Tess of the d'Urbervilles

“Beauty lay not in the thing, but in what the thing symbolized.”

Of the many works of great literature, there are few that touch us at our very core like the story of Tess Durbeyfield.  Though a creation of the English author, Thomas Hardy, Tess in many ways symbolizes the hardships, trials, and unjustness of life as a member of the agricultural class in Victorian England.  She is also Hardy's way of railing against the social mores of his time, especially in regards to women.  But for the reader, Tess is a real a person as you will find and our hearts go out to the beautiful, strong, and loving young woman whose life is stolen from her one unjust action at a time. 

The Plot:

John Durbeyfield is a simple peasant content with his life, until the local parson informs him that he is descended from the ancient landed family of the d'Urbervilles (long extinct).  After the unlucky death of the family horse, his wife convinces their oldest daughter, Tess, to go "claim kin" from a wealthy widow named d'Urberville, who they (mistakenly) believe to be their distant cousin.  At the house, Tess is met by Mrs. d'Urberville's son, Alec.  He is obviously taken by Tess' simple beauty, but she feels uncomfortable with his attentions.  After getting Tess a job at his home, Alec takes advantage of the situation and rapes her on her way home from an evening gathering.

Tess leaves the d'Urbervilles, but unfortunately she cannot escape the consequences of Alec's actions.  After the death of the her child, Tess leaves her home for a job at a dairy in another part of the county where her past is unknown.  Here she meets Angel Clare, the son of a well-off parson who is training for life as gentleman farmer.  He is instantly taken by Tess and she falls in love with him in return.  But as his feelings deepen, she worries that her past may drive them apart.  She must decide whether to follow her mother's advice and keep her secret, or to pour her heart out to the man she loves.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

Though I was familiar with this story, I had never read the book.  I knew Hardy's reputation of writing novels with rather depressing storylines, but nothing prepared me for how this one would pull at my heartstrings.  From the first moment, we are drawn to the lovely (and loving) Tess who continuously suffers from the actions of others. 

While there are many themes and symbols contained in Hardy's novel, I will only focus on a couple of them.  The first is the suffering of the agricultural class in Victorian England, which Hardy lends a voice to much as Dickens did to the poorest classes of London.  These are hard working, simple folk whose ways of life are being changed and destroyed by modernity.  They are treated ill by the landed bourgeoisie (like Alec) who reap the benefits of the agricultural society without having to live with it's toil.  They are also idealized by liberal thinkers like Angel, who see the idyllic dream of  country life and not the harsh reality they must suffer.  Like Tess, they are taken advantage of by one group, and blamed by another.

Hardy also uses the story to attack the social mores of the time as well as the sexual double standard.  Perhaps one of the most maddening moments of the novel is Angel's rejection of Tess due to her lost virginity (though he admits it was not her fault) right after he has confessed his own sexual exploits with an older woman.  Society turns a blind eye to the "impurity" of Alec's and Angel's actions and yet ultimately condemns Tess for something she did not ask for.  Hardy's decision to make the subtitle "A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented" raised many Victorian eyebrows.  And yet he is able to make the reader see Tess not as a fallen angel, but as a flesh and blood woman who is trying to live the life fate has dealt her.

There is an almost pagan sense of fate at play in this story.  So many times things could have happened differently, but they didn't.  Hardy blames Tess' demise on fate and intimates that she (and we) are nothing but amusements for the gods who play with us for their own sport.  The highlighting of Stonehenge, the May Day dance, and traditional folklore/omens also add to the Saxon feel of the novel.

There is a reason this book should still be read today.  Hardy created a character that is as real as anything and who fills us with pity for her circumstances and admiration for her strength.  Hopefully, it allows us to see the Tesses of our own time and to not be so quick to condemn them.  This is a must read for everyone.

The Movie:

Adaptations of this story have been made almost since the book first came out.  I have seen two of them.  One is the 1998 television version starring Justine Waddell, Jason Flemyng, and Oliver Milburn.  It was a decent adaptation, though I felt that it was perhaps too sympathetic with the male characters, especially Alec.  It also missed the opportunity to dramatize some of the best scenes from the book like Tess and Alec's scene at the d'Urberville vault or the landlady seeing the bloodstain on the ceiling.

The other is the 2009 Masterpiece Theatre version starring Gemma Arterton, Hans Matheron, and Eddie Redmayne.  I really enjoyed this version.  See my review here.     

 

And Then There Were None

“But no artist, I now realize, can be satisfied with art alone. There is a natural craving for recognition which cannot be gain-said.” 

