Back to the Classics 2015

I had a great time participating in the Back to the Classics challenge in 2014 hosted by Karen at Books and Chocolate.  It was a great way to knock a lot of books off my TBR list.  I also love the sens of community it brings and getting to read the reviews of other bloggers.  I'm signing up for the 2015 challenge, though I will not be reading book from every category like last year.  My goal is to read nine classics (published before 1965), and below are the books I have selected:

20th Century Classic - A Passage to India by E. M. Forster (1924)
19th Century Classic - Daniel Deronda by George Eliot (1876)
Classic by a Woman Author - The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963)
Classic in Translation - Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak (1957)
A Very Long Classic Novel - Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens (800+ pages, 1839)
Classic Novella - My Antonia by Willa Cather (230 pages, 1918)
Classic with a Person's Name in the Title - Therese Raquin by Emile Zola (1867)
Classic Nonfiction - A Moveable Feast by Earnest Hemingway (1964)
Classic Children's Book - At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald (1871)

If you are interested in taking part in this challenge, head on over to Books and Chocolate to sign up.  It's a great way to add some classics to your diet!

Back to the Classics 2014: Round-Up

2014 is drawing to a close and it is time to start looking back over the books I read this year.  The bulk of my reading consisted of classics chosen specifically for the Back to the Classics 2014 challenge hosted by Karen at Books & Chocolate.  I completed all of the categories!  Here is what I read:

Required Categories

20th Century Classic - Joy in the Morning by P. G. Wodehouse

19th Century Classic - Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

Classic by a Woman Author - Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell

Classic in Translation - Eugene Onegin by Alexander Pushkin

Classic About Way - Night by Elie Wiesel

Classic by an Author Who Is New to Me - The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

Optional Categories

American Classic - Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Classic Mystery, Suspense, or Thriller - And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Historical Fiction Classic - Rob Roy by Sir Walter Scott

Classic Adapted to a Movie or TV Series - The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim

Movie Review of Film Based on Book in Category #4 - Enchanted April

This was a fantastic challenge and it certainly helped knock a lot of classics off my TBR list!  I don't know if I will read a book in every category again, but I certainly plan on participating in 2015.  Thanks, Karen for hosting!

Mary Barton

“There is always a pleasure in unravelling a mystery, in catching at the gossamer clue which will guide to certainty.” 

As most people know, the Victorian era was a time of great change in the Western world.  It was a time of invention, of industry, of power, and of great wealth.  It was also a time of social upheaval, of intense poverty, and of class division.  And while our minds might immediately envision the narrow, dirty streets of Dickens' London, another author asked us to turn our eyes to the north and see the squalor, the heartbreak, and the division that was eating away at the heart of England's manufacturing district.

The Plot:

Mary Barton is the only living child of John Barton, a mill worker in Manchester.  Her mother died when Mary was young and her father blames her death on the sudden disappearance of his sister-in-law, Esther.  John is heavily involved in the trades union in Manchester and has become more and more depressed over time as the industry has hit a rough patch and paying jobs are scarce.  Mary takes a job at a dressmakers and to help support herself and her father.  

Mary's long-time friend, Jem Wilson, has loved her for years but is turned down when he proposes.  Mary has her sights set higher and is enjoying the secret admiration of Harry Carson, the son of a prominent mill owner.  But when Harry is murdered and Jem is arrested for it, Mary realizes where her affections truly lie and she sets out to do everything in her power to save the man she loves.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

The first novel by Elizabeth Gaskell that I read was North and South, which I absolutely loved.  I was pretty excited to read this novel, which was her first.  Though this one didn't affect me the way that one did, it is still a solid read.

