Sunday, August 21, 2011
Aug. 20, 2011 - The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy
In the historical romance, A Soldier's Wife, Margaret Leroy's vivid depiction of the setting of the island of Guernsey during the second world war evokes all the senses to immerse the reader in a time of uncertainty, sadness, and oppression. Left alone while her husband is at war, Vivienne de la Mare, takes care of her two daughters and aging mother-in-law, attempting to keep them safe while the Germans invade her rustic island. The house next door is seized by the German army but Vivienne discovers that the officers occupying it are not unkind. As Vivienne comes into contact with her neighbours, she develops a relationship with one of the officers. Her own marriage having been unhappy before the war, she finds comfort and solace in the arms of her enemy. This relationship poses a threat to herself, to her family, and to her principles yet it brings her great happiness and for the first time, real love. As the war worsens and the atrocities perpetrated by the Nazis are revealed, Vivienne finds it difficult to trust that her lover is not aware of or involved in the brutality of the regime. In the end, she must make a difficult choice, one that brings her great sadness, and changes the path of her life forever. This is a wonderfully romantic and emotional story that is well worth reading.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Aug. 8, 2010 - Becoming Jane Eyre by Sheila Kohler
A fictional, almost biographical account of Charlotte Brontë's life, this novel begins in the year 1846 with Charlotte in Manchester by her father's bedside as he recovers from eye surgery. As she sits with her father during long, tedious days and nights, she finds the time and inspiration to write her novel, Jane Eyre. The story continues from here to recount the challenges of publishing her work along with her sisters Emily and Anne while caring for their alcoholic, depressed brother Branwell and assisting their blind father. Flashbacks of their past experiences enable the reader to see a connection to their writing and to the characters in their books.
The Brontë sisters led very tragic, short lives but it was difficult in this book to connect entirely with them. Written from a very impersonal, third person point of view, with little dialogue, Charlotte is referred to as "she" and her father as "he", although the author uses the present tense. "Sitting by her blinded, silenced father, she dares to take up her pencil and write for the first time in her own voice. She writes from experience, using what she knows of life, of literature, of love, plunging into the midst of her tale, not wasting the reader's time with lengthy preliminaries."
In the end, when Charlotte dies, I felt little empathy or sadness, so tersely was the ending written, as though just stating a fact. "Within nine months of this wedding day, her father and her husband will stand by her corpse. They will remain shackled together, as her father once was with her aunt. They will bury her in the same church."
Overall, this was an informative novel but lacked the ability to involve the reader in the thoughts and feelings of the characters or their tragic destiny.
The Brontë sisters led very tragic, short lives but it was difficult in this book to connect entirely with them. Written from a very impersonal, third person point of view, with little dialogue, Charlotte is referred to as "she" and her father as "he", although the author uses the present tense. "Sitting by her blinded, silenced father, she dares to take up her pencil and write for the first time in her own voice. She writes from experience, using what she knows of life, of literature, of love, plunging into the midst of her tale, not wasting the reader's time with lengthy preliminaries."
In the end, when Charlotte dies, I felt little empathy or sadness, so tersely was the ending written, as though just stating a fact. "Within nine months of this wedding day, her father and her husband will stand by her corpse. They will remain shackled together, as her father once was with her aunt. They will bury her in the same church."
Overall, this was an informative novel but lacked the ability to involve the reader in the thoughts and feelings of the characters or their tragic destiny.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Aug. 5, 2010 - The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stiegg Larsson
Swedish author Stiegg Larsson's international bestseller The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, published posthumously along with two other books in his Millenium trilogy, has generated much interest and excitement since its release as well as heated negotiations for its film rights. Listed as "crime, mystery, and thriller", the genre is a popular choice for readers and movie enthusiasts alike.
