Complete & Unabridged

That's Amore....

2012-02-14T00:30:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again! Today we celebrate that wonderful, maddening, passionate, and complicated emotion called love. Once again as in years past, I'm using this day to highlight some of my most favorite literary couples. The one's whose stories make our hearts flutter. Each story is so unique, and yet in many ways they are all the same...

Sir Percy Blakeney and Margeurite Blakeney from The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

At the beginning of the story, there seems to by no unlikelier romantic couple than the foppish, slow witted Sir Percy Blakeney and the witty, sarcastic Margeurite. But these two are actually much more alike than you would think. It is only their pride and lack of trust that cause an emotional rift. This is such a fun novel, and we are kept on the edge of our seats wondering, not really will Percy be able to outwit Chauvelin, but will he and Margeurite be able to rekindle their love for each other.

She loved him still. And now that she looked back upon the last few months of misunderstandings and of loneliness, she realized that she had never ceased to love him; that deep down in her heart she had always vaguely felt that his foolish inanities, his empty laugh, his lazy nonchalance were nothing but a mask; that the real man, strong, passionate, willful, was there still--the man she had loved, whose intensity had fascinated her, whose personality attracted her, since she always felt that behind his apparently slow wits there was a certain something, which he kept hidden from all the world, and most especially from her.

Dr. Peter Blood and Arabella Bishop from Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini

What's a good swashbuckling novel without a helpless damsel finding herself entangled with a ruthless pirate. But Arabella Bishop is no helpless damsel and Capt. Blood is no ordinary pirate. Though they did not meet under the best of circumstances, their mutual respect for each other leads to a strong friendship and a passionate love. But fate is cruel and mutual misunderstandings soon threaten to separate them forever. Though their romance is not the main focus of the story, it is still a good one.

"Must I release ye? Must I let ye go and never set eyes on ye again? Or will ye stay and make this exile endurable until we can go home together?"

Beatrice and Benedick from Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

There is nothing that guarantees that two people will fall in love at the end of a story like their profession of absolute hatred for each other at the beginning. Shakespeare's famous couple comes out swinging with all kinds of verbal punches but by the end of the story each finds him(her)self conquered by the other. There's nothing like a good fight to make you enjoy a romance...it makes for such wonderful "kiss and make up".

"In brief, since I do purpose to marry, I will think nothing to any purpose that the world can say against it; and therefore never flout at me for what I have said against it; for man is a giddy thing, and this is my conclusion."

Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Perhaps no literary couple is as iconic or exasperating as the one found in Mitchell's classic novel. It is obvious from the start that Rhett and Scarlett absolutely belong together. But both of them are so stubborn and blind that they just can't see it. This is definitely one of literature's more heartbreaking romances.

"When I first met you, I thought: There is a girl in a million. She isn't like these other silly little fools who believe in everything their mammas tell them and act on it, no matter how they fee. And conceal all their feelings and desires and little heartbreaks behind a lot of sweet words. I thought: Miss O'Hara is a girl of rare spirit. She knows what she wants and she doesn't mind speaking her mind--or throwing vases."

Henry Tilney and Catherine Moreland in Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

What's Valentine's Day without a bit of Austen? Perhaps no other Austen couple is as much fun as Henry and Catherine. She is so sweet and naive and he's so laid back and brotherly. I love how he can easily go from being Catherine's playful chum to giving her somewhat stern (though needed) correction. Theirs is a relationship that we can see lasting far beyond the end of the book.

"'I danced with a very agreeable young man, introduced by Mr. King; had a great deal of conversation with him -- seems a most extraordinary genius -- hope I may know more of him. That, madam, is what I wish you to say.'"

Pictures:

#1 Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour in The Scarlet Pimpernel
#2 Errol Flynn and Olivia de Haviland in Captain Blood
#3 Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson in Much Ado About Nothing
#4 Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh in Gone With the Wind
#5 JJ Feild and Felicity Jones in Northanger Abbey

Catching Fire

2012-02-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

At some point, you have to stop running and turn around and face whoever wants you dead. The hard thing is finding the courage to do it.

When faced with the threat of danger, our first instinct is to run. We turn and bolt from it almost without thinking, our only goal being to outrun whatever is after us. That, or to outrun someone else and let the danger catch them first. And yet, many times we also feel compelled to stop and sacrifice ourselves for the safety of those we care about. In this second novel of the Hunger Games Trilogy, our heroine must make the hard choices and decide whether a life without the people she loves is one worth living at all.

The Plot:

After winning the 74th Hunger Games together, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark should be returning home to a life of ease. Not only will they and their families have plenty of food, but as celebrities they will also have many privileges and favors bestowed on them by the Capitol. But things don't quite work out that way. Katniss is informed that her actions in the games have caused rebellion to begin rising in the Districts. The Capitol does not intend for this to go unchecked, and Katniss must find a way to stop it if she wants to protect those around her. Fire is not easy to put out, and Katniss soon finds that her biggest efforts do nothing to cool the flames. Just when she is contemplating running away, the Capitol cracks down by sending in more Peacekeepers and harshly punishing petty crimes.

As things get worse in the Districts, Katniss learns that District 13 (which was supposedly wiped out by the Capitol) may still be alive and able to offer help to the others. But before she can act on this information, Katniss learns that, in a cruel twist of fate, she and Peeta will be heading back to the arena to face past winning tributes. She must now decide how she will once again protect herself and Peeta from the enemy, and also just who exactly that enemy is.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

After having been completely sucked into this series by the first book, I had high hopes for this one. Ultimately it did not disappoint, and once again Collins kept me transfixed. I simply had to know how it was all going to turn out.

As in the first book, Collins addresses many issues throughout the story. One of these is the idea of independence versus interdependence. In the first book, Katniss' only goal was to survive. If that meant taking out a few people, even Peeta to a point, then so be it. In these games, that idea kind of turns on its head for her. She goes into it with the idea that she must protect Peeta at all costs, hoping to accomplish this much the same way as in the previous games by separating off from the main group and then taking things as they come. But Haymitch has other ideas and persuades her to make alliances, which makes her dependent on other for her own survival. This ultimately changes her perspective. Haymitch had asked her to remember who the real enemy is, and as the games progress she realizes that it is not the other tributes inside the arena that she must conquer, but rather the Capitol who controls the games.

Collins also continues to hold up a mirror to our own society. I think one of the most telling moments in the book is when Katniss and Peeta witness the true decadence of the Capitol. While they are at a large party, it is revealed that in order to continue indulging in the overabundance of rich foods available, the guests make themselves vomit every so often. This is as convicting as it is disturbing. How often does our society overindulge in this manner? Not just in food, but in toys, homes, clothes, entertainment, etc. We clamor for more and more than we can stand, only to turn a blind eye to those around us who would almost kill for a tenth of the things we posses. It is a very stark picture and one that would behoove us to change.

All in all, Catching Fire is a wonderful sequel. Katniss is allowed to grow as a charcacter, we are given a deeper and more mature glimpse into the world of Panem, and Collins isn't afraid to take risks when it come to the plot (though I'm not sure I'll forgive her for killing off Cinna). If I have any real complaints for this book, it is the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale. To me, it really didn't deserve the number of pages that Collins devoted to it. Not only are Gale and Peeta so similar that the choice is almost moot, but it is not really the point of the stories at all. Beyond that, I really enjoyed this book and couldn't wait to pick up the next and final one.

Note: Due to the dark subject matter and the heavy violence in this story, I would definitely use some discretion before recommending it to anyone under the age of 14 or so.

The Movie:

The film version of Catching Fire is due to come out in November of 2013 as a sequel to the film version of the first book coming out this March.

Happy Birthday To:

2012-02-02T09:12:00.000-08:00

James Joyce

February 2, 1882

“A man of genius makes no mistakes. His errors are volitional and are the portals of discovery.”
-from Ulysses

The Hunger Games

2012-01-28T08:09:00.000-08:00

“Only I keep wishing I could think of a way...to show the capitol they don't own me. That I'm more than a piece in their games.”

Hunger. Violence. Struggle. Survival. Imagine living in a place where these were your day to day life was filled with nothing but this. Where your one goal was to put food on the table and protect your loved ones. This is the world of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy. It is dark, violent, ravished, and controlled. But perhaps the most terrifying thing about this world is that in many ways it is eerily similar to our own.

The Plot:

After an unnamed apocalyptic event, the remnants of North America have come together to create the nation of Panem. Formed by 12 districts and ruled with an iron fist by the Capitol, Panem is not a fun place to be. Everyone's lives are dictated by the decrees of the Capitol, poverty is very high, and starvation is the norm. But 16 year old Katniss Everdeen is determined that her family will not meet that fate. After her father's death, she focuses solely on putting food on the table. She and her best friend Gale spend most of their days in the forest hunting, trapping, and honing their survival skills. Though life is hard, Katniss feels that the odds of survival are in her favor. Until the day of the Reaping.

As punishment for a rebellion earlier in Panem's history, the Capitol randomly selects two "tributes" from each district to compete in the annual Hunger Games. The tributes are placed in an arena where they must battle hunger, nature, and each other to survive - all on live television. Only one person come out alive. When her young sister is chosen as a tribute, Katniss does not think twice before volunteering to take her place. Now she and Peeta, a boy from her past, must make the journey to the Capitol where they will be prepped, presented, and sent to the arena to kill or be killed.

My Review: (Caution-Spoilers):

This was my first step into the world of YA literature. I didn't really think all the hype surrounding these books could be true. But when multiple friends suggested them to me, I figured I should at least give it a try. Boy, was I sucked in to this series! It's been a long time since I finished a book in one day. I just had to know how it was all going to turn out.

In an interview, Suzanne Collins lists books like The Lord of the Flies, 1984, A Wrinkle in Time, and Ray Bradbury works as being some of the most influential books in her life. That is pretty obvious in this novel and gives you an idea of the tone of the story. Most of the choices that Katniss and the other characters are forced to make are not black and white. In order to feed her family, Katniss must ignore Panem laws which forbid hunting and leaving the district. Each of the tributes must garner the admiration and love of the citizens of the Capitol (who put them in this position in the first place) in order to better their odds in the arena. And both Katniss and Peeta, in order to insure their own survival, must take the lives of other young people whose only crime was to be selected as a tribute. At the same time, there is a slow transformation in the story, mainly in Katniss. It is a slow shift from Katniss simply trying to survive, to trying to live. Both Peeta and Katniss eventually promise themselves that though they have been placed in this brutal situation by the Capitol, they won't let it strip them of who they are. They will remember love, trust, loyalty, friendship, and sacrifice...all the things that make them human.

Another influence on the story came late in the night. According to Collins, she was flipping through the TV channels one night, and she bounced back and forth between a reality show and coverage of the Iraq war. For the citizens of the Capitol, the Hunger Games is just another round of entertainment. They have their favorite "characters" who they root for. They love personal interviews, stories about the tributes' lives back home, and "romance" between two certain tributes. But for the tributes, this isn't about simply getting voted off the island; this is a matter of life and death. It is a fight not just to survive, but to help their families have a better life. It begs the question if this is not what our own society has become. If for us, the events happening around the world are no more than a less entertaining version of a reality show. That somehow the violence, the starvation, the death, and the pain all goes away whenever we turn off our televisions. If nothing else, Collins serves us a reminder that for those who are put in harm's way by one means or another, there's is also a matter of life and death.

I may be coming a little late to this party, but I am definitely a fan. In retrospect, The Hunger Games strikes me as the weakest of the three books. Katniss is a rather immature and moody teenager throughout, and the supporting characters come across as somewhat thin. However, the story is gripping, the structure of the Games and Panem are interesting, and you simply will not be able to put it down until you figure out how Katniss will win. (like she'd die in the first book). So I'm adding my voices to the millions of others when I say that this is an absolute must read. Get it now!!

Note: Due to the dark subject matter and the heavy violence in this story, I would definitely use some discretion before recommending it to anyone under the age of 14 or so.

The Movie:

The film version of this story is due to come out in March of this year. It will star Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, and Liam Hemsworth as Gale.

Burns Night

2012-01-25T00:30:00.000-08:00

Today is a big day for the Scots (and those of us who wish we were)! All over the world, people of Scottish descent will be coming together to celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns. Born on January 25, 1759, Burns would go on to right many poems that reflected Scottish heritage, traditions, and life. Today, his poems are still loved and recited by many and in 2009 he was voted the "Greatest Scot" by the people of Scotland.

The tradition of the Burns Supper began in the early 19th century, and occurs every year on or around January 25th. They are essentially gatherings (formal and informal) of Burns lovers who spend the evening eating haggis, drinking whiskey, and reciting Burns poetry. Though different people prefer one Burns poem to another, there are some that are his most popular. This year, over 1000 Scots voted his narrative poem "Tam o' Shanter" as their all-time favorite. Here is the opening portion of the poem:

When chapmen billies leave the street,
And drouthy neibors, neibors meet,
As market days are wearing late,
An' folk begin to tak the gate;
While we sit bousing at the nappy,
And getting fou and unco happy,
We think na on the lang Scots miles,
The mosses, waters, slaps, and styles,
That lie between us and our hame,
Where sits our sulky sullen dame.
Gathering her brows like gathering storm,
Nursing her wrath to keep it warm.

Read the whole poem here.

Whether or not your family hails from the Highlands, this is a great time to revel in the tradtion and pageantry of being Scottish. So take a few moments to raise a wee dram to good ol' Rabbie Burns, whose poems continue to bring pride and pleasure to Scots and non-Scots alike over 200 years later.

Literature and the Bible

2012-01-23T17:29:00.000-08:00

There's an interesting post over at the New York Times by Pulitzer Prize winning author Marilynne Robinson (Gilead). Entitled Book of Books - What Literature Owes the Bible, it is a fascinating look at just how much of an influence scripture has had over western literature:

Each of these works reflects a profound knowledge of Scripture and tradition on the part of the writer, the kind of knowledge found only among those who take them seriously enough to probe the deepest questions in their terms. These texts are not allegories, because in each case the writer has posed a problem within a universe of thought that is fully open to his questioning once its terms are granted. Here the use of biblical allusion is not symbolism or metaphor, which are both rhetorical techniques for enriching a narrative whose primary interest does not rest with the larger resonances of the Bible. In fact these great texts resemble Socratic dialogues in that each venture presupposes that meaning can indeed be addressed within the constraints of the form and in its language, while the meaning to be discovered through this argument cannot be presupposed. Like paintings, they render meaning as beauty.

Read the whole article here.

HT: The Rabbit Room

Breakfast at Tiffany's

2012-01-22T13:19:00.000-08:00

"What I’ve found does the most good is just to get into a taxi and go to Tiffany’s. It calms me down right away, the quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there, not with those kind men in their nice suits, and that lovely smell of silver and alligator wallets. If I could find a real-life place that made me feel like Tiffany’s, then I’d buy some furniture and give the cat a name."

In 1958, a slim novella by American author Truman Capote was published. In it's pages, Capote had created a character that would not only become his most famous literary creation, but would also become an American cultural icon. Though Capote wrote many short stories and even a crime book, perhaps none of his work is as well-known, as popular, or as beloved as the story of Holly Golightly.

The Plot:

In this novella, an unnamed narrator reflects on his relationship with a young woman 15 years previously. At the time, he was an upstart writer living in a brownstone apartment in Manhattan. After moving in, he meets one of his neighbors, a cafe society girl named Holiday (Holly) Golightly. He is soon captivated by Holly and they become close friends and confidants. Holly at once delights and baffles him. She earns her living by socializing with wealthy men and plays the part of a witty and beautiful socialite. But the narrator also gets glimpses of her insecurities, her fears, and her heartaches. Though he tries to learn more about Holly's true nature, it is not long before he realizes that trying to break through her protective exterior could ultimately drive her away.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

This was my second taste of Capote's writing. My first was his collection of Christmas stories which touched me greatly. I wondered if I would feel the same way about his more popular novella. The answer is...not exactly.

It is clear from the beginning that though the story is told through the eyes of an unnamed narrator, this is really Holly's story. Her card on the mailbox truly says it all: Miss Holiday Golightly, Traveling. Holly someone who is never truly at home. She moves through from one moment to the next living only for the freedom and independence that she craves. She constantly tells the narrator, bartender friend Joe Bell, and husband Doc Golightly that they should never love or try to cage a wild thing because it won't survive. Whenever Holly finds herself beginning to be tied to another person, she bolts. But for all her desire for freedom, she finds that it can lead to loneliness. "It's better to look at the sky than live there. Such an empty place; so vague. Just a country where the thunder goes and things disappear." She often doesn't realize just how much she needs another person (or cat) until she has already abandoned them.

As interesting a character as Holly is, I wasn't overly enamored with the novella itself. It didn't quite touch me like the other Capote works did. Plus, I think too many people (myself included) go into this story with pictures of Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard on their mind. Nothing could be further from the truth. The character of Paul in the film bears no resemblance to the story's unnamed narrator and Holly's glitzy prostitution is not as whitewashed as Hepburn's portrayal. Not to mention the ending of the novella is much more sober and reflective than in the film.

Overall, I found this book to be interesting, but not necessarily something that I will return to over and over again. I think all fans of the film should read it as a companion, and Holly makes an interesting character study for those who are interested in that kind of thing. I'm glad that I read it, but I don't think I'm in love.

The Movie:

The film version of this novella is actually more popular and well-known than the original book. Starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard, Blake Edwards' 1961 production is a true film classic. Though it is a whitewashed and happier version of Capote's story, it is nevertheless a must see for all fans of great cinema. It is truly a classic of American culture.

2012: The Year of Dickens

2012-01-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

“Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show.”

Over the last few years, there have been numerous milestones in literary history. In 2008 we celebrated the 100th birthday of L. M. Montgomery's famous work Anne of Green Gables. Last year marked the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's first novel, Sense and Sensibility. But all of those pale in comparison to the party that the world (and London in particular) has planned for this year.

February 7, 2012 is the 200th birthday of one of English literature's most beloved novelists, Charles Dickens. There are tons of events, special exhibitions, and other things being planned worldwide to mark this milestone. The website Dickens 2012 has this to say about the author and the planned celebrations: Although a writer from the Victorian era, Dickens’s work transcends his time, language and culture. He remains a massive contemporary influence throughout the world and his writings continue to inspire film, TV, art, literature, artists and academia. Dickens 2012 sees a rich and diverse programme of events taking place in the run up and throughout the whole of 2012.

Here are some of the amazing things happening this year that you can participate in:

-London is definitely the place to be this year if you are a Dickens lover. The Charles Dickens Museum has re-opened to the public, and is the place to view over 100,000 manuscripts, rare editions, and personal items from Dickens' world. The Museum of London has a new exhibition dedicated to Dickens' legacy in London. On Feb. 7th, Westminster Abbey will hold a wreath laying ceremony at his tomb. Many portraits of the Dickens family will be on display at the National Portrait Gallery. And Dickens centered walking tours will let you see the great city through his eyes. However you like to commemorate this special occasion, London can help you do it.

-England is not the only place to party. The Museum Strauhof in Zurich which specializes in literary history will have a special exhibit dedicated to Dickens. The Longfellow House in Cambridge, Massachusetts will highlight Dickens' friendship with the American poet. And a Dickens Book Festival is on the schedule at Château D’Hardelot, Pas-de-Calais in France.

-Even if you don't live where a major festival or exhibit is planned, there are plenty of ways to celebrate on your own. Masterpiece Classic will be airing two new Dickens adaptations this year: Great Expectations and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Two new biographies of the author were published in time for the festivities: Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin and Becoming Dickens: The Invention of a Novelist by Robert Douglas-Fairhurst. And international publishers Wiley-Blackwell have announced a free online conference entitled "Dickens' World" will be held March 7-March 8.

-Get others involved in the fun. If you are in a book club, try reading and discussing a Dickens novel. If you are a patron of a local bookshop, encourage them to get involved by inviting guest speakers and hosting read alouds. If you are involved in community theater, consider bringing a Dickens classic to life. And if you are a teacher, introduce your students to Dickens' world.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, just be sure to take some time this year to commemorate one of the best writers in the English language. His creations continue to haunt, amuse, and inspire us to this day. Mr. Dickens, we are truly in your debt.

The Way We Live Now

2012-01-12T16:02:00.000-08:00

Whatever be the misery to be endured, get it over. The horror of every agony is in its anticipation.

Back in 2009, Newsweek created a list of fifty books that it considered "must reads" for understanding the times we live in. Surprisingly enough, the book it considered most important for those living in today's world was none other than an 1875 British satirical novel. Considered by many readers to be his masterpiece, Anthony Trollope's sweeping novel The Way We Live Now lashes out at the dishonesty that he saw prevailing Victorian England. From issues of money to love to politics, Trollope forces society to look in the mirror and see the glaring faults that it possesses. In so doing, it also shows us that the society that we openly despise as we read is in many ways eerily similar to our own.

The Plot:

It is the 1870s and London society is reveling the glitz and gilding of the Victorian era. The arrival of a foreign investment manager named Augustus Melmotte has a ripple effect that touches many lives. There's nonsensical Lady Carbury who imagines herself to be the literary world's next great authoress, as well as her son, Felix, whose gambling and philandering drive her ever deeper into debt, and her daughter, Hetta, who's heart is being torn in two. There's Roger Carbury and Paul Montague, two friends who have the misfortune to fall in love with the same woman. There's Melmotte's daughter, Marie, who finds that her hand (and her wealth) are coveted by man young gentlemen. There's Ruby Ruggles who spurns security and true love for a romantic dream, and Georgianna Longstaffe who will do ANYTHING for a house in town. And there's Mrs. Hurtle, the mysterious American trying desperately to retain the heart of the man she loves.

All of these and more find their lives wrapped up in the meteoric rise of Augustus Melmotte. He is the man to know, and almost all of them will crawl over broken glass to be seen in his presence by Society. But rumors soon begin to spread concerning Melmotte and as his rise gives way to a plummet, many are left scrambling to get out of the way.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

I guess the first thing I should tell you about this book is that it is LONG. Clocking in at 100 chapters and over 700 pages, it is the definition of a clunker. I almost envy those Victorians who got to read it in serialization versus having to take it all in at once. Nevertheless, it is worth the time it takes to plow through it.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Though the world that Trollope describes is one of corsets, horse drawn carriages, and waltzing, it is not hard to see that the essence of the story is reflected in the world of the 2000s. What Trollope despises most is the fact that Victorian society would overlook just about anything if the offender has enough money. Augustus Melmotte is a great swindler, which everyone knows from the beginning. He is coarse, greedy, arrogant, manipulating, and criminal. And nobody cares. As long as he lives in a gorgeous house in Grosvenor Square, as long as he entertains the royalty of the land, and as long as he throws a lavish dinner for the Emperor of China, the fact that he is a liar and a cheat means nothing. Society is more than happy to overlook any offense that is covered in gold. It is only after rumors begin to spread regarding Melmotte's actual worth that society begins to aim it's daggers at the interloper. Sounds a bit like our own time does it not? How often did we turn a blind eye to the dishonesty and criminality happening all around us, assuming that anything (or anyone) with that much money was worth being associated with?