It's neat to see a female Victorian author take on the issues of social justice and economic inequality as passionately as some of the male authors (like Dickens and Trollope).  Gaskell comes out swinging, showing us the abject squalor that was the reality for so many people of that time.  And while she doesn't blame the mill owners and wealthy for the economic situation that is causing it, she does fault them for refusing to see and help the needy people all around them.  John Barton goes to extremes in his retaliation, but one can imagine the desperation one might be driven to if you watch others live in lavish comfort when your own friends and loved ones are dying.  It was also interesting to see the geographical disconnect between London and Manchester.  Even today, it is easy for those who live in the seat of power to simply turn a blind eye to the needs of those who live further away.

While the social aspect of this story is as solid as that of North and South, the narrative is not.  It is harder to connect to these characters the way we do Margaret Hale and John Thornton.  Mary comes off as rather flighty and seems to have less spirit than Margaret.  And while Jem is a sweet guy, he lacks that quality of strength and passion that John Thornton embodies.  As a whole, the narrative seems less tight and comes off as rather heavy handed at times.

This is certainly a solid read and a must for anyone who loves Gaskell or Victorian lit.  If you are new to Gaskell's works, however, I would suggest you start with North and South.  You'll get the same social message with a better story and stronger characters.      

The Phantom of the Opera

“If I am the phantom, it is because man's hatred has made me so. If I am to be saved it is because your love redeems me.” 

In 1910, French writer Gaston Leroux published a novel that drew from his time covering the Paris Opera as a reporter.  Based on actual historical events at the opera, his story would go on to be the basis for many adaptations.  The story was finally immortalized by the 1986 Andrew Lloyd Webber musical which is the longest running musical in Broadway history.

The Plot:

In the light and glitter of 19th century Paris, the Paris Opera has come under new management.  The managers are told of a phantom who haunts the opera and demands payments, a private box, and other things in exchange for keeping the opera safe from himself.  The new managers scoff at such a notion and begin to ignore the Phantom's wishes one by one.  It isn't long before mysterious things begin to happen in the vast opera house.

One of these is the rapid rise to stardom of a chorus girl named Christine Daae.  She is convinced that her dead father has sent the "Angel of Music" to help teach her as he once promised.  She becomes reacquainted with her childhood friend, Raoul, and tells him of her "angel" expressing both intense fear for it as well as passion.  Raoul is convinced that Christine is being held against her will in the power of an all too real man, and he sets out to discover the true identity of his rival.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

Like most people, I first became aware of this story through the famous musical.  I like many aspects of the musical, though there is an element to Erik's obsession with Christine that is a little too creepy for me.  Still, I knew that many fans liked the book so I thought I would give it a try.

My overall opinion?  I wasn't too impressed.  This is a tricky story and I only see a couple of ways to really make it work.  The first is to read it as a sensation story.  Leroux's original readers would have been familiar with the historical context of the novel, and it obvious the Leroux was playing this up for sensation.  The whole story is played out like a mystery, as the identity and methods of the Phantom are slowly revealed.  You can certainly see the elements of Leroux's other writings which included detective fiction and "locked room" mysteries.  This is all well and good if you are new to the story.  Unfortunately, most of today's readers are not.  There is very little room for discovery and surprise since we already know the Phantom's identity, past, motivations, and his fate.  This takes a lot of the "sensation" out of the story.

The other way to make this work is to fill the story with something other than sensation...something like pity.  The reason the musical connects to so many people is that it does a good job of making you feel a strong amount of pity for the Phantom.  He is turned into this romantic anti-hero who needs only the love of a woman to make him a good man.  The book fails to do this.  Because Leroux is setting up an atmosphere of horror and suspense, he tends to play up the dark side of the Phantom.  Though there are small shots of sympathy here and there, we are never allowed to see things from the Phantom's point of view so it is difficult to see beyond his actions and his ugliness.  

If you are a huge fan of the musical, then you will probably want to read this for more background and context.  For everyone else who may be a casual fan (or not one at all).  I'm not sure I can wholeheartedly recommend it.  It just didn't excite me very much.

The Movie:

I have seen two versions of this story.  One is the 2011 live production of the musical at the Royal Albert Hall starring Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess.  I liked this production and it was nice to have the opportunity to see the actual musical.

