NEW IB ENGLISH LITERATURE COURSE BD SOMANI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL MUMBAI. EMAIL andrew.callahan@bdsint.org
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Sunday 4 October 2015
GRADE X1 - NEW IB ENG LIT STUDENTS BOOK REVIEWS Q1 - CLASS 2015-2017
Hi fellow life long learners and lovers of books! Here is a space on the blog where you can post a BOOK Review/ Please include a personal response to the text, word limit 90-150 words.
The Great Gatsby is a book that deals with Jay Gatsby a millionaire who’s life is narrated by his friend Nick Carraway and his immense love for Daisy. It displays all the efforts that Gatsby undertook in order to win her heart such as buying a huge and luxurious house, buying fancy cars and throwing splendid parties all done to impress Daisy. However even though he was willing to do anything for Daisy after his death she seemed to be unmoved and moved on with her life as if nothing had happened. This portrays how hollow and shallow people can be and how selfish and self centered they truly are.
‘1984’ written by George Orwell, is one of the most famous works in the literary genre of dystopia. A dystopian society is one wherein the lives of ordinary citizens lie in great turmoil controlled by a dominating power that often denounces freedom of speech, stripping away the rights of an individual. Winston Smith was introduced as an everyman that had a rebellious streak and the novel traced his journey as he attempted to overthrow Big Brother. This antagonist could have very well been a fictitious character for nowhere was he seen, except on party propaganda. This raises the question, who was Smith really trying to defeat? The reason I loved this novel was due to its unpredictable ending. It completely strayed from the framework that many others novels of this genre used, instead opting to stay true to both the character and society that it had spent a good 280 pages creating.
Princess is a story of an American writer who travels to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the late 1970's, it is a first person narrative. What makes her travel fascinating was the mystical destination itself, Saudi Arabia is known to the world over the last seven decades as one of the richest countries in the world and also the most controlled economies. The story meanders around the life of princess sultana who is young, beautiful, charming and free spirited and how her life is controlled completely in her own house.
The story reveals the shocking life of extremely wealthy families owning estates, private jets and mansions and having no personal freedom from childhood until death. The idea of this book was princess sultana's insistence to expose her private life to the world through the eyes of the author. What the author reveals in this book would have never been known otherwise as the lives of these people are very secretive and the world had begun to clamor for information behind the veils.
Camus’ “The Stranger” is one of those novels that leaves the reader disturbed as well as calmed, satisfied as well as filled with a quest; a quest that has no answer. ‘The Stranger’ is a book that compels the reader to raise questions; questions about identity, about life, about detachment. At all times, the reader is aware of the fact, that like Meursault’s dilemma, the questions raised have no definite purpose or an answer. However, Camus makes the questioning itself an answer that in many ways attempts, and at the same time fails, to understand the absurd.
Jin Wang’s life takes a significant blow when his family relocates from Chinatown San Francisco to a predominantly white neighborhood. Since he is one of the only Chinese students in the school, he is constantly teased and doesn’t have much in the way of friends. If life isn’t complicated enough, Jin falls for Amelia who is an American girl.
Danny is a typical all-American guy; nothing shy of popular, constantly surrounded by friends, and quite the athlete. Danny’s life was perfect. This changes when cousin Chin-Kee comes to visit from China. Chin-Kee is the epitome of adverse Asian stereotypes – speaking fragmented English and eating pungent food. His presence shames Danny, and makes his life a living nightmare.
Being the most powerful monkey in the world isn’t enough for the Monkey King. He transformed his behavior and appearance in order to be among the ranks of deities. The Monkey King’s want to be something he is not gets him into five hundred years of trouble.
The three protagonists have one common goal and that is to fit in. These seemingly independent narratives intertwine in surprising ways in Gene Yang’s entertaining and moving graphic novel American Born Chinese, which focuses on the struggle of accepting ones identity.
Jonathan Livingston Seagull enjoys practicing flight and learning to fly at increasing speeds. To him, the most important thing is to fly quickly. By the end of the story, Jonathan not only flies at previously unheard of speeds but also overcomes time as a tangible entity; he learns how to travel anywhere and to any time he wants.