There is perhaps no mystery author as beloved and admired as the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie.  She wrote 66 mystery novels in her career, with many memorable plots, characters, and endings.  But for many people, her 1939 novel And Then There Were None is her masterpiece.  It's unfathomable mystery and shocking end have made it not only the best-selling mystery novel of all time, but also one of the top selling of all books.

The Plot:

Ten people have arrived at a private island on the coast of Devonshire.  Some have been invited as guests, others as employees, of the owners.  But none have ever met them.  Upon arrival, they find that their hosts/employers have not yet arrived.  Though the house is a modern mansion, they notice odd little things like a framed "Ten Little Indians" poem on each bedroom wall and corresponding Indian figurines on the dining room table.  After dinner, the butler plays a record (per written instructions) that accuses each person of having committed murder but evaded justice.  All are shocked and dismayed, but insist they are innocent.

Then the deaths begin.  One by one, guests are being killed in ways to reflect the deaths in the bedroom poem.  The others search the island for the killer, but soon realize that he/she must be among them.  As the murders continue, each survivor struggles to decide who they can and cannot trust.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

Though I am familiar with many of Agatha Christie's stories, this is only the second book I have read.  Unlike The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, this particular novel does not involve a specific detective.

This mystery is fast paced and very intriguing.  From the first moment we are asking questions, and they don't stop anytime soon.  Who are the owners of the island?  What is their purpose in bringing the guests to the island?  Are the guests really guilty of murder? Who is doing the killing?  Christie sucks us in from the very beginning and never lets up.  The growing panic and confusion among the guests transfers to the reader creating a rather intense reading experience.  It is the smart reader indeed who can explain the mystery before Christie's big reveal.

I thought the use of the poem in the murders was clever, and in some ways increased the tension as you waited for the next inevitable murder.  Of course, this also decreases the suspense somewhat as we know how many people are supposed to die as well as the way they die.  I also felt that the explanation, while clever (and similar to the surprise of Ackroyd), was also rather convenient in some places.  There just didn't seem to be enough time for the killer to complete some of these murders without being caught.  But though these thoughts were in the back of my mind, it didn't diminish my enjoyment of the novel.

It is clear that nobody writes crime like Agatha Christie.  Her storytelling is tight, her plots are brilliant, and her endings are surprising.  If you have never tried a Christie novel, And Then There Were None is a great place to start.  It is no wonder that it remains popular with readers the world over.

The Movie:  

  

There is a 1945 adaptation starring Walter Huston, C. Aubrey Smith, and Judith Anderson.  I haven't seen it, but I love these actors and will definitely try to see it soon.    

Fahrenheit 451

“There must be something in books, something we can’t imagine, to make a woman stay in a burning house; there must be something there. You don’t stay for nothing.”

In 1951, Ray Bradbury sat in the basement of UCLA's Powell Library typing what would become his most famous work on a rented typewriter.  In the age of McCarthyism,  Bradbury set out to warn the world what would happen if society allowed censorship to rule the day and the loneliness that would be found in a world without books.  Over 50 years later, his warnings are just as important as our own world begins to look increasingly like the one of his creation.

The Plot:

Guy Montag is a fireman at an unspecified time in the future.  Unlike the firemen of the past, their job is to set fires, not put them out.  Books have been banned, and anyone who is found to have them has their house and belongings destroyed by the firemen.  Things have been this way for as long as he can remember, so Guy doesn't question them.  That is, until he meets a young woman named Clarisse, whose free thinking ideals and free spirit cause him to see things differently.  And so begins the un-ravelling of his world as he begins to question everything he has ever believed, and wonders what exactly is inside those books that makes them so dangerous to so some, and so important to others.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

This is one of the books that I have meant to read for a long time and just never got around to.  It is ranked among the top of dystopian novels along with Brave New World and 1984.  In many ways, I found the book to mean more in today's times than it might have 50 years ago.

Censorship is the main issue that Bradbury tackles in this novella.  We have a society that has banned all books in an effort to "protect" people, but what I find fascinating is that unlike other dystopian novels and examples in history, this change has come from society itself and not from the government in charge of it.  Books were banned little by little because different groups found "offensive" material in them.  In effect, political correctness led to the end of books because people could always find something offensive in them.  Sounds a lot like the times we live in.  Our society's answer to everything we find offensive is not to argue against it with sound logic, or even just ignore it, but rather to ban it all together.

You can also see glimpses of our society in other areas.  Like the citizens of the novel, we have begun to live vicariously through other mediums.  We trade personal interaction for time in front of our TVs.  We have friends over, not to talk to and learn from each other, but to watch other people's lives unfold on the screen.  A great example of this is how Mildred can't remember how she and Guy met, but she refers to the people on her TV as family.  Our real life experiences somehow feel less real than the things that happen in media.