The other is the 2004 film version starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum.  I didn't hate it, but it didn't really become a favorite either.  The one decent aspect was Gerard Butler...didn't mind having him sing to me for a couple of hours! 

The Enchanted April

“Now she had taken off her goodness and left it behind her like a heap of rain-sodden clothes, and she only felt joy.” 

It is so easy to get bogged down in our lives.  To wake up one day and realize that we don't like where we are or what we have become because of it.  In her 1922 novel, Elizabeth von Arnim tells the story of four unlikely travel companions who leave their dreary lives behind and find joy, friendship, and love on the shores of Italy.

The Plot:

Lottie Wilkins needs a change.  She isn't sure whether her unhappiness is due to her own timidity, her husband's attitude towards her, or the dreary English weather.  Whatever the reason, once she reads the advertisement for a secluded castle on the Italian coast to let for the month of April, she knows she has to go.  She also notices that a slight acquaintance in her women's club,  Rose Arbuthnot, has seen the advertisement and she impulsively enlists her as a traveling companion.  Before they know it, the two have made the arrangements to rent the castle and have also found two more companions, Mrs. Fisher and Lady Caroline Dester, to help split the costs.

Each woman declares that they simply mean to get away from it all and be alone.  They have little intention of being near each other except at mealtimes, and true friendship certainly seems out of the realm of possibility.  But Italy has other plans.  As the month passes, the atmosphere of San Salvatore works its magic on each woman.  They slowly open up to each other, and in the end find themselves longing for the very things (and people) they were trying so desperately to escape.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

This book has been on my "to read" list for awhile now and it was nice to finally get around to it.  Though it was not all together what I was expecting, it was still a nice little read.

Though at first it seems that all four women are nothing but drab and unhappy women with a great need to escape the dreary English weather, it soon becomes apparent that they are actually lively and unique individuals.  Each woman has shut herself off from her world for different reasons.  Lottie feels that she can't please her husband.  Rose is embarrassed by the way her husband makes a living (writing books about royal sex scandals).  Lady Caroline can't stand being constantly followed around by men struck by her beauty.  And Mrs. Fisher simply won't let go of the past.  But as they spend more time in Italy, and each other's company, they begin to break down the walls they had constructed and allow themselves to be open to each other.  I think we've all at one time or another simply been simply shut away inside ourselves.  Sometimes, we don't even realize we are doing it.  We simply know that our relationships with others aren't very strong and we find no joy or satisfaction in what we should love.  We can't all rent a castle in Italy for a month, but we should stop periodically and evaluate what needs to change in our lives (and ourselves) to allow us to be open with the ones we love.

Though the setting of the book is certainly beautiful (lots of flowers, a spacious castle, ocean views), I was slightly disappointed that the book didn't really allow for Italy to be a character.  The only Italians we meet are the servants and none of the visitors ventured outside of the castle grounds.  I was hoping for something along the lines of A Room With A View and an "Italian flavor" to the story. This story, though charming, could have happened in any beautiful place.

This book certainly has it's charming moments and is a great story of the need for openness in any relationship.  Though I wasn't quite satisfied with the lack of, well, Italy in this novel it is still one that I can recommend.  An easy read with lots of lovely little lines and moments.

The Movie:

I will fully review the 1992 film version of this book in a separate post.    

Eugene Onegin

“My dreams, my dreams! What has become of their sweetness? What indeed has become of my youth?”

When we think of Russian literature, names like Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Gorky, and Solzhenitsyn are the most likely to come to our minds.  But the tradition of modern Russian literature began several decades before the works of these great authors.  It began in the early 19th century with the works of Alexander Pushkin whom many believe to be not only the father of modern Russian literature, but also Russia's greatest poet.  His serialized "novel in verse" Eugene Onegin first appeared in 1825 and it's well loved characters and story would gain immortality as an opera by Tchaikovsky.