Trollope also shows society's faults in the way it treats people like John Crumb, Mr. Breghart, and Roger Carbury. Each of these men is honest, hardworking, and sincere. Though John Crumb is capable (and more than willing) of providing Ruby Ruggles with a comfortable home and a loving heart, she despises him because he does not fit her romantic idea of a gentleman. Mr. Breghart deals honestly and straightforwardly with Georgianna Longstaffe, but she throws him over when the house in town no longer enters the equation. And Roger Carbury is the epitome of a gentleman, and yet Hetta gives her heart to Paul Montague who, though well-intentioned, does not exactly play fair between her and Mrs. Hurtle. Ok, so the last example is a bit of a stretch, but let it be known that I am solidly on Team Roger. I'd take him over that nice but weak-willed Paul any day.

When it comes to a good example of a Victorian novel, this is a wonderful one. Many people compare Trollope to Dickens, and in many ways this is fair. Trollope's focus on the problems facing Victorian society is very similar to Dickens, and you can see lots of similarities between their works (Little Dorrit anyone?). And though perhaps Trollope's characters are not as over the top or memorable as Dickens', they are very well drawn. There are those you love to hate, like Felix Carbury. There are those who are so ridiculous that you can't help but love them, like Dolly Longstaffe. There are those who never cease to surprise you, like Mrs. Hurtle. And then there are those who simply demand your love and respect, like Roger Carbury. Each of Trollope's characters are very human, and it is easy to see our own traits, faults, and dreams reflected in them.

Though it took a lot of diligence and effort to make it through this lengthy novel, it was well worth it in the end. It is a fine portrayal of life at the height of the Victorian era, as well as reflection of our own times. The Way We Live Now is just that.

The Movie:

This novel has been adapted twice by the BBC. The first was in 1969 and starred Colin Blakely, Cavan Kendall, and Phyllida Law.

The second is the more recent 2004 adaptation starring David Suchet, Matthew MacFadyen, Cillian Murphy, Miranda Otto, and host of other well-known British actors. It streamlines this sprawling plot beautifully, and the cast is wonderful in their respective roles. David Suchet is especially good as the scheming Melmotte. Worth a watch whether you read the book or not.

Enter 2012....

2012-01-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

It never ceases to amaze me exactly how fast a year can go by. It seems like only yesterday that we were ringing in 2011, and here we are welcoming 2012. Though I didn't get nearly the amount of reading done in 2011 that I had planned on, I still discovered a number of gems and new favorites that will remain with me forever. Here are my top 5 books of 2011:

Honorable Mention: The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope. I just finished the book yesterday and have not had a chance to fully review it, but it is definitely worth a read. Though this 700 page tome was written in 1875, it could just as easily describe life in today's world. The preoccupation with money, the willingness to overlook falseness in those who have it, and a lack of respect for honest and trust is just a prevalent today as it was in Trollope's time. A must read Victorian classic.

#5: 84, Charing Cross Rd. by Helene Hanff. This classic is enough to warm the heart of any book lover. It tells the story of a brash New York writer and a buttoned-up British bookseller who begin a correspondence that lasts for many years. Though they never actually meet, their mutual love of good literature helps create a strong friendship that brings them together despite the ocean between them. This is a warm, comforting read that brightened up a slow rainy day at my office.

#4: Snow Country by Yasunari Kawabata. Often described as a "haiku in prose", this sparse novel by Japanese writer Kawabata is painfully beautiful. Set in the hot springs resorts of Japan's snow country, it is the story of two people who simply cannot connect on an emotional level, no matter how much they want to. This was my first taste of Asian literature, and it left me craving more.

#3: Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens. I am a huge fan of Charles Dickens, and this particular book is certainly one of his better ones. Great characters, an intriguing pot, and relative lessons about life are all found in this one. Though it can be uneven at times, it still ranks up there with some of my most favorite Dickens works.

#2: The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham. A truly heart-wrenching story of love, betrayal, and self discovery. Set against the backdrop of 1920s China, Maugham's work removes the mask from his characters and shows us human nature as it really is. I highly recommend it.

#1: Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton. I knew the moment I finished this book that it would probably be my top book of the year. Paton's cry for truth, justice, and human dignity is as poignant today as when it was written. It is both a beautiful novel with a lyrical writing style, as well as a powerful story with wonderful characters who can move you to tears. This is one that I wish I had read years ago. If you have never read this jewel of a book before, I am telling you to do so now. You won't regret it.

So what is coming this way for me in 2012? I don't have as definite a plan of reading as I have in past years, but nevertheless I believe it will be a great year for me in books. First off, I plan on reading more non-fiction this year than I have in years past, so be prepared to see those kinds of reviews as well. I also plan on dipping my toes into the world of young adult literature by reading The Hunger Games trilogy (let's see how well that goes). And finally, I hope to post much more regularly this year. Though my days have gotten no less busy, I plan on making reading and blogging a much higher priority on my "things to do list". Hopefully I'll gain some lost ground this year.

To all of my readers, thank you so much for sticking with me and taking time to read my thoughts on books. I hope that your 2012 is an amazing year both in reading, and in the rest of your life. Happy New Year!!

Masterpiece Classic: 2012

2011-12-30T07:51:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again! Masterpiece Classic is getting ready to get into full swing for the 2012 season. There are a few new adaptations coming our way, so check your local listings and settle in for a good time this winter.

Downton Abbey Series 1 (December 18, 25, and January 1): Many PBS stations are currently broadcasting an encore presentation of this Edwardian period drama. It portrays life for both the family and the servants for the large Downton Abbey estate. Romance, treachery, death, and change all happen both upstairs and downstairs. The best series of the 2011 season and a must watch. If your PBS station is not broadcasting it, you can also find it on Netflix.

Downton Abbey Series 2 (January 8, 15, 22, 29 & February 5, 12, 19): The story continues for the inhabitants of Downton Abbey. World War I has begun, and it changes life for everyone on the estate.

Sherlock Series 1 (January 15, 22, 29): This is an encore presentation of Masterpiece Mystery's smash hit from 2010. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch (War Horse) and Martin Freeman (The Hobbit), this is the classic Sherlock story set in modern day London. Smart, fast, and funny this is a must see. Be sure to catch it if you didn't when it first came out. The 2nd series will follow later this year.

The Old Curiosity Shop (February 26): This is a re-broadcast from the 2009 season. Stars Derek Jacobi and Toby Jones in this classic Dickens story of a girl and her grandfather on the run from a ruthless moneylender.

Great Expectations (April 1, 8): The first of two new adaptations of Dickens novels, this remake stars Gillian Anderson (Bleak House) and David Suchet (Hercule Poirot). Young Pip is an orphan who comes into a large amount of money due to a mysterious benefactor.

The Mystery of Edwin Drood (April 15): Dickens' last (and unfinished) work gets its first television adaptation. It is a psychological thriller about a choirmaster's obsession with 17 year old Rosa Bud. Stars Alun Armstrong, Julia McKenzie, and Matthew Rhys.

Birdsong (April 22 & 29): Based on the Sebastian Faulk novel, this is the story of two lovers torn apart by World War I. Stephen Wrayford's pre-war affair with Isabelle Azaire continues to effect him as he fights in the trenches. Stars Eddie Redmayne (Tess of the d'Urbervilles, My Week with Marilyn) and Clemence Posey.

My Brilliant Career

2011-12-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

Our greatest heart-treasure is a knowledge that there is in creation an individual to whom our existence is necessary - some one who is part of our life as we are part of theirs, some one in whose life we feel assured our death would leave a gap for a day or two.

Stella Maria Sarah Miles Franklin is not a name most Americans would be familiar with, but it is instantly recognizable to our friends down under. Under the name of Miles Franklin, she became one of the foremost writers of Australian literature, and even bequeathed the Miles Franklin Award which is annually awarded to the best Australian novel or play. Her first (and best known) novel, My Brilliant Career, was written while she was in her teens, and published in 1901 when she was in her early twenties. It became a smash hit, but due to its many recognizable similarities to her own life, Franklin stopped its publication until after her death in 1954.

The Plot:

Sybylla Melvyn is a headstrong, independent young woman growing up in the Australian bush in the 1890s. After much bad luck in business, her family falls on hard times and Sybylla struggles to adapt to the monotonous "drudgery" of their new life. Relief comes in the form an invitation to stay with her somewhat wealthier grandmother and aunt. There, Sybylla finds much of the freedom and culture that she has always craved, though she is often corrected by her relatives for her "unladylike" behavior. She also meets Harry Beecham, a young landowner who finds her interesting and different from most of the other young women that he has met.

It isn't long before they become the best of friends, and it soon becomes obvious that Harry is in love with her. Sybylla feels only friendship for him, swearing that she is not the type of woman a man can really love, and that she never intends to marry. News then comes that her family is in difficult straits and that she must work as a governess for a neighbor to pay off a debt. Sybylla is whisked away to live in absolute squalor with people who can barely read or write. Every day becomes harder and harder for her to live. Will she be stuck here forever, or will a renewal of Harry's proposal be her best chance for escape?

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

This was my first taste of Australian literature, and it was overall a good read. There were some terms I had to get used to, like "jackaroo", and also the idea that December is a very hot month down there. But all in all it is kind of like English literature with a big twist.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. Sybylla is an endearing (if, at times, infuriating) character. You can't help but root for her as she struggles to balance her own desires with what the society of the time demanded from young women. And yet, the fact that this story is not just about a teenager, but BY a teenager, makes it seem a little immature. Sybylla's obsessions, especially with her looks, makes the novel's worldview rather immature (though not the writing itself). My other major problem is that I'm a romantic, and I really wanted Sybylla to marry Harry. Heck, I wanted to marry Harry. He's strong, fun loving, intelligent, responsible, caring, patient...what more could you ask for in a guy? Though in the end, I think that Sybylla may have made the right choice for herself, it didn't jive with my own feelings.

But more than a story of a young feminist trying to conquer her own destiny, My Brilliant Career is a love song to the people and literature of Australia. Through the course of the novel, Sybylla develops a sort of love/hate relationship with the drovers, pioneers, and squatters of the outback, at once despising the monotony of their way of life and admiring them for the courage with which they face it. Even when she is living in the comfort of her grandmother's estate, she is never more happy than when she is picking apples in an old dress or helping drovers move their sheep across the land. There are also many times that Franklin expresses the need for true Australian literature, similar to that of Banjo Paterson, Henry Lawson, and C. J. Dennis. Works that would tell Australia's story through the eyes of her children. One has to wonder if Franklin, as she wrote this, ever knew that her own name would one day be as famous as those.

Though there is an unevenness about this novel, it is definitely worth a read. I wasn't overly pleased with the ending personally, but it was an enjoyable story that I had a hard time putting down. If you are looking for a classic taste of the land down under, this is a good place to start.

The Movie:

There is currently one film adaptation of this novel, and that is the 1979 version directed by Gillian Armstrong and starring Judy Davis and Sam Neill. This was a great adaptation that really helped smooth out the story's rougher edges. A wonderful companion to the book.

Holiday Swap 2011

2011-12-14T07:39:00.000-08:00

Once again, the Book Blogger's Holiday Swap was a big success for me. I had so much fun giving (and receiving) bookish things and really do encourage other book bloggers to give it a try.

My "Secret Santee" this year was Michelle over at "The True Book Addict". She loves historical fiction, Christmas books, and cats, so I tried to hit all of these notes in the package. Here's what she received:

-Queen Defiant by Anne O'Brien (from her wishlist)
-Amaryllis: A Holiday Anthology by Pomegranate Writers' Group (a group of local writers in my hometown) with a matching bookmark.
-Two cat note cards
-Spanish Castile soap from Twisted Oak Farm

I had a great time putting Michele's package together, and I look forward of perusing more of her lovely blog.

Yesterday, the gift package from my own Secret Santa arrived. Erica works for Harper Perennial (part of Harper Collins Publishers) and she helps manage their blog "The Olive Reader". Here are the goodies that she sent me:

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Anyone who has spent any amount of time on my blog knows that Jane Eyre is my all-time favorite book. It's so great to have a new edition, especially since the print is bigger than my other edition. Plus the cover is simply stunning!

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Though I didn't particularly care for this book when I first read it in middle school, it is now very dear to this Southern girl's heart. Having this lovely 50th Anniversary edition means that I can now give my mom's copy back to her.

Fifth Avenue, 5 A. M. by Sam Wasson

This is a book devoted entirely to the film Breakfast at Tiffany's which I saw for the first time this year. Wasson explores how this movie came into being, and how it (and Audrey Hepburn) help set the tone not only for future films, but for the 60s themselves. Really looking forward to this one.

The Heroine's Bookshelf by Erin Blakemore

This book explores the great heroines of literary history and the amazing women who created them. Blakemore also touches on how we as modern women can learn from these characters and writers of the past. Should be a very fun read.

Thanks again, Erica, for the amazing books. I can't wait to get started on them. It's time to build more bookshelves! If you are a book blogger and you have never participated in the Holiday Swap, I strongly encourage you to do so next year. It is a great opportunity to get connected with other readers around the world. Who knows...you just might be my secret santee next year.

Happy Birthday To:

2011-11-30T10:33:00.000-08:00

Mark Twain

November 30, 1835

I don't believe any of you have ever read Paradise Lost, and you don't want to. That's something that you just want to take on trust. It's a classic... something that everybody wants to have read and nobody wants to read.

- "Disappearance of Literature" speech

Unsung (and Unseen) Characters

2011-11-16T04:18:00.000-08:00

Over at Guardian Books, they've got a great discussion going about literature's unseen characters. These are "literary creations who never make an appearance on the main stage, but whose presence nevertheless hovers over the text, influencing thoughts and actions."

Some examples that the article gives are Sauron from The Lord of the Rings, the lieutenant in The French Lieutenant's Woman, Mr. March in Little Women, Mrs. Churchill in Emma, and the eponymous Godot. There are also some fantastic ideas in the comments section.

How about you? Do you know of any literary characters (not dead) who play a significant role in the story and yet are never seen or heard?

Holiday Swap

2011-11-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again! All you book bloggers out there head over to the Book Blogger Holiday Swap site and sign up for this year's event. I had so much fun with this last year, and I look forward to shopping for my "Secret Santee". Be sure to sign up by midnight on Novemeber 11 to get in on the action. Let the holidays begin!!

Snow Country

2011-11-05T05:24:00.000-07:00

The road was frozen. The village lay quiet under the cold sky. Komako hitched up the skirt of her kimono and tucked it into her obi. The moon shone like a blade frozen in blue ice.

In 1968, Yasunari Kawabata became the first Japanese author to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. The Nobel Committee cited "...his narrative mastery, which with great sensibility expresses the essence of the Japanese mind" as the reason for his win, and acknowledged three specific works in awarding the prize: The Old Capital, Thousand Cranes, and Snow Country, which many believe to be his masterpiece, and an enduring classic in Japanese literature.

The Plot:

Shimamura is a wealthy loner from Tokyo. Like many wealthy men of the time, he enjoys taking vacations to the mountain hot springs for rest and relaxation. He frequents one in the Japanese snow country, a region of the island nation that receives quite a bit of snow during the winter months. While there he enjoys the exercise of hiking and skiing, the revitalization of the hot springs, and the companionship of a mountain geisha named Komako.

The novel chronicles three of his trips to the hot springs, and his turbulent relationship with the pretty geisha. Will they be able grow closer together and form a lasting bond, or will their love become as cold and distant as the winter landscape?

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

This was my first taste of Asian literature, so I really wasn't sure what to expect. I've seen some reviewers call Kawabata's writing "haiku in prose", and I think that accurately describes the sparseness and spareness of the novel.

Though the plot itself is very basic, the novel itself is not. It is a very painful story, bleak and bare as a winter scene. Shimamura is someone who cannot connect with anything or anyone on a deeper level. An example of this is how he reads a lot about ballet, considering himself an expert, and yet has never actually seen it in person. Komako is young and fresh, and initially she throws herself into her passion for Shimamura with all of her heart. But she soon realizes that it is futile, "wasted love". These are two people who in many ways are trying desperately to connect with one another, and yet no matter how hard they try, they are never able to fully come together. It reminds of the Melanie Penn song "Glass Pane":

You were lying in my arms
Not so long ago, hello
Never meant each other harm
From coming too close
Head right for the glass and don’t look back
My heart cracks
You can never see the end a comin’

Indeed, Shimamura and Komako are like two birds trying to fly together only to crash into the glass that separates them. Kawabata's story is one of love and human connection thwarted by invisible forces.

But though the story itself is painful, the writing is not. Kawabata is beautifully descriptive of the Japanese countryside, especially of the winter scenes. I was reading this book in late summer, and I still felt an icy grip on my heart as I read the haunting passages. "In this snow country, cold, cloudy days succeed one another as the leaves fall and the winds grow chilly. Snow is in the air. The high mountains near and far become white in what the people of the country call “the round of the peaks.” Along the coast the sea roars, and inland the mountains roar – “the roaring at the center,” like a distant clap of thunder. The round of the peaks and the roaring at the center announce that the snows are not far away." In Kawabata's writing, you can see the barrenness, the coldness, and the futility that is found in the Shimamura and Komako's relationship. It is achingly beautiful and, in my opinion, deserves the high honor that the Nobel Committee bestowed upon it.

Though it was different from pretty much everything else that I have ever read, I really did enjoy Snow Country. It has a unique and tragic beauty to it and I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to step into the world of the literature of the far East.

Fakespeare?

2011-10-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

If you've been on the internet at all lately, you have probably heard the buzz that is going on about the new Shakespeare movie. No, this is not a new adaption of one of his plays; and no, this movie isn't a straight up biopic of Shakespeare's life. It is a film that centers around the idea that Shakespeare never wrote any of the great plays that history has credited to him.

This is not a new idea, by any means. Scholars have been debating his authorship of what is arguably the single most important body of work in the English language. Any number of other Elizabethans have been suggested like Sir Francis Bacon, Christopher Marlowe, William Stanley Earl of Derby, and (as in Anonymous) Edward de Vere Earl of Oxford. But though this idea has been bounced around for centuries, today's audience seems to be taking particular offense to it. In Warwickshire, England (Shakespeare's home turf), they have been temporarily covering Shakespeare's name on area signs to protest the film. Dr. Paul Edmondson of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust said "This film flies in the face of a mass of historical fact, but there is a risk that people who have never questioned the authorship of Shakespeare's works could be hoodwinked."

Ron Rosenbaum over at Slate.com wrote an article describing the top 10 things he hated about the film. "The conspiracy theorists who waste time trying to browbeat the credulous into thinking that the works of William Shakespeare were actually ghostwritten by Someone Else (in "Anonymous", it’s the Earl of Oxford) can’t stop. They have invested too much of their lives in the chuckleheaded fantasy to give it up now, despite how ridiculous the film reveals it to be." The actors in the film insist that there should not be this sense of ownership over Shakespeare, but rather an appreciation for the works themselves, regardless of the author was.

So what is my take on all of this? I haven't seen the film (and it's not exactly at the top of my list), but I do have a few thoughts on the subject. First off, if you really think that the average Joe is going to start questioning Shakespeare's authorship based on a movie, you're crazy. The average Joe couldn't care less if these plays and poems were written by Shakespeare, the Earl of Oxford, or Dr. Seuss. And as with most conspiracy theories, this one will be accepted by some and ignored by the rest. Secondly, you have to remember this is Hollywood, and historical (or literary) fact is not their number one (two, three, four, etc.) priority. I used to spend a lot of time nitpicking films and getting mad if they didn't hold true to the original, but I've slowly been giving that up and simply taking film for what it is...entertainment. Finally, the actors in this film are right in a way. Ultimately, it doesn't matter who the author of these works was. The important thing is that they were written, and continue to enthrall, surprise, and teach us centuries later. Beowulf is no less important for our not knowing who the author was, and the same can hold true for Hamlet, The Tempest, and Richard III.

What do you think? Are people right to be upset? Is Shakespeare's authorship something that must be protected? Or is this all much ado about nothing?

The Enchanted Places

2011-10-26T16:09:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago, I celebrated my birthday by treating myself to an afternoon at my local library. I didn't go in with a list, a plan, or a time limit. I simply took my time wandering amongst the shelves, fingering the titles, picking up whatever struck my fancy. At the end of one of the dimly lit aisles in the non-fiction section, my eyes lit upon an old, discolored book whose dust jacket was protected by the shiny plastic used by libraries the world over. Though the title of the book, The Enchanted Places, didn't immediately strike me as something special, the name of the author did...Christopher Milne. "Milne?" I thought. "I wonder if he's any relation to A. A. Milne?" Sure enough, this was a memoir by someone who is more famous as a book character than as a real person. In fact, many people do not realize that Christopher Robin was a real boy who did live in England and had stuffed animals including Eeyore, Piglet, and of course, Winnie the Pooh.

As a life-long Pooh fan, I knew that this particular library simply had to come home with me. I wasn't quite sure what this story would be about. Would it center on the reality behind the Pooh stories, would it concern Christopher's famous father and how he came to write the stories, or would it focus on how Christopher dealt with being such a famous literary character. It turns out that the book would contain elements of all three.

The first part of the book relates Christopher's early years, first in London, then full time at Cotchford Farm. Though his parents dealt lovingly with him, Christopher (like most well to do British children of the era) found himself cared for mostly by his devoted nanny. His life was in many ways as innocent and idyllic as one could wish, and he relates his childhood interests, adventures, and joys in a rather nostalgic tone. He also gives quite a bit of background on the real places and instances that found there way into his father's stories. But though many things in the stories are based on Christopher's own experiences, he is quick to point out that many have there origin in other places. Quite a few of the stories are memories from A. A. Milne's own boyhood, and even more are from his imagination. Christopher stresses that much of the enchantment and nostalgia of the stories is simply his father's creation and portrayal of childhood as he wished it might be.

Though quite a bit of the book is Christopher looking back fondly on his childhood, there are instances, especially later in the book, when his tone becomes somewhat bitter. He notes the moments of distance and coolness between his parents and himself, and the challenge of being a shy boy growing up as a world famous literary character. There are many times when he lays quite a bit of blame at his father's feet, feeling that he wronged his son by using his life as a launch for his own literary success. Are these feelings justified? Who can say. But life for any person is never wholly good nor wholly bad, and this holds true for Christopher as well.

All in all, this is a must for Pooh fans. Though it is not going to give you a "Hundred Acre Woods" nostalgia fix, nor give you all the rosy details of the stories' creation, it will give you glimpse into the life of the real Christopher Robin. Perhaps the most important thing this book does is to separate the truth from the fiction, and allow us to see both A. A. Milne and his son not just as elements of our own childhood, but as real people with hopes, joys, and fears of their own. This was definitely a nice gift to discover on my birthday!

