I am excited to share that for me Moby Dick lived up to its reputation. It is a brilliant book, in its plot, characters, themes, and writing. The only exception is that I expected it to be so exciting I would not be able to put it down, but for the most part it was sort of slow for me (though it picks up speed towards the end). But not a boring monotonous slow though, more like a savor the flavor slow- which is good. But there is a load of whaling terminology that I probably could and should have skipped. Anyhow, coming to back to how great it is, one of the first things that stood out to me while reading is the writing. The story centers on a captain’s crazed quest for revenge on the white whale Moby Dick. It is told through a very unique narration through the perspective of a rather nobody part of the crew, Ishmael. He is an educated man (a teacher), insightful, but very unassuming and low key, making him discretely very lovable to the reader. However, the narration sort of inexplicitly alternates from his personal experiences to describing situations he would obviously not been a part of (like the captain’s private thoughts). So the narration becomes a sort of all knowing, ambiguous thing that is surprisingly very pleasant. Perhaps I enjoy it because it doesn’t try too hard to disguise the fact that it is in actuality a novel written by a Herman Melville at his typewriter. Another element that adds to it is a sort of self reference within. For example, our narrator could introduce a chapter by explaining the whaling information he is about to present appears now because it will be helpful in understanding the next chapter. In general, the writing is simply stellar. Melville is exceptional in conveying character and thoughts, especially though soliloquies.
I loved the variety and richness of the themes that this novel encompasses. And the lineup isn’t a typical ‘love, family, religion, etc.,’ but more like ‘madness, revenge, power, overwhelming desire,’ and more juicy stuff. In conclusion, awesome.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Nine Talmudic Readings by Emmanuel Levinas
The Talmud is the transcription of the oral traditions of Judaism – established rituals, conducts of behavior, discussions of interpretations, etc. The lessons of the Talmud disclose themselves through direct rules but also through moral tales and discussions. It was recorded in two components, the Mishna and the Gemara, in 200 CE and 500 CE, respectively. Although the Talmud was transcribed a long time ago, its tradition of revisiting Judaic thoughts has remained a constant presence in Jewish culture. This book focuses on the interpretations of French philosopher and Talmud commentator, Emmanuel Levinas. These “Nine Talmudic Readings” include passages from the Talmud and Levinas’ hermeneutic concerning them.
I found these readings very fascinating and surprisingly accessible. Levinas’ writing/speaking style is wonderful, constantly and eloquently capturing your attention. His interpretations (not just in Judaic terms, but also concerning religion at large) are refreshing (at least to me with little previous knowledge on the topics). A good example is his insistence on reinterpreting “God” in its written contexts in terms of a greater universality. For example: “this secularization, this brining into the world, into the times, is by no means intended as an elimination of transcendence. Rather, it aims at its relocation in the midst of interpersonal exchange. ‘God’ disappears as a reality one can have access to outside human activity. However, human activity reveals itself as pointing beyond itself.”
Needless to say, I learned a lot from this book, and I managed to enjoy it at the same time, so I would recommend it to anyone with even a small interest in Judaism and/or the construction of religion in general.
I found these readings very fascinating and surprisingly accessible. Levinas’ writing/speaking style is wonderful, constantly and eloquently capturing your attention. His interpretations (not just in Judaic terms, but also concerning religion at large) are refreshing (at least to me with little previous knowledge on the topics). A good example is his insistence on reinterpreting “God” in its written contexts in terms of a greater universality. For example: “this secularization, this brining into the world, into the times, is by no means intended as an elimination of transcendence. Rather, it aims at its relocation in the midst of interpersonal exchange. ‘God’ disappears as a reality one can have access to outside human activity. However, human activity reveals itself as pointing beyond itself.”
Needless to say, I learned a lot from this book, and I managed to enjoy it at the same time, so I would recommend it to anyone with even a small interest in Judaism and/or the construction of religion in general.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
'A Mercy,' by Toni Morrison
“A mercy” is written by Toni Morrison, who is the author of “beloved”. A Mercy reveals what lies beneath the surface of slavery in early America. It is both the story of mothers and daughters and the story of a primitive America. “A Mercy” is told in turns by six characters, which was really confusing and boring, though, as pieces fall together and gain richer dimension with each narrator's telling.
The main character is Florens. She is a slave, lives and works on Jacob Vaark's rural New York farm. However, the story started with talking about her background and how her get to be a slave. In that part, the story was told in thrid people’s voice. As I was reading, I feel I was the witness to know the fate of Florens going to change. Once she got the new master alone, Lina, a Native American and fellow laborer on the Vaark farm, takes really good care of her. she was one of a handful of survivors of a smallpox plague that destroyed her tribe. During the slave time, there is no trust between people. Lina wants to build her own army, besides she really like Florens. She wish Florens could stay with her and build their own home. But once Florens grows up, she has set off from a farm, somewhere north of Virginia, to find a young blacksmith with whom she has fallen in love, and to try to obtain medicine from him for her mistress, who appears to be dying of a pox-like illness. On her journey to find Blacksmith, she struggled with her life. But the strong love faith and the freedom idea supported her walk all the way to fine him. However, the deep idea inside of a person’s mind can’t be changed. Blacksmith rather lost Florens not the little boy, only because she was a slave. Her journey is dangerous, ultimately proving to be the turning point in her life.
This story moved backward and forward in time. Everything gets clear at the end and we learned about Florens' key memory - that of a mother who offered for barter her little girl in lieu of herself and the infant boy she still nursed. All of the characters struggle to survive in the new environment filled with danger and disease. The struggle for life is animal-fierce, relentless to death, and for women and children, twice as treacherous. No trust, only fighting for living. Morrison shows the relationship between men and women in early America that often ended in female victimization during that time period.
The main character is Florens. She is a slave, lives and works on Jacob Vaark's rural New York farm. However, the story started with talking about her background and how her get to be a slave. In that part, the story was told in thrid people’s voice. As I was reading, I feel I was the witness to know the fate of Florens going to change. Once she got the new master alone, Lina, a Native American and fellow laborer on the Vaark farm, takes really good care of her. she was one of a handful of survivors of a smallpox plague that destroyed her tribe. During the slave time, there is no trust between people. Lina wants to build her own army, besides she really like Florens. She wish Florens could stay with her and build their own home. But once Florens grows up, she has set off from a farm, somewhere north of Virginia, to find a young blacksmith with whom she has fallen in love, and to try to obtain medicine from him for her mistress, who appears to be dying of a pox-like illness. On her journey to find Blacksmith, she struggled with her life. But the strong love faith and the freedom idea supported her walk all the way to fine him. However, the deep idea inside of a person’s mind can’t be changed. Blacksmith rather lost Florens not the little boy, only because she was a slave. Her journey is dangerous, ultimately proving to be the turning point in her life.
This story moved backward and forward in time. Everything gets clear at the end and we learned about Florens' key memory - that of a mother who offered for barter her little girl in lieu of herself and the infant boy she still nursed. All of the characters struggle to survive in the new environment filled with danger and disease. The struggle for life is animal-fierce, relentless to death, and for women and children, twice as treacherous. No trust, only fighting for living. Morrison shows the relationship between men and women in early America that often ended in female victimization during that time period.
The Bible: Genesis
Regardless of your religious affiliation, the book of Genesis is worth the read. Granted it may not be the most enchanting or enthralling, but it offers insight to many of the universal questions of life, such as the origin of mankind and all the components of the world. (Whether you agree with the arguments of this book is another story.) Genesis goes into depth about the ideas and stories that form the foundation for one of the most popular religions on earth. So if you’re not looking for enlightenment or a closer relationship with God, this piece of literature will at least familiarize you with the fundamental beliefs of Christianity.
Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” This verse sets the tone for the next eleven or so chapters of the book. These chapters chart the origin of the universe and everything in it, including the oceans and stars. The story of Adam and Eve, the very first humans, is described as well. However, Genesis isn’t merely a list of God’s doings; it provides reasoning and explanations for his actions. Other key events discussed are the fall of man and the Great Flood. The story tells how Adam and Eve succumbed to evil and disobeyed God, thus causing the future generations (us) to be prone to sin. As farfetched as these accounts may seem, they simply show the almighty power of God – one of the key principles of Christianity. The story of the Great Flood is intriguing too, especially since society references to Noah’s Ark in many different mediums. (There is even a water park in Wisconsin Dells named Noah’s Ark!) What may be considered one of the most important details, though, is the covenant, God’s promise of salvation to those who believe in Him.
The remainder of Genesis is patriarchal history, a record of the lives of four men who lived their lives for God – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. These narratives behave as a template for the many followers of God, showing them how to live accordingly. That being said, Genesis was estimated to be written between 1440 to 1400 B.C., but its lessons are still applicable at this point in time.
In a sense, Genesis is the “seed” of the Bible. Many other books of the Bible reference back to people and situations in this first book. Therefore Genesis is a good choice if you have little to no background about the story of God. Genesis provides the basis for all of Christianity, educating Christians and non-Christians alike.
Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” This verse sets the tone for the next eleven or so chapters of the book. These chapters chart the origin of the universe and everything in it, including the oceans and stars. The story of Adam and Eve, the very first humans, is described as well. However, Genesis isn’t merely a list of God’s doings; it provides reasoning and explanations for his actions. Other key events discussed are the fall of man and the Great Flood. The story tells how Adam and Eve succumbed to evil and disobeyed God, thus causing the future generations (us) to be prone to sin. As farfetched as these accounts may seem, they simply show the almighty power of God – one of the key principles of Christianity. The story of the Great Flood is intriguing too, especially since society references to Noah’s Ark in many different mediums. (There is even a water park in Wisconsin Dells named Noah’s Ark!) What may be considered one of the most important details, though, is the covenant, God’s promise of salvation to those who believe in Him.