The Plot:

Eugene Onegin is a young St. Petersburg socialite who has become bored with his life which consists of nothing but balls and parties.  When he inherits a landed estate from his uncle, Onegin seeks a change by moving to the country.  There he meets his neighbor, a dreamy poet named Vladimir Lensky.  Lensky offers to introduce Onegin to the other area families, including that of his fiancee, Olga Larina.  Olga's sister, the quiet and romantic Tatyana, is immediately taken with Onegin and develops an intense (though rather naive) passion for him.  

When she can no longer suffer in silence, Tatyana openly declares her love to Onegin in the form of a letter.  Onegin coldly crushes her dreams and suggests she learn to control her emotions.  Not long after, Onegin's thoughtlessness leads to a misunderstanding with his friend, Lensky, and the ensuing tragedy will change everyone's life forever.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

I was first introduced to Alexander Pushkin through the Great Courses lecture series on the Classics of Russian Literature that I listened to.  I fell in love with his poetry and the plot of this story intrigued me, so I knew that I would have to read it one day.

This is truly a novel in verse and is about 389 stanzas in length.  It took awhile to get used to the rhythm of the poetry (like a Shakespeare play), but once that is done it flowed very smoothly.  It is also a little slow to start as the narrator spends a lot of time introducing the character of Onegin, discussing Russian society and the differences between country and city life, and reflections on his own muse.  But once the actual story gets going, it is rather enthralling.  In many ways, the poetry allows Pushkin to infuse the story with real emotion.  This is a story whose plot is less driven by action and more driven by the intense emotions of the characters.

The two characters whose emotions chiefly drive the plot are Onegin and Tatyana.  Onegin is consumed with an ennui that affect every aspect of his life.  Though he is included in social gatherings both in St. Petersburg and the countryside, he finds no real pleasure in them.  His pride and selfishness keep him at a distance from people, and make him unable to feel true sympathy with others.  This ultimately leads to the death of his only friend.  To Pushkin, Onegin represents everything that is wrong with Russia's high society.  Tatyana, on the other hand, is everything that Onegin is not.  She possess an inner strength and true compassion for others.  Though quiet, she is consumed with an intense passion.  Her declaration of love to Onegin is powerful, especially for a young woman in the 19th century.  And Pushkin doesn't fault her for this openness, but rather faults Onegin for his cruelty.  Tatyana is the Russia that Pushkin admires.  Unfortunately, society continues its work in the lives of both characters and by the time Onegin expresses his sincere love for Tatyana and remorse for his actions, she has armed herself against feeling and crushes him in return.

The difficulty in effectively translating Pushkin's works into English means that he is not generally well known to Western readers.  This is a real shame because the works I have read have been so full of passion and human emotion.  Though it lacks the epic scope of what we now consider to be real Russian literature, it makes up for that with intense feeling and a fascinating glimpse of early 19th century Russia.  I recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic poetry, or Russian literature in general.

The Movie:

This story was most famously adapted as an opera by Tchaikovsky in 1879 and continues to be performed around the world.  I hope to find a good recording of it and watch it soon.

There is also a 1999 film version called Onegin starring Ralph Fiennes, Liv Tyler, and Toby Stephens.  I thought it was a wonderful adaptation that really captured the emotion of the original.  Worth a watch whether or not you have read it.    

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.     

 

Rob Roy

“Honour is a homicide and a bloodspiller, that gangs about making frays in the street; but Credit is a decent honest man, that sits at hame and makes the pat play.” 

There are few writers who have done as much for Scottish literature as Sir. Walter Scott.  He was widely popular in his own time and remains so to this day with such classics as Ivanhoe, Waverly, and the Lady of the Lake.  In 1815, he published a story of one of Scotland's most legendary characters, Rob Roy MacGregor.  As the Scots were trying to adjust to being under English rule, Scott tried to use this person,  at once beloved and hated, as a symbol for everything that was both good and wrong with Scotland.