Jonathan does not want to live the same way as the rest of his flock. The others only “get from shore to food and back again”; they have no interest in flying as an art form or as a spiritual quest. After a few days of practice, Jonathan breaks the world speed record for seagulls, which was ninety miles per hour. He soon makes a mistake and lands in an explosion, crashing into the sea. He wishes for death at this point. Feeling pity for himself, he gives up his pursuit of speed, but the uncontrollable desire to fly fast wells up within his soul. He flies at night, causing a breakthrough realization: If he pulls his wings together, like a hawk’s, he will be able to fly straight down at super-seagull velocities. He soon reaches a speed of two hundred miles per hour, a speed he experiences as power, joy, and pure beauty.
Jonathan shows the other gulls his accomplishment, but he is ostracized by the Elder and immediately banished to the Far Cliffs. He lives a long and happy, yet remote, life as Outcast until two angelic seagulls escort him to heaven, then leave him to discover his new life.
Just a few pages into reading the book ‘scarred’ I already found myself enthralled and absolutely captivated; it was really a page-turner. Personally, I found the book extremely emotional as it was based on a very sensitive topic, which was sexual abuse. The reason why the book created a great impact on me was because it was based on a true story. The book had a variety of emotions ranging from tragic and disturbing to inspirational. Overall, in my perspective this book was very meaningful for me and even though was negative at times, it still conveyed a very powerful message to me.
The main object of Austen’s satire in the novel is the mercenary and the ignorance of the people. The story follows the main character, Elizabeth Bennet, as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society.
The title is “Pride and Prejudice” because Darcy is the one who is proud and Elizabeth is the one who has prejudices, although Darcy does have them too in the beginning. It has a central love story in the making, rather than the telling, and one that only really begins at the book's end. This can be understood by the reader because Darcy also appears to be extremely proud at the first ball. As Darcy grows more interested in Elizabeth, Elizabeth continues to despise him. The novel further progresses and after a series of events, Elizabeth finally accepts Darcy. Misplaced pride generates both comedy and tragedy, while regulated pride is necessary to good decision-making. Prejudice and swift judgment almost always lead to error and misunderstanding.
The novel has left an immense impact on my mind. It teaches me to respect the freedom I have today. It also gives us a glimpse of the people’s point of view just a century back. The language and the manner in which the author has written the novel are remarkable. She has used a satirical manner to talk about the way people thought back in the day. This novel is a must read.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer, is a delightful book, written in the form of letters. Although the book is set in 1946, it predominantly focuses on the German Occupation of Guernsey during World War 2.
The letters written by the Guernsey Islanders beautifully bring out their first-hand experiences of the occupation and how it affected their quotidian activities. Unlike most books that I have read, which are set during World War 2, this book does not focus on the holocaust and the atrocities committed against the Jews. Instead, it brings out the impact of the war on non-Jewish civilians, living in an occupied region.
The book is full of touching anecdotes – stories that are funny, brave, courageous and yet, tinged with sadness. It was an easy read, filled with wit and humour, an interesting blend of fact and fiction, and containing an element of romance. Do not be skeptical about its eccentric title – it is indeed truly enjoyable!
‘A Separate Peace’ is far deeper than just a novel set during the Second World War, it is almost a confession of human emotion, behavior and guilt. Ernest Hemingway once said ‘Write hard and clear about what hurts.’ This is exactly what Knowles has done; he has deftly crafted a story centering two young boys in an elite boarding school, thrust them into a world filled with cruelty and impending doom, and created monsters out of youthful innocence. The dominating theme throughout the narrative is that of unwavering fear, which is the emotion that pushes the story forward and weaves in more complications through the unpredictable plot.
An internal battle resonates throughout the narrative; it is Knowles’ cry for truth and justice, and his request to question ourselves; why did we break out into a War when we didn’t even know our enemy? This is the question that glares at us and stays with the reader long after the last page, because if we asked ourselves who the enemy was, there probably would have never been a War at all.