The remainder of Genesis is patriarchal history, a record of the lives of four men who lived their lives for God – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. These narratives behave as a template for the many followers of God, showing them how to live accordingly. That being said, Genesis was estimated to be written between 1440 to 1400 B.C., but its lessons are still applicable at this point in time.
In a sense, Genesis is the “seed” of the Bible. Many other books of the Bible reference back to people and situations in this first book. Therefore Genesis is a good choice if you have little to no background about the story of God. Genesis provides the basis for all of Christianity, educating Christians and non-Christians alike.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe has earned itself a place on Times Magazine's All-Time 100 novels list and after reading this book there is no doubt in my mind why it has earned its rightful spot. The story follows Okonkwo, the greatest warrior of his Igbo village. As a reader, I felt that I was able to connect to the main character in ways I haven't before while reading other novels even though Okonkwo is so different than I am being that he is a champion wrestler, farmer, and a husband to 3 wives and a father. You often find yourself sympathizing with him as he goes throughout his unfortunate series of events.
Okonkwo, whose life was shaped by the perception of his late father, has lost everything and eventually goes into exile. The slim glimpse of hope that he once had was shattered when missionaries arrived. By reading this novel, I had a great experience of learning about the culture of this African tribe. I found myself reading and learning about their customs and religion. Not only did I get to read such a well-written book but I also got a cultural lesson out of reading it.
I believe that Achebe did a fantastic job with this novel. The emotion that Achebe was able to portray through Okonkwo felt so real and helped me relate to him. The simplistic writing doesn't detract from the book (as some critics say); I feel that the simple phrasing actually adds to the meaning of the book. So I encourage you to go pick up a copy of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe and experience the heartache and struggles of this amazing individual. The simplistic writing doesn't detract from the book (as some critics say); I feel that the simple phrasing actually adds to the meaning of the book.
Maria by Jorge Isaacs
When it came time for me to decide what book I would read from from South America I had a very difficult time finding a book that seemed interesting and that fit the correct time period. While browsing through the World Literature-Mexico section of Amazon I happened to stumble across Maria by Jorge Isaacs. Not ever hearing of this book or author I decided to do some further research and read that it was an beautiful work that demonstrated the power of love. That is when I decided to give this book a chance -- I am glad that I did.
Indeed Maria is an amazing piece of literature that shows the force of love, just as promised by the reviewer. The story, which takes place in Colombia in the 1800's, follows the story of Efrain and Maria. The two young adults fall in love but due to Efrain's parents they are unable to be together until he returns home from school in Europe.
At first while reading the book I must admit that I wasn't enjoying it at all. However, after the first 40 pages I was hooked. I followed along as Efrain and Maria's relationship developed. Through all the tears, happiness, and love I was right there - a part of their relationship. The way Jorge Isaacs wrote the book made me feel like I was right there with them, experiencing the daily life in Colombia during the 19th century.
Overall, this book was better than I expected. I began reading this book just to fulfill the time period requirement but ended up really enjoying the novel. Jorge Isaacs only wrote one amazing and beautiful novel which is Maria.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Emma by Jane Austen
Perhaps one of Jane Austen’s funniest novels, Emma is about a young woman of considerable wealth and social standing who finds delight in being a self-proclaimed matchmaker for those in her community. She meddles with the relationships of her friends, having little regard for consequence.
Emma Woodhouse did not exactly grow up in ideal conditions. Her father was ill, and her mother died many years ago. Consequently Emma’s large estate is only occupied by her ailing father and governess. The Woodhouse residence becomes even lonelier when the governess, who becomes one of Emma’s close friends, marries and moves away. The absence of a consistent, unwavering female role model takes its toll on Emma’s behavior later on in the story.
With so much free time on her hands, Emma attempts to transform a poor farmer’s daughter, Harriett, into a woman of high standards, someone more like herself. Emma even decides to offer her new companion assistance in finding romance, insisting that Harriett belongs with a handsome vicar named Mr. Elton. The majority of the novel revolves around Emma’s selfish, single-minded matchmaking plans. The fact that Emma believes herself capable of manipulating the romantic lives of those around her shows that she thinks she is correct in all her ways – clearly one of her flaws. She is especially oblivious to the feelings of those around her, even those of the man who loves her dearly.
Austen’s remarkable attention to detail is demonstrated in the characterization of Emma throughout the novel. Emma can be so arrogant and overbearing with her thoughts and actions that readers may find themselves completely and utterly annoyed. At the same time, Austen is careful to reveal Emma’s undeniable wit and charm, winning over the hearts of her audience.
Emma has become a classic model for misconstrued romance within nearly two centuries since its first publication in 1815. It has been the subject of many adaptations, including Clueless, a modern movie starring Alicia Silverstone.
Emma Woodhouse did not exactly grow up in ideal conditions. Her father was ill, and her mother died many years ago. Consequently Emma’s large estate is only occupied by her ailing father and governess. The Woodhouse residence becomes even lonelier when the governess, who becomes one of Emma’s close friends, marries and moves away. The absence of a consistent, unwavering female role model takes its toll on Emma’s behavior later on in the story.
With so much free time on her hands, Emma attempts to transform a poor farmer’s daughter, Harriett, into a woman of high standards, someone more like herself. Emma even decides to offer her new companion assistance in finding romance, insisting that Harriett belongs with a handsome vicar named Mr. Elton. The majority of the novel revolves around Emma’s selfish, single-minded matchmaking plans. The fact that Emma believes herself capable of manipulating the romantic lives of those around her shows that she thinks she is correct in all her ways – clearly one of her flaws. She is especially oblivious to the feelings of those around her, even those of the man who loves her dearly.
Austen’s remarkable attention to detail is demonstrated in the characterization of Emma throughout the novel. Emma can be so arrogant and overbearing with her thoughts and actions that readers may find themselves completely and utterly annoyed. At the same time, Austen is careful to reveal Emma’s undeniable wit and charm, winning over the hearts of her audience.
Emma has become a classic model for misconstrued romance within nearly two centuries since its first publication in 1815. It has been the subject of many adaptations, including Clueless, a modern movie starring Alicia Silverstone.
(4) Don Lito of El Salvador; Maria Lopez Vigil
Maria Lopez Vigil's Don Lito completely altered my perception of Latin America, especially of the country and the people of El Salvador. In school, we learn about Mexico and Spain because of European colonization. In the news, we hear about the drug trade in Colombia. And on ESPN, we hear about Brazilian soccer. Unfortunately, there are tons of "smaller" and "less popular" countries in American media. Vigil traveled to El Salvador during the social revolution and religious revival of the 1970s and 1980s. She interviewed Don Lito, one of the most active community leaders in the capital, San Salvador. The entire book is based on Vigil's historical research and observations; however, she primarily utilizes the personal anecdote of Don Lito's experiences to fill some gaps and to begin to make some sense of Salvadoran political culture--both during the revolution and now.
We experience the Salvadoran revolution through various personal narratives transcribed from Don Lito's dialect of Spanish. After experiencing increasing political corruption by the Salvadoran government and suffering unemployment and financial uproar, the Salvadoran campesinos (laborers) decided to rise up against the government. Although they had tried revolts before, this one was different because they had faith in God--learned by Western and Salvadoran missionaries--and the eyes of God watching their situation. The novel carries on with several diplomatic and violent conflicts with the Salvadoran government, and ultimately, the outcome to this book is quite surprising.
I recommend this novel for anyone looking for a VERY quick read with a historically accurate account of the average family in El Salvador during their political revolution. It is interesting to see all the religious, social, and economic schisms in Salvadoran society and how they came to affect the political socialization and involvement of the people in the political system. Don't worry, this book is not a giant hero novel about Don Lito. He is a human being and suffers from various issues of pride (acccompanied by his increasing political authority within his home village) that shares some of the cultural ramifications of the revolution as well. Regardless of whether you are interesting in English or the social sciences or even Math, I think Don Lito of El Salvador carries a greater sense of hope for any oppressed group. If you would like to share in that hope and that struggle and the fulfillment that accompanies reading this book, you should find a copy of it at your local library.
:)
We experience the Salvadoran revolution through various personal narratives transcribed from Don Lito's dialect of Spanish. After experiencing increasing political corruption by the Salvadoran government and suffering unemployment and financial uproar, the Salvadoran campesinos (laborers) decided to rise up against the government. Although they had tried revolts before, this one was different because they had faith in God--learned by Western and Salvadoran missionaries--and the eyes of God watching their situation. The novel carries on with several diplomatic and violent conflicts with the Salvadoran government, and ultimately, the outcome to this book is quite surprising.
I recommend this novel for anyone looking for a VERY quick read with a historically accurate account of the average family in El Salvador during their political revolution. It is interesting to see all the religious, social, and economic schisms in Salvadoran society and how they came to affect the political socialization and involvement of the people in the political system. Don't worry, this book is not a giant hero novel about Don Lito. He is a human being and suffers from various issues of pride (acccompanied by his increasing political authority within his home village) that shares some of the cultural ramifications of the revolution as well. Regardless of whether you are interesting in English or the social sciences or even Math, I think Don Lito of El Salvador carries a greater sense of hope for any oppressed group. If you would like to share in that hope and that struggle and the fulfillment that accompanies reading this book, you should find a copy of it at your local library.
:)
(5) The Wind's Twelve Quarters; Ursula K. LeGuin
Although Ursula K. LeGuin's The Wind's Twelve Quarters is a popular American collection of short stories, there are no doubt several messages in her collection that convey messages that both praise and criticize the United States. Written in the second half of the twentieth century, LeGuin's stories stand between fantasy and philosophy. She continually creates alternate worlds--utopias or dystopias, for example--and shares everal controversial social commentaries on ideologies like capitalism through the lens of utilitarianism. From addressing the world wars and various American and European interventions in developing nations from the 1940s to the present, this book exposes and tests the moral and ethical bounds of the reader. I gathered an improved sense of the negative ramifications of the privileges that we hold dear in the United States.