The Plot:

Frank Osbaldistone is a young Englishman who has chosen not to follow in his father's footsteps in trade.  In retaliation, his father sends Frank to live with his uncle at the family home of Osbaldistone Hall in Northumberland and offers a lucrative position in the firm to Frank's cousin Rashleigh.  Frank is very much out of his element up north among his uncle and cousins.  He is Protestant and they are Catholic.  He loves to read and write poetry while they are all for manly sports.  He is loyal to King George while they are Jacobites.  But not everything about the Hall is so dismal.  He almost instantly falls for the beautiful and intelligent Diana Vernon who is living at the Hall as the ward of his uncle.  As he is one of the few people whom she can have an intelligent conversation with, she takes a liking to him and warns him that Rashleigh is not a person to be trusted in such an important position as the one he has been offered.

Sure enough, her prediction comes true as Rashleigh absconds with important documents whose loss could bring ruin to Frank's father's firm.  Frank must now travel to Scotland, where Rashleigh has fled, and do what he can to restore the papers to his father.  Along the way, he must accept the help of Rob Roy, the notorious highland chief, cattle dealer, and blackmailer.  He soon discovers that these papers will have an effect, not just on his own family, but on the fate of Scotland itself.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

I first encountered Sir Walter Scott's work when I read Ivanhoe, which I loved.  Though there were some obvious historical inaccuracies in that novel, it was still a great read with an engaging plot and memorable characters.  I decided to try one of his novels set in his native Scotland.

It is pretty obvious to anyone with a basic understanding of Scottish history that Scott was pro-Union.   He does everything he can to show the economical benefits of Scotland's union with England and to downplay the loss of its self-governance.  The Catholics and Jacobites are often spoken of in rather patronizing ways and portrayed as being decent people DESPITE these circumstances rather than because of them.  No matter what your political persuasion on this issue, it is certain that Scott is only really telling half the story.  At the same time, it can be argued that Scott is trying to clear away the romantic mist that pervades so much of Scotland's history.  Too often such characters as Roby Roy are simply the stuff of legend and their true histories never revealed.  Scott attempts to downplay some of the romantic aspects of Rob Roy and instead portrays him as simply a man who is neither 100% good nor 100% bad. 

If there is one thing that Scott can do, it is create some strong and intelligent female characters.  Diana Vernon is downright amazing.  She is smart, beautiful, loyal, and brave.  When Frank first meets her, she is joining the Osbaldistone boys in a fox hunt.  Her hair is down, she is flushed, and clearly enjoying the thrill of the hunt.  She addresses people in a very frank and earnest manner, and almost holds court wherever she is.  She reminds me of an ancient warrior Queen whose followers behold her in reverential awe.  Even though Frank often bemoans her seeming lack of propriety and understanding of what is socially acceptable for a woman, he can't help but admire her.

Though there are interesting and unique aspects to this book, it isn't a perfect read.  It can seem very slow-going and we are over halfway through the novel before we even get to Scotland.  And Frank is a somewhat bland lead character and narrator.  To me, he often came across as snooty and self-satisfied.  There are also aspects of the novel that would probably make more sense if I was Scottish.  Many of the conversations were written in the Scots dialect which could be very hard to understand.  And it is pretty important to have a basic understanding of Rob Roy's background as Scott spends precious little time actually delving into that. 

This was a decent read, and an important one if you are interested in Scotland, the works of Sir Walter Scott, or Scottish literature in general.  Probably not one that I will come back to, but worth the initial reading. 

The Movie:

There is a 1995 film that is supposedly loosely based on this work.  It is also entitled Rob Roy and stars Liam Neeson, Jessica Lange, and Tim Roth.        

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". 

    

Our Mutual Friend

“I have made up my mind that I must have money, Pa. I feel that I can't beg it, borrow it, or steal it; and so I have resolved that I must marry it.” 

Written in 1864-65, Our Mutual Friend would be Charles Dickens' last completed novel.  It was in danger of being incomplete as the manuscript was almost lost in the traumatic Staplehurst rail crash.  Dickens was lucky to escape not only with his life, but also with the manuscript.  Though not considered by critics to be one of Dickens' greatest successes, it remains a favorite with readers.  Once again, Dickens challenges the norms of Victorian society and their obsession with money and material possessions.

