Day 4 - and I've only managed to read another two chapters since Day 2! This is not due to lack of interest in the story (which has had some interesting developments) but more due to the fact that I, occasionally, have a social life. I fully expect to catch up in the next couple days, and I'm suspecting I'll finish Book 1 ahead of schedule. I'm really kinda excited about the next book, so this makes me happy.
Heads up - there may be
!!SPOILERS!!
in this post. Proceed with caution if you have not yet read this book, and intend to do so. :)
I was not disappointed by Norman's reaction to Bella's "treats" - in fact, it was exactly what I expected. Which is, in itself, disappointing. The most dominant characteristic of the book so far is Predictability. I enjoy being surprised by fiction, it is one of life's greatest pleasures. In that respect, this book has been a bit of a let down. Chapter 10 held the first real surprise for me in Bella's gesture of active enabling, but looking at it now I probably should have seen it coming. When I first read the scene, which has Norman steal money from Bella's purse, I was angry that she would allow it. She saw him, she knew what he was doing, and she not only allowed it, she Helped! But, of course, it really makes perfect sense. As much as Bella hates her brother, she also needs him - she needs him to blame for the path of her own life, the fact that she hasn't grown up. She also desperately wants him to love her again, and she seems willing to buy that affection if necessary. Which pretty much sums up the First Visit for me. In their own way, each character was in 'by any means necessary' mode, sad and desperate.
Chapter 11 carries on that same feeling as Rabbi Zweck goes in search of Norman's dealer. Who he finds is the second surprise of the book for me, and him too. I was a little offended by the sexist attitude that a woman, even a "whore", couldn't be the drug dealer. Seriously, Rabbi? You hiked all the way there and your not even going to Ask if she's the dealer?? I feel like he must have forgotten his purpose, dazzled as he was by her cleavage (another moment of Ew please) but deep down I know he just can't fathom a female dealer. It doesn't even occur to him.
In non-Booker related literary news, I'm excited by the CPL's choice for the One Book, One Calgary event this year. It's Steven Galloway's 'The Cellist of Sarajevo' and I've heard such good things about it! The inaugural book didn't do anything for me (if I'm going to read history, it had better be ancient or Irish!) and I don't think I'm the only person who gave it a miss, because there wasn't much buzz about OBOC last year. I really hope having a fiction selection this year spreads the excitement that an event like this can generate. I visited Dublin a couple years ago during their One City, One Book event when they were reading Dracula, and it was a gas! Of course, Stoker being a native son, there were plenty of opportunities to expand the event, including gallery shows, tours, film nights, all sorts of things. But, really, it was the accessibility of the work that made the event exciting, and I'm sure that having a fiction selection this year will do the same here. So, find yourself a copy (I know a good store!!) and join in!
Heads up - there may be
!!SPOILERS!!
in this post. Proceed with caution if you have not yet read this book, and intend to do so. :)
I was not disappointed by Norman's reaction to Bella's "treats" - in fact, it was exactly what I expected. Which is, in itself, disappointing. The most dominant characteristic of the book so far is Predictability. I enjoy being surprised by fiction, it is one of life's greatest pleasures. In that respect, this book has been a bit of a let down. Chapter 10 held the first real surprise for me in Bella's gesture of active enabling, but looking at it now I probably should have seen it coming. When I first read the scene, which has Norman steal money from Bella's purse, I was angry that she would allow it. She saw him, she knew what he was doing, and she not only allowed it, she Helped! But, of course, it really makes perfect sense. As much as Bella hates her brother, she also needs him - she needs him to blame for the path of her own life, the fact that she hasn't grown up. She also desperately wants him to love her again, and she seems willing to buy that affection if necessary. Which pretty much sums up the First Visit for me. In their own way, each character was in 'by any means necessary' mode, sad and desperate.
Chapter 11 carries on that same feeling as Rabbi Zweck goes in search of Norman's dealer. Who he finds is the second surprise of the book for me, and him too. I was a little offended by the sexist attitude that a woman, even a "whore", couldn't be the drug dealer. Seriously, Rabbi? You hiked all the way there and your not even going to Ask if she's the dealer?? I feel like he must have forgotten his purpose, dazzled as he was by her cleavage (another moment of Ew please) but deep down I know he just can't fathom a female dealer. It doesn't even occur to him.
In non-Booker related literary news, I'm excited by the CPL's choice for the One Book, One Calgary event this year. It's Steven Galloway's 'The Cellist of Sarajevo' and I've heard such good things about it! The inaugural book didn't do anything for me (if I'm going to read history, it had better be ancient or Irish!) and I don't think I'm the only person who gave it a miss, because there wasn't much buzz about OBOC last year. I really hope having a fiction selection this year spreads the excitement that an event like this can generate. I visited Dublin a couple years ago during their One City, One Book event when they were reading Dracula, and it was a gas! Of course, Stoker being a native son, there were plenty of opportunities to expand the event, including gallery shows, tours, film nights, all sorts of things. But, really, it was the accessibility of the work that made the event exciting, and I'm sure that having a fiction selection this year will do the same here. So, find yourself a copy (I know a good store!!) and join in!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
I love it when I am right
Day 2, up to chapter 10 in 'The Elected Member'.