One of her most notable, and my personal favorite, of these stories was entitled "The Ones We Lost from Omelas." All I will say is that the story is very well-written; her style is smooth and clever. Her pace may be slow, but once you continue reading along you suddenly become overwhelmed with suspicion and can never put her short stories down until you finish. Her endings are always the most abstract and ambiguous, providing many lessons and values for the reader to draw from her simple-yet-meaningful characters.
If you are looking for a collection of short stories that will not only blow your mind, but "make your head explode" as Mr. Newton would say, then you should definitely read some of (or all of) The Wind's Twelve Quarters by Ursula K. LeGuin. Her prose is nowhere near fast-paced, it will require patience. But trust me because what you draw from this collection could most possibly change your life.
One of her most notable, and my personal favorite, of these stories was entitled "The Ones We Lost from Omelas." All I will say is that the story is very well-written; her style is smooth and clever. Her pace may be slow, but once you continue reading along you suddenly become overwhelmed with suspicion and can never put her short stories down until you finish. Her endings are always the most abstract and ambiguous, providing many lessons and values for the reader to draw from her simple-yet-meaningful characters.
If you are looking for a collection of short stories that will not only blow your mind, but "make your head explode" as Mr. Newton would say, then you should definitely read some of (or all of) The Wind's Twelve Quarters by Ursula K. LeGuin. Her prose is nowhere near fast-paced, it will require patience. But trust me because what you draw from this collection could most possibly change your life.
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
A balance between the exposure of India's societal issues and an entertaining, thought-provoking story, The White Tiger centers around Balram Halwai, a man born into indentured servitude in a corrupt village controlled by the elite.
Balram's life changes entirely when a school inspector comments that he is a "white tiger," rare and destined for greatness. Inspired and driven, Balram rises through the ranks and is sent to Delhi to serve as a driver for Ashok, the son of a powerful landlord.
It is here where Balram realizes the sad truths of Indian culture. There is a clear distinction between the leaders and the commoners, the masters and the servants, the predators and the prey. The lowest tier of society receives little opportunity for accomplishments. They are restrained by the crooked, authoritative figures in the community, not allowed to step outside the status quo. This idea is forced upon the common folk so much that they become accustomed to their lifestyle and no longer remember their potential to be successful individuals.
Deciding that he is going to free himself of this identity, Balram becomes involved in a crime spree leading up to a murder. The novel charts the path of Balram's rebellious journey, illustrating the slow death of the old caste system. Nonetheless, Balram comes to understand the inevitable limitations of society.
Balram's distinct voice is funny and realistic, adding a light feel to a telling novel. Though it may be difficult to like Balram for his moral fiber (or lack thereof), he is definitely to be admired for his courage and determination. Adiga uses Balram's narration to exemplify India's struggles and inconsistencies, incorporating harsh details when necessary. The text raises many ethical questions, leaving you to contemplate the dynamic of not only Indian society, but that of the world.
Balram's life changes entirely when a school inspector comments that he is a "white tiger," rare and destined for greatness. Inspired and driven, Balram rises through the ranks and is sent to Delhi to serve as a driver for Ashok, the son of a powerful landlord.
It is here where Balram realizes the sad truths of Indian culture. There is a clear distinction between the leaders and the commoners, the masters and the servants, the predators and the prey. The lowest tier of society receives little opportunity for accomplishments. They are restrained by the crooked, authoritative figures in the community, not allowed to step outside the status quo. This idea is forced upon the common folk so much that they become accustomed to their lifestyle and no longer remember their potential to be successful individuals.
Deciding that he is going to free himself of this identity, Balram becomes involved in a crime spree leading up to a murder. The novel charts the path of Balram's rebellious journey, illustrating the slow death of the old caste system. Nonetheless, Balram comes to understand the inevitable limitations of society.
Balram's distinct voice is funny and realistic, adding a light feel to a telling novel. Though it may be difficult to like Balram for his moral fiber (or lack thereof), he is definitely to be admired for his courage and determination. Adiga uses Balram's narration to exemplify India's struggles and inconsistencies, incorporating harsh details when necessary. The text raises many ethical questions, leaving you to contemplate the dynamic of not only Indian society, but that of the world.
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
Norwegian Wood is a rather straightforward love story lacking the mysterious sheep and disappearing elephants, surreal and dreamy feel found in Murakami's other texts. However, this simplicity makes the novel incredibly mesmerizing. The reader is allowed to concentrate on the plot, which shines light upon universal issues like the uncertainty in life and transitioning into adulthood and independence. The dramatic, yet realistic situations stimulate in the reader a fascination for the characters.
Toru, the main character, narrates the story as a recollection of his adolescence, particularly during his college years. The suicide of his best friend Kizuki throws his life into turmoil, but he is not alone; Naoko, Kizuki's girlfriend, struggles through similar problems. Soon Toru and Naoko find themselves developing intense feelings for one another. Unfortunately this mutual attraction cannot be nurtured due to their psychological instability. They consequently go their separate ways - Toru remains in college while Naoko moves to a mental care facility.
This separation does not entirely eradicate Toru and Naoko's unmistakable bond, but rather offers each individual a time to contemplate on life, specifically their desires and goals. Toru meets a fellow student named Midori who clearly demonstrates an interest in him, and the two establish a laidback relationship. He is then forced to choose between Midori, the spontaneous and upbeat girl whom he just met, or Naoko, the introspective, yet troubled love of his past.
Murakami writes in a way that enables his audience to delve into the minds of the characters and truly gain a sense of their emotions - their times of joy, frustration, confusion, and hope. It is extremely easy to become attached to the lives of Toru, Naoko, and the other individuals, clinging to Murakami's every word and rooting for a certain cause. Overall, Norwegian Wood is a refreshing take on the traditional romance novel that explores challenge, growth, and change. It will keep you up at night, turning page after page, desperate for more.
Toru, the main character, narrates the story as a recollection of his adolescence, particularly during his college years. The suicide of his best friend Kizuki throws his life into turmoil, but he is not alone; Naoko, Kizuki's girlfriend, struggles through similar problems. Soon Toru and Naoko find themselves developing intense feelings for one another. Unfortunately this mutual attraction cannot be nurtured due to their psychological instability. They consequently go their separate ways - Toru remains in college while Naoko moves to a mental care facility.
This separation does not entirely eradicate Toru and Naoko's unmistakable bond, but rather offers each individual a time to contemplate on life, specifically their desires and goals. Toru meets a fellow student named Midori who clearly demonstrates an interest in him, and the two establish a laidback relationship. He is then forced to choose between Midori, the spontaneous and upbeat girl whom he just met, or Naoko, the introspective, yet troubled love of his past.
Murakami writes in a way that enables his audience to delve into the minds of the characters and truly gain a sense of their emotions - their times of joy, frustration, confusion, and hope. It is extremely easy to become attached to the lives of Toru, Naoko, and the other individuals, clinging to Murakami's every word and rooting for a certain cause. Overall, Norwegian Wood is a refreshing take on the traditional romance novel that explores challenge, growth, and change. It will keep you up at night, turning page after page, desperate for more.
Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat
Edwidge Danticat's first novel, Breath, Eyes, Memory, is a beautiful story about Sophie Caco, a young Haitian girl, and the generations of women in her family.
The novel traces the journey of Sophie Caco, who leaves her impoverished village of Croix-des-Rosets and moves to New York to reunite with her mother after many years. Sophie is initially hesitant and clings to Tante Atie, her aunt who provided care and supervision in the absence of her mother. However, she has no choice but to move to a foreign country and live with her mother whom she barely remembers.
In her new home, Sophie discovers shocking family secrets that unfold bit by bit over the years, deeply affecting her overall well-being and relationships with others. She eventually returns to her homeland, desperate for comfort, justification, and redemption.
Danticat's simple and smooth prose allows for fairly easy comprehension and connection with the storyline. Her voice is clear and powerful, providing readers with a glimpse of the Haitian life and culture, particularly among females. In addition to the traditions and customs, Danticat also exposes the political violence and poverty that plagues much of Haiti. The book is short, but it includes enough detail and characterization for readers to visualize the situations. It seems, however, to be lacking in the development of Sophie's relationship with her mother and Tante Atie. Regardless, this does not take away from the book's abilities.
A truly heartening story, Breath, Eyes, Memory is a novel that celebrates strong family ties amidst hardships, upheaval, and sorrow. I highly recommend it.
The novel traces the journey of Sophie Caco, who leaves her impoverished village of Croix-des-Rosets and moves to New York to reunite with her mother after many years. Sophie is initially hesitant and clings to Tante Atie, her aunt who provided care and supervision in the absence of her mother. However, she has no choice but to move to a foreign country and live with her mother whom she barely remembers.
In her new home, Sophie discovers shocking family secrets that unfold bit by bit over the years, deeply affecting her overall well-being and relationships with others. She eventually returns to her homeland, desperate for comfort, justification, and redemption.
Danticat's simple and smooth prose allows for fairly easy comprehension and connection with the storyline. Her voice is clear and powerful, providing readers with a glimpse of the Haitian life and culture, particularly among females. In addition to the traditions and customs, Danticat also exposes the political violence and poverty that plagues much of Haiti. The book is short, but it includes enough detail and characterization for readers to visualize the situations. It seems, however, to be lacking in the development of Sophie's relationship with her mother and Tante Atie. Regardless, this does not take away from the book's abilities.
A truly heartening story, Breath, Eyes, Memory is a novel that celebrates strong family ties amidst hardships, upheaval, and sorrow. I highly recommend it.