The only real problem I had with this book was that it was so short.  I felt like there were so many themes and issues that could have been fleshed out more than they were.  I guess this is because Bradbury had to rent his typewriter, but still everything seems to happen almost too fast.  Guy goes from having no clue about what is in books to an enraged passion for them in what seems like a couple of days.  

Besides that quibble, this is certainly a book that should continue to be read.  Bradbury's imaginary future is eerily similar to our world, and it is important to head the warnings found here or our fate might be worse than the one at the end.  If you haven't read this one, you really should.

The Movie:

In 1966, a film adaptation was made starring Julie Chritie and Oskar Werner.  I have not seen it, but Bradbury was pleased with it.             

Joy in the Morning

“It was one of those cases where you approve the broad, general principle of an idea but can't help being in a bit of a twitter at the prospect of putting it into practical effect. I explained this to Jeeves, and he said much the same thing had bothered Hamlet.”

When it comes to writing humor, there are few who do it as well as P. G. Wodehouse.  With a career spanning seven decades, Wodehouse would create a huge body of work containing everything from short stories to plays to novels to song lyrics.  But out of all these he his best remembered for his creations of Bertie Wooster, a foppish and foolish English gentleman, and his reserved and extremely intelligent valet, Jeeves.  Where Bertie Wooster goes, chaos and trouble are sure to follow and it is up to Jeeves to get him and his friends out of many a scrape.

The Plot:

Steeple Bumpleigh may seem a very idyllic and peaceful English village, but Bertie Wooster knows otherwise.  As the home of his overbearing Aunt Agatha, her crabby husband Lord Worplesdon, and his daughter, Florence (whom Bertie narrowly avoided marrying), it is a place that Bertie avoids at all costs.  But when Lord Worplesdon finds himself needing Jeeve's expertise in planning the execution of a delicate business matter, Bertie is forced to make the trip down from London with him.  As he expected, it is non-stop chaos as he tries to avoid becoming engaged to Florence again, being thrown in jail by her on/off fiance Stilton, and being terrorized by her brother Edwin.  As always, Jeeves is forced to take the situation in hand and create a happy ending for everyone.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

I have long been a fan of Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster stories.  The stories are so funny, the situations so absurd, and the characters so memorable.  Though I have listened to audiobook versions of many different stories, this is the first Wodehouse novel that I have actually read. 

This is a classic Jeeves novel, pure and simple.  All of the great elements are there.  It does take place about midway through the series, so it is probably not the best one to start with.  But if you are already familiar with these stories you will find this one just as delightful.  I love how we get to see everything through the eyes of Bertie.  This poor guy hardly does anything and yet he always finds himself in the most ridiculous of situations.  And it is always great to see a story involving Aunt Agatha who "crushes broken bottles with her teeth and conducts human sacrifice by the light of the full moon".  Even though she doesn't actually appear in most of the book, her presence still hovers causing terror in the hearts of many characters.

Though I wouldn't say this is THE funniest Jeeves/Wooster story, it certainly is a solid one.  I often found myself laughing out loud at the goings on.  Like when Edwin accidentally blows up the cottage.  Or when Boko "arrests" the American businessman.  Or when Bertie discovers Lord Worplesdon locked up in the garage.  Plus, there are all of the classic slang terms and metaphors.  I love it when great works of literature (like Shakespeare) make sneak appearances, giving this crazy novel a somewhat highbrow air.

If you have never read any of these stories, do yourself a favor and pick one up.  They are all so bubbly, witty, and just pure fun.  I can't recommend them highly enough.

The Movie:

My favorite adaptation of these stories is the 1990-1993 Grenada TV series starring Hugh Laurie and Stephen Frye.  An adaptation of this particular story can bee seen in Series 4 Episode 2 entitled "The Once and Future Ex". 

    

Scaramouche

“He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad.” 

Italian/British author Rafael Sabatini did not come by success as a writer easily.  For almost of a quarter of a century he wrote short stories and novels that garnered little fame.  But in 1921, his story of a brash, young man bent on revenge in the stormy period just before the French Revolution catapulted him to instant fame.  He became an international best-seller and would maintain a steady popularity in the decades that followed.