Before I read The God Delusion, I had convinced myself that, although I myself am not part of any particular faith, religion was a necessary part of our society that played many a vital role in the lives of the truly faithful. Once I had read Richard Dawkins’ masterpiece, I finally found myself with the informational ammunition I had been searching for, as well as a firm, solid justification for my choice of belief (or, rather, lack thereof). Each page is charged with wit and purpose, and I found myself laughing in agreement at several occasions. He disclaims that although he shall not directly try to insult any faith, he shan’t “don kid gloves to handle religion any more gently than […] anything else” either. He proceeds to, if I may say so, utterly demolish the very notion of religion as an acceptable explanation or excuse for anything at all, revealing how bizarre the amount of respect we allow it in light of how restrictive, selfish, and even infantile it can be. Analysing some of the arguments put forth by theologians and other religious authorities, Dawkins reveals, to my delight, not only how these theories have several flaws and assumptions that render their validity crippled, but how they actually end up contradicting and disproving themselves in the process as well, and some, as he shows, can seem positively childish upon scrutiny. After delving into the origins of religion, morality, and scripture, Dawkins lifts the covers and reveals some of religion’s most horrific details, acts and events. I saw how religion was being used to justify many prejudices and discriminations, and I vividly recall my revulsion and anger at the perpetrators.At this point, I was quite eager for a final proof that atheism is not a cancer but a cure, that it can not only provide what religion can’t, but also what it can. I was not disappointed. I saw that we don’t need God to find wonder and hope in the world around us. In fact, the science that we have today and the potential of future finds is even more effective at filling me with amazement and awe; not because I can see the hidden grandeur, but the hidden simplicity. I can say with much confidence that this may have been the single most important book I have ever read.
Silas Marner by George Eliot Silas Marner, a weaver, lives in the north of England, in a town called Lantern Yard. Wrongly being blamed for theft, Silas exiles from a religious group. For a long time, the forlorn, wilted man lives for no reason yet to store the cash he gets in instalment for his weaving as he proceeds with his life in Raveloe. Carrying on with a solitary life, his trust in divine is replaced by materialism. Every night, he takes his gold coins from it’s concealing spot in the floor of his house and lets the sparkling pieces go through his fingers.Concurrently, The Red's habitation House, Raveloe's well off family is having inconveniences. Old Mr.Cass’s older child, Godfrey, is secretly married to Molly-an opium junkie who additionally happens to be the mother of his infant young lady, Eppie. These are pre-normal separation days, this is demoralising for Godfrey since he has his eyes on Nancy Lammeter. While, Mr.Cass's younger son, Dunstan has debts he cannot pay back and is presently blackmailing Godfrey with his secret about Molly. The theft of Silas's house outfits tattle for the whole group. Another secret is the vanishing of Dunstan.On New Year's Eve, a yellow-haired baby girl, Eppie who advances towards Silas’s house. Silas sees a brilliant sparkle before his chimney, a glimmer that he mix ups for his lost gold. Finally, the old stone quarry is depleted, and labourers discover a skeleton distinguished by Dunstan's watch and seals. Eppie’s arrival integrates Silas into the community and they share song bonds.
The book ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D Salinger concerns the repercussions faced by a young adolescent boy, who has seen more despair and disappointment than the average teenager. It is set over a period of no more than three or four days, at a time when the so called ‘rebellious’ young teenager had just gotten expelled by a fourth school. I don’t particularly agree with the generalization of Holden being rebellious. If one really understood his character, one would realize that he’s more troubled than rebellious. On the contrary, he’s trustworthy and doesn’t judge people.
What’s striking is the way in which J.D Salinger writes this book and portrays Holden’s thoughts that makes one relate to his detached feelings in ever way, no matter how much their life differs. This is why Holden Caulfield was more than just a character in a book for me. The way he feels generally lost is partly because he’s bored and disinterested in the life he’s living and this can be portrayed by his partially sarcastic tone. He always wants to be anywhere other than where he actually is, he has an extreme desire to escape.