The Plot:

  

After building a massive fortune, a mean and cold-hearted miser dies.  In his will, he leaves his fortune to his son, John Harmon, from whom he has been estranged for many years.  John only gets the fortune if he marries a young woman whom he has never met named Bella Wilfer.  But before he can claim his inheritance, he is reported as drowned in the River Thames.  The fortune then falls into the hands of Old Mr. Harmon's faithful servants, Mr. and Mrs. Boffin.

As the chaos of the will, John Harmon's death, and Mr. and Mrs. Boffin's new found wealth begin to swirl around London, many people find themselves caught up in it.  There is spoiled, but pretty Bella Wilfer who has had her hopes of wealth dashed.  There is patient and kind Lizzie Hexham whose father's involvement in the Harmon case places him under a cloud of suspicion.  There is Eugene Wrayburn who finds himself drawn to Lizzie in a way he has never felt before.  There is the scoundrel Silas Wegg who determines to profit by Mr. Boffin's innocence in money matters.  And there is John Rokesmith who takes the position of Mr. Boffin's secretary and loses his heart to Bella.   As the story progresses, long hidden secrets come to light, fortunes rise and fall, and people are revealed be different from what they seem.      

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

This was the next novel in my quest to read all of Dickens' works.  I greatly enjoy his novels and have heard many good things about this one from other readers.  Overall, though I didn't like it as much as some of his other works (Bleak House, Little Dorrit, David Copperfield), I still thought it was a solid read.

One of the most notable aspects of this novel is the symbolism and importance that Dickens gives to water.  Like the courts in Bleak House, or Society in Little Dorrit, the River Thames becomes the silent character in this story, guiding the fates of many people.  Dickens uses it to symbolize rebirth and renewal time and time again.  Many characters face near drowning only to come out of it as new people.  John Harmon leaves behind the life his unloving father dictated for him for a life on his own terms and of his own making.  Eugene Wrayburn leaves behind an indolent (and somewhat selfish) way of life and instead commits himself to a loving and generous wife in the form of Lizzie Hexham.  What I find to be interesting is that Rogue Riderhood, one of the stories' villains, also experiences a near drowning experience.  But unlike the other characters, he remains unchanged after the ordeal.  Not every "baptism" leads to salvation.

As in his other novels, Dickens takes aim at the faults in Victorian society.  In this one, it is mostly the corrupting power of money (and the desire for it).  Though we later find that Bella Wilfer is actually a very sweet girl, her desperate need for money is a dark mark on her character for much of the novel.  We see the wealth often covers some very greedy and false characters as in the Veneerings (how aptly named), the Podsnaps, and the Lammles.  It is the pursuit of wealth that governs the actions of the treacherous Rogue Riderhood and the sneaky Silas Wegg.  Even sweet Mr. Boffin appears to allow his newfound wealth to change him into a miserly and miserable man.  Dickens shows us that the pursuit and gain of material possessions does not make up for the lack of a kind and generous spirit.

While the sprawling plot is decent enough, I find that what this particular book lacks in comparison with Dickens' other works are truly endearing characters.  Though I have become used to underwhelming main characters, there are usually plenty of eccentric side characters to make up for this.  I just didn't feel that with this novel.  I didn't find any characters that I really loved, or hated, or feared.  There was just a bit of blandness that seemed to hover over each one.  I didn't feel like any of them would stick with me for a long time.

While I don't consider it one of my favorite works, it was still worth reading.  Dickens' writing and plot are as spectacular as ever, and the characters are engaging, if just short of endearing.  It is a solid example of his work and one that you should read...after you've read some of his best ones.

The Movie:

There have been three TV serials made from this story.  The first was in 1958 and stars Paul Daneman, Zena Walker, and David McCallum.  Another was done in 1976 and stars Jane Seymour, John McEnery, and Nicholas Jones. 