The Plot:

Andre-Louis Moreau is a young man of uncertain origin.  He lives with his godfather, a minor noble, who has had him educated as a lawyer and refuses to reveal his true parentage.  Though Andre-Louis is himself a cynic and not interested in revolutionary politics, he is still friends with many young men who seek to change the world they live in.  When one of them, the idealistic Phillipe de Vilmorin, denounces the Marquis de la Tour d'Azyr for unfair treatment of  peasant, the Marquis draws the young man into a duel and then kills him (knowing all along that Phillipe did not have any sword skills).  Andre-Louis is brokenhearted and swears that he will avenge Phillipe by using his own talents to further the revolutionary cause.

 After whipping up political crowds in two local cities, Andre-Louis finds himself on the wrong side of the law.  He ends up hiding in plain sight, first with a small group of actors (where he takes on the role of the roguish buffoon, Scaramouche) and then as a sword master in Paris.  All the while, he harbors his hatred for the Marquis de la Tour d'Azyr and vows to obtain the ultimate revenge on him.  But when the secret of his life is finally revealed, will Andre-Louis change his mind?

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

Except for maybe Robert Louis Stevenson, there is no one who writes a swashbuckling adventure novel like Rafael Sabatini.  I absolutely loved his novel Captain Blood and was eager to read this earlier novel that is set in the tumultuous period of the French Revolution.

There are quite a few similarities between Scaramouche and Sabatini's later novel.  In Andre-Louis, we have a man who in uniterested in the political turmoil until a grave injustice forces him to take sides.  He is a very talented man who throws himself passionately into whatever he finds himself doing in the moment.  When he joins the acting company, he soon takes charge and takes them to new heights in their profession.  When he becomes apprentice to a sword master, it isn't long until he becomes the teacher's equal in proficiency.  And yet, for all of his passion there is a bitterness and cynicism that continues to lurk deep inside.  This is also another wonderful example of Sabatini's talent in writing historical fiction.  Many real historical people are mentioned or make an appearance and Sabatini expertly crafts a story that falls into directly into place with historical fact.

But as many similarities as there were between Scaramouche and my first Sabatini novel, it didn't fully measure up to Captain Blood.  That novel was one rollicking adventure after another, with many humorous moments and edge of your seat feelings.  This one had a slower pace and did not offer as many unforgettable moments.  I also didn't warm up to Andre-Louis as much as I did Peter Blood.  His sarcasm and wit had a much harsher and more cynical tone, and his romance with Aline didn't seem as developed s that between Peter & Arabella.  Having said that, I might have enjoyed Scaramouche more if I had read it first and was not constantly comparing it to the other story.

No matter my personal preference, Scaramouche proves that Sabatini is a master both of swashbucklers and historical fiction.  If you ever find yourself in need of a story with characters you can root for, plots that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and brushes with some of history's gretest moments, then you could do worse than to pull a Sabatini novel off the shelf.  I will definitely be reading more of his works.

The Movie:

There are two movie versions of this book.  One is a 1923 silent version starring Ramon Novarro.  The other is a 1952 remake starring Stewart Granger, Elanor Parker, Janet Leigh, and Mel Ferrer.  I have not seen this version yet, but it is on my "to-watch" list.                 

The Woman in White

“Any woman who is sure of her own wits, is a match, at any time, for a man who is not sure of his own temper.” 

In 1859, Charles Dickens' magazine All the Year Round began publishing a serialized story that would grip the imagination of the country.  Though some critics dismissed it, readers devoured it, and even Prince Albert himself loved it so much that he gave copies out as gifts.  It became an instant hit and would go on to be the first (and most would say, best) of the "sensation fiction" genre.  Even 150 year later, Wilkie Collins captures the imagination with his masterful storytelling.

The Plot:

Walter Hartright is a young art teacher living in London.  While walking out late one night, he meets a mysterious young woman dressed completely in white who seems to be in great distress.  He helps her on her way, but soon afterwards learns that she has escaped from an asylum.  Soon after, he accepts a position as drawing master to one Mr. Fairlie's niece, Laura Fairlie, and her half-sister, Marian Halcombe.  Both Laura and Marian immediately take to Mr. Hartright, and he soon finds himself falling for gentle and beautiful Laura.  Marian eventually learns of this (as well as Laura's growing love for him) and informs him that the whole thing is impossible as Laura is engaged to be married to the man her late father chose for her,  Sir Percival Glyde.  Mr. Hartright leaves and determines to forget her.

Laura also tries to move on and be happy with Sir Percival, but things begin to go horribly wrong.  Sir Percival reveals himself to be far from the kind and decent man he had appeared, and the arrival of his mysterious friend Count Fosco only heightens the tension.  As things come to a head, Marian seeks to protect her sister, but is herself caught up in the mystery that surrounds Sir Percival.  Will they ever discover his secret?  And what does it all have to do with the ghostly woman in white?   