Unlike most books, the main character in ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ wasn’t meant to display some kind of moral lesson. He wasn’t the hero of the story or anything, but he was victim to, in a teenager’s point of view, the catastrophe that is life. Most importantly, what I love most about this book, is that it reminds us that it’s okay to be broken inside, because no matter how much of an internal conflict you’re having, things do get better, and running away is not a solution, no matter how easy it may seem.
Having read many great books that can be categorized as ‘classics’ which turn out to be boring, I can say that ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ is a book that engaged me to a great extent, not simply because I’m an avid reader, but because I connected with in on a deeply emotional level. Needless to say, it is one of the best books of our time and a great read for anybody who wants emotion mixed with humor in a sarcastic way, or even if they’re just looking for something different.
‘Of Mice and Men’ is a novel written by John Steinbeck, which was published in the year 1937 and is set during the Great Depression in California, U.S.A. ‘Of Mice and Men’ is not just a simple novel but also a true reflection on how the world around is and brutality of life. Just like Bob Marley had said –‘Truth is everybody is going to hurt you: you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for’ is something the book teaches us through the life experiences of the two central characters Lennie and George. The book tells us the story of two best friends and also the main characters of the story- George Milton and Lennie Small, two oust migrant ranch workers who go from place to place in search of job opportunities with hope of one day of fulfilling their dream that is owning their own farm and tending to rabbits. This however doesn’t take place as events unfurl. They arrive at a new farm; work with new people, make new friends and enemies till the owner’s son Curley’s wife ruins it for them.The theme of Friendship is a constant theme throughout the novel. This theme is portrayed out in the story by Lennie and George’s friendship. The friendship between the two is one, which you can call – true friendship. Lennie and George would always accompany each other wherever they went and from job to job and made sure they had eachother’s back all the time. George was somewhat a guardian for Lennie. He made sure no harm was done to him either by drinking too much water or preventing him from getting into fights, which Lennie was prone towards due to his short-temper. Although Lennie never let George lead a normal life, stay in a particular job and all he brought upon George was a lot of trouble and pain. This was very evident by the frequency George had to switch jobs due to actions of Lennie. Even after all these events George never let go of Lennie’s company even on getting an opportunity to get rid of him. He would comfort Lennie and consoling him even if it was Lennie’s fault, and always made sure he had Lennie’s back. He did not do all of this out of sympathy for a ‘mentally disabled person’ but he did it because he saw a friend in Lennie who he loved no matter what the circumstances were. Lennie on the other hand was always in full support of George and all that he did. He himself never spoke ill of his friend and made sure that no one did too. In the end of the novel however hard and painful it was for George to shoot kill Lennie he did so with the sole purpose to spare him the merciless death that would be delivered to him by Curley’s lynch mob, for Lennie had ‘accidentally’ killed Curley’s wife. The extent that George went to for better of his friend shows how truly irreplaceable and priceless their friendship was. The kind of friendship bond that George and Lennie share is one which I envy the most as it is something I would love to have someday. Just like Lucius Annaeus Seneca had once said- ‘One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood’ and it is the friendship between the two that truly justify his quote. The theme of Friendship and the way it has been beautifully portrayed in the book is one of the main reasons behind me in falling in love with the book so much and at the same time this book taught me a lot and changed my perspective on true friendship as a person.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon is a moving book written through the eyes of 15 year old Christopher, who suffers from autism. The story begins with him trying to uncover the mystery of who killed his neighbor’s dog, Wellington, but leads onto him discovering a deep secret his dad had been keeping from him for several years. The book traces Christopher’s journey, as he sets of on a mission to find his mother. Christopher’s father is a very intense character, who feels extreme emotions that he cannot always control. His love for Christopher is extremely evident, but he is unable to channel his frustration correctly. This results in him often yelling at Christopher in hopes to get his point across. I find the father to be a very caring character, who is still struggling to get over the end of his relationship with his wife. Christopher’s mother left the father at a time where he needed her most. She ran away from her responsibilities and left him to take care of Christopher all alone. He has raised him with immense care, trying to fulfill Christopher’s daily needs to the best of his ability. The fact that he has raised Christopher all alone, has given him a strong sense of protectiveness, and therefore he tried to keep him away from the truth about his mother. Since the book is written from the point of view of Christopher, there are a lot of diagrams and math problems shown in the book. I find this style to be extremely interesting, as it constantly reminds the reader that it is not Mark Haddon that is narrating the story, but it is Christopher. One of these examples is the way there are several mathematical explanations and puzzles in the book, that to him are very basic to solve, but more complex to the reader. This brings out the idea that even though Christopher doesn’t have very strong social skills, he makes up for it with his mathematical intelligence. Christopher also has a fixation with order. He requires timetables or accurate schedules telling him exactly when things are to be done. Christopher’s obsession with order is juxtaposed against the evident disorder in his family, making the dysfunctional ways of their lives more prominent.