(6) Infidel; Ayaan Hirsi Ali
If you are interested in the ethnic and social cleavages that affect Muslims in the Middle East and Nort Africa, Ayaan Hirsi Ali's Infidel is the perfect novel for you. Written in an elegant and honest style, Ali shares the story of her life through both the perspective in which she was born--Muslim and Somalian--and the perspective in which she currently resides--Western and Somalian.
The story begins with the unfortunate neglect of her father and the hyperbolic Islamic fundamentalism of her grandmother. Ali, because her father fought against the regime in Somalia in the 1980s and 1990s, was always presented with diverse views on the issues involving ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and gender equity in Somalia. In her early childhood, Ali and her family were a part of the majority ethnic group in Somalia; therefore, they received several connections leading up the ladder of social mobility strictly because of their family heritage. Although her family took pride in their ethnicity, when they moved to Saudi Arabia (one of the most intense and traditional Muslim countries in the world), there was much freedom for women to transport themselves around the city and for Ali and her mother to communicate with anyone because of the rigid language barriers between Somalian and Arabic. She later exhibits a complex (more than most Westerners) understanding of the political, social, and economic culture of Europe and how the continent has affected the histories of Africa, the Middle East, and the rest of the world. She currently puts this talent into practice as a member of Parliament in the Netherlands.
This book gets several stars for its focus on representing Muslim-Somalian culture to its most accurate abilities; however, my only complaint deals with the quantity of information on her family that Ali includes in this novel. I'm pretty sure the book could have been cut down by fifty pages without some of the irrelevant references she makes to her sister and grandmother throughout the story. Some of them are funny, giving life to the story, and others share some of the traditional values of her family. All in all, I recommend this book for anyone of you to read. Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a fantastic writer, and she has and probably never will be afraid to share publicly some of the cultural conflicts that pervade the Western and Muslim world.
The story begins with the unfortunate neglect of her father and the hyperbolic Islamic fundamentalism of her grandmother. Ali, because her father fought against the regime in Somalia in the 1980s and 1990s, was always presented with diverse views on the issues involving ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, and gender equity in Somalia. In her early childhood, Ali and her family were a part of the majority ethnic group in Somalia; therefore, they received several connections leading up the ladder of social mobility strictly because of their family heritage. Although her family took pride in their ethnicity, when they moved to Saudi Arabia (one of the most intense and traditional Muslim countries in the world), there was much freedom for women to transport themselves around the city and for Ali and her mother to communicate with anyone because of the rigid language barriers between Somalian and Arabic. She later exhibits a complex (more than most Westerners) understanding of the political, social, and economic culture of Europe and how the continent has affected the histories of Africa, the Middle East, and the rest of the world. She currently puts this talent into practice as a member of Parliament in the Netherlands.
This book gets several stars for its focus on representing Muslim-Somalian culture to its most accurate abilities; however, my only complaint deals with the quantity of information on her family that Ali includes in this novel. I'm pretty sure the book could have been cut down by fifty pages without some of the irrelevant references she makes to her sister and grandmother throughout the story. Some of them are funny, giving life to the story, and others share some of the traditional values of her family. All in all, I recommend this book for anyone of you to read. Ayaan Hirsi Ali is a fantastic writer, and she has and probably never will be afraid to share publicly some of the cultural conflicts that pervade the Western and Muslim world.
(1) Blue Light in the Sky & Other Stories; Can Xue
In Can Xue's Blue Light in the Sky & Other Stories, I suffered from the most heart-wrenching pain of my intellectual life. Can Xue's conception of human imagination far transcends the pure, childish efforts of Mr. Rogers and Barney. An ill man dwelling amongst the inhabitable temperatures of the troposphere harasses a young boy. A young girl peels off her grandfather's skin with every snatch and snag of his ‘jumpsuit made of bandages.' With quite a few dark corners in this turnpike of gruesome and mysterious tales, be prepared to put on your seatbelt, shift into turbo gear, and experience the greatest ride of your life: a journey that will eventually crush your current perception of the world and of your life.
Can Xue's short stories should not, by any means, be read by the weak. She is not afraid to describe the bloody scabs of the injured and the vivid hallucinations of a mentally-challenged young girl. Although this book is translated from Mandarin Chinese to English, don't worry about encountering any misconstrued sentences or words. All of Can Xue's messages are simple lessons for us to understand regardless of language: to respect and love those around us. Her ideas on Chinese culture are strangely, but intriguingly, conveyed in this weird novel. I recommend that none of you take for granted the finesse of Can Xue's one-of-a-kind writing style. Otherwise, you will miss out on absurdity at its best.
Can Xue's short stories should not, by any means, be read by the weak. She is not afraid to describe the bloody scabs of the injured and the vivid hallucinations of a mentally-challenged young girl. Although this book is translated from Mandarin Chinese to English, don't worry about encountering any misconstrued sentences or words. All of Can Xue's messages are simple lessons for us to understand regardless of language: to respect and love those around us. Her ideas on Chinese culture are strangely, but intriguingly, conveyed in this weird novel. I recommend that none of you take for granted the finesse of Can Xue's one-of-a-kind writing style. Otherwise, you will miss out on absurdity at its best.
(2) Book of Romans; Holy Bible
Disgusting sin and filthy wickedness plagued ancient Roman society both during and after Jesus' arrival on Earth; therefore, God ordained Paul with the task of writing down His message to them. Regardless of whether you believe the Messiah once walked Earth, thou art be prepared to read Paul's self-help book on how to be a good person. This book is still used today as a necessary guidebook for many Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) to govern their lives.
The New Testament's Book of Romans explains how to attain a personal relationship with God and to live life according to the tenets of Jesus Christ. There's not much history to the New Testament of the divine sixty-six books, so check out the Old Testament for more parable-like morals. Otherwise, if you are looking to read the Holy Bible in hopes of gaining some sort of spiritual, personal, and/or intellectual stimulation, then don't hesitate to open up your pages and your mind to Matthew and Mark or Galatians and Colossians as well.
Reading Romans helps Christians and non-Christians understand how to interact with God through the many prayers that Paul writes to God. He shares an array of ideas about the prominence of human wickedness and human sin. He also explains the negative consequences that follow such behavior; feel free to agree or disagree with Paul's ancient lessons on human psychology.
If you are hoping to expose yourself to the fundamental principles of one of the world's most practiced and proselytized spiritual belief systems, then turn to the sixth book of the New Testament-Romans-to get a firm starting point for this spiritual and/or intellectual endeavor (whichever floats your boat). Hold your breath as you dive into the religious teachings of an over 2,000-year-old belief system. Haveth fun and remembereth that the Holy Bible beith a cherished piece of world literature.
The New Testament's Book of Romans explains how to attain a personal relationship with God and to live life according to the tenets of Jesus Christ. There's not much history to the New Testament of the divine sixty-six books, so check out the Old Testament for more parable-like morals. Otherwise, if you are looking to read the Holy Bible in hopes of gaining some sort of spiritual, personal, and/or intellectual stimulation, then don't hesitate to open up your pages and your mind to Matthew and Mark or Galatians and Colossians as well.
Reading Romans helps Christians and non-Christians understand how to interact with God through the many prayers that Paul writes to God. He shares an array of ideas about the prominence of human wickedness and human sin. He also explains the negative consequences that follow such behavior; feel free to agree or disagree with Paul's ancient lessons on human psychology.
If you are hoping to expose yourself to the fundamental principles of one of the world's most practiced and proselytized spiritual belief systems, then turn to the sixth book of the New Testament-Romans-to get a firm starting point for this spiritual and/or intellectual endeavor (whichever floats your boat). Hold your breath as you dive into the religious teachings of an over 2,000-year-old belief system. Haveth fun and remembereth that the Holy Bible beith a cherished piece of world literature.
(3) Flight; Sherman Alexie
Disclaimer: I read this book over Winter Break, way before Mr. Wright's Creative Writing classes even touched this book.
Time travel finds its purpose in Sherman Alexie's Flight. Readers soar past the history of Native Americans through the travels of an aggressive, mischievous orphan named Zits. In constant search of his emotional and personal identity, Zits makes friends with a radical, violent teenager who ironically calls himself Justice. This new friendship seemed a healthy relationship to Zits, since Justice showed him guidance and love, but soon Zits finds himself holding a gun in the middle of a large bank. Before pulling the trigger, Zits wakes up as an American intelligence bureaucrat in the 1970s. He continues traveling through time--consuming the body and mind of an Indian boy and a white general during the Battle at Little Bighorn, a bum in the twenty-first century, and the drunken father that abandoned him--until he finishes this crash course into his family history and his Native American roots.
The wealth of perspectives that Zits took on taught him to see first-hand the detrimental consequences of violence and misconception in our world: a novel consistent with last semester's theme surrounding alienation, identity, path-finding, and the nature of violence. Alexie, a Native American himself, allows Zits to make decisions through the eyes of the people he becomes as he travels through time, learning each one of their individual stories.
Alexie completely reworks Zits' outlook on life. Once he returns to the status quo, Zits understands that he should not pull the trigger. Zits learns that despite the disappointment in his own life, there is no justification for him resorting to mischief and violence to resolve his problems. Although by the time his time travels end, the rest of the novel is predictable; there's no doubt that Alexie wholly understands this intriguing perspective from the eyes of both the white man and the Native American. Alexie shows the diversity of his style just as he shows his diversity of perspective, focusing more on symbolism and narrative voice in this novel rather than crafting complex diction and syntax like Mario Vargas Llosa in Why Literature. Therefore, it's a pretty easy read. And although the novel's a little less than 200 pages, it immediately opens readers' eyes to question the hate that exists in our past and how we can promote better understanding in the near future.