So, in that wonderful way that books have of answering their own questions, all my curiosity from last night has been sated. Phew! I now know the identity of the mysterious white pills (ok, so maybe I am just a little sheltered and some one else would have gotten it without the Minister spelling it out for them!), it is Yiddish, the socks are a symbol of artificially extended childhood, and I was even right about the incest. Ew.
The story is developing quite intriguingly, expanding on the other family members and the family history in what appears to be an attempt to rationalize, or maybe even excuse, Norman's drug use and 'madness'. It's a twisted little journey, and I find myself wishing it were a larger book, told more in the present tense rather than the frequent flashbacks Ms Rubens employs. I realize this was an artistic choice, not an accident ("I tripped, fell on my typewriter, and now there's another flashback! Whoops!") but I feel it's a device that should be used sparingly, rather than having almost every chapter be an extended flashback. Having everyone wandering around remembering 'when' doesn't really advance the plot, it just explains how we got 'here'. I suppose that's the entire point of the story - how does a bright young prodigy become a sad, defeated drug-addict? A bit depressing, as subject matter goes.
The characters are all very human, fallible, and I find that makes them all likable. I am, however, finding the attitude toward addiction/mental illness - that desperate denial, the unwillingness to discuss it - heartbreaking. I want to dismiss it as an archaic attitude from a different era, but I have to admit it lives today. The only real giveaways that this story is from another era are Bella's sock issue, and Norman being sent to a hospital/asylum rather than rehab.
For tomorrow, I am looking forward to Norman's reaction to how Bella chose to fulfill his request, and whether she responds at all to Esther's request. Should be some high drama!
So, in that wonderful way that books have of answering their own questions, all my curiosity from last night has been sated. Phew! I now know the identity of the mysterious white pills (ok, so maybe I am just a little sheltered and some one else would have gotten it without the Minister spelling it out for them!), it is Yiddish, the socks are a symbol of artificially extended childhood, and I was even right about the incest. Ew.
The story is developing quite intriguingly, expanding on the other family members and the family history in what appears to be an attempt to rationalize, or maybe even excuse, Norman's drug use and 'madness'. It's a twisted little journey, and I find myself wishing it were a larger book, told more in the present tense rather than the frequent flashbacks Ms Rubens employs. I realize this was an artistic choice, not an accident ("I tripped, fell on my typewriter, and now there's another flashback! Whoops!") but I feel it's a device that should be used sparingly, rather than having almost every chapter be an extended flashback. Having everyone wandering around remembering 'when' doesn't really advance the plot, it just explains how we got 'here'. I suppose that's the entire point of the story - how does a bright young prodigy become a sad, defeated drug-addict? A bit depressing, as subject matter goes.
The characters are all very human, fallible, and I find that makes them all likable. I am, however, finding the attitude toward addiction/mental illness - that desperate denial, the unwillingness to discuss it - heartbreaking. I want to dismiss it as an archaic attitude from a different era, but I have to admit it lives today. The only real giveaways that this story is from another era are Bella's sock issue, and Norman being sent to a hospital/asylum rather than rehab.
For tomorrow, I am looking forward to Norman's reaction to how Bella chose to fulfill his request, and whether she responds at all to Esther's request. Should be some high drama!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Apparently Not About Government.... Or Is It?
Day 1, first book, 'The Elected Member' by Bernice Rubens. Winner of the Booker Prize 1970.
I hadn't heard of this book before, so I'm coming to it completely blank, which I love! Looking at it on my booklist I speculated that it was perhaps a political drama of sorts, the story of some newly elected official battling bureaucracy. Ya, not even close! Turns out it is a family drama of mental illness and drug addiction. Probably more interesting than my idea!
I've read three chapters so far today. It is intriguing, although I find myself more captivated by the mysteries of the backstory than the present dramatic situation. I find I'm curious about exactly what kind of pills Norman is taking, and I wonder whether the anonymous nature of the drug is intended as a generic 'drugs are evil' sentiment. Perhaps it was a decision made to prevent any sort of advertisement for the drug in question. Or, perhaps the identity of the mystery pills will come out later. Then again, maybe it's completely incidental to the actual story. I'm still curious.
I'm also very curious about the relationship between Norman and his sister, Bella, and the significance of her white ankle-socks. I understand they are meant as a symbol of girlhood, as a woman should be wearing some sort of stocking, but what is the real meaning behind all the allusions? I get the feeling there was some level of incest, but I could be totally off-base. I find I'd really like a direct, explicit explanation regarding this, and the drug as well.