Albert Camus’ ‘The Outsider’ is a book that compels one to introspect the way in which one perceives others. For me the book shattered years of deeply rooted ideas about the natural order, societal acceptance and the role of an individual in society. Meursault’s unemotional, indifferent and detached reaction to the death of his mother, Marie’s casual attitude to Meursault’s imprisonment and her undying belief that she will marry Meursault and the priest’s perseverant attempt to save Meursault’s soul are all aspects of the novel that powerfully capture the readers thought process. For me, the events of the book in the way that they unravel were shocking at times, surreal but overall absurd. There is an unusual attitude that Camus portrays of Meursault retaining his individuality and rejecting the societal expectations. Camus effectively interwove the character of the “robot woman” to compare Meursault to. Meursault is initially intrigued by her “robot-like movements” and “followed her for a bit.” Whilst her movements were robotic, Meursault’s emotions were monotonous which explains his interest for her.
‘The outsider’ is one of the strangest books I’ve ever read, but the pure absurdity and indifference of the characters and events make it a must read book!
In fictional Caribbean world created by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, men wear rings on their boots and grimmed golden glasses and kid gloves of the same colour, women were a Sunday dress with blue flowers just in case the bishop came by to pay them a call and the bishop rides paddle wheel steamboat but doesn't plan to stop, even though his favorite soup is prepared for him. This fictional world is as memorable as a sharpened quartering knife. In the novel “Chronicle of a death foretold”, the curiosity of the anonymous narrator, leads to the confrontation of the past and the present, both revolving around the event that took place nearly three decades ago, the foretold death of Santiago Nasar. With a dream-like detective story, this is one of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s prominent books, as it showcases both his journalistic skill and remains a work of fiction.
On their wedding night, the newlywed Angela Vicario and Bayardo San Roman are left alone, when Bayardo discovers that his wife is not a virgin. That very night, with disgust he returns Angela back to her family. After persistent beating from her mother, her brother's demand the name of the man who violated he, to which she replied “Santiago Nasar”. Without any verification, Angela’s brothers set no avenging their family honour, soon the whole town knows their plan, except for Santiago.
THE GREAT GATSBY
ReplyDeleteThe Great Gatsby is a book that deals with Jay Gatsby a millionaire who’s life is narrated by his friend Nick Carraway and his immense love for Daisy. It displays all the efforts that Gatsby undertook in order to win her heart such as buying a huge and luxurious house, buying fancy cars and throwing splendid parties all done to impress Daisy. However even though he was willing to do anything for Daisy after his death she seemed to be unmoved and moved on with her life as if nothing had happened. This portrays how hollow and shallow people can be and how selfish and self centered they truly are.
‘1984’ written by George Orwell, is one of the most famous works in the literary genre of dystopia. A dystopian society is one wherein the lives of ordinary citizens lie in great turmoil controlled by a dominating power that often denounces freedom of speech, stripping away the rights of an individual. Winston Smith was introduced as an everyman that had a rebellious streak and the novel traced his journey as he attempted to overthrow Big Brother. This antagonist could have very well been a fictitious character for nowhere was he seen, except on party propaganda. This raises the question, who was Smith really trying to defeat? The reason I loved this novel was due to its unpredictable ending. It completely strayed from the framework that many others novels of this genre used, instead opting to stay true to both the character and society that it had spent a good 280 pages creating.
