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!
Showing posts with label OBOC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OBOC. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
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!
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!
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