Since I don't like seeing movies that are based on books until I read the book, I reserved all three books at the library. Unfortunately, the second book became available first and so I have had to read the books out of order. This was initially a difficult task as I had no background knowledge about the series. I didn't know the characters, the setting or even the important plot points of the first novel. Also, being set in Sweden, a country that I have very little knowledge about, I found it hard to connect to the names of places, people and events mentioned in the book. Pronunciation was definitely a challenge as Swedish is not a common language of study for most people. Nevertheless, I persevered, finding that the extensive detail of the writing and the careful description of each character as they were introduced, although tedious at times, aided my understanding.
Overall, this was an exciting, fast-paced adventure with many twists and turns and unexpected surprises. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, seems to fit the mold of the classic anti-hero, fighting for justice outside of the regular system, which definitely puts herself and others in life-threatening situations. Each chapter is labelled by date of the events that occur. Within the chapter, the focus changes repeatedly to divulge information about each of the characters and their progress in the investigation. In this way, all of the necessary background information about the case is provided and it is left to the reader to decide how all the different threads will be tied together in the end. The conclusion is fairly predictable but leaves the reader anxious to begin the third novel. I really enjoyed this suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat crime novel!
Since I don't like seeing movies that are based on books until I read the book, I reserved all three books at the library. Unfortunately, the second book became available first and so I have had to read the books out of order. This was initially a difficult task as I had no background knowledge about the series. I didn't know the characters, the setting or even the important plot points of the first novel. Also, being set in Sweden, a country that I have very little knowledge about, I found it hard to connect to the names of places, people and events mentioned in the book. Pronunciation was definitely a challenge as Swedish is not a common language of study for most people. Nevertheless, I persevered, finding that the extensive detail of the writing and the careful description of each character as they were introduced, although tedious at times, aided my understanding.
Overall, this was an exciting, fast-paced adventure with many twists and turns and unexpected surprises. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, seems to fit the mold of the classic anti-hero, fighting for justice outside of the regular system, which definitely puts herself and others in life-threatening situations. Each chapter is labelled by date of the events that occur. Within the chapter, the focus changes repeatedly to divulge information about each of the characters and their progress in the investigation. In this way, all of the necessary background information about the case is provided and it is left to the reader to decide how all the different threads will be tied together in the end. The conclusion is fairly predictable but leaves the reader anxious to begin the third novel. I really enjoyed this suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat crime novel!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Aug. 1, 2010 - Bedlam: The Further Secret Adventures of Charlotte Brontë by Laura Joh Rowland
A book that can also stand on its own, this is the sequel to The Secret Adventures of Charlotte Brontë. It takes place three years after the last adventure, which is described in enough detail that one doesn't need to read the first book to enjoy the second. The characters seem to be the same and allusions to the first book when needed help the reader to understand the background of this story.
I had a difficult time at the outset with the character of Charlotte Brontë. Although many of the historical details were accurate, the personality of this character and her involvement in the intrigue were not realistic. To place the author of Jane Eyre into this setting went against everything I have read about her life. The saving grace was that the mystery was still intriguing. In an odd way, though, I felt a connection to the main character because of the prior knowledge I have of her life and her work.
Set during the reign of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert during the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Crystal Palace takes centre stage at the climax of the story. This was an exciting time of great innovations and these are highlighted as the characters race against time to stop a deadly virus from being spread throughout the world.
I had a difficult time at the outset with the character of Charlotte Brontë. Although many of the historical details were accurate, the personality of this character and her involvement in the intrigue were not realistic. To place the author of Jane Eyre into this setting went against everything I have read about her life. The saving grace was that the mystery was still intriguing. In an odd way, though, I felt a connection to the main character because of the prior knowledge I have of her life and her work.