Time travel finds its purpose in Sherman Alexie's Flight. Readers soar past the history of Native Americans through the travels of an aggressive, mischievous orphan named Zits. In constant search of his emotional and personal identity, Zits makes friends with a radical, violent teenager who ironically calls himself Justice. This new friendship seemed a healthy relationship to Zits, since Justice showed him guidance and love, but soon Zits finds himself holding a gun in the middle of a large bank. Before pulling the trigger, Zits wakes up as an American intelligence bureaucrat in the 1970s. He continues traveling through time--consuming the body and mind of an Indian boy and a white general during the Battle at Little Bighorn, a bum in the twenty-first century, and the drunken father that abandoned him--until he finishes this crash course into his family history and his Native American roots.
The wealth of perspectives that Zits took on taught him to see first-hand the detrimental consequences of violence and misconception in our world: a novel consistent with last semester's theme surrounding alienation, identity, path-finding, and the nature of violence. Alexie, a Native American himself, allows Zits to make decisions through the eyes of the people he becomes as he travels through time, learning each one of their individual stories.
Alexie completely reworks Zits' outlook on life. Once he returns to the status quo, Zits understands that he should not pull the trigger. Zits learns that despite the disappointment in his own life, there is no justification for him resorting to mischief and violence to resolve his problems. Although by the time his time travels end, the rest of the novel is predictable; there's no doubt that Alexie wholly understands this intriguing perspective from the eyes of both the white man and the Native American. Alexie shows the diversity of his style just as he shows his diversity of perspective, focusing more on symbolism and narrative voice in this novel rather than crafting complex diction and syntax like Mario Vargas Llosa in Why Literature. Therefore, it's a pretty easy read. And although the novel's a little less than 200 pages, it immediately opens readers' eyes to question the hate that exists in our past and how we can promote better understanding in the near future.
Monday, May 4, 2009
A Question of Power - by Bessie Head [from South Africa]
“It was an insane pursuit this time. It did not bear comparing with the lofty statements of mankind’s great teachers. Hidden in all their realizations were indistinct statements about evil. They never personified it, in vivid detail, within themselves.”
Although about the protagonist’s personal struggle, I think this quotation embodies much of this novel’s ambition and achievement. Essentially, “A Question of Power” (AQOP) describes a woman’s journey through hell; a vivid private show inside her own mind (and of course, all of the deep insights she gains through her experiences). I found it be a very unique and effective way of dealing with ideas of good and evil, heaven and hell, and freedom and power, within a novel.
I have never felt more spiritually and intellectually connected to a novel as I do to AQOP; I felt drawn to it from the start and it exceeded any expectations I ever imagined. I hate to be so overdramatic, but it blew my mind. I would highly recommended to anybody, but be informed that most of it is really fucking confusing, but still completely fascinating. The upside is that what’s confusing for the reader is also confusing for the protagonist, so the experience of reading about her hallucinations are much more vivid and closer to the actual experience than if they were simple metaphors with plots easy to follow. It definitely required me to approach this novel in a new way. Many things come to light gradually as you progress to the end, but I am still trying to analyze scenes that were confusing to me. That’s another great thing about AQOP- it’s not easy to forget.
The two main themes that I drew from AQOP are a redefinition of God and, as the title suggests, desire/possession of power. A central idea in the novel’s discussion of God is described well in this quote: “… the basic error seemed to be a relegation of all things holy to some unseen Being in the sky. Since man was not holy to man, he could be tortured for his complexion, he could be misused, degraded, and killed…” The central idea in the novel’s discussion of power was the evil that greed for power creates in us. However, the application of this desire is not focused on radicals that advertize to overrule the world. If nothing else, AQOP has made me more aware of the subtle instincts we all have to posses intangible things, such as social situations, our reputation, ideas, and even the hearts/minds of the people that we love most. It is by detaching ourselves to these obsessions of power that we open ourselves to find freedom of the heart.
Although about the protagonist’s personal struggle, I think this quotation embodies much of this novel’s ambition and achievement. Essentially, “A Question of Power” (AQOP) describes a woman’s journey through hell; a vivid private show inside her own mind (and of course, all of the deep insights she gains through her experiences). I found it be a very unique and effective way of dealing with ideas of good and evil, heaven and hell, and freedom and power, within a novel.
I have never felt more spiritually and intellectually connected to a novel as I do to AQOP; I felt drawn to it from the start and it exceeded any expectations I ever imagined. I hate to be so overdramatic, but it blew my mind. I would highly recommended to anybody, but be informed that most of it is really fucking confusing, but still completely fascinating. The upside is that what’s confusing for the reader is also confusing for the protagonist, so the experience of reading about her hallucinations are much more vivid and closer to the actual experience than if they were simple metaphors with plots easy to follow. It definitely required me to approach this novel in a new way. Many things come to light gradually as you progress to the end, but I am still trying to analyze scenes that were confusing to me. That’s another great thing about AQOP- it’s not easy to forget.
The two main themes that I drew from AQOP are a redefinition of God and, as the title suggests, desire/possession of power. A central idea in the novel’s discussion of God is described well in this quote: “… the basic error seemed to be a relegation of all things holy to some unseen Being in the sky. Since man was not holy to man, he could be tortured for his complexion, he could be misused, degraded, and killed…” The central idea in the novel’s discussion of power was the evil that greed for power creates in us. However, the application of this desire is not focused on radicals that advertize to overrule the world. If nothing else, AQOP has made me more aware of the subtle instincts we all have to posses intangible things, such as social situations, our reputation, ideas, and even the hearts/minds of the people that we love most. It is by detaching ourselves to these obsessions of power that we open ourselves to find freedom of the heart.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Waiting
In Waiting, the author Ha Jin draws on his knowledge of China to create a great novel. Lin Kong is the main character and the whole novel revolves around his life. He is a man living in two worlds, struggling with conflicting claims of two different women. As he moves through the political minefields of a society designed to regulate his every move.
For eighteen years, Lin Kong, a devoted doctor has been in love with an educated woman, Manna Wu. But in his home village lives his wife, who was chosen for him by his family when he was young. His wife is a humble woman, whom he visits, throughout the years for a divorce. At these times China is very traditional therefore if adultery is discovered by the Party it can ruin lives forever. Lin’s passionate love has to be on pause until the wife accepts the divorce. She always agrees to a divorce but ends up backing out.
Ha Jin does a great job to vividly conjure the texture of daily life in a place where the demands of human longing must contend with the weight of centuries of custom. There was humanity in the text, but there was a lot of waiting (maybe that was Jin intentions). Jin does a real good job because he isn’t looking for the best in people. He makes every character uniquely human with all their faults and contradictions
For eighteen years, Lin Kong, a devoted doctor has been in love with an educated woman, Manna Wu. But in his home village lives his wife, who was chosen for him by his family when he was young. His wife is a humble woman, whom he visits, throughout the years for a divorce. At these times China is very traditional therefore if adultery is discovered by the Party it can ruin lives forever. Lin’s passionate love has to be on pause until the wife accepts the divorce. She always agrees to a divorce but ends up backing out.
Ha Jin does a great job to vividly conjure the texture of daily life in a place where the demands of human longing must contend with the weight of centuries of custom. There was humanity in the text, but there was a lot of waiting (maybe that was Jin intentions). Jin does a real good job because he isn’t looking for the best in people. He makes every character uniquely human with all their faults and contradictions
Thousand Splendid Suns
In “A Thousand Splendid Suns” Khaled Hosseini quickly makes it clear that he intends to deal with the struggles women face in Afghanistan, and just in the opening pages Mariam’s mother says “the lot of poor, uneducated women like us”. This is just the beginning and just to add to the suspense Mariam’s mother commits suicide, Mariam is then taken to live with her wealthy father and his wives. But her father is ashamed of her existence therefore he marries her off to a forty-five year old shoemaker Rasheed.
Rasheed forces her to wear a burqa and treats her with superiority, as if she is invisible. Mariam lives in fear of what is going to happen next and how would he react to things “his shifting moods, his volatile temperament”. Many times she would cook and he wouldn’t like the meal so he would knock it down, sometimes taking it further and giving her an immense beating.
After this the other main character Laila comes along. She is the cherished daughter of a teacher, who always persuaded her to continue her education. Her life was all she wanted, she had a family, an education unlike most girls, a good friend, and everything was going well. But then began the wars in Afghanistan. Her brothers fought in this war and ended up getting killed. From this everything got rough for Laila. Being outside was risking for everyone at any moment you could get hit and die. Tariq the love of her life, needed to leave with his and go to Pakistan. Before leaving though he asked Laila to come along with him but she denies his offer because she needs to stay with her family.
Laila’s life becomes shattered when a rocket lands on her house and kills her parents. Laila feels like an orphan, when she discovers that she is pregnant with Tariq’s child she decides to marry Rasheed in fear that if she doesn’t she and her baby will never survive on the streets of Kabul.
At first Mariam thinks of Laila as a husband stealer and tries to make things hard on Laila but when Laila’s baby, Aziza, arrives, Mariam begins to get along with her. Laila and her become allies, trying to protect themselves from Rasheed.
Rasheed forces her to wear a burqa and treats her with superiority, as if she is invisible. Mariam lives in fear of what is going to happen next and how would he react to things “his shifting moods, his volatile temperament”. Many times she would cook and he wouldn’t like the meal so he would knock it down, sometimes taking it further and giving her an immense beating.
After this the other main character Laila comes along. She is the cherished daughter of a teacher, who always persuaded her to continue her education. Her life was all she wanted, she had a family, an education unlike most girls, a good friend, and everything was going well. But then began the wars in Afghanistan. Her brothers fought in this war and ended up getting killed. From this everything got rough for Laila. Being outside was risking for everyone at any moment you could get hit and die. Tariq the love of her life, needed to leave with his and go to Pakistan. Before leaving though he asked Laila to come along with him but she denies his offer because she needs to stay with her family.