The last one was done in 1998 and stars Keeley Hawes, Steven Mackintosh, Timothy Spall, and David Morrissey.  I have seen this one and found it to be a solid adaptation.  The plot was handled well, and the cast was excellent.  A worthy companion to the novel. 

Back to the Classics 2014

Though I've watched many other book bloggers take part in various reading challenges, I've never stepped up to the plate and participated in one myself.  But this year, I decided I'd try something new.  I found a couple of challenges that would not only line up with my own plans for the year, but would also help my knock quite a few items off my "to read" list.  The first is the Back to the Classics Challenge hosted by Books and Chocolate.  Since I read so many classics, I figured that I should be able to read the 6 required categories and at least a few of the optional.  Here's what I have decided on:

Required

• 20th Century Classic - Joy in the Morning by P. G. Wodehouse (1946)
• 19th Century Classic - Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy (1891)
• A Classic by a Woman Author - Mary Barton by Elizabeth Gaskell (1848)
• A Classic in Translation - Eugene Onegin by Alexander Pushkin (Russian 1837)
• A Classic About War -Night by Elie Wiesel (1960)
• A Classic by an Author Who is New to Me - The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux (1910)

Optional

• American Classic - Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)
• A Classic Mystery, Suspense, or Thriller - And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (1939)
•  Historical Fiction Classic - Rob Roy by Sir Walter Scott (Set in 1715, published in 1817)
• A Classic That's Been Adapted Into a Movie or TV Series - The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim (1922)
• Movie Review of Film Based on Book in Category #4 - Enchanted April (1992)

If you are interested in joining this challenge, be sure to sign up by March 1.  Let us know what challenges you will be participating in this year!   

The Professor

“In sunshine, in prosperity, the flowers are very well; but how many wet days are there in life—November seasons of disaster, when a man's hearth and home would be cold indeed, without the clear, cheering gleam of intellect.” 

Charlotte, the last of the Bronte children, died in 1855 at the age of 38.  In 1857, her husband took on the task of editing her first novel which had been rejected over and over by publishers.  In many ways, it embodies much of Charlotte's life experiences and serves as a synopsis of the major themes found in her other works.

The Plot:
 The novel is a letter written by William Crimsworth to an old schoolfellow detailing life after his education.  Though his wealthy relatives want him to become a clergyman, William decides to pursue his own course.  His half-brother, Edward, offers him a position as clerk in his mill.  But Edward is extremely jealous of William's eduction and treats him with contempt and and meanness.  It isn't long before their relationship comes to blows and William strikes out on his own.

He decides to travel to Belgium and accepts a position as an English professor at an all-boys boarding school run by M. Pelet.  His abilities soon catch the attention of Mlle. Reuter who runs the all-girls boarding school next door.  While working double duty at both schools, William becomes involved on a personal level, both with Mlle. Reuter and Frances, one of the teachers to whom he is teaching English.  As his situation becomes more complicated, it begins to look like his career itself may be jeopardized.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

 Reading The Professor was pretty bittersweet for me.  I am a huge fan of the Brontes and this was my last novel to read.  I know, of course, that I can re-read them all over again, but this was my last chance to experience one of their novels for the first time. 

Though it was the last novel to be published, it was the first one that Charlotte wrote.  I think what I loved about it the most was that you could see the early workings of her later novels.  The portrayal of modern mill towns and mill owners is given a broader telling in Shirley.  Her experiences as a governess in Belgium gain more detail in Villette.  And in William and Frances' relationship, we see the early workings of what would become Jane and Rochester in Jane Eyre.  In many ways, reading The Professor was like visiting old friends.  It was fascinating to see the early details that would later become the foundation for some of my favorite stories.

Now this is not to say that this is a perfect novel.  It lacks the polish of her later works.  It also has a bit of a self-satisfied and preachy tone that is kind of off putting (similar to the tone her sister Anne used in Agnes Grey).  I wouldn't recommend it as an introduction to the works of the Brontes, it is mainly for die-hard fans.