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

Having already read (and loved) Collins' The Moonstone, I was more than ready to tackle his other famous work.  Not to mention, it was also highly recommended by many of my friends.  So did it live up to the hype?  Absolutely.

The wonderful thing about Collins is his ability to tell a story.  Though the novel drags a bit in the beginning, once the mystery gets started you simply can't put it down.  Using multiple narrators, Collins manages to keep the story going without giving anything away.  And though there are plot points that seem very familiar now that we are 150 years away, the overall tone of the book remains very sensational and Gothic.  You can't help but get caught up in the fate of the characters.  So often I would find myself almost having a panic attack as the danger for the hero/heroines increased.  I would almost scream "Look behind you!" or "Don't post that letter!" or "He's watching you!".  It was almost like watching a horror movie at times.  It was all deliciously suspenseful and very well-done by Collins.

What I didn't expect from this novel was how much Collins champions the rights of women.  It almost seems like the greatest Victorian feminist novel was written by a man!  Most of the problems the two heroines face is due to the fact that women have no real legal rights.  Laura's selfish and indolent uncle takes no measure to provide for the security of her fortune.  This leaves her vulnerable to men like Sir Percival and Count Fosco.  Collins also does a fantastic job of creating a real flesh and blood woman in the form of Marian Halcombe.  Though Laura is the traditional Victorian beauty and a catalyst for the story, Marian is the real heroine.  She has confidence in herself, knows how to use her wits, and is willing to do anything to protect those she loves.  It is no wonder that by the end of the novel she has gained the admiration of all those around her, even her enemy.

This is a must read for anyone who loves Victorian novels or a great crime/mystery story.  Collin's storytelling is top notch and his characters are some that you will not soon forget.  Do yourself a favor and add this classic to your "TBR" pile.  You won't regret it!

The Movie:

This story has been adapted into a few films/miniseries.  The first is the 1948 version starring Gig Young, Eleanor Parker, Alexis Smith, and Sydney Greenstreet.  

The other is the 1997 BBC miniseries starring Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead), Tara Fitzgerald, Justine Waddell, and James Wilby.  Unlike most BBC miniseries, this one didn't really do the book justice.   See it if you want, but it is no substitute for the original.                  

The Great Gatsby

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past

If the only book that F. Scott Fitzgerald had ever written was The Great Gatsby, he would still be one of America's most famous novelist.  It is undoubtedly his magnum opus and is consistently ranked among the greatest works of American literature.  In many ways it captures a moment in time, and in others it is a mirror reflecting not only its own generation, but that of every generation before and since.

The Plot:

It is the summer of 1922 and our narrator, Nick Carraway, has left his Midwestern hometown for a job in New York City.  He rents a house on Long Island, across the bay from his cousin Daisy Buchanan and her husband, Tom.  It isn't long before he his pulled into their glittering world.  Tom even introduces him to his mistress, Myrtle, and he is at once shocked and intrigued by their lifestyle.  But even more intriguing is his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby.  Gatsby's name is on everyone's lips, and his mansion is the home of some large and boisterous parties.  No one really knows anything about Gatsby himself, but his parties are the place to be for New York society.

One day, Nick is informed that Gatsby and Daisy had a past romantic encounter, but she married Tom while Gatsby was off to war.  Gatsby asks Nick to orchestrate a meeting between himself and Daisy.  Nick agrees, and this meeting would begin a course of events that would ultimately shatter the worlds of each of the characters.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

I am probably one of the few people who did not read this book in high school.  Though I was, of course, familiar with the title and it's place in American literature, I knew very little about the plot and point of the book.  But with the recent release of Baz Luhrman's new film adaptation, I figured it was a good time to become fully acquainted with this classic.

While I'm not prepared to call this the greatest work of American literature (it didn't really beat To Kill a Mockingbird in my mind), it certainly deserves it's ranking near the top.  Fitzgerald's writing is simply incredible.  There are so many quotes that jump out and grab you; moments and thoughts that are beautifully captured in words.  Phrases like "Her voice is full of money..." and "So we drove on toward death through the cooling twilight." just make you stop in your tracks.  His words can't just be breezed through.  They have to be savored and mulled over.  Half the beauty of this book is found in the sentences that Fitzgerald created.