Laila’s life becomes shattered when a rocket lands on her house and kills her parents. Laila feels like an orphan, when she discovers that she is pregnant with Tariq’s child she decides to marry Rasheed in fear that if she doesn’t she and her baby will never survive on the streets of Kabul.
At first Mariam thinks of Laila as a husband stealer and tries to make things hard on Laila but when Laila’s baby, Aziza, arrives, Mariam begins to get along with her. Laila and her become allies, trying to protect themselves from Rasheed.
The Curious Incident of the Night-Time Dog
Mark Haddon decides to write a story about an autistic boy. Christopher, is fifteen years old, lives with his father and goes to school. Christopher loves to read detective novels, so that is how the author begins the story. He finds his neighbor’s dog stabbed with a pitchfork and decides to write his own detective novel and discover who killed the dog. Although Christopher has this disorder, he is very high functioning. Throughout the book you can notice how interactive he is with the world, especially when it comes to math. Many times while reading you don’t take into account his disorder. The only trait of his disorder is that he dislikes being touched and he really has trouble comprehending broad ideas so you need to thoroughly explain things.
This book is more then just detective novel, Christopher gets side-tracked therefore making the book into a sort of personal journal that specifics everything he goes through, from his observations to everything he is feeling. Haddon puts a twist to this story that can have a big impact since it’s unexpected. His investigation leads to a family drama. The family drama is the strongest part of this book, precisely because of Christopher’s difficulty with understanding the emotion of others. Haddon makes the read feel the emotions for Christopher, which for me created a strong attachment than if all the obvious reactions had been written into the story. Watching people in the book get impatient with his disorder was very heartbreaking.
Apart from the drama and the autism, the book also has an enjoyable adaption of mathematics. (My favorite subject) So if you like explanation of mathematical puzzles this book will fascinate you. Haddon puts these in his story because mathematics is what Christopher enjoys so it serves as something calming for him. This book in the end is built around one twist, and having it in Christopher’s unique perspective just gives it a greater charm.
This book is more then just detective novel, Christopher gets side-tracked therefore making the book into a sort of personal journal that specifics everything he goes through, from his observations to everything he is feeling. Haddon puts a twist to this story that can have a big impact since it’s unexpected. His investigation leads to a family drama. The family drama is the strongest part of this book, precisely because of Christopher’s difficulty with understanding the emotion of others. Haddon makes the read feel the emotions for Christopher, which for me created a strong attachment than if all the obvious reactions had been written into the story. Watching people in the book get impatient with his disorder was very heartbreaking.
Apart from the drama and the autism, the book also has an enjoyable adaption of mathematics. (My favorite subject) So if you like explanation of mathematical puzzles this book will fascinate you. Haddon puts these in his story because mathematics is what Christopher enjoys so it serves as something calming for him. This book in the end is built around one twist, and having it in Christopher’s unique perspective just gives it a greater charm.
Things Fall Apart
The novel Things Fall Apart is about a warrior named Okonkwo who lives in a village in Africa. His community of the Nine Village has a great respect for him. He has been able to buy two titles. He has three wives and many children. His farm is a good producing farm and he has overcome his poverty as a youth to become quite wealthy. As a man, Okonkwo does not show his feelings. He refused to be as weak as his father was. He doesn’t want to be lazy or anything of that sort. Even when he is proud of someone, he cannot tell that. Because his main characteristics are too stand strong.
Things Fall Apart follows his life. As Okonkwo strive to rise from obscurity to importance, he brings along with him the tradition that his village requires of him. Even though Okonkwo faces hardship throughout the novel, the author shows us that the cultural expectation and belief of this region are complex. The novel takes an interesting turn when Okonkwo returns to Umuofia and he finds a village changed by outside forces. British missionaries have set up a Christian church in the village. Many of the villagers are starting to convert to Christianity. Okonkwo character starts to change as he no longer is strong but rather lost with all the changes. Okonkwo cannot handle all these outside forces.
In the end, he doesn’t face them with honor. The author is showing how complicated Colonial Africa had become and how this was going to last for years to come. Things Fall Apart then becomes an important novel that shows the complexity of colonialism. Although the novel seems simple, it shows how difficult it is to overcome colonial rule and how many customs begin to get lost.
Things Fall Apart follows his life. As Okonkwo strive to rise from obscurity to importance, he brings along with him the tradition that his village requires of him. Even though Okonkwo faces hardship throughout the novel, the author shows us that the cultural expectation and belief of this region are complex. The novel takes an interesting turn when Okonkwo returns to Umuofia and he finds a village changed by outside forces. British missionaries have set up a Christian church in the village. Many of the villagers are starting to convert to Christianity. Okonkwo character starts to change as he no longer is strong but rather lost with all the changes. Okonkwo cannot handle all these outside forces.
In the end, he doesn’t face them with honor. The author is showing how complicated Colonial Africa had become and how this was going to last for years to come. Things Fall Apart then becomes an important novel that shows the complexity of colonialism. Although the novel seems simple, it shows how difficult it is to overcome colonial rule and how many customs begin to get lost.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Like Water for Chocolate; Laura Esquivel
Like Water for Chocolate is a simple novel of family conflicts and traditions, love, lust, and magic. It takes place on a Ranch on the Texas/Mexico border in the late nineteenth-century. Mama Elena is the widowed matriarch of the family. She has three daughters; Rosaura, Gertrudis, and Tita.
The story revolves around Tita, who as the youngest daughter, is sentenced to a life of service for her mother. Because of family tradition, Tita will never be able to marry or have children. To add to her tragic state of life, Tita falls in love with a young man by the name of Pedro. Because Tita is not allowed to marry, Mama Elena instead offers Pedro Tita’s seventeen year old sister, Rosaura. In a desperate attempt to be closer to Tita, Pedro accepts Mama Elenas offer and takes Rosaura to be his wife.
Laura Esquivel’s style of writing is one that, in my opinion, you either love or hate. The story is divided into twelve sections, one for each month of the year. Each section has its own recipe that has a special meaning. The recipes are spread out through the chapters and not incorporated as smoothly as one would expect. It feels like she just stops writing, puts in a section of the recipe, and then just picks up where she left off. This, in my opinion, takes away from the story itself.
Esquivel does a wonderful job of describing the events in the novel. Whether it be food, or a passionate love scene. Speaking of passionate love scenes…the novel is full of them. Like Water for Chocolate is considered sensual, erotic, and romantic by many. It’s a little sappy for my liking, but if you’re into romance novels, this would be a book that you would enjoy.
The story revolves around Tita, who as the youngest daughter, is sentenced to a life of service for her mother. Because of family tradition, Tita will never be able to marry or have children. To add to her tragic state of life, Tita falls in love with a young man by the name of Pedro. Because Tita is not allowed to marry, Mama Elena instead offers Pedro Tita’s seventeen year old sister, Rosaura. In a desperate attempt to be closer to Tita, Pedro accepts Mama Elenas offer and takes Rosaura to be his wife.
Laura Esquivel’s style of writing is one that, in my opinion, you either love or hate. The story is divided into twelve sections, one for each month of the year. Each section has its own recipe that has a special meaning. The recipes are spread out through the chapters and not incorporated as smoothly as one would expect. It feels like she just stops writing, puts in a section of the recipe, and then just picks up where she left off. This, in my opinion, takes away from the story itself.
Esquivel does a wonderful job of describing the events in the novel. Whether it be food, or a passionate love scene. Speaking of passionate love scenes…the novel is full of them. Like Water for Chocolate is considered sensual, erotic, and romantic by many. It’s a little sappy for my liking, but if you’re into romance novels, this would be a book that you would enjoy.
Never Let Me Go; by Kazuo Ishiguro
Intricate, irritating, moving, unsettling, and fascinating are some of the many words that I would use to describe this novel. The level of enjoyment that the reader will get out of Never Let Me Go depends greatly on whether or not he/she enjoys Ishiguro’s style of writing.
Never Let Me Go is narrated by 31 year old Kathy, who tells of her life in a place she calls Hailsham and her relationship with her best friends Ruth and Tommy, as well as her life and their relationship post-Hailsham. The way in which the story is told can be very hard to follow at times. There is a lot of back and forth with the narrator. If you enjoy learning about characters over long periods of time, then this book would be one to read. Ishiguro chooses to mention events, characters, etc., without an explanation before going off into a tangent, which at the moment seems unrelated to what was previously being read, only to explain pages later what the reader was waiting to learn long in the first place.
The first half of the book is very slow. The events that the narrator recounts seem insignificant. At times, I doubted whether or not there was an actual point to the novel. It isn’t until you look close, understand the vocabulary and terms Ishiguro uses, and begin to make connections that you begin to see what is going on at Hailsham and why it’s so significant. Once you make the realization, you’ll look at the book in an entirely new way.
If you can get past the difficulty of the author’s writing style and can engage yourself completely in the novel, you’ll find that it is a truly amazing story of three best friends trying to learn how to live the lives that have been forced upon them.
Never Let Me Go is narrated by 31 year old Kathy, who tells of her life in a place she calls Hailsham and her relationship with her best friends Ruth and Tommy, as well as her life and their relationship post-Hailsham. The way in which the story is told can be very hard to follow at times. There is a lot of back and forth with the narrator. If you enjoy learning about characters over long periods of time, then this book would be one to read. Ishiguro chooses to mention events, characters, etc., without an explanation before going off into a tangent, which at the moment seems unrelated to what was previously being read, only to explain pages later what the reader was waiting to learn long in the first place.
The first half of the book is very slow. The events that the narrator recounts seem insignificant. At times, I doubted whether or not there was an actual point to the novel. It isn’t until you look close, understand the vocabulary and terms Ishiguro uses, and begin to make connections that you begin to see what is going on at Hailsham and why it’s so significant. Once you make the realization, you’ll look at the book in an entirely new way.