Literary Moments in London & Paris

2011-10-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long absence. Not only have I been spending the last couple of weeks getting back to my normal life, but I also got to spend the almost two weeks before that living one of my biggest dreams. Yep, I spent 10 days in London and Paris. It was a fantastic trip, soaking up all of the history, culture, and sights that abound in both cities. I also came across quite a few literary moments in each city. Here is a glimpse of just a few of the many literature related places in Paris and London.

Shakespeare and Company

Not only is this a popular English bookstore in Paris today, but it is also a tribute to the original bookstore opened by Sylvia Beach in 1919 which was also a favorite haunt of such famous writers as Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and Ford Maddox Ford. It has lots of used books for sale, and also a reading room upstairs.

Les Bouquinestes

These booksellers have been selling their wares along the River Seine for hundreds of years. A great place to find old magazines, postcards, French books, and a variety of other items.

Notre Dame de Paris

This gorgeous Gothic cathedral owes a lot to the efforts of French author Victor Hugo. His classic novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame helped start a preservation movement in France that led to the restoration of the church.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

Though Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's famous detective may exist only in our imaginations, 221B Baker St. is a very real place. Holmes aficionados can take a peek inside the world famous address where the rooms have been kept just as if the detective and his sidekick Dr. Watson were about to walk in any minute. From the chemistry set and violin to "souvenirs" from the various cases, its somewhere that every mystery lover should stop.

National Portrait Gallery

This museum right around the corner from the National Gallery holds portraits and photos of many famous Britons, including classic authors. The Brontes, Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Christopher Robin Milne are all represented.

The British Library

Like the Library of Congress, this is the home of many important literary works in Britain. On display, you can see handwritten manuscripts including Alice in Wonderland, Jane Eyre, and an early work by Jane Austen. It almost brought me to tears.

Shakespeare's Globe

This is a replica of the original theater that housed Shakespeare and the King's Men. Today, the famous playwright's creations are still performed in front of enamored audiences.

Cheapside

Jane Austen fans might recognize Cheapside as the home of Lizzy Bennett's uncle and aunt in Pride and Prejudice.

English Heritage "Blue Plaques"

You'll find these little blue plaques all over London, marking specific buildings as having once been the home or office of someone famous from Charles Dickens to Jimi Hendrix. This house where Ian Fleming once lived is in Belgravia.

Poet's Corner, Westminster Abbey

For lovers of English literature, perhaps nowhere in London is more important than Poet's Corner in the famous Westminster Abbey. This part of the abbey is not only a memorial to famous British writers, but also the final resting place of many of them. These include Robert Browning, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, Rudyard Kipling, Edmund Spenser, and Alfred Lord Tennyson. It is a pilgrimage worth making.

Wandering Stars

2011-09-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

Like an older brother, he explained how stars wandered. He knew. He had studied about it in cheder. This was his learned explanation: "Every star is a person's soul. Wherever the soul goes, the person goes. That's why we imagine the stars are falling. But stars don't fall - they wander."

When it comes to the tradition of Yiddish literature, few authors have created stories that have captured the public imagination (both Jewish and non-Jewish) like Sholem Aleichem. Born in what is now Ukraine, Aleichem was a prolific writer in the Yiddish language, creating such immortal characters as Tevye the milkman of Fiddler on the Roof fame. In his 1911 novel, Wandering Stars, Aleichem brings the world of the Yiddish theater to life, and gives us a glimpse into a world that is at once glamorous and dark, inspiring and heartbreaking.

The Plot:

Leibel and Reizel are young friends growing up in a shtetl in Eastern Europe. The son of a wealthy landowner and the daughter of the local cantor, both are captivated when a traveling Yiddish theater group arrives. As they sit wide-eyed watching the performances, both feel a yearning to join that world. After disagreements with their parents, they agree to run off together and join the performers. But a mix-up occurs and when the group separates, the young people find themselves completely alone in this strange new world.

As the years pass, both become world renowned performers, Leibel as the brilliant actor Leo Rafalesco and Reizel as the enchanting singer Rosa Spivak. Their journeys lead them to London, Vienna, and America, and through many trials of greed, jealousy, romance, and heartache. Luck never seems to be with them as they always narrowly miss each other in each of the places they travel. Will these wandering stars ever be re-united, and if so, what will they find?

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

I have to admit that Yiddish literature is not something that I can claim to have had on my reading list forever. Not being Jewish myself, Sholem Aleichem was not a name that I was familiar with. But when I learned that he was the author of the stories that Fiddler on the Roof was based on, I knew that I had to add one of his novels to my list.

If I had to compare this novel to the works of any other author, it would be to those of Charles Dickens. I just see so many similarities between the two. There's the gritty side of life portrayed with humor, satire, and compassion. There's the somewhat bland lead characters surrounded by the numerous supporting characters who are each absurd and pathetic in their own way. And then we have the multiple stories lines that weave in and out, never seeming to have any connection until the last when all of the loose ends are gathered together into a complete (if not always satisfying) ending. I think more than anything it was these similarities that made me feel right at home in a world that has absolutely nothing in common with my own.

But though the plot revolves around Leibel and Reizel, the story does not. Aleichem is not concerned just with these two individual stars, but with the whole universe of the Yiddish theater. The first instances of a theater run by Jews for Jews begin to be seen around the 1870s, and by the turn of the century it was at its height. It was first popular in the shtetls of eastern Europe, and then spread to other European capitals like London, and finally to America. Throughout the novel, Aleichem shows the struggle of the daily life for these managers and performers, and also how even in the midst of the plain, ordinary acting permeating the theater, true art can still shine forth.

If you're looking for something a little different in your literary diet, this is a good place to start. The beauty, the dirt, the humor, the sorrow, and the resilience of Jewish life at the dawn of the 20th century are all found here. And though Alechiem never misses an opportunity to poke fun at his fellow Jews, he leaves us in no doubt of the quality of character that can be found among the people. L'chayim!

Read a Book Day

2011-09-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

Americans got not one holiday this week...but two. On the heels of Labor Day, today is National Read a Book Day. So yeah, most of us don't need a calender to remind us to pick up a book, but it's always great to bring some awareness to those who might need a jump start.

MSN.com is celebrating with a list of celebrities and their favorite books. Did you know that Ben Affleck loves the 1982 analysis of the last Shah of Iran called Shah of Shahs? Both Judd Apatow and Anderson Cooper love James Agee's novel A Death in the Family. And Gwyneth Paltrow's favorite novel also happens to be my favorite as well. Check out the entire slideshow here.

Be sure to find your own way to celebrate today! Be frugal and head to your local library to pick up a new read, or splurge and go to your local independent book store. Re-read an old favorite. Read a book (or two, or three) to a child you know. Tell us what you are currently reading and if you like it so far. You don't need an excuse to pick up a book, but this is as good an excuse as any! Happy reading!!!

Pressing On

2011-09-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

It's almost Labor Day...and it has become clear that I will not finish my summer reading by then. This is the first of my summer "challenges" that I haven't been able to finish well before my official end date, and I'm a little disappointed in myself. Yes, this summer was crazy at work. Yes, I've spent a lot of my extra time planning my vacation, hanging with friends, and watching movies. And yes, the books I chose ended up taking more time than I had originally planned. But none of this makes me feel much better about being behind.

Still, I have no plans to give up on the ones I have left. So far, I have finished Cry, the Beloved Country, The Blue Castle, and Love in the Time of Cholera, and I plan on finishing Wandering Stars this weekend. I'll then be able to complete my last two books hopefully before we get too far into October. Thanks for bearing with me in this somewhat slack (for me) reading year. As I press on, I hope to get back into a more frequent reading and posting schedule. School may be back in, but summer continues here on Complete and Unabridged.

Love in the Time of Cholera

2011-08-31T16:43:00.000-07:00

"The only regret I will have in dying is if it is not for love."

There is no simple way of defining love. It can take many shapes, evoke many feelings, and have many effects. In his 1985 novel, Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez portrays love in every state and under every circumstance. From the first blossom of youth to the withering of old age, one couple's love spans 50 years under the Caribbean sun.

The Plot:

The story begins in a Caribbean port city in the late 19th century. Young Florentino Ariza meets the beautiful Fermina Daza who has just arrived with her father and aunt. After initially being rebuffed by the young girl, Florentino begins a secret correspondence with her which eventually leads to a proposal. When Fermina's father finds out, he takes her away to visit family over a two year period. Upon her return, Fermina has matured from girl to woman, and she rejects Florentino's old proposal. Instead, she decides to marry the older and more renowned doctor Juvenal Urbino.

Though Fermina is now married, Florentino vows never to give up on his dream of marrying her. In the years that follow, Florentino keeps that vow. Through the ups and downs of the Urbino's married life and the loves and lusts of his own, Florentino bides his time until the day he can once again openly proclaim his love for the woman that captured his heart as a boy.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

Ok, I've read lot's of books in my life. Books that I have loved, books that I have liked, and books that I could take or leave. But I have never disliked a book as much as disliked this one. God knows why I finished it. Maybe it was so I felt that I had a right to complain. Whatever the reason, I trudged along through each page, wishing that it would just end.

What made me dislike this book so much? It all came down to the characters and the story. Juvenal Urbino, though the character that interested me the most, just didn't connect. I have no idea why Fermina was so sought after by these two men, she didn't strike me as anything special. And then there's Florentino...crazy, obsessed, perverted Florentino. Except maybe for a few rare moments at the beginning of the story, Florentino never shows the selflessness that is true love. He's got obsession and lust by the bucketload, but nothing that I would consider love. When he and Fermina finally get together in the end, it doesn't strike me as being a happy ending for two pining lovers, but rather as an ending where the dirty old man finally gets what he wants (even after he selfishly destroys the life of a young girl in his care).

If there is anything good about this book, it is Marquez's writing. The style is really good and I can understand why he won the Nobel. Heck, if we could read the style without having to actually, you know, read the book then we would be set. Unfortunately, the (how can I phrase this?) "smut" served heavily throughout the novel mars the beauty of the writing in my opinion. Though I think that Marquez's intent was to craft a novel that shows "love" in all of its forms, he succeeds only in showing "carnal love" in all of its forms.

If you liked this book, all I can say is congrats. Marquez didn't become this famous without his novels appealing to a large audience. If you're trying to decide whether or not to add this to your reading list, only you can make that decision. My opinion is that there are better things out there, so I wouldn't put this one near the top.

The Movie:

In 2007, Mike Newell directed an adaptation of the novel starring Javier Bardem, Giovanna Mezzogiorno, and Benjamin Bratt. Most critics claim it is nowhere near as good as the novel. Considering my feelings on that, I have no intention of seeing this.

Weekly Geeks: Saying Goodbye

2011-08-27T05:12:00.000-07:00

Over the last nearly three years, the team keeping this blog running has ebbed and flowed. Mostly we've tried to be consistent in posting each Saturday and doing a wrap up each Friday. But, over the last several months not only has our focus as a team struggled, but participation in the weekly assignments has slowed to a trickle. There are those bloggers who come back week in and week out, and sometimes we see some new faces in the links, but overall attendance has sharply declined. So after some discussion, the Weekly Geeks team has decided that it is time to end this event.

I woke up today to the saddening news that Weekly Geeks will be coming to an end. Though I completely understand the reasoning behind the decision, it will, nevertheless , leave a gaping hole in my book blogging life. The sense of community that came along with participation is something that I will greatly miss. Our final assignment is to either share memories of Weekly Geeks creator Dewey, or to re-post a favorite assignment. Since I began blogging after Dewey's passing, I thought I would re-post a Weekly Geek's idea I submitted back in 2009 which the team so thoughtfully used.

So, my fellow Weekly Geeks, your challenge this week is to come up with at least one song-book match. It could remind you of a theme from the book, a specific part of the plot, or even one of the characters (a sort of theme song, if you will). Be sure to include samples of the lyrics and the reason why that song reminds you of that book. If you can provide a link to a recording of the song so that other geeks can hear it that would be great as well. (One good place to look for links is last.fm, there are others, too).

Poison and Wine by The Civil Wars - The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham

You only know what I want you to
I know everything you don't want me to
Oh your mouth is poison, your mouth is wine
You think your dreams are the same as mine

Oh I don't love you but I always will
Oh I don't love you but I always will
Oh I don't love you but I always will
I always will

The atmosphere of tortured love found in this song beautifully fits Maugham's classic story of a married couple who put each other through hell. Maugham deals with the complexity and dichotomy of human nature, and The Civil Wars capture that in many of their songs, but especially in this one. See the official music video here.

Falling Slowly by Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova - The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel

I don't know you but I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me and always fool me
And I can't react

And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
You've made it known

Ray Singleton was never in Livvy Dunne's plans, just as she wasn't in his. Yet even as both of them struggled with grief, loneliness, and shame, they each find themselves slowly falling for the other. To me, this song made famous in the indie film Once reflects the love that is possible in the midst of struggle and heartache and is a perfect compliment to Creel's 2005 novel. See the song here.

White Horse by Taylor Swift - Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Say you're sorry
That face of an angel comes out just when you need it to
As I paced back and forth all this time
'Cause I honestly believed in you

Holding on, the days drag on
Stupid girl, I should have known
I should have known

From the very first time I heard this song by Taylor Swift, I've thought of it as Marianne's song. A girl who felt herself in a fairytale wakes up to find that her "prince" has deserted her, and in the end, leaves him behind in favor of a man who genuinely loves and cares for her. If this doesn't sound like Marianne - Willoughby - Col. Brandon, then I don't know what does. Jane Austen's classic story of passion and betrayal is echoed beautifully in this modern song. Listen to it here.

Books vs. Facebook

2011-08-24T17:41:00.000-07:00

A recent survey in Britain is gaining a lot of attention worldwide. The National Literacy Trust surveyed approximately 18,000 school children and had some findings that are both eye-opening and alarming. According to the survey, one in eight children had never been into a bookstore, one in five had never been given a book as a present, and one in six admitted to "rarely" reading outside of school.

The survey also discovered that the majority of "reading"done by today's children involves Facebook, emails, and text messages.

"Trust director Jonathan Douglas said he was worried the youngsters who did not for pleasure would 'grow up to be the one in six adults who struggle with literacy'.

He added: 'Getting these children reading and helping them to love reading is the way to turn their lives around and give them new opportunities and aspirations.'"

Personally, I can't imagine being someone who doesn't read. Reading has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. But I'm curious as to how you "raise a reader". What kinds of things have you done to encourage your kids to read? Did it work? Were you raised to be a reader or was it something you discovered late in life? As we enter a faster paced and highly digitized world, the struggle to keep (real) reading alive is more important than ever. If the post-internet generation is to ever discover the amazing stories of the past, they will need all of the support and encouragement we can give.

Classics of Russian Literature

2011-08-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

I've just completed my fourth lecture series from The Teaching Company's "Great Courses" series. Having already listened to "The Life and Works of C. S. Lewis", "Classics of British Literature", and "The English Novel", I decided to go in a slightly different direction with a literary tradition that I am only vaguely familiar with.

Our guide for this journey through Russian literature is Dr. Irwin Weil, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literature at Northwestern University. Of the four different professors that I have listened to so far, he struck me as having not only the best delivery style but also one of the deepest passions for his topic. His love of Russian tradition, history, and language is evident from the very beginning.

Throughout the 36 lectures in the series, Dr. Weil focuses on 3 different periods in Russian literature: the early literary traditions during the Kiev period, the Golden Age of Russian literature, and the literature of the communist period in the 20th century. Not only did I learn more about the authors I was already familiar with (Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Chekhov), but also discovered new authors that I am dying to sink my teeth into like Pushkin and Pasternak. One thing I loved about the series was how Dr. Weil highlighted the differences between the literary periods, but also the many similar themes that permeate the tradition as a whole. Themes like the equality found within humanity, the heavy spiritual quality found even in the works created at the height of the Communist era, and the relation of the vastness of the Russian empire to the sweeping and broad feelings found in it's great novels.

But what I loved more than anything was hearing these great works in their original language. I had never thought of Russian as a beautiful language, but hearing Pushkin's "I Remember a Wonderful Moment" rolling off the speaker's tongue in it's original rhythm and sound is a moment that I will never forget. Do yourself a favor and listen to it here.

If I had any complaint, it was that the lectures stopped with Solzhenitsyn and didn't introduce any of Russia's contemporary literature. This did give the feeling that Russian literature is a thing of the past, which of course it cannot be.

All of these lecture courses have been worth it both in time and money. If you would like to learn more about not only the great works and author's of the Russian tradition, but also about the heart, soul, and history of that ancient land, I can't recommend this course more highly. Dr. Weil does a wonderful job in introducing us Westerners to a literary tradition that is both familiar and unknown. Don't be surprised if you begin to see more and more of it popping up here at Complete and Unabridged.

The Blue Castle

2011-07-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

If it had not rained on a certain May morning, Valancy Stirling's whole life might have been entirely different.

Hear the name Lucy Maud Montgomery and immediately other names like Anne Shirley, Green Gables, Gilbert Blythe, Prince Edward Island, and Emily Starr also spring to mind. But though she is most well-known for these wildly popular young adult novels, she also created a few stories for an older audience. Published in 1926, The Blue Castle tells the story of a young woman whose sudden diagnosis leads her to pursue the freedom that she has never known.

The Plot:

At 29 years old, Valancy Stirling is a confirmed old-maid. Not only is she not conventionally pretty like her cousin Olive, but she has also been dictated to her whole life by her controlling mother and her overbearing relatives. She is told what to do, think, feel, say, and believe. Her only joy in life is in reading the nature books of John Foster and daydreaming of an imaginary Blue Castle where she is free. Then one day, the doctor diagnoses her with a terminal heart condition, giving her only a year to live. Valancy decides to take what is left of her life back, and sets on a journey to claim her freedom.

She starts out by moving in as a housekeeper for an old acquaintance named Cissy Gay (who is dying of consumption) and her drunken father Roaring Abel. Scandalizing her family even more, she becomes friends with Barney Snaith, a solitary young man who is rumored to have committed all sorts of crimes. After Cissy's death, Valancy reveals her condition to Barney and asks him to marry her so that she does not have to go back to her family during her final months. Barney agrees and takes her to his small house on an island in the middle of a lake. Just as Valancy and Barney begin to grow close, a startling revelation comes to light and Valancy fears that her beautiful Blue Castle will come tumbling around her ears.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

Like most girls, I have loved the Anne of Green Gables series from a very young age. I also read a few books from the Emily of New Moon series and liked those as well. I was interested to read another Montgomery novel that I had never heard of, and one that was intended for an older audience.

Overall, it runs in the same vein as the other Montgomery stories. Valancy (once freed from her former life) is vivacious and caring. Barney is warm, friendly, and very interested in nature and literature. Roaring Abel is eccentric, yet likable. And though the story is not set on Prince Edward Island, nature in all of it's glories provides a beautiful backdrop. All in all, it is the sweet little romance that we expect from the Canadian author.

All this being said, it didn't quite live up to the magic of the Anne books. I can't really pinpoint anything specific that didn't live up to my expectations. All of the ingredients are there, but it just didn't come out as good. Maybe the dreaminess and romanticism didn't fit the 29 year old woman as well as it did the 11 year old girl. Maybe Barney, no matter how nice, just couldn't live up to Gilbert Blythe. Or maybe I can't relate to this type of story the way I did when I was younger. Had I read this ten years ago, I'm sure I would have fallen head over heels for it, but today it reminds me of a scoop of ice cream; very sweet and light, but not something that will last.

If you are an L. M. Montgomery fan, you should definitely give this a try. Though it didn't live up to my memories of Anne, it was nice to see another work from this famous author. I know many readers who consider it to be their favorite romance, so you may enjoy it better than I did.

Of Books and Film

2011-07-12T16:48:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, the news that a beloved book is to be adapted for the silver screen fills one with both a feeling of overwhelming excitement and overwhelming dread. Excitement because maybe, just maybe, the pictures and characters in your head will come to life before your very eyes. Dread because you also know that there is just as much of a chance (of not a better one) that you will not be able to even recognize the story you so love. In this week's "Dear Book Lover" article over at The Wall Street Journal, Cynthia Crossen discusses that belief that is as old as the film industry itself...can the movies ever really live up to the books?

The thing to understand, Crossen says, is that "[w]ith books, the reader and writer collude in deciding what the characters, rooms, landscape look and feel like; movies make all the decisions." When you watch a film, you are at the mercy of the director's (and writer's and producer's and actors') interpretation of the story. We lose the possessive quality that reading has, for it is no longer "our" story to imagine and create, but someone elses' to serve as they see fit. Sometimes this works out and the characters and setting of your imagine meld beautifully with theirs (Pride and Prejudice 1995, for example). Other times, you wonder if the two of you were even reading the same book (like the newer Chronicles of Narnia series).

All of this being said, though the usual rule is that the book is (almost) always better than the movie, that doesn't mean that the classic stories should not be brought to the screen. I have been introduced to many great stories because I happened to see the film first, and I know that I am not alone. Crossen ends her article by quoting James M. Cain's comment: " People tell me, don't you CARE what they've done to your book? I tell them, they haven't done anything to my book. It's right there on the shelf." That, I think, is the real moral of the book to film argument.

So how about you? Are there any adaptations that you felt were spot on for one of your favorite books? Any where you think the filmmakers should have their heads stuck on a pike? Fell free to sound off in the comments...while I leave you with the trailer's for four upcoming book-film adaptations. Do any of these excite (or horrify) you?

The Three Musketeers October 21

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn December 23

War Horse December 28

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy November 18

Cry, the Beloved Country

2011-06-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, God save Africa, the beloved country. God save us from the depths of our sins. God save us from the fear that is afraid of justice. God save us from the fear that is afraid of men. God save us all.

In 1948, a novel was published that told the world of the struggles, heartaches, and injustices of the people of South Africa. It called upon those in power to face the problems that they had created, and to strive to bring hope and healing back to the land. That same year, the horrible political system of apartheid became the way of life in South Africa, a way of life that would not be destroyed until almost 50 years later. Alan Paton's novel Cry, the Beloved Country is a call for truth, justice, freedom, and human dignity.

The Plot:

Stephen Kumalo is an Anglican priest living in a small village in South Africa. When news comes regarding his sister, who left for Johannesburg years previous and did not write, he makes his first journey to the big city. He is immediately overwhelmed by the size and pace of city life. He is also shocked and saddened by the poverty and degeneration of the local native population. It is not long before Rev. Kumalo learns that his son, Absalom, who has also been gone for awhile, may have fallen into a life of petty crime.