Though it certainly wasn't the best Bronte novel I've read, I still enjoyed it.  It is a relatively short read, and it serves as a bit of a crash course in the many themes and ideas that Charlotte wrote about.  I recommend this to any fan, and do suggest that you make it one of your later Bronte reads.  It was a great way to cap off my reading of the works of these great literary siblings.  Time to start all over!            

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 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.            

Shirley

“If men could see us as we really are, they would be a little amazed; but the cleverest, the acutest men are often under an illusion about women: they do not read them in a true light: they misapprehend them, both for good and evil: their good woman is a queer thing, half doll, half angel; their bad woman almost always a fiend.” 

After the sweeping success of her first published work, Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte set out to create a completely different type of story.  This was to be a real story, about the struggles of real people.  Amidst the heartache caused by her own family's tragedies, Charlotte joined many other Victorian writers by creating a novel meant to highlight the problems facing their society.  

The Plot:

Set in Yorkshire in 1811-12, Shirley opens with mill owner Robert Moore's delivery of new machinery.  Because of the large debt his mill is in, Moore has had to lay off several workers and this new machinery will only help him lay off more.  His seeming lack of care for the poverty his former workers now find themselves in causes much unrest with many threatening to harm the machinery and Moore himself.  One of the comforts Moore has is his friendship with Caroline Helstone, the orphaned niece of the local parson.  Though he has feelings for her, Moore distances himself from Caroline since she is penniless and he cannot afford to marry solely for love.

The arrival of an independent heiress  to the neighborhood causes quite a stir.  Orphaned and having no brothers, Shirley is now a landowner with many tenants, including Robert Moore, and she runs the business matters on her own.  She and Caroline quickly become friends and Caroline is fascinated by this strong, independent female.  As time passes, Caroline notices a certain preference growing between Robert and Shirley, and she dreads seeing the man she loves married to her best friend.  Tensions between mill owners and workers grow, secrets are revealed, and a new arrival further complicates the love triangle.  There are decisions Shirley must make to bring resolution to this chaotic situation.

My Review (Caution - Spoilers):

Those who have read my blog know that I am a huge fan of the Brontes, especially Charlotte's work.  My quest to read all of their works is slowly drawing to a close and Shirley is my next to last one.  Though it had a bit of popularity in it's original publication, it is no longer as well-known among readers today.  And that is for good reason.

Though you find some basic similarities in subject matter between Shirley and Jane Eyre, that is as close as you come to comparison.  This sweeping social novel is a far cry from the intimate Gothic romance of her earlier work.  Here, Charlotte tries to portray the all too real struggles of the poor in industrial England.  She takes shots at the government, the church, and greedy owners not only for not helping address the issues, but also for creating the problems in the first place.  She also addresses the role of women in society.  Though Shirley is an independent woman who has proven her ability to manage her own affairs, she is still expected to marry and turn over everything to her husband.  She, Caroline, and all the other women are meant only to marry, or to become lonely spinsters and governesses.  I found the use of a traditionally male name for this independent female character to be very intelligent, and it even caused the name to become a predominantly female name.  But though Charlotte was doing battle against many traditional views, readers did not find it as shocking as Jane Eyre.

And therein lies the problem with this novel.  When it comes to great Gothic novels with startling and shocking ideas, nobody does it better than the Brontes.  But Charlotte just wasn't meant for the relatively tame social novel.  The story is fairly boring, the romances uninteresting, and even the peculiar Shirley cannot really hold our attention.  Part of me thinks that if this story had been told in the first person by Shirley, it might have been more interesting, but our omniscient narrator doesn't really do much except chide society for its faults.  All in all, it fails to meet the same quality of social novels like those by Thackery, Gaskell, and Dickens.

So is this something you should read?  It all depends.  Us Bronte devotees have a bit of an obligation to read it, even if we don't really enjoy it.  For the casual reader, I would suggest sticking to novels like North and South for a better representation of a Victorian social novel.