If you can get past the difficulty of the author’s writing style and can engage yourself completely in the novel, you’ll find that it is a truly amazing story of three best friends trying to learn how to live the lives that have been forced upon them.
The Odyssey-Homer
Homer’s The Odyssey tells the tale of the warrior, leader, husband, and father Odysseus as he struggles to make his way back home to Ithaca. His wife Penelope is back at home with their son Telemachus. As a result of pure rage and fury with the suitors of his mother, Telemachus ventures to seek the verdict of his father’s existence with the help of Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. Meanwhile Odysseus has not only fought in the Trojan War but has been trapped at sea for ten years.
With one suitor, Antinous plotting Telemachus’s assassination, it is a good thing Telemachus has Athena on his side. Through Telemachus’s own excursion to Pylos and Sparta he finds out his father is indeed alive and trapped on Calypso’s island. An encounter with Poseidon, who is fostering his vengeance against Odysseus for blinding his son the Cyclops, is resolved with the aid of Athena and hosted by the Phaecians.
Upon his return home, Odysseus devises a plan to kill all of the suitors while in costume as a beggar. The family is reunited and the story ends. Yet, none of this would have been possible without the Goddess Athena. Having the title of Goddess may have been fame enough but it is important to note the amount of aid from the Gods that Odysseus and Telemachus received.
As wisdom goes, it would be wise to read The Odyssey under the direction of someone experienced with the text because of its density. In addition, reading and discussing it would also make the process less of an arduous task and probably much more enjoyable. So, word to the wise: don’t read The Odyssey alone—not even the characters went through the journey alone.
With one suitor, Antinous plotting Telemachus’s assassination, it is a good thing Telemachus has Athena on his side. Through Telemachus’s own excursion to Pylos and Sparta he finds out his father is indeed alive and trapped on Calypso’s island. An encounter with Poseidon, who is fostering his vengeance against Odysseus for blinding his son the Cyclops, is resolved with the aid of Athena and hosted by the Phaecians.
Upon his return home, Odysseus devises a plan to kill all of the suitors while in costume as a beggar. The family is reunited and the story ends. Yet, none of this would have been possible without the Goddess Athena. Having the title of Goddess may have been fame enough but it is important to note the amount of aid from the Gods that Odysseus and Telemachus received.
As wisdom goes, it would be wise to read The Odyssey under the direction of someone experienced with the text because of its density. In addition, reading and discussing it would also make the process less of an arduous task and probably much more enjoyable. So, word to the wise: don’t read The Odyssey alone—not even the characters went through the journey alone.
Kafka on the Shore-Murakami
In a world where men talk to cats and stones lead you into another dimension, Murakami has explored the purpose of our time on earth. While translated from Japanese, make no mistake; nothing was lost in translation. Kafka on the Shore is a bizarre tale of finding the love that humans innately crave. Murakami cleverly crafted his characters into links of the same chain. Throughout the novel we see the world from multiple eyes, yet each perspective is connected to another. For example, a fifteen year old runaway is connected to an old, mentally-impaired man who talks to cats. Other perspectives include that of a trucker with a troubled past, a widow who stopped living when her lover died, a transgender whose soul is struggling to live with a body that does not match the person they wish to be, the subconscious, and of two men that are neither men nor god—on earth in the forms of Johnnie Walker and Colonel Sanders.
Kafka on the Shore is not a novel for the light at heart. Characters struggle with a variety of issues including a prophecy that says a son will kill his father and sleep with his sister and mother, a twisted sense of redemption through animal sacrifice, and intimate sex scenes. Nor is it for readers that like to walk away from a novel with a clear concept of what the moral of the story was. Murakami tells the reader nothing concretely and leaves much to the individual to contemplate. The eccentric and intricate twists and turns that each character follows during the novel lead the reader to contemplate the existence and importance of life on earth and life beyond earth. Murakami has crafted a compelling novel for those who can handle the complexity of magical realism in conjunction with existentialism.
Kafka on the Shore is not a novel for the light at heart. Characters struggle with a variety of issues including a prophecy that says a son will kill his father and sleep with his sister and mother, a twisted sense of redemption through animal sacrifice, and intimate sex scenes. Nor is it for readers that like to walk away from a novel with a clear concept of what the moral of the story was. Murakami tells the reader nothing concretely and leaves much to the individual to contemplate. The eccentric and intricate twists and turns that each character follows during the novel lead the reader to contemplate the existence and importance of life on earth and life beyond earth. Murakami has crafted a compelling novel for those who can handle the complexity of magical realism in conjunction with existentialism.
It’s a Love Story
The novel Waiting by Ha Jin tells the tale of a love story on the other side of the planet. Along with historical information and well developed characters Jin has composed a love story sans gush. Jin tells the triangular love story by opening the novel with a preface that appears to be the end of the novel. Jin then alternates the voice between two characters, Lin and Manna, as the story develops from scratch, eventually leading the reader back to the beginning with a new perspective of how the story may pan out.
The story begins with a running start, capturing the reader’s attention, however; as it progresses it begins to drag on at a redundant and slow pace. Despite this, Waiting is a Nation Book Award Winner most likely for its ability to capture the reality and struggles of modern day China as well as how its history of emperors has affected its citizens in the aftermath.
One of the most prominent aspects of the Chinese culture that Jin has written about in Waiting is that of the various gender roles within the Chinese society as well as economic status, education, job holdings, and government authority. We see two parallel stories about the various lives available in China. Lin’s wife and daughter do not have the same luxuries as he has in the city working in the military hospital but they also have some freedoms he does not have.
Contrasting characters and aspects of life are unfolded in Jin’s novel and successfully so, thus making it a novel worth picking up. Appealing to historians and romantics alike, no matter who you are there is a message you can take away and apply to your life because love is spoken worldwide.
The story begins with a running start, capturing the reader’s attention, however; as it progresses it begins to drag on at a redundant and slow pace. Despite this, Waiting is a Nation Book Award Winner most likely for its ability to capture the reality and struggles of modern day China as well as how its history of emperors has affected its citizens in the aftermath.
One of the most prominent aspects of the Chinese culture that Jin has written about in Waiting is that of the various gender roles within the Chinese society as well as economic status, education, job holdings, and government authority. We see two parallel stories about the various lives available in China. Lin’s wife and daughter do not have the same luxuries as he has in the city working in the military hospital but they also have some freedoms he does not have.
Contrasting characters and aspects of life are unfolded in Jin’s novel and successfully so, thus making it a novel worth picking up. Appealing to historians and romantics alike, no matter who you are there is a message you can take away and apply to your life because love is spoken worldwide.
Jorge Luis Borges: Collected Fictions: Translated by Andrew Hurley
Borges’ collected fictions is truly an intriguing collection. Like any successful portfolio, each piece complements the previous and following one. One of the first surrealists, Borges has created many different worlds through his characters, settings, and plots. Each story— short, long, or in-between— is composed to examine self through various characters with different traits that the average human lacks; the “what-ifs” of life.
Broken down into years, this collection allows you to see Borges’ growth as well as different events that he’s experienced. For example, in the 1935 A Universal History of Iniquity, Borges tells historically-based stories with his own twist—very similar to authors Peter Carrey and Michael Ondaatje. In later collections, such as his 1944 The Garden of Forking Paths and The Aleph, we begin to see a less concrete style and eventually what Borges became known for—surrealism.
Many of Borges’ stories tell a tale of vicarious living but none more powerfully than “Borges and I” from his 1960 collection The Maker. This piece is very personal and shows the different aspects of his career as a writer and what that has meant to him. In addition, this particular piece has touched many a person because of its encompassing message of self.
With a variety of stories to choose from, Borges has something for everyone. Shorter pieces make for convenient reading and also allow the reader to make connections both within the book and also with contemporary pieces of the same genre—great for students and teachers alike. Classical literature is not always enjoyable reading for all, but Borges’ Collected Fictions will be hard for even the toughest critic to put down.
Broken down into years, this collection allows you to see Borges’ growth as well as different events that he’s experienced. For example, in the 1935 A Universal History of Iniquity, Borges tells historically-based stories with his own twist—very similar to authors Peter Carrey and Michael Ondaatje. In later collections, such as his 1944 The Garden of Forking Paths and The Aleph, we begin to see a less concrete style and eventually what Borges became known for—surrealism.
Many of Borges’ stories tell a tale of vicarious living but none more powerfully than “Borges and I” from his 1960 collection The Maker. This piece is very personal and shows the different aspects of his career as a writer and what that has meant to him. In addition, this particular piece has touched many a person because of its encompassing message of self.
With a variety of stories to choose from, Borges has something for everyone. Shorter pieces make for convenient reading and also allow the reader to make connections both within the book and also with contemporary pieces of the same genre—great for students and teachers alike. Classical literature is not always enjoyable reading for all, but Borges’ Collected Fictions will be hard for even the toughest critic to put down.
Book Review #4-A tale of two cities
A tale of two cities telling the story happened in the year 1775, when England and France are undergoing a period of social upheaval and turmoil. The forces that are leading to revolution in France are colliding with a circle of people in England, causing their destinies to be irrevocably intertwined. Charles Dickens did a great job to reveal the colliding between classes and the motion behind French revolution by telling the story of two cities which implies to a lot of two opposite objects.