Tragedy strikes when Absalom is accused of the murder of a local engineer who was heavily involved in seeking justice for the native tribes. Rev. Kumalo realizes that the engineer was also the son of a white farmer who lived near Kumalo's village. Shame, regret, doubt, anger, and grief envelope Rev. Kumalo as he struggles to keep his faith in God, in people, and in the country he loves. He can only wonder if the broken tribes of his people will ever be made whole again.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

In his introduction to the novel, Lewis Gannett writes, "We have had many novels from statesmen and reformers, almost all bad; many novels from poets, almost all thin. In Alan Paton's Cry, the Beloved Country the statesman, the poet, and the novelist meet in an unique harmony." That is the perfect description of what this novel is.

First (and in my mind, foremost) this is a beautiful novel. It is lyrical in it's style and from the first line to the last, you will be swept away by the rhythmic, powerful tone that Paton uses. In fact, there are many places where the book reads almost like one long poem. It isn't often that a novel can be enjoyed simply for it's words, regardless of the story.

But, of course, the story itself is powerful too. So powerful, in fact, that it was one of the banned books during South Africa's apartheid. Like Rev. Kumalo, Paton is not blind to the degeneration of the native population like crime, alcohol abuse, and prostitution. But rather than simply view it as an internal problem, Paton lays the blame squarely at the European's door. The breaking up of the tribes, the forced labor in the mines, the ruining of tribal lands, the poverty, the lack of useful education...all of these have contributed to the problems that plague South Africa. The other part of the problem is that South Africa is not a unified country. Rather, it is three separate worlds (English, Afrikaans, and native) fighting for space and power. Paton attacks this also, urging us to not seek power over another, but to realize that true power is found only in love.

With such a heavy message as this, one has to wonder if this book can be at all uplifting. The answer is a resounding "yes". Though Paton deals with many difficult issues, he ends the novel with a glimmer of hope. Rain falls once again on the sunburned valley, local native farmers are given instruction on better methods, and a local white farmer uses his position to better the whole valley. Hope has come to the valley, but only because grief, anger, and prejudice have been laid aside in favor of a country built by and for the English, the Afrikaans, and the natives. I also enjoyed the strong faith portrayed in the novel. It is more than obvious that Paton's own faith had a great role in shaping him and his writing.

This is by far the best book that I have read this year. I can't begin to describe how enthralling, gorgeous, and uplifting I found it. If you have not yet read this gem, I suggest you do so immediately. It is a story that the world must continue to hear.

The Movie:

There are currently two version of this story on film. The first is the 1952 version starring Canada Lee, Charles Carson, and Sidney Poitier. I have not seen this one.

The other is the 1995 version starring James Earl Jones and Richard Harris. This was a very good version. Of course, some of the beauty and scope of the novel did not translate to the film, but overall it was a very good adaptation. I recommend it.

Weekly Geeks 2011-19: Notable Quotables

2011-06-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

We all have our favorite bookish quotes. Some well known, and some not so well known. This week for our geeky assignment I thought it would be fun for us to share some of those favorites. It can be just one favorite that you'd like to highlight, or a whole list. It can be quotes from books, or quotes about books and reading.

I absolutely love bookish quotes. It always makes me feel good to see someone else express the felling for reading that I have. Here are some of my favorite quotes on books and reading. They have made me smile, laugh, and find kindred spirits among the family that spans time and place..the family of readers. Enjoy!

An unliterary man may be defined as one who reads books once only. There is hope for a man who has never read Malory or Boswell or Tristram Shandy or Shakespeare's Sonnets: but what can you do with a man who says he 'has read' them, meaning he has read them once, and thinks that settles the matter? -C. S. Lewis from On Stories.

The venerable dead are waiting in my library to entertain me and relieve me from the nonsense of surviving mortals. -Samuel Davies

"But in reading great literature I become a thousand men and yet remain myself. Like the night sky in the Greek poem, I see with a myriad eyes, but it is still I who see. Here, as in worship, in love, in moral action, and in knowing, I transcend myself; and am never more myself than when I do." -C. S. Lewis from An Experiment in Criticism

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. -Anna Quindlen, "Enough Bookshelves," New York Times, 7 August 1991

Where is human nature so weak as in a bookstore? -Henry Ward Beecher

The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid. -Jane Austen

You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children. — Madeleine L'Engle

A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say. —Italo Calvino

When I read a book, I put in all the imagination I can, so that it is almost like writing the book as well as reading it -- or rather, it is like living it. It makes reading so much more exciting, but I don't suppose many people try to do it. -Dodie Smith from I Capture the Castle

You think your pains and your heartbreaks are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who have been alive. -James Baldwin

Try to avoid your house catching fire, as this does no good at all. And while your house is still intact, it is a sound idea to persuade all babies and animals to live in another one - and if you really value your books, only offer hospitality to illiterates who won't persist in bloody touching them all the time. Mind you, you will have to tolerate them telling you you could open a shop with all these books (people have suggested this to me - in the shop) and betting that you haven't read them all. — Joseph Connolly (Modern First Editions: Their Value to Collectors)

Jayber Crow

2011-06-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

"You have been given questions to which you cannot be given answers. You will have to live them out - perhaps a little at a time."

Community. It is a word that very few of us understand in today's hurried modern life. Though we communicate more and more through television, social media, and the internet, we do not connect on an intimate level. The days of neighbors REALLY knowing their neighbors is a thing of the past, even in some of America's smallest communities. It is those days that American author Wendell Berry hearkens back to in his collection of novels centering around the lives of the members of the fictional community of Port William, Kentucky. In his 2000 novel Jayber Crow, Berry gives us a glimpse of this bygone era through the eyes of the community barber, who is at once a part of the community and outside of it.

The Plot:

This is the life story of Jonah "Jayber" Crow. Orphaned at a young age and raised at a river landing in Kentucky by relatives, Jayber is just beginning to learn what it means to belong somewhere when death again forces him to move on. After years spent at a charity institution, a seminary, and doing odd jobs, he finally finds his calling as a barber. That calling is completed when through chance (or providence), he finds his way back to the town not far from where he grew up, Port William.

As he spends his days cutting the hair of the men of Port William, Jayber gains a unique perspective on life in the small farming community. From friendly Burley Coulter and snobby Cecelia Overhold, to traditional farmer Athey Keith and his modern-thinking son-in-law Troy Chatham, the members of the Port William community are as varied and colorful as could be. As the years pass, time and modernity take it's toll on the community, and Jayber Crow must watch the things that have meant the most to him come to an end, one by one.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

There is a notice given by Berry at the beginning of this novel that reads as follows: "Persons attempting to find a 'text' in this book will be prosecuted; perons attempting to find a 'subtext' in it will be banished; persons attempting to explain, interpret, explicate, analyze, deconstruct, or otherwise 'understand' it will be exiled to a desert island in the company only of other explainers. By order of the author." Thus, it is with some trepidation that I write a review of this book.

I first heard about Wendell Berry through the many recommendations over at The Rabbit Room where he is one of their more revered authors. That makes lots of sense, since Berry, like that website, places a lot of emphasis on community. Not the "we've got 2,000 friends on Facebook" kind, but the intimate, raw, and beautiful kind. Though Port William is far from the perfect place (there's plenty of lawlessness, immorality, and hurt going on), it still has much to recommend it. The closeness of it's people and the idea that what affects one member affects them all create an intimacy that few of us know today. Jayber himself might have the best perspective of the place. Though he is hard-working member of the community, as a bachelor, he is somewhat outside as well. He is well-involved in all of the public dramas, but as far as the personal ones he is left outside looking in.

But the loss of community is not all that Berry deals with throughout the novel. The destruction of war, the end of traditional farming, and the ever-growing dependence on debt are all touched on. But it is in his role as conservationist that Berry truly waxes poetic. Kentucky as it once was is given lots of space, and one cannot help but feel a connection with it, even if you have never been there. Many reviewers have stated that reading Berry's works have made them want to sell everything and find a piece of "heaven on earth" for themselves. Of course, the beauty the Berry describes is no longer there, for the preservation of community and of nature go hand in hand. Once the community of Port William begins to disintegrate, so do the natural wonders that surround it. It is this idea that ultimately gives Jayber Crow its bittersweetness.

So what was my overall impression of this work? It was fairly good, but I'm not enamored with it. I couldn't help but compare it with my impression of Gilead by Marilynne Robinson, which I absolutely loved. While a worthwhile read, it won't be going on my "favorites" list. If this kind of book piques your interest, then you should definitely read it...but I wouldn't throw it out there as a must-read. Satisfying, but not what I would call delicious.

Masterpiece Theatre: South Riding

2011-05-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

As the 2011 season of Masterpiece Classic draws to a close, the people at PBS & BBC reach to the back of the shelf to bring us an adaptation of a lesser known British novel. Published in 1936, this novel is by Winifred Holtby, a journalist and close friend of pacifist author Vera Brittain, and is set in her home county of Yorkshire. Andrew Davies, writer of Pride and Prejudice, Wives & Daughters, and Bleak House, brings his creative talents to this new re-telling.

It is 1934, and Sarah Burton (Anna Maxwell Martin) is one of "the surplus two million", a term given to the young British women of the time who never married, presumably because of the shortage of young men in the aftermath of WWI. But Sarah is determined to not simply be "surplus". She brings her radical view of education back to her childhood home of South Riding where she becomes headmistress of a local girl's school. Though she soon finds allies in socialist Joe Astell (Douglas Henshall) and progressive Alderwoman Mrs. Beddows (Penelope Wilton), not everyone is thrilled with Sarah's new ideas. Local landowner Richard Carne (David Morrissey), burdened by his own guilt and difficulties, is especially put off by her exuberance. But as Richard sees the changes that Sarah is making in the lives of his troubled daughter, Midge, and the bright but poverty-stricken Lydia Holly, both he and Sarah begin to wonder if they might not find some common ground, despite their philosophical differences.

I was completely ignorant regarding this novel before seeing this series, so I went into the whole thing not really knowing what to expect. My reaction? I didn't really like it. Once again, I can't really fault the production qualities. Each actor was good in their own part. Martin did a wonderful job at portraying an exuberant, if romantically frustrated, young woman and Morrissey captured the earthy English landowner as only he can. And the cinematography of the Yorkshire coast is breathtaking to say the least. It was, in essence, the story that I couldn't connect with. Not having read the book, I'm not sure if the fault lies with Holtby or Davies. It seems like South Riding just can't seem to figure out exactly what story it is trying to tell. Is it a thwarted romance between two very different people? Is it a story of the human affects of war? Is it a story of the necessity of eliminating the chains of poverty? Is it a story of political corruption? In reality, it is all these things, and in trying to tell so many different stories, it doesn't tell any of them particularly well.

Perhaps the biggest story within the story is how much of a drag husbands and families are on women. With Carne's death, Midge is "released" to become a wealthy and happy girl, Sarah is able to move on and achieve true worth in her role as teacher, and Muriel Carne is finally able to come home. And Lydia Holly achieves her happy ending only after she is rid of her responsibility to her father and siblings. Not being much of a feminist myself, this "men are the problem" tone did not settle to well with me, and left me somewhat unsatisfied with the story overall.

Though it was a well done program overall, it just wasn't for me. Not being able to connect with the story really affects my feelings for a film. It might be one that others will enjoy, but for me, this is a story that deserves to be put back on the shelf.

Odds & Ends

2011-05-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

There are always lots of interesting things going on in the world of reading. Here are a few odds and ends of articles and news bites that are on the minds of readers everywhere:

Today is the 100th anniversary of the opening of the New York Public Library. With a main reading room stretching for two city blocks and a complete open door policy, the NYPL is truly an icon of the literary world. In all it houses over 50 million items, including such treasures as Christopher Robin Milne's original stuffed animals, a letter from Jane Austen to her sister Cassandra, and a Gutenberg Bibe. This number is surpassed only by the Library of Congress and the British Library. Read more about the centennial celebration here.
Guardian UK Books talks with writer Umberto Eco and screenwriter Jean-Claude Carriere on their new book This is Not the End of the Book. In it they confess that there are great books that even they have decided to lay aside and read in another life: "There are books on our shelves we haven't read and doubtless never will, that each of us has probably put to one side in the belief that we will read them later on, perhaps even in another life. The terrible grief of the dying as they realise their last hour is upon them and they still haven't read Proust."
Over at The Wall Street Journal, Cynthia Crossen is answering a reader's question on a phenomenon that has been around in literature for awhile, but has only recently begun to have a name: the "unreliable narrator".
Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson are teaming up to bring us a motion capture film version of the wildly popular (in Europe, anyway) Tintin stories. Starring Jamie Bell and Daniel Craig, The Adventures of Tintin will be hitting theaters this December. We'll see if this glossy, 3D adaptation will interest more Americans in these nostalgic stories by Belgian author Herge.

Anyway, there are some tidbits from the literary world today. Is there anything cool going on in your literary life? Finished a good book, read an interesting article, or watched a good adaptation recently? Feel free to share!

Summer Challenge: Globetrotting

2011-05-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

We're about two weeks away from the unofficial start of summer, so it's time for me to start putting my summer reading challenge together. This will be my fourth year of creating my own personal summer reading challenge. Over the past few years, I have spent the summers in Middle Earth, the American South, and my family's homeland of Germany. This year, I'm expanding my horizons and going globetrotting. That's right, I'll be reading a classic novel from every continent (excluding Antarctica, obviously) between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This will not only expose me to literary traditions that I have never experienced before, but will also pay tribute to the globetrotting I plan to do later this year (heading to London and Paris!). After lots of thought and research, I've come up with six books to represent the cultures of the six inhabited continents:

Africa: Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton (South Africa). This is one of the most famous works of South African literature. A world wide bestseller since its publication in 1948, this novel tells the story of Zulu pastor Stephen Kumalo and his son Absalom as they face the racial and political injustice of apartheid.

North America: The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery (Canada). Of course I am very familiar with L. M. Montgomery's works through the Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon series, but this is one that I have never read. Intended for an older audience, this is the story of 29 year old Valancy Sterling who feels stifled and unloved in the confines of her middle-class society. When she is diagnosed with a fatal heart condition, Valancy decides to strike out on her own and find freedom, life, and love on her own terms.

Europe: Wandering Stars by Sholem Aleichem (Ukraine). The world of 19th century Yiddish theater is brought to life by Ukrainian Jewish author Sholem Aleichem (of Fiddler on the Roof fame). Young friends Reizel and Leibel fall under the spell of a traveling acting company and decide to run away together and join them. Unfortunately, they are separated by accident, and they spend many years touring around Europe, wondering if they will ever meet again.

South America: Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Columbia). One of Colombian author and Nobel Prize winner Marquez's well known works, this novel explores the complicated love triangle of Fermina Daza, her husband Juvenal Urbino, and the lover of her youth, Florentino Ariza.

Asia: Snow County by Yasunari Kawabata (Japan). Kawabata's sparse, spare novels helped make him the first Japanese author to win the Nobel Prize for literature. In this novel, he tells us of an affair between a wealthy man and a mountain geisha who gives him her heart.

Australia: My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin (Australia). One of Australia's most important novels, this story by Miles Franklin tells the story of a young girl growing up in the Australian bush in the early 20th century.

So there you have it, that's were my summer reading travels will take me. If you have read any of these books, please feel free to share your opinion of them. And if you would like to read along, feel free to do that as well. My bags are packed, my passport is in hand, and the world of literature lies before me. Bon Voyage!

Masterpiece Theatre: Upstairs, Downstairs

2011-05-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

Within Masterpiece Theatre's 40 year run, there is perhaps no more iconic production than Upstairs, Downstairs, the 1971-1975 series that portrayed the rapidly changing culture of England from the Edwardian period through the first World War and the roaring 20s. Now, original creators Eileen Atkins and Jean Marsh have teamed up again to continue (or reincarnate) the original series and bring life back to 165 Eaton Place.

It is 1936, and diplomat Sir Hallam Holland (Ed Stoppard) has just purchased 165 Eaton Place, which has sat vacant for 6 years. His wife, Agnes (Keeley Hawes), is determined to make their home a star in London social scene, but she soon finds her attempts somewhat dampened by the arrival of her mother-in-law (Eileen Atkins) and her younger sister, Persie (Claire Foy).

Meanwhile, former Eaton Place parlor maid, Rose Buck (Jean Marsh), has been engaged to oversee the employment of a household staff. Though she is given a limited budget, she soon finds the people she needs. From the stiff, yet kind butler (Adrian Scarborough) to the handsome and confident chauffeur (Neil Jackson) to the immigrant parlormaid with a secret (Helen Bradbury), the household downstairs is just as complicated as the one upstairs, and history and tragedy will soon shake both tho the core.

Though it has been on my "to watch" list for quite some time, I've never actually seen any of the original Upstairs, Downstairs episodes. I am aware, however, just how important that original series was in the life of Masterpiece Theatre and that it is considered by most to be the best series ever shown on the program. So, I had enough background to know what the basic premise was, but not enough to have huge expectations. In the end, I didn't find it very satisfying, but I can't exactly put my finger on why. The acting was good, the filming top-notch, and the setting wonderful. Even the cultural issues were interesting (though I do feel like I have re-hashed the whole Edward VIII's abdication a billion times this year). But for whatever reason, I just couldn't CONNECT with the story like I have other programs. It was like I almost didn't really care about what happened to the characters. No one really stood out or grabbed my attention, unlike in Downton Abbey. The downstairs household was particularly bland, I felt, with much less drama and backstory.

It wasn't a bad way to spend an evening, but it wasn't something that I could honestly say that I loved. I didn't find myself on the edge of my seat in expectation, I didn't squeal or sob, and I didn't notice anything spectacular in the writing. While I am more determined than ever to see the original series, I'm looking forward much more to the next installment of Downton Abbey than to a continuation of this (should there be one). Just wasn't something that I felt really excited about. If you have seen both the original and the new series, please let me know your thoughts...did it live up to your expectations?

The Painted Veil

2011-04-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

"I have an idea that the only thing which makes it possible to regard this world we live in without disgust is the beauty which now and then men create out of the chaos. The pictures they paint, the music they compose, the books they write, and the lives they lead. Of all these the richest in beauty is the beautiful life. That is the perfect work of art."

English playwright, novelist, and short-story writer W. Somerset Maugham was one of the most popular writers of his era and reported to be the highest paid author during the 1930s. 15 years separate his two most celebrated works, Of Human Bondage (1915) and Cakes and Ale (1930). Wedged between these novels, are his two "exotic" novels, one of which is set in the mysterious and foreign land of 1920s China. The Painted Veil is a story of love, betrayal, revenge, personal growth, and sacrifice.

The Plot:

Kitty is a shallow, vain young woman living in London in the 1920s. She meets Dr. Walter Fane, a bacteriologist on leave from Hong Kong. He falls madly in love with her and though she feels nothing for him (except contempt), she agrees to marry him in order to escape her family, especially her overbearing and overachieving mother. Once in Hong Kong, Kitty finds the social life (and her life with Walter) very boring. She falls in love with the married Assistant Colonial Secretary Charles Townsend and begins an affair with him. When a devastated Walter discovers their affair, he gives Kitty an ultimatum- either she must accompany him to work in a remote cholera-stricken village, or he will divorce her, causing a great scandal, unless Townsend agrees to marry her.

After betrayal by Townsend, Kitty agrees to travel to the village with Walter. At first, she is very bitter and distressed regarding her situation. Then, she meets the cynical Waddington, a British government worker living in the village, as well as a small convent of French nuns who run the orphanage and hospital. Through her interaction with them, Kitty's eyes begin to open to the purpose that has been missing from her life, and to realize just what kind of man she has married, and scorned.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

This is my second Maugham work, the first being his short story collection Ashenden: or The British Agen t. Like that work, Maugham is not really concerned about the setting of The Painted Veil, but rather the human nature of the characters that populate it. One would think that 1920s China would provide ample material for reflection on cultural differences, uprising against British rule , and the true poverty of colonial Chinese life. But while each of these receives a nod, this is really Kitty's story.

Kitty is not an easy character to like. In fact, I'm going to say that it is impossible. She is brought up by her mother with only one goal, to get married and move up the social ladder. Consequently, Kitty grows into a flippant, vacuous, self-satisfied young woman. The funny thing is that Walter knows all this, and loves her anyway. There is a great quote in the book where he lays this out for her. Perhaps what makes this story so maddening is Kitty's feelings towards Walter. At first, she can only feel contempt for his love, and then pity for his sorrow. It was so difficult to see Kitty despise him when I was beginning to fall for the passionate man with the calm and cool exterior.

None of this is to say that Kitty does not grow in the book, because she does. Not that she suddenly becomes this selfless and wise woman, but she does recognize her own failings and sets a course for reconnecting with another man whose provision and protection she had once despised, her father. She also recognizes how much of her own character stemmed from the fact that her life lacked purpose. Yes, she had married as her mother wished, but that had not fulfilled her in and of itself. It is neat to see her interaction with the French nuns. Here are a group of women who have never married, and if anything have gone down the social ladder, and yet their life is full and complete. Their work, not their status, gives them fulfillment. It is clear that her resolve to raise her child in a better atmosphere stems more from her friendship with the nuns than from any other area.

The Painted Veil is a well-written, approachable, and at times heart-wrenching look at the human life. The title of the book comes from a sonnet by Shelley that says "Lift not the painted veil which those who live / Call Life", and yet that is exactly what Maugham does. He removes the veils and masks that cover us and forces to stare at our own natures, and to realize our own shortcomings. It is a call for each of us to focus, not on what we perceive our own happiness to be, but to achieve that "beautiful life" that can bring so much happiness and pleasure to those around us. I highly recommend it.

The Movie:

There are 2 main versions of this film. The first is the 1934 version starring Greta Garbo and Herbert Marshall. I have not seen this version, but from what I have read it seems that names and plot suffer quite a bit.

The other is the 2006 version starring Naomi Watts, Edward Norton and Diana Rigg. This is the version that got me interested in the story. It's a fairly decent movie, and it follows the book for the most part. The important thing to remember is that though the book and the film have the same plot, they are not telling the same story. Whereas the book is focused on Kitty's personal growth, the film concerns itself with the complications of Kitty and Walter's relationship. Thus you will probably find the film to be more romantic and the ending to be more "satisfying" than the book. Worth a watch, just don't expect the book to have the same feel.

Weekly Geeks 2011-14: Authors A to Z

2011-04-24T00:30:00.000-07:00

You know how when someone asks you who your favorite author is? And you feel a bit crazy coming up with just one? Now is your chance to come up with 26 (at least) favorite authors by making a list of them ABC style.