Set during the reign of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert during the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Crystal Palace takes centre stage at the climax of the story. This was an exciting time of great innovations and these are highlighted as the characters race against time to stop a deadly virus from being spread throughout the world.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
July 24, 2010 - The Women of Pemberley by Rebecca Ann Collins
This second book in a series of Pride and Prejudice sequels by Rebecca Ann Collins follows the lives of five women of Pemberley, all descendants of the original Jane Austen characters. Each of the five chapters is a story in itself, devoted to the life of one of these strong, independent and "accomplished" female characters in her search for fulfillment through career, love and marriage. The men in their lives are every woman's ideal image of a husband, treating them with respect, love, and tenderness. Their husbands keep them safe, support them emotionally as well as physically and are their constant companions. What more could one ask for?
The events occur during a significant period in England's history replete with political and social upheaval - just after the industrial revolution and at the beginning of the Victorian period. Historical events are masterfully interwoven into the plot as they pertain to the lives of the characters. Strong women such as them make a difference - helping poor Irish immigrants during the potato famine; emulating the efforts of Florence Nightingale during the Crimean war in the emerging hospitals of the period; and, finding their voice in writing like the Brontë sisters.
The common thread is of course Pemberley and the Darcy family. The marriage of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy almost seems too good to be true. Despite the death of their second child, William, which they are still coping with, they remain as much in love as ever, dedicated not only to each other but to the entire community of Pemberley. Their hospitable nature, common sense and humanitarian outlook are the ultimate model for their family and their acquaintances. They are held in the highest esteem by everyone. Indeed, the "shades of Pemberley" are not only unpolluted but enhanced by the love surrounding Elizabeth and Darcy.
The events occur during a significant period in England's history replete with political and social upheaval - just after the industrial revolution and at the beginning of the Victorian period. Historical events are masterfully interwoven into the plot as they pertain to the lives of the characters. Strong women such as them make a difference - helping poor Irish immigrants during the potato famine; emulating the efforts of Florence Nightingale during the Crimean war in the emerging hospitals of the period; and, finding their voice in writing like the Brontë sisters.
The common thread is of course Pemberley and the Darcy family. The marriage of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy almost seems too good to be true. Despite the death of their second child, William, which they are still coping with, they remain as much in love as ever, dedicated not only to each other but to the entire community of Pemberley. Their hospitable nature, common sense and humanitarian outlook are the ultimate model for their family and their acquaintances. They are held in the highest esteem by everyone. Indeed, the "shades of Pemberley" are not only unpolluted but enhanced by the love surrounding Elizabeth and Darcy.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
July 22, 2010 - Darcy and Elizabeth, Nights and Days at Pemberley by Linda Berdoll
This sequel to Linda Berdoll's Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife continues where the previous story wrapped up - with the birth of twins upon Mr. Darcy's return to his wife from the war. The focus is again on the Darcy family as they continue to experience love and happiness in their marriage along with parental pride in their beautiful children. Conflict comes in the way of other characters and political events in the England of 1815, after the defeat of Napoleon in the battle of Waterloo.
Marriages, love affairs, births, deaths, political problems and intrigues abound. The fate of Mr. Wickham, believed to have died in France, is revealed but this brings strife to all concerned. A host of new characters are introduced to enhance the plot while the welcome return of favourites such as Fitzwilliam and Georgiana, Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter Anne, the Gardiner family and of course Lydia, Jane and Mrs. Bennett serves to connect the story with the original version. The marriage of the Darcy's continues to be a source of romantic intrigue, finding the couple in many unusual settings and situations.
I found it to be a lengthy, detailed story with plenty of advanced vocabulary and formal language which, therefore, turned out to be an involved read but one I am glad to have undertaken. It is not a faithful sequel to the original but, if you enjoy romance novels, it is worthwhile in its own right.
Marriages, love affairs, births, deaths, political problems and intrigues abound. The fate of Mr. Wickham, believed to have died in France, is revealed but this brings strife to all concerned. A host of new characters are introduced to enhance the plot while the welcome return of favourites such as Fitzwilliam and Georgiana, Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter Anne, the Gardiner family and of course Lydia, Jane and Mrs. Bennett serves to connect the story with the original version. The marriage of the Darcy's continues to be a source of romantic intrigue, finding the couple in many unusual settings and situations.