In the “Book the First” called “Recalled to life” illustrates the first two cities in this story—dark life and hope life. Dr. Alexander Manette has been imprisoned in the Bastille for eighteen years. Under the dark prison and savage torture, he didn’t really remember who he was. To the other people, he has been burned lively. That becomes his dark life city. At the meantime, author gave us a lot of background about French at that time; we feel hunger, anxiety and hatred around the city. However, Charles Dickens gave us the image of the hope life city which is the city that Dr. Alexander Manette recalled to his life. From the conversation between Defarge and his wife, as well as the members of Jacques, we feel energy, confidence and the decision in their heart. The strength of those people is lighting the candles in the dark city and that becomes the bridge from dark life to the new hopeful life.
Fate and duality have been another two major roles playing in this story which creates other ideas for the two cities. “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times”. As we open the book and this sentence emerges into our mind. This strong duality has been set up in the beginning. Charles Dickens vividly portrays the hunger of the French people and the brutality of the French aristocracy by showing the Evremonde family. It was the best times that lower class can show their desire for retribution against the wrongs that have been done to those of the class. It was the worst time that it was a period of terror. Trees were waiting to be formed into guillotines in France, and blood spread over the cities. However, these things were inevitable which has been revealed as fate in this story.
The A tale of two cities kept tracking of time by describing tree waiting to be formed into guillotine, hunger getting worse and worse, which is really important because time carries out the fate. All the things happened in this story was inevitable. It was not some kind of accident. It was the fate determining their fortune. When Darnay met Luice and fell in love with her, her family has been put into dangerous, even though Luice’s father has really good reasons to be a hero at that time. But Darnay’s past does catch up with him and he must pay for the wrong s of his ancestors. Although Madame Defarge has too much reasons to hate aristocracy, her ceaseless bloody thirstiness drove her to death. Everything has its own limits, once we overstep the bound of that limits, we will be decided by fate not ourselves’ faith. I think that is what Charles Dickens trying to tell us.
In the “Book the First” called “Recalled to life” illustrates the first two cities in this story—dark life and hope life. Dr. Alexander Manette has been imprisoned in the Bastille for eighteen years. Under the dark prison and savage torture, he didn’t really remember who he was. To the other people, he has been burned lively. That becomes his dark life city. At the meantime, author gave us a lot of background about French at that time; we feel hunger, anxiety and hatred around the city. However, Charles Dickens gave us the image of the hope life city which is the city that Dr. Alexander Manette recalled to his life. From the conversation between Defarge and his wife, as well as the members of Jacques, we feel energy, confidence and the decision in their heart. The strength of those people is lighting the candles in the dark city and that becomes the bridge from dark life to the new hopeful life.
Fate and duality have been another two major roles playing in this story which creates other ideas for the two cities. “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times”. As we open the book and this sentence emerges into our mind. This strong duality has been set up in the beginning. Charles Dickens vividly portrays the hunger of the French people and the brutality of the French aristocracy by showing the Evremonde family. It was the best times that lower class can show their desire for retribution against the wrongs that have been done to those of the class. It was the worst time that it was a period of terror. Trees were waiting to be formed into guillotines in France, and blood spread over the cities. However, these things were inevitable which has been revealed as fate in this story.
The A tale of two cities kept tracking of time by describing tree waiting to be formed into guillotine, hunger getting worse and worse, which is really important because time carries out the fate. All the things happened in this story was inevitable. It was not some kind of accident. It was the fate determining their fortune. When Darnay met Luice and fell in love with her, her family has been put into dangerous, even though Luice’s father has really good reasons to be a hero at that time. But Darnay’s past does catch up with him and he must pay for the wrong s of his ancestors. Although Madame Defarge has too much reasons to hate aristocracy, her ceaseless bloody thirstiness drove her to death. Everything has its own limits, once we overstep the bound of that limits, we will be decided by fate not ourselves’ faith. I think that is what Charles Dickens trying to tell us.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
(B1) "Flatland" by Edwin Abbott Abbott [England, 1884]
Flatland – by Edwin Abbott Abbott
“Flatland” is a wonderfully quirky and clever book – small surprise when you consider that combining social satire and mathematical visions all through the creation of a fictitious world take some ingenuity. A great novel for anyone interested in fresh food for thought, “Flatland” is a science fiction work written by the English clergyman and admired headmaster Edwin Abbott Abbott in 1884. Abbott first published the book under the pseudonym “A. Square” [one of the many world plays in “Flatland,” this time also a pun on Abbott’s real name], the narrator of this story, set in the two dimensional land (Flatland) where he resides.
“Flatland” is split into two parts. Part One of the book concerns the nature of Flatland and provides a medium for Abbott’s satire of Victorian values, especially of the treatment of women and divisions of class. Part Two centers itself on the Square’s encounter with a Sphere from ‘Spaceland,’ and his conception of the third dimension. Thus Part Two concentrates on the idea of higher or lower dimensions, particularly serving as an introduction for us in Spaceland to the fourth dimension. This introduction is achieved primarily through analogy, like the Square asks of the Sphere:
Was I not taught below [in Flatland] that when I saw a Line and inferred a Plane, I in reality saw a Third unrecognized Dimension, not the same as brightness, but called ‘height’? And does it not now follow that, in this region [Spaceland], when I see a Plane and infer a Solid, I really see a Fourth unrecognized Dimension, not the same as colour, but existent, though infinitesimal and incapable of measurement?
To those that might feel a bit apprehensive by now of this novel (perhaps imagining that it relies on complex mathematical concepts) know that I have no mathematical passions or aspirations of my own yet found the concepts in this book to be highly understandable and very engaging. Actually I found Part Two even more exciting than satire heavy Part One. “Flatland” is also quite short, so if read in a fast pace it should not tire its readers with unnecessary digressions. Of course, there exist many ways of understanding and enjoying “Flatland,” all depending on what you personally want to get out of it.
Keeping with that in mind, “Flatland” is not likely to get you obsessively hooked, but it does stimulate the mind. Through a very charming plot and character line, Abbott weaves his heavier ideas. Abbott’s commentary on Victorian culture concerning women, elitism, manipulation of Darwinism, following authority blindly, controlling the masses, dismissal of new ideas, the power of knowledge, and more, are still quite relevant today. The dialogues of dimensions are especially interesting, particularly because they address grander ideas about the progression of knowledge and the universal search for truth. The inquisitive nature of the entire book can be summarized with this lesson: “that to be self-contented is to be vile and ignorant, and that to aspire is better than to be blindly and impotently happy.”
P.S.
1) I would recommend reading the “Annotated Flatland” (annotated by Ian Stewart), which is what I did. Some of the annotations bored me and some were interesting (especially in explaining aspects of Victorian culture that I was not aware of otherwise and did not want to research myself), but at least they were there and I could choose to ignore them if I wanted too.
2) Check out this youtube link: “Carl Sagan 4th Dimension Explanation”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9KT4M7kiSw
I watched it before I read the book. It is not the most accurate portrayal of what happens to the Square in “Flatland,” but it was interesting to think about and it helped me get initially engaged in the book.
“Flatland” is a wonderfully quirky and clever book – small surprise when you consider that combining social satire and mathematical visions all through the creation of a fictitious world take some ingenuity. A great novel for anyone interested in fresh food for thought, “Flatland” is a science fiction work written by the English clergyman and admired headmaster Edwin Abbott Abbott in 1884. Abbott first published the book under the pseudonym “A. Square” [one of the many world plays in “Flatland,” this time also a pun on Abbott’s real name], the narrator of this story, set in the two dimensional land (Flatland) where he resides.
“Flatland” is split into two parts. Part One of the book concerns the nature of Flatland and provides a medium for Abbott’s satire of Victorian values, especially of the treatment of women and divisions of class. Part Two centers itself on the Square’s encounter with a Sphere from ‘Spaceland,’ and his conception of the third dimension. Thus Part Two concentrates on the idea of higher or lower dimensions, particularly serving as an introduction for us in Spaceland to the fourth dimension. This introduction is achieved primarily through analogy, like the Square asks of the Sphere:
Was I not taught below [in Flatland] that when I saw a Line and inferred a Plane, I in reality saw a Third unrecognized Dimension, not the same as brightness, but called ‘height’? And does it not now follow that, in this region [Spaceland], when I see a Plane and infer a Solid, I really see a Fourth unrecognized Dimension, not the same as colour, but existent, though infinitesimal and incapable of measurement?
To those that might feel a bit apprehensive by now of this novel (perhaps imagining that it relies on complex mathematical concepts) know that I have no mathematical passions or aspirations of my own yet found the concepts in this book to be highly understandable and very engaging. Actually I found Part Two even more exciting than satire heavy Part One. “Flatland” is also quite short, so if read in a fast pace it should not tire its readers with unnecessary digressions. Of course, there exist many ways of understanding and enjoying “Flatland,” all depending on what you personally want to get out of it.
Keeping with that in mind, “Flatland” is not likely to get you obsessively hooked, but it does stimulate the mind. Through a very charming plot and character line, Abbott weaves his heavier ideas. Abbott’s commentary on Victorian culture concerning women, elitism, manipulation of Darwinism, following authority blindly, controlling the masses, dismissal of new ideas, the power of knowledge, and more, are still quite relevant today. The dialogues of dimensions are especially interesting, particularly because they address grander ideas about the progression of knowledge and the universal search for truth. The inquisitive nature of the entire book can be summarized with this lesson: “that to be self-contented is to be vile and ignorant, and that to aspire is better than to be blindly and impotently happy.”
P.S.
1) I would recommend reading the “Annotated Flatland” (annotated by Ian Stewart), which is what I did. Some of the annotations bored me and some were interesting (especially in explaining aspects of Victorian culture that I was not aware of otherwise and did not want to research myself), but at least they were there and I could choose to ignore them if I wanted too.
2) Check out this youtube link: “Carl Sagan 4th Dimension Explanation”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9KT4M7kiSw
I watched it before I read the book. It is not the most accurate portrayal of what happens to the Square in “Flatland,” but it was interesting to think about and it helped me get initially engaged in the book.
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