This was a fun Weekly Geeks, even if it was hard for me to narrow down some of the names. Here's the list of my favorite authors from A-Z:

A) Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott
B) Charlotte Bronte
C) Wilkie Collins
D) Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle
E) Lief Enger
F) Gustave Flaubert, William Faulkner
G) Elizabeth Gaskell, Robert Graves
H) Victor Hugo
I) Kazuo Ishiguro
J) Brian Jacques
K) Franz Kafka, Rudyard Kipling
L) C. S. Lewis
M) L. M. Montgomery, Daphne du Maurier
N) E. Nesbit
O) Flannery O'Connor
P) Howard Pyle
Q) N/A
R) Marilynn Robinson
S) William Shakespeare, Robert Louis Stevenson
T) J. R. R. Tolkien
U) Unknown (like the author of Beowulf)
V) Jules Verne
W) Laura Ingalls Wilder, Evelyn Waugh
X) N/A
Y) N/A
Z) N/A

Happy Birthday To:

2011-04-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

Today is the day the world remembers one who is considered by most to be the greatest writer in the English language...William Shakespeare. Born in 1564, Shakespeare would rise from obscurity to cement himself in literary history, and write many works that remain very popular today. I am a big Shakespeare fan myself, and while I adore his plays, his sonnets have a particular place in my heart. Below are some of my favorites. Let's celebrate the Bard today!

Sonnet 116 as seen in Sense and Sensibility

Sonnet 129 performed by Matthew MacFadyen in Essential Poems

Sonnet 18 read by David Tennant (Dr. Who)

Sonnet 130 read by Alan Rickman (Harry Potter)

Little Dorrit

2011-04-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

She forgot to be shy at the moment, in honestly warning him away from the sunken wreck he had a dream of raising; and looked at him with eyes which assuredly, in association with her patient face, her fragile figure, her spare dress, and the wind and rain, did not turn him from his purpose of helping her.

There are few authors who can create characters that truly touch our hearts. Charles Dickens was a master of it. In his 11th novel, Dickens introduces us to many characters who, despite their overwhelming poverty, gain our utmost admiration and love. But this novel is more than just interesting characters. It is a critique of British bureaucracy, of a society separated by class, and a debt system that breaks the spirits of men.

The Plot:

After living in China for many years, Arthur Clennam has returned to England following his father's death. His father's dying words have led him to question his family's past and wonder if there is a wrong that he must undo. At the home of his invalid mother, Arthur meets Amy Dorrit, whom he soon discovers is the daughter of the "Father of the Marshalsea". Born and raised in the large debtor's prison, Amy spends her days working and caring for her proud father, her snobby sister, Fanny, and her idle brother, Tip. The more Arthur sees of the sweet and devoted Amy, the more he is determined to help lighten her cares any way he can.

As time goes on, more and more mystery begins to surround Amy and Arthur. What is the secret to the Dorrit family's past? What is the cold and harsh Mrs. Clennam keeping from her son? What part does the mysterious and dangerous Frenchman Rigaud play in it all? It soon becomes apparent that Amy and Arthur's stories are connected on a much deeper level than anyone could have ever imagined.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

That is a very basic plot summary, but as with any Dickens novel, it is impossible to sum up every single sub-plot. Just take my word that there are plenty of things happening in this novel. It could make your head swim at times. This is my seventh Dickens novel, and the more I read of him the more I love him. It takes a special person to tackle so many issues in a novel, and to put a human face on the problems of his (and our) times.

It is, of course, the human faces that remain with us long after the book is closed. Dickens does nothing better than create characters who will remain with you forever. Even the most minor character is distinct and complex. Though Arthur and Amy are like just about every other Dickens hero & heroine, the surrounding characters are as odd and flamboyant as one could wish. There's Flora Finching whose maturity didn't keep pace with her age. There's Pancks, whose rough exterior hides a heart of gold. There's John Chivery who is never more endearing as when he composes his own epithets. There's Mr. & Mrs. Meagles who are so simple and kind that you wish they were your own family. And there's Mr. F.'s Aunt who gets THE best lines in the book. Good or bad, frustrating or endearing, every character is a treasure.

Beyond the characters, it wouldn't be a Dickens without a commentary on life. Even though these stories are over 150 years old, they are often as relevant today as the day they were written. I love how in almost every one of his novels there is an unseen and intangible character that is a driving force behind the motives of most of the characters. In Little Dorrit, that unseen power is Society. Many of the characters live (and die) by the demands of Society. Nothing is done without Society's permission, nothing is deemed of worth if Society does not deem it so, and true praise can come from nowhere but from Society's lips. Over and over again we see characters sacrifice themselves and others in order to gain or keep Society's approval. Even those who do not worship Society themselves are often subject to its problems. That is definitely a theme that resonates with us today.

The other story line that we see played out even today is the story of Mr. Merdle. He is a man who is worshiped by all, simply because of his wealth. Though he is a self-made man, he lives in splendor, dines in the best homes, and is granted every favor. While simple men with great ideas (like Mr. Doyce) are left to flounder in red tape, every door is opened with Merdle's touch. Then the truth comes out...and Society pays for her blunder. Everything that was Merdle is revealed to be a lie. The splendor and the richness was nothing but a smoke screen with no real substance. The blinded public awakes to find themselves poorer or even ruined in some cases. And yet no one (except Arthur) ever thinks of blaming themselves, only the man who "did them wrong". Fast forward to today's economic situation and see if you can't find some similarities.

Though it took me awhile to get through its 800+ pages, Little Dorrit is still a worthwhile read. Its definitely up there with Dickens' other masterpieces like Bleak House, A Tale of Two Cities, and David Copperfield. If you haven't experienced a great Dickens novel, this is a wonderful place to start.

The Movie:

This particular Dickens novel has been adapted five times. The two most famous include the 1988 version starring Derek Jacobi, Alec Guinness, and Sarah Pickering. I have not seen this version.

The other popular adaptation is the 2008 version starring Matthew MacFadyen, Claire Foy, Tom Courtenay, and Andy Serkis. This is a wonderful adaptation which I can't recommend highly enough. The sprawling story is streamlined without losing much, and the characters are played to perfection by some of Britain's finest actors. See my full review here.

Great Literature on the Telly

2011-04-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

I love when great works of literature get screen time on today's television shows. On a recent episode of NCIS, the team comes face to face with literary history when they investigate something hidden in a desk the belonged to William Faulkner. Fun for all literature buffs (and fans of classic film as well)!

The Last Faulkner

2011-03-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

This month's edition of Southern Living features an interview with Dean Faulkner Wells. The niece of the famous southern writer, William Faulkner (Absalom, Absalom!, The Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying) Wells is also his last living relative. Her new memoir, Every Day by the Sun, tells not only her story, but the story of the Faulkner family in Oxford, Mississippi. Having lost her father before she was born, Wells recounts what it was like to be semi-raised by one of the 20th Century's greatest authors, whom she simply knew as "Pappy".

Read the Southern Living article here.
Listen to the Southern Living interview here.
Read an excerpt of Every Day by the Sun here.
Read my review of Faulkner's As I Lay Dying here.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

2011-03-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

"I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers."

In the tradition of 84, Charing Cross Rd., this is a story of human connections forged by books. The story of neighbors being seen through the darkest times by their discovery of great literature. The story of woman who finds peace, meaning, and love while chasing down the idea for a story. Mary Ann Shaffer's 2008 novel weaves together many different life stories to create one sweet one that many people the world over have enjoyed.

The Plot:

It's 1946 and London is emerging from the destruction of WWII. Writer Juliet Ashton has just released her first book, and is now musing over ideas for her next one. One day, she begins a chance correspondence from a man on the island of Guernsey who has found her name inscribed in a copy of a book by Charles Lamb. Through their letters, Juliet learns of the eccentric and unusual club on the island known as the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. As she begins to correspond with many members of the society, Juliet learns more about this accidental group of islanders who began as an excuse for being out past curfew during the German occupation. One by one, each member wriggles their way into Juliet's heart, and she soon finds herself having to choose between her fame and future in London, and a life among friends on Guernsey.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

This was a novel that I had heard a lot about over the last couple of years. I finally picked it up when the bookseller from whom I was purchasing 84, Charing Cross Rd. from recommended it as an accompanying novel. And in many ways, it is a good companion piece, as both are epistolary novels about people coming together through their love of books.

Let's start out by discussing what this book is not. It's not great literature. Sometimes, it even borders on being not even really good literature. My biggest beef is the characters. Not only do they not seem very British (Juliet especially), but they are also very one-dimensional. You are very pleased with them at first, especially since letters are a great way to give characters depth and intimacy. But after awhile you begin to realize that each individual character ends exactly as they begin. There is little to no development. Isola begins eccentric and ends eccentric. Elizabeth begins heroic and ends heroic. Dawsey begins shy and caring and ends shy and caring. Get the picture? Add to this the fact that the many topics that Shaffer tries to cover in the novel only get surface treatment. Whether it is WWII, homosexuality, feminisim, tolerance, or community, very little is given any kind of depth. There is a line in the novel that says "Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books." and unfortunately that kind of holds true for this story.

Now, having said that, I did still enjoy this book quite a bit. Maybe I needed a break from the clunkers. Maybe it was just the mood I was in when I read it. But I think the main thing that hooked me was the pure love of great literature that shines throughout the whole novel. Seeing these ordinary people fall head over heels for the likes of Austen and Lamb was delightful. I love books that simply take the time to celebrate books. The situation of the characters also made me realize just how precious stories are, and how they can help you overcome even some of life's most horrible situations.

So, do I recommend it? It's hard to say, really. Again, you have to go into it knowing that this isn't the next great American novel and that the writing is not exactly up to par (Gilead this ain't). But if you love books about books, and if you are looking for a halfway decent way to spend a rainy afternoon, this might work out for you. Everybody needs a bit of fluff in their reading diet. I'm not completely had over heels for it, but it wasn't all bad, either. Let's just say that I liked it in spite of myself.

Weekly Geeks 2011-10: Ten Things About Books & Me

2011-03-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

The idea is simple. Tell us ten things about you with regard to books and reading. Let your imagination run wild!

1: I love to read classic literature. I'm not opposed to reading more recent books, but the classics are where my heart lies. Consequently, you probably wont see the latest YA novel or the most popular romance novel appear on my reading list. I just feel that life is so short, and I should concentrate on the great stuff.

2: I have a bad habit of letting infatuations with other books lead me astray from the one that I am currently reading. For instance, I've been slowly making my way through Charles Dickens' Little Dorrit for the past two and a half months now (great book...just long). But I've found myself being captivated by little gems like 84, Charing Cross Rd. and The Painted Veil, devoting time to them that should be committed to finishing that clunker. It almost makes me feel like I'm cheating.

3: I have a weakness for Victorian (and Regency) romances. I never met one that I didn't fall for. Anne Bronte's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall? Head over heels. Jane Austen's Persuasion? Wow!! Elizabeth Gaskell's North & South? Methinks I may swoon! If I have any kind of guilty reading pleasure, this is it. Who says great writing and great romance can't come together?

4: I love to collect old books. I especially love books with notes in the margins or names on the flyleaf (which is funny, because I do not usually write in books as a rule). I feel as if I have been entrusted with a precious treasure, and that it's previous owner is asking me to safeguard it and enjoy it as they have done.

5: I am as rabid about adaptations of books as I am about books themselves. I love seeing great novels played out on the screen. I especially love those produced by the BBC. I don't just watch them, I analyze everything from the dialogue, to the actors, to the costumes to the sets, comparing them to my impression of the novel. And for some reason, my family doesn't like to watch them with me.

6: A cup of tea + rain + a good book = a perfect day!

7: The "due by" card in the back of library books makes THE perfect bookmark.

8: I don't just like books for the story, I also like to study them. So far, I've listened to lecture series on The Classics of British Literature, The English Novel, The Writings of C. S. Lewis, and am in the middle of one on The Classics of Russian Literature. I love seeing how both the life of the writer and the culture of the times help create the stories we love.

9: I love to re-read books. If I loved a book the first time, chances are that I will read it again. I can't imagine reading an amazing story only to toss it aside and never pick it up again. If a book is great the first time around, imagine how great it is the second or third as you make new discoveries and read them in a different light.

10: When it comes to reading, I really like having the real deal in my hands. I just can't talk myself into reading books on a digital reader. No pages to flip, no old/new book smell, no feel of crinkled paper in your hand. Where is the pleasure in another gadget in your hand. Audio books are ok once in awhile, but I normally prefer to already be familiar with the story before I listen to one...and they must be unabridged.

Bonus 11: Jane Eyre is my absolute most favorite book EVER!!!!!!!!!!

Masterpiece Theatre: Downton Abbey

2011-03-04T05:57:00.000-08:00

Since Masterpiece is currently in its 40th season, it seems only fitting that its first new production hearkens back to the golden era of the program. In many ways, Downton Abbey is a throwback to the large ensemble tradition of I, Claudius and the non-literature-adaptation of Upstairs, Downstairs, and yet it is still very fresh, modern, and unknown.

Set at a beautiful country estate in 1912 (and 13 and 14), Downton Abbey tells the story of the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and his family and household. After the two heirs to Downton die on the Titanic (Lord Grantham has only three daughters), Lord Grantham's wife (Elizabeth McGovern) and mother (Maggie Smith) begin plotting to undo the entail that prevents the eldest daughter, Mary (Michelle Dockery) from inheriting the estate. Either that or get her married as well and as soon as possible. Not long afterward, the newest heir, a middle class lawyer named Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens), arrives to begin learning the ways of the estate that he will one day inherit. Meanwhile, the arrival of Lord Grantham's new valet, John Bates (Brendan Coyle) creates a new dimension in the hierarchy of the downstairs staff which includes the formidable butler, Carson (Jim Carter), the lovely housemaid, Anna (Joanne Froggatt), the scheming footman, Thomas (Rob James-Collier), and the politically involved chauffeur, Branson (Allen Leech).

Downton Abbey was a huge success both across the pond and here in America, and with good reason. The writing is wonderful, the cast is phenomenal, and the story is interesting. Those who have watched any British drama can figure out the whole "entail" part of it (just watch Pride and Prejudice if you need a refresher), and if you happened to catch PBS's 2003 production of Manor House, then you are more than prepared for the drama of Edwardian estate society. Add to it a dash of women's lib, gay rights, and the foreshadowing of the end of British aristocracy and you have a pretty good idea of what the feel of this production.

Overall, I enjoyed this production a lot. I'm not going to say that I'm head over heels for it, but it was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday evening. Here's a breakdown of some the aspects of the show that I liked:

-Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess. All of the actors were great in their roles, but nobody did it like Dame Maggie. Every scene she was in was stupendous. She delivered every single line with utter perfection. And what lines they were too. "What is a weekend?", "Put that in your pipe and smoke it!", and "Why is every day a fight with an American?". If you don't watch this production for any other reason, watch it to see this great lady in action.

-Bates/Anna sidestory. I think the producers originally intended for Matthew and Mary to be the main romantic draw. But if you read the comments from viewers worldwide, it was the romantic tension between Bates and Anna that really hooked the audience. I've loved Brendan Coyle since I first saw him as Nicholas Higgins in North and South, and he gives another great performance here. From the moment he arrives on the scene, we cant help but sympathize with this kind, aloof, and determined man. Watching his relationship with Anna blossom is probably the highlight of the story.

-Hugh Bonneville as Lord Grantham. It is easy to almost forget the Earl of Grantham in the whirling sub-plots happening around him. But in reality, he is the anchor of the story. He is a man whose love for his family is insurmountable, and his concern for their happiness and well-being is very touching. He also has a large devotion to his estate, feeling that it is his duty to preserve what previous generations had worked so hard to build. This leads him to not only not fight the entail, but to take Matthew Crawley under his wing and show him the ropes of being an estate owner. I love when he shows Matthew how his middle-class beliefs and prejudices are hurtful and insulting to those who feel a life in service to be their calling. In today's world that is founded on equality, liberation, and a freedom from duty, it is nice to watch a series that portrays the beauty found in someone born with authority who uses it to better himself, his dependents, and the generations to come.

All in all, Downton Abbey truly deserves the many accolades it has received. It was a fine way to kick off the 2011 season. If you watched it on television, be aware that you did NOT see the complete UK series, as PBS shortened and rearranged it for American audiences. You can see the complete series on DVD (available through Netflix).

Up Next: Any Human Heart

84 Charing Cross Rd.

2011-02-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

"I love inscriptions on flyleaves and notes in margins, I like the comradely sense of turning pages someone else turned, and reading passages someone long gone has called my attention to."

In today's world of social networks, email, and smart phones, it's hard to imagine a friendship forged by pen and ink. But that is exactly what happens in Helene Hanff's story of her 20 year correspondence with Frank Doel, chief buyer for a London secondhand bookstore. Theirs was a friendship created by chance, but lasting decades. A friendship founded upon humor, compassion, and a love for the written word.

The Plot:

It is 1949 and Helene Hanff is a struggling writer living in New York. Her need for cheap, obscure British classics is fulfilled when she discovers an ad in the Saturday Review of Literature by secondhand bookstore, Marks & Co. She writes to them requesting a few titles, and her order is filled by Frank Doel, the firm's chief buyer. Thus begins a correspondence between the sarcastic American writer and the buttoned-up British bookseller that would last for many years.

But this isn't a cut and dry "please send me this book" correspondence. Helene and Frank talk about EVERYTHING. They talk about family, friends, favorite authors, the Brooklyn Dodgers, Yorkshire pudding, and the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. It isn't long before Helene and Frank begin planning for her to visit London. Unfortunately, life continues to get in the way, and it begins to seem like this unique friendship may never be realized beyond the page.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

This is a book for book lovers. Thus, I really I enjoyed it. Consisting solely of letters between Helene and the world of Marks & Co., it is not a book for those who desire action, romance, or psychological themes. If, however, you are looking for a short read that packs a lot of heart, humor, and pleasure between its few pages, this is one that I highly recommend.

C. S. Lewis once said that "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'" That is exactly what happens between Helene and Frank. Their mutual love and knowledge of British classics starts their relationship, but it isn't long before it spills over into other areas of their lives. What is most amazing is that a love of books is about the only thing they truly have in common. She's a brash female American, he's a middle-class, proper Brit. She's single, he's married with kids. She's for the Brooklyn Dodgers, he's for the Tottenham Hotspur F. C. Nevertheless, their friendship does nothing but deepen over time into a satisfying and comfortable camaraderie.

Not only does Helene make friends with Frank, but she also becomes somewhat of a legend within the world of Marks & Co. She receives numerous letters from the other employees as well as from Frank's wife, Nora. It is a fascinating glimpse into life in post-war London, especially into the hardships of rationing. Most of us cannot imagine feeling overwhelming delight for powdered eggs, tinned meat, and pantie hose. These people do.

The other thing that makes this story delightful is the types of books that Helene and Frank encounter. These isn't yesterday's newest romance novel, but heavy, obscure British classics. Everyone from Jane Austen to Charles Lamb to John Donne to Geoffery Chaucer show up here. It surely warms the heart of this Anglophile.

I read this book on a slow rainy day at the office, and that is exactly the kind of atmosphere that this book was meant to be read in. It's a book to curl up with on a rainy day, letting it wrap you like a warm blanket. Comfortable, heartwarming, hilarious, and delightful. A must read for anyone who likes to read.

The Movie:

It didn't take long for Hanff's book to become somewhat of a cult classic. Many adaptations have been done ranging from stage plays to radio theaters to Broadway. There has only been one film adaptation, so far, and it is a good one. That is the 1982 version starring Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins, and Judi Dench. Like the book, this movie will not appeal to everyone, but it does justice to the story and Bancroft is wonderful as Hanff. If you like the book, this is one you should see. My only qualm is that the pace of the book doesn't quite hold up on film, making everything seem pretty slow.

Weekly Geeks 2011-6: Love on the Page

2011-02-13T04:44:00.000-08:00

On Monday it's Valentines Day here in the US, which means love is in the air! Many of us have been talking about love all month, but I thought it would make a perfect Weekly Geek-ish type assignment to suggest a post that included anything about love that moves you.

Over the last couple of years, I've made it a Valentine's Day tradition to highlight some of my favorite literary couples and why their stories resonate with so many people all around the world. Here are some more of my favorite love stories found at your local library...

Captain Horatio Hornblower & Lady Barbara Wellesley from the Hornblower Series by C. S. Forester

At the beginning of the book Beat to Quarters, these two characters come from such different worlds that it is hard to ever imagine them getting together. But when two people are thrown together on the high seas in the middle of a war, sparks are bound to fly. Unfortunately, reality hits them once the trip is over, and love and passion must give way to duty and honor. It's a classic love story set in the middle of one of the most exciting periods for the British Navy, plus it gives me a great reason to post a picture of Gregory Peck!

It all might have come right in the end. If the calm had persisted for two or three days, so that Lady Barbara could have forgotten her wrath and Hornblower his doubts, more might have happened.

Faramir & Eowyn from The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkein

I know that a lot of LOTR fans are more into the whole Aragorn/Arwen romance, but not me. I love seeing this beautiful and strong young women who has experienced so much pain in her life end up with the coolest guy in the book. A fitting end for the pair whose bravery helped defeat the armies of Sauron.

"Then, Eowyn of Rohan, I say to you that you are beautiful. In the valleys of our hills, there are flowers fair and bright, and maidens fairer still; but neither flower nor lady have I seen till now in Gondor so lovely, and so sorrowful. It may be that only a few days are left ere darkness falls upon our world, and when it comes I hope to face it steadily; but it would ease my heart, if while the Sun yet shines, I could see you still."

Arthur Clennam & Amy Dorrit from Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens

Dickens' novels are full of interesting, quirky, and fun couples, but so far I've found none to beat Arthur and Amy. After years of neglect and harshness from his own family, Arthur finds a woman who is more than willing to give him her support and devotion. And after spending her entire life looking after the needs of others, Amy finds a man who seeks to take care of her and truly recognizes and appreciates her strength and tenderness. And after reading 800+ pages the reader gets to see the couple we've been rooting for come together. It's a winning situation for everyone!

"I have nothing in the world. I am as poor as when I lived here. When papa came over to England, he confided everything into the same hands, and it is all swept away. O my dearest and best, are you quite sure you will not share my fortune with me now?"

Ray Singleton & Olivia Dunne from The Magic of Ordinary Days by Ann Howard Creel

It wasn't a marriage that either of them saw coming, but life's harsh circumstances bring together an educated city girl with a quiet country farmer. Against the backdrop of WWII, Ray and Livvy struggle to overcome grief, shame, fear, and loneliness and in the process discover a love that is as beautiful as it is ordinary. This is such a poignant and touching story that highlights what true love is all about.

"In the past, I would’ve listed things such as common interests, mutual attraction, worldliness, and higher education. My freedom above all else. If I had found love, it would have had to be the kind that overwhelmed and overpowered all else."

Picture #1: Gregory Peck and Virginia Mayo in Captain Horatio Hornblower R. N.
Picture #2: David Wenham and Miranda Otto in The Return of the King
Picture #3: Matthew MacFadyen and Claire Foy in Little Dorrit
Picture #4: Skeet Ulrich and Keri Russell in The Magic of Ordinary Days

In Memorium

2011-02-10T04:03:00.000-08:00

On February 5, Brian Jacques, author of the wildly popular Redwall series, passed away at the age of 71. Redwall is one of my most favorite books and the series is, in my opinion, one of the best for children and young adults. The characters, the setting, the history, the FOOD...it's Lord of the Rings meets Wind in the Willows in every sense. The now final book in the series, The Rogue Crew, will be released on May 3.