ReplyDeletePrincess is a story of an American writer who travels to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the late 1970's, it is a first person narrative. What makes her travel fascinating was the mystical destination itself, Saudi Arabia is known to the world over the last seven decades as one of the richest countries in the world and also the most controlled economies. The story meanders around the life of princess sultana who is young, beautiful, charming and free spirited and how her life is controlled completely in her own house.
ReplyDeleteThe story reveals the shocking life of extremely wealthy families owning estates, private jets and mansions and having no personal freedom from childhood until death. The idea of this book was princess sultana's insistence to expose her private life to the world through the eyes of the author. What the author reveals in this book would have never been known otherwise as the lives of these people are very secretive and the world had begun to clamor for information behind the veils.
Camus’ “The Stranger” is one of those novels that leaves the reader disturbed as well as calmed, satisfied as well as filled with a quest; a quest that has no answer. ‘The Stranger’ is a book that compels the reader to raise questions; questions about identity, about life, about detachment. At all times, the reader is aware of the fact, that like Meursault’s dilemma, the questions raised have no definite purpose or an answer. However, Camus makes the questioning itself an answer that in many ways attempts, and at the same time fails, to understand the absurd.
ReplyDeleteJin Wang’s life takes a significant blow when his family relocates from Chinatown San Francisco to a predominantly white neighborhood. Since he is one of the only Chinese students in the school, he is constantly teased and doesn’t have much in the way of friends. If life isn’t complicated enough, Jin falls for Amelia who is an American girl.
ReplyDeleteDanny is a typical all-American guy; nothing shy of popular, constantly surrounded by friends, and quite the athlete. Danny’s life was perfect. This changes when cousin Chin-Kee comes to visit from China. Chin-Kee is the epitome of adverse Asian stereotypes – speaking fragmented English and eating pungent food. His presence shames Danny, and makes his life a living nightmare.
Being the most powerful monkey in the world isn’t enough for the Monkey King. He transformed his behavior and appearance in order to be among the ranks of deities. The Monkey King’s want to be something he is not gets him into five hundred years of trouble.
The three protagonists have one common goal and that is to fit in. These seemingly independent narratives intertwine in surprising ways in Gene Yang’s entertaining and moving graphic novel American Born Chinese, which focuses on the struggle of accepting ones identity.
Seagull- Jonathan Livingston
ReplyDeleteJonathan Livingston Seagull enjoys practicing flight and learning to fly at increasing speeds. To him, the most important thing is to fly quickly. By the end of the story, Jonathan not only flies at previously unheard of speeds but also overcomes time as a tangible entity; he learns how to travel anywhere and to any time he wants.
Jonathan does not want to live the same way as the rest of his flock. The others only “get from shore to food and back again”; they have no interest in flying as an art form or as a spiritual quest. After a few days of practice, Jonathan breaks the world speed record for seagulls, which was ninety miles per hour. He soon makes a mistake and lands in an explosion, crashing into the sea. He wishes for death at this point. Feeling pity for himself, he gives up his pursuit of speed, but the uncontrollable desire to fly fast wells up within his soul. He flies at night, causing a breakthrough realization: If he pulls his wings together, like a hawk’s, he will be able to fly straight down at super-seagull velocities. He soon reaches a speed of two hundred miles per hour, a speed he experiences as power, joy, and pure beauty.
Jonathan shows the other gulls his accomplishment, but he is ostracized by the Elder and immediately banished to the Far Cliffs. He lives a long and happy, yet remote, life as Outcast until two angelic seagulls escort him to heaven, then leave him to discover his new life.
Just a few pages into reading the book ‘scarred’ I already found myself enthralled and absolutely captivated; it was really a page-turner. Personally, I found the book extremely emotional as it was based on a very sensitive topic, which was sexual abuse. The reason why the book created a great impact on me was because it was based on a true story. The book had a variety of emotions ranging from tragic and disturbing to inspirational. Overall, in my perspective this book was very meaningful for me and even though was negative at times, it still conveyed a very powerful message to me.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeletePride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
DeleteThe main object of Austen’s satire in the novel is the mercenary and the ignorance of the people. The story follows the main character, Elizabeth Bennet, as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society.