Mainly I'm hoping that my lack of understanding isn't a result of generational miscommunication. I admit, I had to google a couple or three words to make sure I was understanding them correctly. For instance, I was fairly certain Dettol was a cleaning agent but I've never actually encountered it, so I wasn't sure what it's "known associations" were. The frequent use of what I'm guessing is Yiddish (correct me if I'm wrong, please!) is also making it a more challenging read. Most of it I understand, but not all of it, and that is making it difficult for me to really immerse myself in the story.
Despite all that, I am enjoying the story so far. It kind of reminds me of a late-sixties version of 'Intervention'. I mean that in a good way!
I hadn't heard of this book before, so I'm coming to it completely blank, which I love! Looking at it on my booklist I speculated that it was perhaps a political drama of sorts, the story of some newly elected official battling bureaucracy. Ya, not even close! Turns out it is a family drama of mental illness and drug addiction. Probably more interesting than my idea!
I've read three chapters so far today. It is intriguing, although I find myself more captivated by the mysteries of the backstory than the present dramatic situation. I find I'm curious about exactly what kind of pills Norman is taking, and I wonder whether the anonymous nature of the drug is intended as a generic 'drugs are evil' sentiment. Perhaps it was a decision made to prevent any sort of advertisement for the drug in question. Or, perhaps the identity of the mystery pills will come out later. Then again, maybe it's completely incidental to the actual story. I'm still curious.
I'm also very curious about the relationship between Norman and his sister, Bella, and the significance of her white ankle-socks. I understand they are meant as a symbol of girlhood, as a woman should be wearing some sort of stocking, but what is the real meaning behind all the allusions? I get the feeling there was some level of incest, but I could be totally off-base. I find I'd really like a direct, explicit explanation regarding this, and the drug as well.
Mainly I'm hoping that my lack of understanding isn't a result of generational miscommunication. I admit, I had to google a couple or three words to make sure I was understanding them correctly. For instance, I was fairly certain Dettol was a cleaning agent but I've never actually encountered it, so I wasn't sure what it's "known associations" were. The frequent use of what I'm guessing is Yiddish (correct me if I'm wrong, please!) is also making it a more challenging read. Most of it I understand, but not all of it, and that is making it difficult for me to really immerse myself in the story.
Despite all that, I am enjoying the story so far. It kind of reminds me of a late-sixties version of 'Intervention'. I mean that in a good way!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
To Begin
The Plan: Over the course of one year I will read all of the Man Booker Prize winning books, reporting on my progress and reviewing the books as I go.
There are currently 45 books on the list ( http://www.themanbookerprize.com/prize/archive ) which will give me approximately 8 days for each book. Woohoo! I'm excited about the challenge of reading so many books on a relatively short schedule. I'm also really looking forward to broadening my reading interests. I primarily read genre fiction, such as urban fantasy, mystery, and romance, with only the occasional foray into "literature". I suppose I have some preconceived notions that literature isn't as much fun as genre, which I'm hoping to dispel. In the interest of full disclosure, I have already read two of the books on the list (The Blind Assassin and Life of Pi) both of which I enjoyed, and I'm looking forward to re-reading.
My initial plan was to start with the first winner, P.H. Newby's 'Something To Answer For', and then work my way through the list chronologically. I figured, as award winning books, I would be able to find copies easily. I work in a used book store, and I love the Calgary Public Library ( http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/ ). Imagine my surprise when neither of them had listings for book 1 - that's really 'something to answer for'!
Ok, that was bad. Sorry.
Anyway, I also checked the Chapters website. No listing. www.abebooks.com had 51 copies listed, starting at $23.63. I'd prefer to buy local, so I'm going to continue looking for that one. I've decided that, for my purposes, time schedule is more important than reading order, so I'm jumping the queue and I'll be starting with Bernice Rubens' 'The Elected Member'. Reading begins tomorrow!
There are currently 45 books on the list ( http://www.themanbookerprize.com/prize/archive ) which will give me approximately 8 days for each book. Woohoo! I'm excited about the challenge of reading so many books on a relatively short schedule. I'm also really looking forward to broadening my reading interests. I primarily read genre fiction, such as urban fantasy, mystery, and romance, with only the occasional foray into "literature". I suppose I have some preconceived notions that literature isn't as much fun as genre, which I'm hoping to dispel. In the interest of full disclosure, I have already read two of the books on the list (The Blind Assassin and Life of Pi) both of which I enjoyed, and I'm looking forward to re-reading.
My initial plan was to start with the first winner, P.H. Newby's 'Something To Answer For', and then work my way through the list chronologically. I figured, as award winning books, I would be able to find copies easily. I work in a used book store, and I love the Calgary Public Library ( http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/ ). Imagine my surprise when neither of them had listings for book 1 - that's really 'something to answer for'!
Ok, that was bad. Sorry.
Anyway, I also checked the Chapters website. No listing. www.abebooks.com had 51 copies listed, starting at $23.63. I'd prefer to buy local, so I'm going to continue looking for that one. I've decided that, for my purposes, time schedule is more important than reading order, so I'm jumping the queue and I'll be starting with Bernice Rubens' 'The Elected Member'. Reading begins tomorrow!
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