-Guardian, UK obituary.

-Official Redwall website.

-2007 interview with Jacques.

200 & Counting...

2011-01-15T11:55:00.000-08:00

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's first (published) novel, Sense and Sensibility. Her story of the Dashwood sisters and their quest to find security and love in life is still cherished by millions of readers around the globe. It was the very first Jane Austen novel that I read and still holds a special place in my heart. Here are some things to help kick off this year of celebration:

1) Be sure to read the book. As I said, this holds a special place in my heart. It may not be as "perfect" as say Emma, Pride and Prejudice, or Persuasion, but it is still a must read for all lovers of classic lit (not just JA fans). See my full review here.

2) Watch an adaptation. My favorite is the 1995 version starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. A must-watch Austen adaptation. You should also check out the 2008 Masterpiece version starring Hattie Morahan and Charity Wakefield. Not necessarily the best, but it does compliment the '95 version pretty well.

3) If you are into reading challenges, you can join "The Sense and Sensibility Bicentennial Challenge" over at Austenprose. She's giving away some great prizes, so sign up if you're up to a year devoted to Austen.

4) Be sure to share your favorite S&S moments and memories here. Got a favorite quote? A favorite character? A favorite scene? Let us know.

Here's a portion of my favorite scene in the whole story...Happy Birthday S&S!!

"Elinor could sit still no longer. She almost ran out of the room, and as soon as the door was closed, burst into tears of joy, which at first she thought would never cease."

Return of the Classics

2011-01-02T06:12:00.000-08:00

Masterpiece Classic kicks off tonight with a re-showing of its 2008 film My Boy Jack. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, David Haig, Kim Catrall, and Carey Mulligan. See my original review here. Definitely worth seeing if you haven't already. Then next week continues with the acclaimed ITV production of Downton Abbey starring Hugh Bonnevile and Maggie Smith. Welcome back Classic!

New Year...New Books!

2011-01-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's 2011! Where on earth has this year gone? 2010 was a great year in books for me. I discovered lots of new favorites and read lots more modern lit than I have in a long time. Here is a breakdown of my top 5 books for 2010:

Honorable Mentions: The Trial by Franz Kafka and Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte. Though neither of these books quite made it into the top 5, I still felt that they deserved a mention here. The Trial was my first taste of Kafka and I loved every bit of it. Kafka's world is at once mesmerizing, haunting, and intense. Once you've been there you'll never forget it. And Agnes Grey is just another example of why the Brontes are often considered some of the best Victorian writers. Definitely a must read for fans of Jane Eyre and/or Wuthering Heights.

#5: The Flower Drum Song by C. Y. Lee. This Asian-American classic is a great read on many levels. Not only is it a glimpse into the drama and history of life in San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1950s, it is also a wonderful story of establishing one's own identity, and accepting the changes time makes on cultures. Better than the musical!

#4: David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. Definitely one of the best Dickens stories I've ever read. The first half of the book is fresh, new, and unlike any other Dickens novel out there. Though this wears off by the second half, it is still great story-telling with many heart-wrenching moments. I'm still crying over Ham.

#3: I Capture the Castle by Dodi Smith. Absolutely wonderful book. Pure and simple. The writing, the characters, the setting, the story...all of it was to die for. I utterly enjoyed every second of this coming of age story. If you haven't read it read it NOW!

#2: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. Wow. That is the only word to describe this book. Though on the surface the plot sounds rather dull, the hidden truths in this gem of a book make it achingly beautiful. Plus, Robinson's writing is so luscious and captivating. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

#1: Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann. So how good was this book? I finished it in less than 3 weeks. Yes, a 700+ pg book without having to renew it. Honestly, this book sucked me in from page one. I could barely tear myself away, and "wasted" (my mom's words) lots of time by laying on my bed reading it. It has been a long time since a book has grabbed me like that. A great intro to Mann, a great intro to German lit, a great book period!

I hope that your 2010 was great and that 2011 will be a wonderful year in books for all of us. Here is a sneak peek of the books I'll be reading during the first part of this year:

Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens: My quest to read all of Dickens' works continues with his story of a young girl growing up in the Marshalsea Debtor's Prison. Though it involves many problems of the Victorian era, I think that even modern readers will recognize our own world in the pages of this classic.

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote: The well-known story of Holly Golightly, the country girl turned New York society woman who is perhaps Capote's most famous creation.

Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry: Berry is an American poet/writer and member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers. Jayber Crow is part of his Port William Fellowship collection that tells the story of an aging barber in a small community in Kentucky.

The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope: Back in 2009, Newsweek published a list of books most important for understanding our times. At the top of their list was this 1875 classic. This story of financial ruin and ultimate greed should look very familiar.

The Flower Drum Song

2010-12-31T13:11:00.000-08:00

To the casual tourists, Grant Avenue is Chinatown, just another colorful street in San Francisco; to the overseas Chinese, Grant Avenue is their showcase, their livelihood; to the refugees from the mainland, Grant Avenue is Canton.

The blending of cultures is hard as it is, but when it has to be done within a family unit it borders on the impossible. In his 1957 novel, Chinese-American author C. Y. Lee addresses this issue, as well as many other issues faced by young Asian-American men growing up during that time period.

The Plot:

Wang Ta is just like any other young American guy, wanting nothing more out of life than a great career and a gorgeous girl to marry. But Wang Ta is a Chinese-American living with his father in San Francisco's Chinatown, and that complicates things quite a bit. Old Master Wang is still clinging to the old ways of mainland China and cannot understand how his two sons could desire to be a part of the "foreign" culture.

As Wang Ta goes to medical school (to put off having to pursue a career), he becomes involved with a number of young women. There's Linda Tung, the flashy showgirl; Helen Chao, the homely seamstress; and May Li, the sweet beauty just arrived from China. Will Wang Ta ever be able to satisfy his father and yet stay true to his own desires and dreams?

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

I wanted to read this book because I am a huge fan of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. I knew very little about Chinese-American life or what it was like to live in Chinatown, and I found this book to be both eye-opening and interesting.

One thing you should know about before reading the novel is that immigration quotas and anti-miscegenation laws of the late 19th and early 20th centuries wreaked havoc on immigrant populations (especially Asian). These laws lead to a disproportionate number of Asian males living in and around various Chinatowns. Because there were so few Chinese women and because most Chinese men were not allowed (either by the government or their families) to marry a non-Asian woman, young Chinese women literally had their pick when it came to marriage. Thus, Linda Tung's playing her lovers against each other for presents was a harsh reality. This also makes Helen Chao's story all the more sad, as she is unable to find love though as a Chinese-American woman she is a rarity.

One of the biggest themes found in Lee's story is that of old vs. new, East vs. West. Old Master Wang absolutely refuses to adapt to his new surroundings. He speaks only his native dialect, eats only his native dishes, wears traditional clothes, and refuses to keep his money in a bank. He refuses to let his sons adapt as well, drilling his younger son in Confucius rather than allowing him to play ball with the other kids. His sister-in-law (probably the best coolest character in the story), tries to persuade him to try new things, but he declares that he will always keep the old ways. Though Wang Ta wants to honor his father, he also wants to make a life for himself. In the end, Old Master Wang's refusal to even consider new ways of life leads to the breakdown of his family.

I really enjoyed this story. It has a great blend of humor, history, and modernness, and is a great intro to Chinese-American literature. I especially liked that Lee tells the story without falling into traditional stereotypes. These are real people facing real problems. A very interesting read that I am happy to recommend.

The Movie:

Rodgers and Hammerstein created a Broadway musical out of this story, then in 1961 a film version was made which starred an (almost) all-Asian cast including Nancy Kwan, James Shigeta, Jack Soo, and Miyoshi Umeki. Though the novel takes a few liberties with the story and falls back on some stereotypes, it is still a fun musical (probably the most upbeat of any R&H productions).

Picture Credit: Chinatown San Francisco ca. 1950 by Horace Page

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

2010-12-30T16:27:00.000-08:00

"They sat down outside the entrance to the house and beginning at the beginning, with her first visit to the rats, she told them all that she had seen and done, and all that Nicodemus had told her."

Knowledge is a useful and powerful thing. The pursuit of knowledge has driven mankind forward for thousands of years, each generation producing ways of life that are faster and more technological. But does this pursuit come at a price? Does gaining knowledge require us to be more responsible? This is a question wrapped up inside Robert C. O'Brien's Newbery Award winning novel Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Though it was written for children, this story has many hidden themes that will resonate with old and young alike.

The Plot:

Mrs. Frisby has a problem. Recently widowed and left to care for her four children, she must prepare them for their annual move from the garden in order to avoid Mr. Fitzgibbon's plows. But her younger son, Timothy, is sick with pneumonia and cannot be moved for many weeks. Whether she stays or goes, Timothy is put in very grave danger. Mrs. Frisby has no choice but to ask for help from the most capable (and the most mysterious) animals on the farm: the rats. Before she knows it, Mrs. Frisby finds herself in a world that she's never known before, and discovers the truth behind her husband's past.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

This was definitely one of the more interesting children's books I've read in a long time. It is a fairly complex story and the characters are well-drawn and engaging. You almost have to read this book from two points of view: that of a child and that of an adult.

If you are reading this as a child, I would imagine that the atmosphere and characters of the book would be what would grip you. O'Brien takes an ordinary farmyard and turns it into a place that is both dangerous and beautiful. Life and death occur daily here, and Mrs. Frisby's courage, and willingness to lay her life on the line for her family make her a truly endearing character. What is so great about this novel, is that O'Brien doesn't sugar-coat anything. Young readers are forced to face the world as it really is, a place where joy and grief, triumph and tragedy intermingle. Because of this, I would definitely recommend this book only for upper elementary and above.

Reading this as an adult, it was the rats that really interested me. Not just their civilization and the amazing story behind their intelligence, but also the point of "The Plan" itself. Nicodemus and the other rats want to move to Thorn Valley in order to live without stealing. Before they gained so much intelligence, the rats stole because that was the only way of life they knew. But as they learned more and more, something inside them changed and made them realize that stealing is wrong. O'Brien really seems to put forth the point that the more you know, the more you are responsible for your actions. In other words, knowledge awakens morality. The Bible often speaks about accountability, and being held responsible once you know right from wrong, and seeing these themes played out so deftly (almost imperceptibly) in a children's book was great. It really leaves you with some interesting ideas to reflect on.

All in all, it is a fun read. I definitely recommend reading this one to your kids if for no other reason than it will allow some great conversations to take place. It is someone dark and scary at times, and the ending is somewhat sad (if ambiguous), but I think that both you and your kids will enjoy it.

The Movie:

In 1982 animator Don Bluth released an animated version of the book called The Secret of NIMH. The film follows the basic plot pretty well, but they choose to add a mystical plot device versus dwelling on the rats' story, which weakens the overall effect in my opinion. The film is also much more dark and scary than even the book, so probably isn't a great bet for very small children.

Literary Moments: Asheville, NC

2010-12-29T00:30:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month, I spent about a week in the beautiful mountain city of Asheville, NC. It is such a lovely place devoted to art, history, food, and...literature! Every time I turned around I ran into a different place that was wrapped up in literary history and tradition. Here's a glimpse of some of the adventures I had:

Burial Place of O. Henry: American short story writer O. Henry (William Sidney Porter) was buried at Riverside Cemetery after dying in New York City. After some hunting and directions from a kind gentleman, my sister and I were able to locate the grave and leave a token of our respect (a penny) for this amazing author.
Area Bookstores: Asheville's downtown area has a number of bookstores, but two stand out in particular. The first is Malaprop's, Asheville's most famous bookstore. It is locally owned and operated and has a wide selection of books from classics, to poetry, to local authors. A must visit for all readers. The other is the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar which sells hundreds of used books and also has a wine/champagne bar for those who enjoy a glass with their novel. It is also a nice place to just crash and lose yourself in a book.
Grove Park Inn and Resort: This beautiful resort has been a part of Asheville's landscape since 1913, and has hosted many distinguished guests including famed American author F. Scott Fitzgerald who stayed at the inn while visiting his wife in a local mental hospital. Even if you can't afford to stay there (I sure couldn't), it's a neat place to visit.
Biltmore Estate: Though this place alone is worth a trip to Asheville, there is one part in particular that will thrill book lovers. The library holds about 10,000 volumes of Geroge Vanderbilt's 23,000 collection and Napoleon's chess set. George even had a secret door that led directly from his room to the library. I really like that guy!
Thomas Wolfe Memorial: Of course, no trip to Asheville is complete without a visit to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Home. This Asheville native is considered by many to be on par with such great writers as F. Scott Sitzgerald and William Faulkner. Today, you can visit the Old Kentucky Home Inn that plays a large role in his semi-autobiographical novel "Look Homeward Angel". After the tour, I picked up my own copy of this American classic and have added it to my "to read" list. You can also visit his grave at Riverside Cemetery.

So, if you are looking for a unique place to visit, I can't recommend Asheville highly enough. With it's beautiful landscape, delicious restaurants, stunning art galleries, and literary touches, there is truly something for everyone here.

Gilead

2010-12-27T14:11:00.000-08:00

In eternity this world will be Troy, I believe, and all that has passed here will be the epic of the universe, the ballad they sing in the streets. Because I don’t imagine any reality putting this one in the shade entirely, and I think piety forbids me to try.

Beauty and pain, life and death, duty and treachery, piety and sin, joy and heartache, love and hate. All of it is found in Marilynne Robinson's acclaimed 2004 novel Gilead. This deeply intimate novel has won praise from many literary places. It won the 2005 Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and is even listed by President Barack Obama as one of his favorite books. And yet, this story is not what you would expect from such a critically acclaimed novel. In fact, it is full of delightful surprises.

The Plot:

It's 1956 and Rev. John Ames is dying. Though he accepts death and looks forward to Heaven, he doesn't really want to go now. He wants more time. More time to spend with his (much younger) wife, Lila, and their seven year old son. But death cannot be put off, and so Rev. Ames decides to sit down and write a journal for his son, who will have very few memories of him. His journal sets out to tell the story of his family. Of his radical abolitionist grandfather who served as a chaplain in the Civil War. Of his father who recoiled from his father's faith only to watch his older son turn from his. Of himself, who spent many years as a lonely man of God only to find love and fatherhood in the autumn of his life. The journal also serves as a place for his theological musings and personal struggles.

The journal also touches on the story of his namesake, John Ames (Jack) Boughton, the wayward son of Ames' childhood friend. Rev. Ames just can't bring himself to forgive Boughton, not only for past wrongs, but also for his current treatment of those who love him most. As the journal ( and Ames' life) draws to a close, he is able to find peace and reconciliation in the life and home that he loves.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

I can't remember how I heard about this novel. I'm sure it was on some random blog somewhere, whose name has faded from my memory. No matter how it came to my attention, I am so glad it did. This is by far the most beautiful book that I have read this year (maybe ever). Nothing I've read can compare to it.

First, I have to commend Robinson's writing. It is so poetic, so forcefully calm. At first, the shortness of the novel along with the early paragraphs will trick you into believing that this is a story that you can fly through. Nothing could be further from the truth. Robinson's words must be savored, thought over, and read again and again. It took me much longer to read than I had anticipated because I took my own sweet time over every sentence. It was all so beautiful that I almost didn't want it to end.

And it is Robinson's writing that makes Rev. John Ames such a remarkable narrator. He recognizes his own failings, and so never leaves us doubting his word. He is not a caricature of the clergy as is so often found in literature, but rather a man who finds beauty, joy, and mercy in his life's calling. I especially loved the parts where he discusses his love for Lila and their son. In many ways, it is an ordinary marriage, and yet at the same time it is stunningly beautiful. His thankfulness at finding love after years of loneliness is enough to bring tears to anyone's eyes. I especially loved the part where Lila asks John to dance in the kitchen. It's moments like that that make this novel touch you so deeply.

Though Robinson touches on many relationships throughout the book, it is the relationship between a father and son that she focuses' on the most. The image of the prodigal son pops up again and again. So many times, a character breaks with his father (for one reason or another) only to return years later in search of reconciliation. John's father breaks with his grandfather over his role in the Civil War only to go on a journey years later in search of the old man's grave. John's brother Edward turns from the faith, yet manages to regain his relationship with their father. And Jack Boughton returns home many years after his mistakes forced him to leave. Throughout the book, John has a hard time wrapping his mind around it all. He is the good son who stayed and followed his calling, and cannot understand the joy that Old Boughton feels at the return of a son who caused (and will cause) so much pain. After many musings, many revelations, and much reflection, John begins to realize that the grace and mercy given by Old Boughton is just a drop in the bucket compared to the grace and mercy shown us by our heavenly Father. That it is those who have sinned the greatest who will feel the greatest joy in heaven. "Augustine says the Lord loves each of us as an only child, and that has to be true: 'He will wipe the tears from all faces.' It takes nothing from the loveliness of the verse to say that is exactly what will be required."

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Robinson's deeply devotional novel is poignant, heartbreaking, touching, and beautiful. No matter what your religious persuasion, I am sure that you will find pleasure in reading this book. Just soaking yourself in Robinson's prose makes the time spent reading this story is time well spent. An absolute must read.

Agnes Grey

2010-12-26T00:30:00.000-08:00

All true histories contain instruction; though, in some, the treasure may be hard to find, and when found, so trivial in quantity, that the dry, shriveled kernel scarcely compensates for the trouble of cracking the nut.

A Bronte novel for fall has become a bit of a tradition for me over the past few years. There is nothing like curling up on a crisp autumn day with a delicious Bronte story. This year, I read the first novel of the lesser known sister, Anne. Though there are many similarities with the works of Charlotte, Anne's writing has a unique strength that gives her an equal voice in what might be literature's greatest sisterhood.

The Plot:

Agnes Grey is the young daughter of a country parson. After her family falls into financial hardship, Agnes is determined to earn her own keep. She decides to join the only respectable profession there is for a young woman in her time: being a governess. She sets off with stars in her eyes and dreams of the precious children who's minds she will help shape and grow.

Reality sets in quickly when she arrives at her first position. The children are wild, the parents are uncooperative, and Agnes finds herself in a terrible limbo, neither a member of the family nor a servant. As Agnes becomes more involved with the children of the upper class, she catches a glimpse of a world that both fascinates and repels her, and meets a man whose simplicity and earnestness captures her heart.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

I love the Brontes, but that is old news. Though Charlotte is my favorite, I can't help but like Anne's works as well. I really enjoyed The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, and Agnes Grey is an equally inviting read.

If you are familiar with Charlotte's works, you will notice many recurring themes between them and Agnes Grey. There is, of course, the plight of governesses that permeates most Bronte works. This novel is a pretty accurate description of what life was like for Victorian governesses. They were considered beneath their employers and were often subjected to cruel and embarrassing treatment. Agnes experiences many painful moments in both homes she works in, and is often forced to stand up against the cruel treatment dished out by the upper-class. The other similarity is found in the relationship between Agnes and Ms. Murray, which mirrors that of Lucy Snowe and Ms. Fanshawe in Charlotte's Villette. like Lucy Snowe, Agnes becomes a bit of a confidant (if not a true friend) of the flighty and coquettish young charge who is determined to secure the heart of the local landowner, and break a few hearts in the process.

But though there are many similarities between Agnes Grey and other Bronte works, it is still a gem of a story in it's own right. Anne's writing has a certain strength of character that shines through in both of her novels. Her stories are written to teach lessons, and unlike her sisters, she puts hers out there in plain sight. Anne is determined to teach people how to empathize with others, how to show kindness, and not cruelty, to those beneath them, and how to appreciate intellectual and moral beauty over physical attractions. This tone is evident in both this novel and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Though she can sound somewhat preachy at times (she is a preacher's daughter after all), her lessons are admirable and necessary.

So, how does this novel stack up to the other Brontes? Well, it has its good points and not so good points. It is shorter than any other Bronte novel I've read, and the prose is strong, yet flowing. Plus, it has the most unambiguous happy ending of any other Bronte novel I've read. That being said, Anne's lessons tend to trip up her characters and her story. Since Agnes is the moral compass of the story, she is never really allowed to grow and mature. She starts out good and she ends up good, end of story. Plus, Mr. Weston (her love interest) is probably one of the most boring Bronte guys out there. No passion like Mr. Rochester, no evil like Heathcliffe, heck even Gilbert Markham is more interesting. Sweet guy? Yes, but very plain.

Though it lacks the maturity of her second novel and the subtlety of her sister's, there is no doubt that Anne deserves to be recognized as a wonderful Victorian writer. In many ways, this novel reminds me quite a bit of Jane Austen (esp. Mansfield Park). A must read, and a great intro to the Bronte novels.

2010-12-25T00:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas was close at hand, in all his bluff and hearty honesty; it was the season of hospitality, merriment, and open-heartedness; the old year was preparing, like an ancient philosopher, to call his friends around him, and amidst the sound of feasting and revelry to pass gently and calmly away.

-from The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens

May you and yours be richly blessed this Christmas season.
Merry Christmas!

My Cousin Rachel

2010-12-18T11:01:00.000-08:00

They used to hang men at Four Turnings in the old days. Not any more, though.

In 1951, thirteen years after the publication of her smash hit Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier began another novel also set on the coast of Cornwall. A story with an air of romance and mystery, a young and unreliable narrator, and a glittering and unknown woman named Rachel.

The Plot:

The story is narrated by Philip Ashley, an young man growing up in the care of his cousin, Ambrose, on a large Cornish estate. Philip worships Ambrose, and their life is happy, if isolated. Being two bachelors, they rarely entertain females and even the house staff is all male. After Philip finishes school, Ambrose becomes ill and is sent to Italy to recover his health. While there, Ambrose suddenly marries the young and vivacious Rachel, a distant cousin and penniless widow of an Italian count. Philip is shocked by this news, but even more shocked when he receives another letter from Ambrose indicating that Rachel might be trying to harm him. Philip sets off for Italy, only to learn upon arrival of Ambrose's death and Rachel's sudden departure.

Philip returns to England convinced that Rachel has murdered his beloved cousin. When she arrives in England, he invites her to the estate with the intent of charging her with murder. Instead, he is instantly smitten with the older and more cultured woman. His infatuation leads him to reckless behavior, even as the suspicions surrounding Ambrose's death continue to mount. Philip is torn: is Rachel innocent and worthy of his home and love, or is she really a murderess only interested in him for his wealth?

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

I fell head over heels for Daphne du Maurier's work after reading what is perhaps her most famous novel, Rebecca. The story gripped me from the beginning and found it's way into my top books of 2009. I knew that I had to read more of her books, so when I read the basic plot of My Cousin Rachel, I knew that it would be my next one.

There are a lot of similarities between this novel and Rebecca. Both are narrated by naive young people who suddenly find themselves in incredible situations. Both take place at a grand estate on the Cornish coast. And both hinge on a mysterious woman who's name begins with "R".