The other half is found in the intense symbolism found here.  There is lots of it and no way I can talk about all of it in this one review.  While much of the symbolism continues to speak to our modern world (like the elusiveness of the American Dream), ultimately this story encapsulates the world of the Roaring 20s.  Like Gatsby, much of the world had an almost innocent quality until the early part of 20th century.  After spending the years of World War I fighting, serving, and dying, we wanted to re-claim that innocence.  We partied, drank, and spent money lavishly in order to recapture that carefree and happy lifestyle of years gone by.  But the death and destruction had changed us forever.  No matter how much we loved, drank, or spent there was just no going back.

Ultimately, there is nothing that I can say in this review that hasn't been said before.  If you'd like to see an insightful (and funny) review, check out John Green's.  Though it isn't necessarily a book that you will "connect with" or love, it is a book that must be read.  It certainly deserves it's place among the great works of American literature.

The Movie:

There are two main film versions of this film.  The first is the 1974 adaptation starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow.  I have not seen this version, but I know many people who really like it.  Many also consider it to be the definitive version.

The other is this year's adaptation starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Tobey Maguire.  This film got a lot of mixed reviews, but I actually liked it.  Was it flashy and over the top?  Sure, but isn't that exactly the kind of world Fitzgerald is describing?  I thought that DiCaprio's portrayal of the beautiful, hopeful Gatsby was wonderful and (like the story) achingly beautiful.  Mulligan also turned in a fantastic performance as the spoiled yet emotionally damaged Daisy.  As far as the modern soundtrack, I though that was a bold decision that helped connect the story with our own time.  If you are a diehard fan of the book, I'm sure you can find all kinds of little things that didn't seem to fit.  But to this first time reader, it brought all of the color, drama, and heartache of the book to life in a very vivid way.  Halfway through I was already dreading the end that I knew was coming.  I think it is definitely worth seeing.         

Possession

There are things that happen and leave no discernible trace, are not spoken or written of, though it would be very wrong to say that subsequent events go on indifferently, all the same, as though such things had never been.

Ever since it's publication in 1990, A. S. Byatt's novel Possession has garnerd much acclaim.  It received the Booker Prize, and was included on TIME Magazine's "TIME 100 Best English-language Novels from 1923-2005" list.  Part historical fiction, part contemporary novel, it explores the worlds of Victorian literature, academic research, and relations between men and women.

The Plot:

Roland Mitchell is an obscure scholar studying the writings and life of the manly Victorian nature poet Randolph Henry Ash.  A chance discovery in the London Library puts Roland on the scent of a possible relationship between Ash and another Victorian poet, the reclusive feminist Christabel LaMotte.  Needing more information on LaMotte, Roland looks up Maud Bailey, a descendent of LaMotte's niece and a scholar of her works.

Though Maud is initially resistant to Roland's theories surrounding a possible romance between the two poets, she finds herself drawn deeper into the mystery with him.  Their search takes them from the heart of the English countryside to the wild shores of Brittney.  It isn't long before other academics begin to sense that an earth-shattering discovery is about to be made and soon the race is on to discover the truth and claim a piece of history for their own.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

I discovered this novel after seeing the film version.  I found the story intriguing and wanted to find out more about the original.  The story remains intriguing in the book, but of course the depth is much greater and Byatt explores many different themes.

As the title suggests, the main theme surrounding this story is the idea of possession.  Roland and Maud's whole search is based on them possessing the knowledge of Ash and LaMotte's relationship, and yet they themselves are possessed by the search itself.  The relations between lovers become complicated as each one tries to fully possess the other.  And the various academics are most concerned with who will end up possessing the various documents relating to this discovery.  The depth to which Byatt plays on this theme is incredible.  It becomes obvious almost from the beginning that she is a very intelligent writer.  Not only does she have to create the two parallel stories of Roland/Maud and Ash/LaMotte, but she is also responsible for the dozens of Victorian-style poems found throughout the novel.  Her understanding of modern academia is also an incredible thing to read.

And yet for me, it was this very intelligence that became my downfall.  To truly appreciate this novel, I think you have to possess a Ph. D. in either Victorian poetry or creative writing.  There are entire chapters consisting of nothing but poems in the high Victorian style.  And while it is important to read them so that you can fully grasp the meaning of later chapters, it is quite a chore.  On top of that you have academics having long discussions about the poetry, long discussions about sexuality and feminism, and long discussions about the academic world itself.  I often found myself bogged down in topics that I had no real interest in with no desire except to just get back to the story.  On the surface it was something I should have loved, but it had such a heavy tone that it times it nearly overwhelmed me.

There are plenty of people who love this novel and it is REALLY well written, so I am in no way trying to discourage you from reading this.  Just be prepared for a very intellectual novel with lots and lots of poetry.  Not a horrible book, just not entirely my cup of tea.  Maybe one day when I'm smarter I'll find time to give it another try.