I found it to be a lengthy, detailed story with plenty of advanced vocabulary and formal language which, therefore, turned out to be an involved read but one I am glad to have undertaken. It is not a faithful sequel to the original but, if you enjoy romance novels, it is worthwhile in its own right.
July 22, 2010 - Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin
Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland is a universally recognized piece of literature, read by adults and children the world over. It has been adapted for television, film, comics and live performances as well as being translated into numerous languages. The book, Alice I Have Been, focusses on the historical context of this work with a fictional twist.
The story is told by the main character, Alice Liddell Hargreaves, and goes back and forth in time to retell "the real Alice's" connection to Charles Dodgson (a.k.a. Lewis Carroll) and the creation of his masterpiece. The idea that Charles Dodgson based the story of Alice in Wonderland on Alice Liddell is a theory that bears some truth. The characters, setting and historical events depicted in this book are accurate, although artistic license is definitely taken with the relationship and actions of the main characters.
The book seems to imply that the relationship between the spunky, precocious Alice and Charles Dodgson was inappropriate, especially since she was 11 to his 31 years of age. Although Alice's siblings often went on their adventures together, Alice and Charles were unusually close, to the point that I felt uncomfortable reading about it - in particular the description of Alice posing as a gypsy girl for a photograph. In reality, photography was a hobby for Charles Dodgson. He enjoyed taking pictures of family, friends and colleagues, especially their children.
In the end, rumours destroy the relationship of Alice and Charles. Alice grows older and moves on, falling in love with Queen Victoria's hemophiliac son, Prince Leopold. However, her past comes back to haunt her, destroying all hopes of a marriage between her and the Prince. A great love must be abandoned and all are heartbroken, including the reader. Here again, history shows a possible connection between Prince Leopold and Alice's family but this detail has been significantly embellished.
Alice settles and marries, perhaps not for love, although she realizes, in retrospect, that she truly did love her husband. Of the three sons she bears him, two die in World War I and the grief of Alice as a mother and of her husband Regi is heartwrenching. Of her "three little men, all in a row, three little soldiers", only one remains. How she comes to terms with her past in order to appreciate her present and the importance of her connection to Charles Dodgson in the events that unfold makes for a fascinating and provocative story.
The story is told by the main character, Alice Liddell Hargreaves, and goes back and forth in time to retell "the real Alice's" connection to Charles Dodgson (a.k.a. Lewis Carroll) and the creation of his masterpiece. The idea that Charles Dodgson based the story of Alice in Wonderland on Alice Liddell is a theory that bears some truth. The characters, setting and historical events depicted in this book are accurate, although artistic license is definitely taken with the relationship and actions of the main characters.
The book seems to imply that the relationship between the spunky, precocious Alice and Charles Dodgson was inappropriate, especially since she was 11 to his 31 years of age. Although Alice's siblings often went on their adventures together, Alice and Charles were unusually close, to the point that I felt uncomfortable reading about it - in particular the description of Alice posing as a gypsy girl for a photograph. In reality, photography was a hobby for Charles Dodgson. He enjoyed taking pictures of family, friends and colleagues, especially their children.
In the end, rumours destroy the relationship of Alice and Charles. Alice grows older and moves on, falling in love with Queen Victoria's hemophiliac son, Prince Leopold. However, her past comes back to haunt her, destroying all hopes of a marriage between her and the Prince. A great love must be abandoned and all are heartbroken, including the reader. Here again, history shows a possible connection between Prince Leopold and Alice's family but this detail has been significantly embellished.
Alice settles and marries, perhaps not for love, although she realizes, in retrospect, that she truly did love her husband. Of the three sons she bears him, two die in World War I and the grief of Alice as a mother and of her husband Regi is heartwrenching. Of her "three little men, all in a row, three little soldiers", only one remains. How she comes to terms with her past in order to appreciate her present and the importance of her connection to Charles Dodgson in the events that unfold makes for a fascinating and provocative story.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)