Perhaps the biggest similarity is in it's portrayal of that basic human emotion: jealousy. Just as the 2nd Mrs. DeWinter's whole world is wrapped up in Maxim, so is Philip Ashley's world made up of nothing beyond his cousin Ambrose. In fact, Philip has an almost a dog-like loyalty and love for Ambrose. When his beloved cousin suddenly marries, it is obvious that Philip is overcome with jealousy. The rest of the novel is a picture of how that jealousy consumes him and affects his relationships with his neighbors, his workers, and Rachel herself.

But though the novel centers on the jealousy that love brings, nothing consumes it like Rachel herself. She is charming, witty, and full of contradictions. Because we see everything through Philip's eyes, we never get a full grasp of who she really is. Is she a compassionate woman who's life has been one hardship after another? Or is she a gold-digger who will stop at nothing (not even murder) to achieve her aim? We'll never know. Philip is an unreliable narrator, so we can't really trust his judgment. And Rachel's death at the end of the novel prevents him (and us) from discovering the truth. Even du Maurier was never sure exactly what kind of woman Rachel was. It is this question that has kept readers guessing for many years.

All in all, I found My Cousin Rachel to be an interesting read. It didn't grip me like Rebecca did (no Maxim, maybe?), but it is still an intriguing story with characters that keep you guessing, and an ending that will linger with you long after the book is closed. If you like Gothic style mystery/romances, or just plain good story-telling, I can't recommend Daphne du Maurier too highly.

The Movie:

There are two versions of this novel that have hit both the silver and the small screen. In 1983, a mini-series of the novel was made starring Geraldine Chaplin and Christopher Guard. I have not seen this version.

The more popular version is the 1952 film version starring Olivia de Havilland and Richard Burton. This is a decent adaptation, and Richard Burton was great as Philip. I wasn't as excited about Olivia de Havilland's portrayal of Rachel, but it wasn't horrible. Again, not as great as Hitchcock's Rebecca, but an enjoyable film nevertheless.

Trivia: Franz Waxman, who composed the original score for the 1952 version, also composed the original score for Hitchcock's Rebecca. If you pay attention, you can kind of hear similar musical themes in both films.

Happy Birthday To:

2010-12-16T17:36:00.000-08:00

Jane Austen

December 16, 1775

"'My idea of good company, Mr Elliot, is the company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company."

-from Persuasion

Holiday Swap Results

2010-12-14T15:30:00.000-08:00

This year's Book Blogger Holiday Swap was a great success for me! My Secret Santee was Beverly Archer of Booklady's Booknotes. It was so much fun assembling her package and she left a sweet thank you post on her blog. So glad you enjoyed it Beverly!

My package was waiting for me when I returned home from my vacation in Asheville, NC. It was from Janicu of Janicu's Book Blog. She included four books in the package: The Bronze Horesman by Paullina Simons, One Day by David Nicholls, Little Bee by Chris Cleave, and The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri. There was also a $20 Amazon gift card and book light. I'm looking forward to discovering new favorites. Thank you so much Janicu!

If you are a book blogger and did not sign up this year, be sure to do so next year. It is sooo much fun!

Masterpiece Classic: 2011 Schedule

2010-11-29T17:38:00.000-08:00

Masterpiece Theatre just released its schedule for the 2011 Classic season. Here's a look at what is coming up next year:

My Boy Jack (January 2): A re-showing of a 2008 episode, this is the story of Rudyard Kipling and his son, who is called to fight in WWI. It is moving, heartbreaking, and eye-opening. Definitely one worth seeing again. Stars David Haig, Daniel Radcliffe, Kim Catrall and Carey Mulligan.

Downton Abbey (January 9, 16, 23 & 30): Set at a beautiful country estate in the Edwardian period, Downton Abbey tells the story of a noble family facing a crisis of succession due to the sinking of the Titanic. Stars Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, Jim Carter, Brendan Coyle, and Dan Stevens.

The Unseen Alistair Cooke (February 6): This documentary chronicles the early life and work of famed Masterpiece Theatre host Alistair Cooke.

Any Human Heart (February 13, 20 & 27): Based on William Boyd's 2002 novel, this film shows us the 20th century through the eyes of a man who witnesses much of it. Stars Matthew MacFadyen, Gillian Anderson, Kim Catrall, and Hayley Atwell.

The 39 Steps (March 27): A re-showing of this year's adaptation of John Buchan's classic. A bored young man suddenly finds himself caught up in a the intrigues of an international spy ring in the days leading up to WWI. Not that great of an adaptation if you ask me, and I'll probably skip it. Stars Rupert Penry-Jones, David Haig, Eddie Marsan, and Alex Jennings.

Upstairs, Downstairs (April 10, 17 & 24): This is a remake of one of Masterpiece Theatre's most popular series ever. The story picks up in 1936, many years after the original story ended. The house remains the same but the families and servants are different. This will follow the lives of both portions of the household in the years leading up to WWII. Stars Eileen Atkins, and Keeley Hawes.

All in all, I'm not sure exactly what to think about this season. If you thought that the BBC was lying when they said they were cutting back on Victorian dramas, here is the proof that they were not. And I feel it is a bit ridiculous to show 2 masters/servants films in one season, and only 3 new adaptations over all. I guess Masterpiece is feeling the pinch of the economy as well. I must admit, however, that there are some really great actors here who should make things worth seeing. Here's to another season of great television. In the meantime, it looks like I'm going to have to Netflix the original Upstairs, Downstairs. Better get busy!

Holiday Swap Package

2010-11-26T07:39:00.001-08:00

My "Book Blogger Holiday Swap" package is ready to go. My secret blogger (I'll reveal later) is receiving a package full of NC treats for the holiday season. Inside there's:

Murder at the PTA by Laura Alden (my blogger loves mysteries)
"Pride of Scotland" chardonnay from The Country Squire Winery (Warsaw, NC)
Wilmington NC, postcard and magnet
"Winter's Snow" goat milk soap from Twisted Oak Farm (Burgaw, NC)
Homemade blueberry basil vinegar (Burgaw, NC)

If you were unable to join this year, be sure to do so next year. It's so much fun perusing another blog and figuring out what to send them. I hope my "Santee" likes it!

2010-11-25T05:28:00.000-08:00

For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.

"Thanksgiving" by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Anna and the King of Siam

2010-11-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

If she had done nothing more than teach this one woman, she knew now that her five hard years had been amply repaid by what she had seen this night.

Many people around the world are familiar with the story of Anna Leonowens and Mongkut, the king of Siam. Images of hoop skirts, beautiful women, and Yul Brynner doing the polka instantly come to mind. But the true story of Anna and Mongkut is deeper than that, grittier, more volatile. In this semi-fictionalized novel, Margaret Landon streamlines the accounts written down by Anna herself into a story cultures colliding.

The Plot:

Anna Leonowens is a young English widow in Singapore with two children to support. After her reputation as an educator becomes known throughout Southeast Asia, she is invited to tutor the wives, concubines, and children of Mongkut, King of Siam, who wishes them to be taught a modern Western curriculum. With grand ideas and expectations, she accepts the position and is soon on her way.

It is not long after she arrives that she realizes that her idea of Siam is only a dream. Here, she is faced with a world that is completely foreign to her. A world where women have absolutely no power, where every whim of the king is law, and where justice is a hit and miss affair. It is to this world that Anna struggles to bring modern Western thought, and to influence the future king so that he may one day lead his nation into the modern world.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

The first question most people have when they read this story is "How much of this is real?" Margaret Landon herself described the story as "75% fact and 25% based on fact", so the majority of the book stays true to Leonowens' original memoirs (though many now believe those to be somewhat romanticized and fabricated).

The book itself focuses on three relationships primarily. The first is between and Anna and Mongkut. Though the film versions give the most emphasis to this, it is not the most significant part of the story. There are very few actual scenes directly between the king and Anna, and those that are shown generally end in an argument. Their relationship is volatile from beginning to end, and there is no real romance like the movies give hints to (except for a small bit on the king's side). The king himself is driven by his emotions and is subject to violent fits of temper. In the end, Anna does leave Siam and never really gains any real respect for the king.

The second relationship is between Anna and the women of the Harem. At first, Anna is not sure what to make of this city within a city. She must deal with the hierarchy, jealousy, and racism that pervade the life of the harem, and at the same time introduce brand new ideas to this secluded group of women. But though the challenges are great, it is probably here that Anna sees the most success from her five year tenure. There are many individual lives she touches from the lonely and misguided Tuptim to the the imprisoned and suffering L'Ore. It is here that her lessons of the rights of women and anti-slavery really take hold.

The final relationship is between Anna and Siam itself. Though Anna had lived in the east most of her life, it had always been in British colonies. Siam is her first step into a world without much Western influence. Much of the book is dedicated to the traditions, superstitions, religion, and festivals of the Siamese people, and watching Anna's English ways collide with this theirs provides the majority of the humorous moments of the book. But Anna herself does not take these differences very well. In fact, they are the greatest burden on her life in Siam, and there are as many tragic moments caused by misunderstandings as there are funny. The political side of Siam is given a lot of coverage to, and it is very poignant to watch as the king struggles to keep his nation out of the grip of European nations.

My biggest gripe with this book comes down to Anna herself. She is seeking to change Siam (and often in a good way), but she never allows Siam to change her. She never sees the king as anything beyond a despot, she never sees the women of the harem as anything beyond simple-minded creatures who can't grasp their demeaning situation, and she never sees Siam as anything but a brutal country with a culture that is far beneath those of Europe. Every time her way of life clashes with theirs, it is because they are the ones who have no culture. I would have loved to see Anna be more accepting and appreciative of the beautiful and exotic parts of Siam. But instead, she is like every other European in Asia at the time.

This is a very interesting read and one that I would highly recommend, especially to historical fiction lovers and those who love the film versions. The story of Anna and Siam is one that teaches many lessons, and lets us discover a world that no longer exists.

The Movie:

There have been many adaptations of this story and everyone has a favorite. The first is the 1946 version starring Irene Dunne as Anna and (wait for it...) Rex Harrison as Mongkut. Seriously. I haven't seen this one, but it was very popular when it first came out and is considered one of the top three adaptations of the book.

Then we have the wildly popular 1956 version starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brynner. This one is the best adaptation in my opinion. Though it does soften the portrayal of the king, most of the original plot is left and the music is downright gorgeous. If you don't see any other version- see this one. Yul Brynner rocks!

If you have young kids, they may enjoy the 1999 animated version. Though the plot is twisted a bit, it includes many of the original songs from the R&H version as well as songs from the Broadway version.

Also in 1999 came "Anna and the King" starring Jodie Foster and Chow Yun-Fat. Now, I liked this version not only for the characterization, but also for the lovely on-location cinematography. It doesn't quite follow the original story, adding lots more drama and romance, but it still a fun movie. Recommended for all hopeless romantics (and those who don't like musicals).

Masterpiece Theatre: Sherlock

2010-11-13T07:05:00.000-08:00

If you have read this blog for awhile, then you know that I am a HUGE Sherlock Holmes fan. I've read all of the stories (most more than once) and include them in my "Top 10 Books" list. So when I heard that BBC (and Masterpiece Mystery) were going to be creating a new version of the classic detective stories, I became very excited. Then, I heard that they were going to "modernize" the series. Uh oh. This can't be good. To me, the Granada series is the epitome of Sherlock adaptations and there is no way a 21st century edition is going to work. Not to mention, we've got "Dr. Who" writers creating the script and the interesting (though slightly odd) Benedict Cumberbatch playing Holmes. I could just see Doyle and Jeremy Brett rolling in their graves. Needless to say, my initial enthusiasm was slightly dampened and I went into this with a somewhat less than open mind.

Oh my God. I was so wrong. I was completely sucked in by this series. Though it is set in modern London, the spirit of Doyle's original characters and stories are kept firmly intact. This first series is comprised of 3 episodes. In "A Study in Pink" (a nod to the original story "A Study in Scarlet"), Dr. John Watson has just come home after being wounded in Afghanistan (just like the original), and is introduced to the somewhat eccentric Sherlock Holmes, a consulting detective with whom he agrees to share a flat. Watson is then sucked into the brilliant, yet aloof mind of the famous detective.

There are enough nods and winks to the original stories to keep any Holmes enthusiast happy. Not only do we see references to "A Study in Scarlet", but also to "The Dancing Man", "The Greek Interpreter", and "The Final Problem". Plus, we also have many other original characters that show up, like Mrs. Hudson, Sarah (John's love interest), Mycroft Holmes, Lestrade, and Moriarty. Writers Mark Gatiss and Stephen Moffat also include names, places, and plot devices from the original.

None of this is to say that the stories are pulled word for word from the originals. They're not. Each one has a modern setting, a modern crime, and a modern way of solving things. Holmes communicates mostly be texting (versus the telegram), John keeps a blog of his adventures with Holmes (versus a diary/book), and there are lots of bombs and snipers. Not to mention the all too modern humor of two single men living together (lot's of jokes gotten out of that one). This keeps the stories fresh and unpredictable, and will likely draw in new fans who couldn't stomach too much Victorian England.

But though the cases themselves are fascinating, the true heart of this series (as with the books), is the friendship between Holmes and Watson. No two men could be more different, yet by the end they are are the best of friends. Holmes pulls Watson out of his depression and boredom, and Watson gives Holmes something to care about beyond facts and puzzles. Each episode peels back layers of the characters while leaving them an air of mystery.

If this is not enough to convince you that this series is worth watching, just wait. The humor in this thing is amazing. There are so many memorable lines and moments that will leave you rolling on the floor. Here are some of my favorites:

1) -Sherlock to Lestrade: "Shut up!"
-Lestrade: "I didn't say anything!"
-Sherlock: "You're thinking and it's annoying."

2) -Sherlock: "I'm in shock! Look-I've got a blanket!"

3) -Sherlock to Watson: "Because you're an idiot." pause "Oh, don't look at me like that, practically everyone is."

4) -Sherlock "I'm not a psychopath. I'm a high-functioning sociopath. Do your research!"

Again, though I went into this with dampened spirits, I found it to be a wonderful and captivating series. Whether you are a devotee to Sherlock Holmes stories, or have never even picked up a Doyle novel, this is a must watch. It is, in my opinion, the best thing that Masterpiece has brought us this year. Can't wait for next season!

Holiday Swap

2010-11-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

I just signed up for my first year of the Book Blogger Holiday Swap. I've heard about this for a few years, but decided to take the plunge this year. The basic premise is that a book blogger sign up and are paired with another book blogger as their "Secret Santa". After you find out who your "santee" is, you get to peruse their blog and decide on a small gift to send them for the holidays. If you're interested, be sure to sign up by November 14. Sounds like it will be a lot of fun!

Never Let Me Go

2010-11-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

"All children have to be deceived if they are to grow up without trauma."

When TIME Magazine was writing its blurb on Kazuo Ishiguro's 2005 novel for inclusion in its "All TIME 100 Novels" list, they said "The human drama of Never Let Me Go, its themes of atrocity and acceptance, are timeless and, sadly, permanent." Timeless, poignant, heartbreaking, troubling, and final. All of these words aptly describe Never Let Me Go. Once again, British writer Kazuo Ishiguro takes us to a place that is at once terrifying and familiar, forcing us to face ourselves and our fate.

The Plot:

I can only give the most basic plot description without giving away major spoilers, so this will be short. Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy are three children growing up in England. They know nothing of the outside world, and their entire life is defined by what goes on within the four walls of their boarding school, Hailsham. Though their life is essentially happy and innocent, something dark lingers on their horizon. Their teachers treat them with a mixture of pity and fear and their unspoken tales weigh upon the children. It is only after many years that they are told the horrid truth and awaken to the fate that lays before them.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

The truth that Kathy and her friends discover is that they are not like everyone else. They, and all their friends at Hailsham, are clones. Scientific progress has led to the creation of cloned humans who are used solely for the purpose of organ donation. Each clone is raised up to the age of about 30, and then their organs are harvested, one by one. After about 2-4 donations, the patient "completes" (dies). Before this, each clone spends a few years as a "carer", an emotional support for those going through the donation process. This is where Kathy is as she tells us about her life at Hailsham and beyond.

Many people try to squeeze this novel into the "science-fiction" category, and on the surface that is somewhat true. The novel is set in a parallel world and has clones as main characters. But ultimately, that is not the purpose of the novel. "I don't want people to come away from the film thinking, I wonder if we should continue experimenting with stem cells. That's not the intent." Ishiguro says. Rather, he focuses on the human aspects of the novel.

Ultimately, this is a story of love and fate. The main characters' destiny hangs over their heads like a sword. And the way they each face it gives us a glimpse into their characters. Kathy is introspective about it, and she enjoys her work while it is available to her. Ruth, who is rather selfish both as an adolescent and an adult, seeks any and every way to pretend that her fate will be different. Tommy lashes out both at others and at himself.

I've read many reviews that question why the clones accept their fate so passively. Why don't they rebel against it? Regarding this, Ishiguro says "It's antithetical to the American creed of how you should face setbacks — that if you fight back, love conquers all." But when it comes to death, nothing can stop it. No amount of love, fight, or obliviousness will make it go away. We are all destined to this fate. Ishiguro's point is that, though our ultimate fate is sealed, what matters is the life we live before that fate. He also points to the Japanese idea that acceptance of one's fate is a high form of heroism.

Though I enjoyed this novel, it will not be for everyone. Not only are the themes somewhat dark, but there is some graphic content (sex is talked about quite frankly). I would definitely recommend this novel only for mature readers.

I picked up this novel mainly because I thoroughly enjoyed another Ishiguro novel, The Remains of the Day. Like that novel, Ishiguro's latest offering is a calm, almost mundane story, but the truths about life and humanity found in it are startling and profound. In the end, Never Let Me Go is an ode to life well lived. It is about accepting that we will not live forever, and so living life to its fullest, with as few regrets as possible.

The Movie:

The film version of this novel was released a few months ago. It stars Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan, and Andrew Garfield. I haven't seen it yet, but hope to eventually.

2010-11-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

"You see my kind of loyalty was loyalty to one's country, not to its institutions or its office-holders. The country is the real thing, the substantial thing, the eternal thing; it is the thing to watch over, and care for, and be loyal to; institutions are extraneous . . . "

from A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
by Mark Twain

Weekly Geeks 2010-35: Where Have You Been All My Life?

2010-10-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

Once in a while I read a book I have had for years and I think “How the hell did I miss this one? Why did I not read this one before?

Is there a book that has hang around your reading pile for far too long before you got to it, A book that probably got packed away until you accidentally got to it or a book that you read a few pages in and never got back to.

If so share or ask your readers about that book that really made an impression on them (good or bad) after having it or hearing about it for far too long?

There aren't too many books that sit in my "TBR" pile for very long. Usually, I read books pretty soon after I hear/think about them. But there are some that lingered. Books that got pushed to the side because I had something else I was dying to read or because I wasn't so sure that I wanted to read them at all. And yet, many of these books have become instant favorites:

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy. I had many friends recommend this one to me and I STILL never took the time to actually sit down and read it. In fact, it was only because it was included in The Classic Tales Podcast that I even took the time to listen to it. I kinda knew what the plot was about and since the French Revolution had never been exactly my favorite era, I pushed it to the side in favor of other things. I wish I hadn't. I absolutely loved everything about this story. The characters, the adventure, the humor...it was all so good. Should have read this a long time ago.

The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkein. I had my own personal reasons for putting off this story. I'm still not sure exactly what made me decide to actually read it. Maybe it was because I wanted to see the movies and I try to read the books before I watch the adaptations. Anyway, I was hooked. Tolkein's rich and complex story is really as good as everyone says it is. If you haven't read this one, don't make the same mistake I did. Read it NOW!

Daphne du Maurier Novels. Ok, so this one isn't entirely my fault. I had never heard of Daphne du Maurier until I began watching a lot of Hitchcock films. This is somewhat surprising since I love Gothic type novels like the Brontes. Anyway, I've read both Rebecca and My Cousin Rachel and thoroughly enjoyed them. If you are a lover of Gothic lit, do yourself a favor and grab anything by Daphne du Maurier. You won't be disappointed.

How about you? Is there something you put off reading only to discover a new love when you finally did?

The Complete Brother's Grimm

2010-10-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

Long ago, when wishes often came true, there lived a King whose daughters were all handsome, but the youngest was so beautiful that the sun himself, who has seen everything, was bemused every time he shone over her because of her beauty.

Many of us are very familiar with the fairy tales compiled (and often tweaked) by the Grimm brothers. They have been a part of the childhoods of generations of people around the world. They are so much a part of our culture, that they bleed into other mediums like movies and television. One has to wonder if the Grimms realized that when they were compiling these stories they were creating what W. H. Auden would call one of the founding works of western culture.

The Plot:

Though each story is unique, most of them follow pretty similar plots. There is a princess who must be rescued, younger sons who must prove their worth, witches to be outsmarted, and giants to kill. Some are long and some are short, but each has little magic and wisdom of its own.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

Memo to self: never ever ever read 700 pages of Fairy Tales in one go. Ever. By the end, I had started rooting for the witches. Death to the beautiful princesses and the smart aleck princes! But I digress.

Seriously, these are great tales to read, but you should never try to read them without a break. My biggest problem was that, except for the well-known tales, most of the plots were recycled over and over throughout the collection. You would read four or five stories in a row that were almost exactly the same. This made parts of it extremely tedious.

Of course, the characters are all one-dimensional, but there were a few surprises in there. You wouldn't believe how many princesses outsmarted the gazillions of guys seeking their hands. Of course, one really smart guy outwitted them in the end, but these aren't exactly your typical damsels in distress. There are some tough woman in this book. You also wouldn't believe how many guys would fall for a girl only to forget about her the minute she was out of sight and try to marry someone else. Typical.

One thing you should be prepared for before reading these to your kids is the violence. These are not the cute Disney versions. Some of these are seriously disturbing and frightening. They are really a great glimpse into German and East Europe culture and what they considered frightening. Woods filled with witches, devils, wolves, and giants. Heads chopped off, eyes poked out, and children sold. Probably the most disturbing story was "The Juniper Tree". Wow.

None of this is to say that I didn't enjoy any of the stories. I found many of them to be fun reads. Of course, the famous one are the best, like "The Frog Prince", "The Sleeping Beauty", "Rumpelstiltskin", and "Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs". But my most favorite was "The Shoes That Were Danced to Pieces". Twelve princesses who disappear every night to dance with the twelve cutest guys in the kingdom. Nice.

So, my advice to you is, purchase a "Selected Works" edition of the stories. That should give you all of the popular ones without having to wade through the not so fun one. But definitely read them. They are a fascinating glimpse not only German culture, but Western culture as a whole.

Literary Prizes: Helpful or Detrimental?

2010-10-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

It's "Oscar" season in the literary world. With the Nobel Prize for Literature and the Man Booker Prize both being given out within the past week, many readers are being introduced to the works of authors who were previously a bit of an unknown outside their respective spheres. This means that many of them will be rushing out to read/buy one of these author's works to keep up with the literary times. This is a great thing, right? Maybe not.