The Movie:

The 2002 film version stars Aaron Eckhart as Roland, Gwyneth Paltrow as Maud, Jeremy Northam as Ash, and Jennifer Ehle as LaMotte.  Obviously it is a very simplified version of the book with much of the focus staying on the various romances and the thrill of the search.  I enjoyed the film, especially the parts involving Ash and LaMotte.

Trivia: This film reunites Paltrow and Northam who previously starred together in the film adaptation of Emma.  May I say it was also interesting to see Mr. Knightley (Northam) get it on with Elizabeth Bennet (Ehle).  

The Prisoner of Zenda

“For my part, if a man must needs be a knave I would have him a debonair knave... It makes your sin no worse as I conceive, to do it à la mode and stylishly.” 

In 1894, British author Anthony Hope published a slim adventure novel that would become an instant success and define a literary genre for decades to come.  The Prisoner of Zenda would set the type of the Ruritanian romance, stories set in a fictional country (usually in Eastern Europe) revolving around the aristocracy and devoted to such themes as honor, loyalty, and love.  Praised by such authors as Robert Louis Stevenson, Hope's novel remains well-known to this day and is considered by many to be a minor classic of English literature. 

The Plot:

Rudolf Rassendyll is a somewhat idle young man who is a member of English nobility.  After being chastised for his laziness by his sister-in-law, Rudolf decides to visit the Ruritania, a small country in Eastern Europe whose royal family is illegitimately linked to his own.  He arrives on the eve of the coronation of the new king (also named Rudolf), and chances to meet the royal while walking in the woods.  The resemblance between the two is uncanny and even the king's own advisers initially mistake Rassendyll for the king.  

That night, the king is treacherously kidnapped and imprisoned by his half brother, Prince Michael, in an attempt to stop the coronation and have himself crowned instead.  The king's attendants convince Rassendyll to impersonate the king and be crowned in his place.  Various complications occur as Rassendyll attempts to rule the land, rescue the king, and woo the beautiful Princess Flavia.  Rassendyll soon finds himself tempted to retain the power that has been thrust upon him, and must summon all of his honor and courage to save the country.

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

I love a good swashbuckler.  Whether it is a flight through the heather like in Stevenson's Kidnapped or sailing the high seas with pirates as in Sabatini's Captain Blood, there is nothing to get your heart racing like a well told adventure story. 

And that is exactly what The Prisoner of Zenda is.  All of the classic elements of a swashbuckler are here.  Our hero at first seems to be a calm, quiet man who doesn't get involved in anything too strenuous.  But when he finds himself put to the test, he more than rises to the occasion with his wit, talent, intelligence, and honor.  Our villain (not really Prince Michael in this case so much as his right hand man Count Rupert of Hentzau) is cunning and ruthless with a dash of charm.  And the romance between our hero and Princess Flavia is passionate and honorable (though doomed, unfortunately).  It is no wonder that lovers of adventure find this to be a satisfying read.

But while it is classic and satisfying, it doesn't quite reach the heights of the novels mentioned above.  It is a very simple story that isn't given as much length or development as some other novels of it's kind.  Our characters don't have quite the depth to really make them leap off of the page.  Princess Flavia is one in particular that could have been a really outstanding heroine with a bit more polish and depth.  It is still a very enjoyable novel, just don't expect it to be as amazing as the works of Stevenson.

For those times when you need to lay down your heavy literature and set off on an adventure, you could certainly do worse than The Prisoner of Zenda.  It is a fun novel that certainly deserves it place on the list of novels everyone must read.  I suggest this one as a read aloud for the whole family that will help teach them about how doing what is right is more important that fulfilling your own desires.

The Movie:

This is one of those stories that was meant for the screen.  There have been numerous adaptations over the years, but two in particular stand out.  The first is considered by many to be the most definitive.  Released in 1937, it stars Ronald Colman, Madeleine Carroll, David Niven, and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. 

The 1952 version is almost exactly the same shot for shot.  It stars Stewart Granger, Deborah Kerr, Jane Greer, and James Mason.  Either one is an excellent way to enjoy this classic story on your TV.            

Oliver Twist

Bleak, dark, and piercing cold, it was a night for the well-housed and fed to draw round the bright fire, and thank God they were at home; and for the homeless starving wretch to lay him down and die. Many hunger-worn outcasts close their eyes in our bare streets at such times, who, let their crimes have been what they may, can hardly open them in a more bitter world.

It is 1837 and Charles Dickens has catapulted to stardom in his native Britain. The public has fallen head over heels for his collection of adventures known as the Pickwick Papers. They love the humorous stories and can't wait to get more laughter out of Mr. Dickens' newest creation. But they are shocked to find that this new story is not a comedy. It is rather a story of crime, poverty, scandal, treachery, heartache, and blame. Instead of telling stories that will make the British reading public smile, Dickens instead holds a mirror to their face and shows them the blemishes that lurk on the countenance of the nation. In doing so, he sets the tone for the rest of his life's work and creates a legacy that remains with us today.

The Plot:

On a cold and stormy night, a baby boy is born in the Mudfog workhouse without a father, without a name, and very soon without a mother. The parish beadle gives him the name of Oliver Twist and his early years are spent in the squalor of the local "baby farm". Nine years later, he dares to ask for more food from the workhouse and is immediately sent out to live with the undertaker as an apprentice. Life is not much better for Oliver here and it isn't long before he decides to run away and seek his fortune in the grand city of London.

On the road, he meets young Jack "Artful Dodger" Dawkins, a street-smart lad who takes Oliver under his wing. He takes young Oliver to Fagin, leader of a criminal gang of pickpockets, prostitutes, and housebreakers. Fagin gives the boy dinner and a bed for the night and promises to train him to "work" with the gang. On his first "job", Oliver is horrified to discover what the Artful Dodger's true profession is and in trying to stop a robbery finds himself arrested. He is later released into the company of kind Mr. Brownlow who takes him home and cares for him. Unfortunately, Oliver's happiness is short lived when members of the gang find him and kidnap him. Will poor Oliver ever be able to truly escape the clutches of Fagin and his band of thieves?

My Review (Caution-Spoilers):

This is my ninth Dickens novel and it never ceases to amaze me just how wonderful a writer he was. Though I was pretty familiar with the story and the characters, Dickens' writing made it all seem fresh and new.

This is an early example of a social novel, not just from Dickens, but in English literature itself. It is clear from the get-go that Dickens has something to say to his audience. More than anything, it is a cry against the Poor Law of 1834 which led to horrible conditions in "workhouses" across the country. The conditions created by the laws led young people like Oliver to be trapped in a world which led to either crime, prison, or death. The middle and upper classes of English society were almost blind to the abject poverty that many of their fellow citizens lived in, and Dickens was determined to change this. He shows life in the slums as it really was: filthy, dark, decrepit, and dangerous. Back alleys filled with thieves and murderers, entire streets where the houses are in a state of ruin, and people who meet death in the filthiest conditions imaginable. Through the characters like Rose Maylie and Mr. Brownlow, Dickens encourages his readers to look beyond themselves and extend a kindness, even a small one, to those who are forced to live in the worst of circumstances.

There is an inconsistency in this work that probably says more about Dickens' times than anything else. Through all of the hell that Oliver is forced to live through, he never succumbs to the darkness and evil that surrounds him. His kind, gentle nature leads him to do the right thing in every situation he finds himself in. But Oliver's past reveals that he is of a higher birth than many, and thus is incapable of falling into crime. This does not do a lot for Dickens' message and in a way seems to make the case that one's birth is the sole determent of one's character. And yet, in the same story we have Nancy. Born into the same poverty and led into the same life of sin, Nancy still has a kindness and strength that sets her apart from the other thieves. She pleads her case to Rose and tells her that it is only circumstances and kindness that have set their lives on the completely different paths. In Nancy, we have an example of a strong character that shines forth despite its dark surroundings.

Oliver Twist cemented Dickens' fame as a writer and even today it is probably his best known work (with the possible exception of A Christmas Carol). It is much shorter and less intricate than his later novels which makes it great for those just starting out with his stories. If you are wanting to try your hand at this master of English literature but aren't sure where to start, I highly recommend that you give this one a try.

The Movie:

There are many versions of this story that have made it to the screen. From the 1948 version starring Alec Guinness to the 2005 version directed by Roman Polanski, Oliver's story has been made famous many times over. I have seen two versions.

The first is the 1968 Academy Award winner starring Oliver Reed, Shani Wallis, and Ron Moody. This is the musical version and is very good in many ways. My only complaints is that some of the song sequences are WAY too long and it also lacks much of the dark and filthy atmosphere of Dickens' original. Lot's of fun moments though, so check it out if you get the chance.

The other is the 2007 Masterpiece version starring Timothy Spall and Tom Hardy. I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it. See my full review here.

The Way We Live Now

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.

Cry, the Beloved Country

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.

Little Dorrit

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.

Gilead

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.

My Cousin Rachel

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.