In his article for Newsweek entitled "The Trouble with the Nobel", Malcolm Jones discusses how the Nobel and other major literary prizes might just have too much control over what the world reads.

Prizes do sell books. They can make reputations. At the same time, the Nobel and all the other literary prizes encourage a kind of laziness among readers. They create a false sense of what’s great, and that’s a decision that individual readers ought to be making on their own.

So what do you think? Do prizes help more than they hurt? Or do we as readers rely too much on the recommendations of remote committees that we know little to nothing about?

The English Novel

2010-10-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

Last week I wrapped up my third audio lecture series from The Teaching Company. This one was entitled "The English Novel", and it traced the history, not just of the great works themselves, but also of the novel form itself as found in English literature. It is a great back-up to the "Classics of British Literature" series that I finished back in April.

Our professor for this course is Dr. Timothy Spurgin, the Bonnie Glidden Buchanan Professor of English Literature and Associate Professor of English at Lawrence University. Though perhaps not quite as witty and conversational as Professor Sutherland from "COBL", his lecturing style is easy to listen to, follow, and comprehend.

This series comprises of 24 lectures tracing the evolution of the English novel from its earliest beginnings of Fielding and Richardson to its culmination in Joyce and Woolf. Each lecture is a fantastic blend of biographical info on the author, plots and themes from the story, and the theory of the novel form. Though I was familiar with most of the authors and stories, I learned a lot through this course. It helped me recognize patterns throughout the English novel tradition ( it's obsession with courtship and marriage, and it's penchant for "comedic" endings), and learn to draw parallels between what we are reading in the novel and what was happening in the world at the time. I also really loved the part where Dr. Spurgin discusses how the rise in translations of foreign literature forever changed the English novel tradition.

If you love English novels, or like learning the history and theory of literature, I would definitely recommend this course. It is enjoyable and informative. I must warn you, however, your "to read" list will grow by leaps and bounds!

Buddenbrooks

2010-10-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

She had, unconsciously, the feeling that any trait of hers, no matter of what kind, was a family tradition and therefore worthy of respect.

In 1929, German writer Thomas Mann was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, mainly for his two epic novels The Magic Mountain and Buddenbrooks. Based on his own family history, Mann's first novel explores the battle that goes on between art and business, duty and desire. One family at the pinnacle of success in 19th century Germany finds itself in a downward spiral that circumstance and their own shortcomings make impossible to stop.

The Plot:

When it comes to success, the Buddenbrook family has it in spades. They are the center of the bourgeois business and social life in their town. Their family firm is thriving and opportunities abound for the four young Buddenbrook children: Thomas, Antonie, Christian, and Clara. Unfortunately, life does not quite turn out the way the way any of them had planned.

After the hard work and prudence of the older generations, the younger ones now live in an age of decadence and extremes. They have known no other life but that at the top of society and it seems incredible to them that that kind of life might come to an end. As the story progresses, we watch each member of the family slowly decline due to pride, ignorance, and intemperance.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

As I set out to read my first Thomas Mann novel, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It is a long book and I was afraid that I might find myself mired down in 700-800 pages of romanticized language and uninteresting characters. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The first thing that I loved about this novel was how accessible it was. I was immediately sucked in to the world of the Buddenbrook family and had a hard time tearing myself away. Not only is Mann's writing style easy to read, but his characters are engaging and interesting. Each one has it's own distinctive personality and complexity and you won't find a single cliche among them. You may hate them, you may love them, but you definitely care about them.

It is also a fascinating glimpse into a time period that I know very little about. Though most of the outside events are given only a mention here and there, there are some major historical events going on. The Revolution of 1848 and it's demands for the freedom of the press are seen through Morten Schwarzkopf, and the Austro-Prussian War and German unification are also touched on. So often when I hear people talk about Germany, it is in the negative light of the world wars. If anything, Buddenbrooks is a glimpse into the true richness and complexity that is German culture.

I read somewhere that in Buddenbrooks, Mann was creating a bridge between 19th century realism and 20th century symbolism. I find this to be a very accurate description. On the one hand, this story is written with all of the frankness of, say, Madame Bovary. Nothing is romanticized and nothing is pathetic. However, it is chock full of symbolism as well. Mann is attempting to portray the ultimate demise of that decadent and glittering society that his parents grew up in. As the story progresses, we see the result that this decadent lifestyle has lead to which is sickness, madness, and death. And it is not just the richness of the lifestyle itself that Mann mocks, but the very basis of it. Throughout the novel, the family and the firm are treated as one and the same. Each personal decision comes down to how that choice will affect the firm. Tony's marriages are all products of trying to help the firm, and Thomas' outward vanity is all a show of the power of the firm. But no matter how hard these characters try to mold their lives around the success of the firm, it all comes to nothing. The firm is dissolved and they meet ends as terrible and lonely as those characters who tried to ignore it. Mann seems to hammer home the idea that some things in this life are inevitable.

Of all of the German literature I read this summer, this one was my absolute favorite. If you're looking for a place to begin in either German lit or Thomas Mann, I would definitely give this one a try. It is a wonderful story that after 100 years is still so relevant to our own times.

The Movie:

As fascinating as this story is, you'll never many (if any) adaptations of it outside of Germany. There are two main versions that I will mention here. The first is the 1979 miniseries that was screened here in the US as part of Great Performances. I was able to see about 4 episodes of it (youtube took it off while I was in the middle of watching it) and I really enjoyed it. The acting and screenplay were spot on with the novel and was really like watching these characters walk right off the page. It is in German, so you will need subtitles, but it is still great watching. I will probably have to break down and get the DVD so that I can finish it.

The other one is the 2008 film version. I haven't seen any of this version, but the trailers make it seem like a glossier version of the story. If you have seen it, please let me know your opinion.

Happy Birthday To:

2010-09-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Gaskell
September 29, 1810

"I say Gibson, we're old friends, and you're a fool if you take anything I say as an offense. Madam your wife and I didn't hit it off the only time I ever saw her. I won't say she was silly, but I think one of us was silly, and it wasn't me!"

-from Wives and Daughters

Banned Books Week 2010

2010-09-27T17:10:00.000-07:00

September 25-October 2 are the dates of this year's Banned Books Week sponsored by the American Library Association. This week is meant to bring awareness to the many books that are challenged throughout the world. Most of the time, these challenges involve parents wanting certain books removed from school libraries. In 2009 there were 460 attempts to have a book withdrawn from a US classroom or library. While our neighbors across the pond don't seem to have this problem, it has become very common here in the US. Most of the time, the reasons given for the desire to ban a book are centered around a child's well-being. The parent wishes to shield their child from sexually explicit, racially charged, or extremely violent content. This is understandable and in many ways commendable, but it is not exactly possible. Here are some of my thoughts on banned books:

Ultimately, it all comes down to free speech. We, as Americans and humans, have the right to read (or write) whatever we wish, and we have the right to NOT read whatever we wish. If you don't agree with the content found in the book, put it down. I have stopped reading numerous books because I found the content distasteful.
Your idea offensive and my idea of offensive are not always the same. While I'm not surprised to see certain books on the list of often banned books (The Catcher in the Rye, Lolita, or anything by D. H. Lawrence), there were others that caught me off guard and left me scratching my head in wonder (To Kill a Mockingbird? Gone With the Wind? The Lord of the Rings?). I would hate for someone to come up to me and tell me that I can't read a certain book because they find it offensive.
You are the parent. If you are concerned about what your children are reading, monitor it, talk to them about it, or discuss it with their teachers. There may be a way to work out your differences of opinion on what should and should not be read in the classroom...
...or maybe not. If you can't work any of that out with the school, you can always do what my parents decided to do. Homeschool. By sending your kids to public school, you are giving up some of your basic parental rights (schools can't cater to each parent's beliefs and standards), so if you want all of those rights back, you may have no other choice but to take your child's education into your own hands.

Ultimately, banning books does nothing to solve a problem. If anything it makes the problem worse. If people cannot read, learn, and decide for themselves, then a nation is sure to fall under tyranny (Nazis or Communism, anyone?). How about you? What are your thoughts on banned books? Is there ever a circumstnace when a book should be banned?

First Love

2010-09-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Over in the book section of Guardian's website, they have a short video of writers for Guardian and Observer reminiscing about the book that first sparked the passion for literature:

This got me to thinking about the book that started my love affair with great literature. I had been reading all of my life, but one of my earliest steps into the world of "literature" happened when I was about 12 or 13. I was spending a week at my grandparent's house, and I rented the 1949 version of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. I was immediately captivated by the story, so my grandmother went out and bought me all three of the books involving the March girls.

I'm still not exactly sure what it was about this story that grabbed my attention. Perhaps it was because I saw so many parallels between the story of the March family and my own life. Like the Marchs my family at the time consisted of my parents and four girls, and I often compared each of my sisters and myself to the girls in the story (except we had two Jos and no Beths). I always saw myself as Meg, the oldest child with a sense of responsibility and a desire for the good things in life. My sisters K. and M. were each Jo, wild and untamed yet tender-hearted as well. And my other sister T. was Amy, the artist. There were so many portions of this story that I loved dearly. I smiled when Jo and Laurie had their arguments. I laughed when poor Meg tried to make jam and John brought home a visitor. And I cried as Jo experienced the loneliness of being the last of the sisters at home. The simplicity, the warmth, and the love found inside this book opened my eyes to the way literature can impact your life.

Today, ten years after first reading it, Little Women continues to be one of my favorite books. The poor paperback copy my grandmother bought for me is worn, dog-eared, and slightly torn, but I don't think I would trade it for any other copy. Jut seeing it on the shelf brings back so many delightful memories of the time I spent growing up with the March girls.

If you have a memory of a book that got you started in literature, please feel free to share it in the comments.

The Trial

2010-09-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

Someone must have been telling lies about Joseph K., for without having done anything wrong he was arrested one fine morning.

You and I were never meant to read The Trial. Franz Kafka died with the intention of having it and many other works destroyed. But his friend and executor, Max Brod, disregarded his wishes and published them. Now, Kafka's world is a source of debate, wonder, horror, and the unfathomable. Once you step in, there is no getting out...until the story ends.

The Plot:

Life is going pretty well for Joseph K. He is rising in his job at the bank, he has a nice room with a nice landlady, and he is never in want of female companionship. But his life is suddenly turned upside down. He is woken up one morning by two men who are there to arrest him. What they are arresting him for they do not say, but arrest him they must. K. must appear before the court to plea his case. Slowly, this trial begins to consume K.'s life, ruining relationships and slowing his promotion chances. How can he defend himself if he has no idea what he has done?

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

I could give a really cheap review and simply define The Trial as "Kafkaesque" and be done with it, but that is hardly a worthy review for this piece of fiction. One of the reasons this novel is so hard to review is that it is unfinished and lacks the coherence and polish of a traditional novel. But this also adds to the charm and the feel of the novel and does not hinder us from enjoying the story.

In actuality, it is not so much the story that sucks us in but the world that Kafka creates. It looks like our world and for the most part operates like our world, but at the same time it is off balance, twisted, and distorted. To me, this is what makes this work so haunting. It is a place that we recognize and yet we do not understand.

Readers and scholars have been debating the point of The Trial ever since its publication, but the one thing they agree on is its view of the bureaucratic side of the law. Think Dickens having a nightmare. Like Bleak House (and to a lesser extent Little Dorrit), the courts are depicted as unfathomable and unending processes that care not for those who are caught in their wheels. The part where K. is wandering through the winding and suffocating halls of the court offices is perhaps the best picture of Kafka's version of the law.

I wish I could go into a lot more detail about this novel, but Kafka is someone that you really have to read for yourself. I don't think there is really any way to effectively sum up his creation. I can only say that it is haunting, mesmerizing, horrifying, thought-provoking....and I want more!

The Movie:

Perhaps the most famous version of this story is the 1962 version directed by Orson Welles and starring Anthony Perkins. You know that any film combining the director who freaked America out by reading War of the Worlds and the actor who freaked America out by killing Janet Leigh in Psycho has to be pretty unnerving.

There is also a more recent 1993 version starring Kyle MacLachlan and Anthony Hopkins.

Caution: Spoilers Ahead!

2010-09-07T16:52:00.000-07:00

50 famous novels summed up in only 4 minutes. Very funny, especially if you have read the books!

2010-09-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

"Look at that sea, girls--all silver and shadow and vision of things not seen. We couldn't enjoy its loveliness any more if we had millions of dollars and ropes of diamonds."

-from Anne of Green Gables
by L. M. Montgomery

On Tap

2010-08-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, so if everything goes according to plan, I should wrap up my summer reading challenge by the beginning of next week. Here's a look at what I'll be reading this fall and what reviews you can expect here on Complete & Unabridged:

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro- Having loved The Remains of the Day, I've had this 2005 novel of Ishiguro's on my reading list for awhile. With the new movie version due out later this year, I figured it was time to actually read it. The story revolves around three friends (Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy) who are growing up in a sheltered boarding school with little to no contact with the outside world. Only after they become adults do they discover the reason for this seclusion and the reality of their own fate.

Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon- This is a semi-fictionalized account of Anna Leonowens' time in the court of the King of Siam. It was this version that was used to create the many film versions of the story including The King and I.

My Cousin Rachael by Daphne DuMaurier- I absolutely LOVED Rebecca and I'm really looking forward to this story as well. When Philip Ashley meets his beautiful cousin (by marriage), he falls head over heels for her. But as their relationship develops, things become unsettling for him. Does Rachael really care for him, or is he merely a tool in her much larger scheme?

Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte- It should come as no surprise to my readers that a Bronte novel appears on my list. Reading a Bronte novel in the fall has become a bit of a tradition. Having read The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Villette the past two years, I'm now moving on to Anne's other novel. This one is similar to Jane Eyre in that it follows the plight of a young governess as she struggles to find love and acceptance in the world.

Flower Drum Song by C. Y. Lee- I absolutely love the Broadway version of this story, so I'm really excited about reading the original story. Wang Ta is a young Chinese-American living in San Francisco in the 1950s. Throughout the story, he struggles to find his identity, wondering if he should continue in the traditional Chinese ways (like his father), or cast them off and embrace the American way of life.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien- This is a classic children's story that I never actually made it around to as a kid. Mrs. Frisby is a widowed field mouse whose house and family are in mortal danger. In order to save them, she enlists the help of laboratory rats who have created a society beyond anything she has ever known.

So, that is what's on tap for this fall. With any luck I'll finish these pretty quickly and be able to add some more before the end of the year. If you have any suggestions for me, please leave them in the comment section.

All Quiet on the Western Front

2010-08-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

"We were eighteen and had begun to love life and the world; and we had to shoot it to pieces. The first bomb, the first explosion, burst in our hearts. We are cut off from activity, from striving, from progress. We believe in such things no longer, we believe in the war."

War. It has been a reality for as long as we can remember. Every generation has its conflict, its defining moment. Often times we try to make ourselves feel better by giving war a glorious and patriotic aura, but this does nothing but mask the dirt, the sweat, the tears, and the blood that war is really made of. Erich Maria Remarque's 1929 novel chooses to portray war (namely WWI) for the horror that it really is, and gives us a picture of a generation whose lives are lost to the war, even if they survive the conflict.

The Plot:

It's 1914 and war has come to Europe. 19 year old Paul Baumer is finishing high school when he and many of his classmates are urged by their teacher to join the army and fight for their country. In a moment of patriotic fervor, they rush out and immediately sign up. They soon discover, however, that war is not what their friends, parents, and teachers had described. They are sent to the western front to face the French and English armies. Life at the front is one filled with bombs, dirt, hunger, vermin, blood, loneliness and death.

Slowly but surely, Paul changes from a lighthearted German schoolboy with his whole life ahead of him, to a hardened German soldier whose all consuming thought is surviving the next moment. As he watches his comrades die one by one, Paul realizes that life for him will never be the same. Even if he survives the war, he can never return to the life he had before.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

This is not an easy book to read. In fact, in can be graphic and somewhat disturbing on many levels. But that is exactly what Remarque wanted. He wanted a story that would grab your attention, touch you in the depths of your soul, and give you an experience that you would never forget.

In order to really understand this novel, you have to know a little something about the first World War. Patriotic fervor ran very high in Europe at the outbreak of war. Those who did not immediately sign up and fight for their country were branded as cowards. Most expected this to be a brief war with their side winning within a few months. It was anything but brief. After trench warfare set in on the Western Front, it became a virtual stalemate and both sides used every new piece of technology to their advantage. Tanks, gas, barbed wire, machine guns, grenades, and airplanes were all used for the first time and led to the death of thousands of men every day.

Remarque's characters are very real and it is so hard to watch these brash, simple, kind, and sensitive young men to be blown away (literally) by the war. One theme that Remarque hits on again and again is that their generation is the most affected by the war. Even if they survive, Paul believes, they cannot go on. The older men can go back to the lives and families they have left behind. But for Paul and his friends, there is no going back, neither is there going forward. They have been trained for life on the battlefield, and nothing else. This makes Paul's death at the end somewhat easier for us as the reader.

The other aspect of the novel that really hit me was Remarque's portrayal of those outside the war zone. When Paul goes home on leave, he is faced with friends, neighbors, and family who cannot understand what he is going through. But that does not stop them from giving their opinion. The older men bombard him with what the men should be doing, and asking why they can't break through that line. I mean, how hard could that be? It reminded me of the attitude we all fall into in wartime. We've all got our opinions, but we have no clue. We yell and scream that the boys should come home, or they should press on and finish the fight, but we never stop and ask "the boys" what they think. How can we honestly push our agenda when we have not experienced the horrors that our men and women in uniform have?

Though this is not a novel that will bring pleasure in its story, it is still a very important one. War is a very difficult thing to wrap our minds around, but that is what we must strive to do. I believe that Remarque's novel is ultimately a fervent prayer for us to think long and hard about the true horror of war before we send another generation into its flames.

The Movie:

One can imagine that this novel was just made for the screen. And in fact, it has produced many fine versions of this gut-wrenching story. The most famous is the 1930 version starring Lew Ayres as Paul. This version is very well done (if you don't mind classic Hollywood) and is considered by many to be one of the best war movies ever.

There is also the 1979 Hallmark Hall of Fame TV version starring Richard Thomas as Paul and Ernest Borgnine as Kat. I have not yet seen this one, but the clips look pretty good. And finally, 2012 will see the release of a new version reportedly starring Daniel Radcliffe as Paul. After My Boy Jack, Radcliffe should be more than ready for this role.

Weekly Geeks 2010-28: Deja Vu

2010-08-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this week is open season Weekly Geeks and we can pick whatever old Weekly Geek challenge we would like to do. I dug through the archives and found one that I am dying to try:

Many of us have had an opportunity to interview an author, mostly through email, but perhaps even on the phone or in person. In fact, many of you have become experts at author interviews. So this week, let's pretend that we can get in contact with one of our favorite characters and interview them. What would you ask Mr. Darcy if you could send him an email. What would his answers be like? What would you say if you could just call up Liesel or Rudy from The Book Thief and ask them anything? How would they answer your questions? What if you could invite Jo March or Anne Shirley to lunch, what would the conversation be like?

Thanks to B. J. Harrison over at the Classic Tales, I was finally introduced to someone I have been dying to meet for a very long time: The Scarlet Pimpernel (or Sir Percy Blakeney, Bart.). After a bit of begging on my part, Sir Percy has now agreed to do an exclusive interview with Complete & Unabridged.

C&U: First off, I would like to thank you, Sir Percy, for agreeing to this interview. I'm sure my readers, like myself, are simply dying to ask you some questions.
PB: "Odd's life! but you are very welcome m'dear. I'm always happy to oblige a fan, especially over a glass of good wine. Not to mention, it gives me ample opportunity to allow the general public to observe the very latest in good fashion.

C&U: So, what exactly was it about the French Revolution that made you decide to risk your life in saving many members of the aristocracy?
PB: Oh yes, those poor devils. Well, anyone can see that the whole situation was demmed monstrous. I mean, we all know that his Royal Highness the King of France was not exactly the smartest fellow in the class, but was that any reason to chop off the heads of the leading members of society? Just look at our King. He's certifiably off his rocker, but you don't see our tailors and cooks and cabmen running about chopping off everybody's heads because of it. Zounds!

C&U: After so many daring and brave escapades across the channel, does it ever annoy you that everyone back in England still considers you to be hopelessly idiotic?
PB: La, m'dear. Did you really think that would bother me? Not only have I millions of fans around the world and a band of 19 men who would lay their lives down for me instantly, but I have the supreme delight of playing an enormous joke on London society. Also, if all those young bucks want to admit that "the cleverest woman in Europe" was seduced by the charms of a "demmed idiot" and not them, well, that's their privilege.

C&U: And speaking of Marguerite, I know that all of us females are simply dying to know what exactly happened on that trip back across the channel. What was it like allowing yourselves to trust and become reacquainted with one other?
PB: Lud love you females! Do you think that just because every other celebrity out there likes to tweet the details of their love lives on the world wide web means that I'm going to? Suffice it to say, 'twas a dream on the Daydream. And a demmed good one at that!

C&U: Overall, you appear in 11 novels and 2 short story collections, but you were also a part of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Tell us about that experience.
PU: Well, I had always planned on living a somewhat private retired life, but when one is asked to work with the likes of Peter Blood, C. Auguste Dupin, Captain Nemo, and Jeeves, one simply does not refuse. Yes, we had some good times, although I must say that Sherlock Holmes and Capt. Nemo were demmed rude to me. Whenever the others asked me to recite my poem, they would suddenly strike up playing that demmed violin and organ of theirs. Something about my poetry not being good enough for their highbrow tastes.

C&U: Well, we certainly like your poetry. Would you be so good as to recite your famous poem now?
PB: Begad! I'm surprised you hadn't asked me before. "The Scarlet Pimpernel" by Sir Percival Blakeney, Bart.

They seek him here, they seek him there
Those Frenchies seek him everywhere.
Is he in Heaven? Or is he in Hell?
That demmed, elusive Pimpernel!

C&U: And what about Chauvelin, your archenemy? Have you heard anything from him recently?
PB: La! No, I have not heard anything recently. In fact, the last thing I heard was that he had caught a demmed nasty cold while waiting to catch me at the wrong creek. Poor chap.

C&U: Well, again I thank you so much for your time, Sir Percy. As a final question, could you tell us what you are doing now in semi-retired life?
PB: Oh, you know, the same sorts of things that I was doing in the novels. Driving the horses by moonlight, attending fancy balls, playing cards with the Prince of Wales, trying on new clothes, drawing scarlet pimpernels on the corners of napkins, etc. Odd's life, but you didn't think I was going to change with time did you? I'm a demmed classic!

If you have a question for Sir Percy, just leave it in the comment section. He'll be available all week to answer.