The title is “Pride and Prejudice” because Darcy is the one who is proud and Elizabeth is the one who has prejudices, although Darcy does have them too in the beginning. It has a central love story in the making, rather than the telling, and one that only really begins at the book's end. This can be understood by the reader because Darcy also appears to be extremely proud at the first ball. As Darcy grows more interested in Elizabeth, Elizabeth continues to despise him. The novel further progresses and after a series of events, Elizabeth finally accepts Darcy. Misplaced pride generates both comedy and tragedy, while regulated pride is necessary to good decision-making. Prejudice and swift judgment almost always lead to error and misunderstanding.
The novel has left an immense impact on my mind. It teaches me to respect the freedom I have today. It also gives us a glimpse of the people’s point of view just a century back. The language and the manner in which the author has written the novel are remarkable. She has used a satirical manner to talk about the way people thought back in the day. This novel is a must read.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer, is a delightful book, written in the form of letters. Although the book is set in 1946, it predominantly focuses on the German Occupation of Guernsey during World War 2.
ReplyDeleteThe letters written by the Guernsey Islanders beautifully bring out their first-hand experiences of the occupation and how it affected their quotidian activities. Unlike most books that I have read, which are set during World War 2, this book does not focus on the holocaust and the atrocities committed against the Jews. Instead, it brings out the impact of the war on non-Jewish civilians, living in an occupied region.
The book is full of touching anecdotes – stories that are funny, brave, courageous and yet, tinged with sadness. It was an easy read, filled with wit and humour, an interesting blend of fact and fiction, and containing an element of romance. Do not be skeptical about its eccentric title – it is indeed truly enjoyable!
‘A Separate Peace’ is far deeper than just a novel set during the Second World War, it is almost a confession of human emotion, behavior and guilt. Ernest Hemingway once said ‘Write hard and clear about what hurts.’ This is exactly what Knowles has done; he has deftly crafted a story centering two young boys in an elite boarding school, thrust them into a world filled with cruelty and impending doom, and created monsters out of youthful innocence. The dominating theme throughout the narrative is that of unwavering fear, which is the emotion that pushes the story forward and weaves in more complications through the unpredictable plot.
ReplyDeleteAn internal battle resonates throughout the narrative; it is Knowles’ cry for truth and justice, and his request to question ourselves; why did we break out into a War when we didn’t even know our enemy? This is the question that glares at us and stays with the reader long after the last page, because if we asked ourselves who the enemy was, there probably would have never been a War at all.
Before I read The God Delusion, I had convinced myself that, although I myself am not part of any particular faith, religion was a necessary part of our society that played many a vital role in the lives of the truly faithful. Once I had read Richard Dawkins’ masterpiece, I finally found myself with the informational ammunition I had been searching for, as well as a firm, solid justification for my choice of belief (or, rather, lack thereof). Each page is charged with wit and purpose, and I found myself laughing in agreement at several occasions. He disclaims that although he shall not directly try to insult any faith, he shan’t “don kid gloves to handle religion any more gently than […] anything else” either.
ReplyDeleteHe proceeds to, if I may say so, utterly demolish the very notion of religion as an acceptable explanation or excuse for anything at all, revealing how bizarre the amount of respect we allow it in light of how restrictive, selfish, and even infantile it can be. Analysing some of the arguments put forth by theologians and other religious authorities, Dawkins reveals, to my delight, not only how these theories have several flaws and assumptions that render their validity crippled, but how they actually end up contradicting and disproving themselves in the process as well, and some, as he shows, can seem positively childish upon scrutiny. After delving into the origins of religion, morality, and scripture, Dawkins lifts the covers and reveals some of religion’s most horrific details, acts and events. I saw how religion was being used to justify many prejudices and discriminations, and I vividly recall my revulsion and anger at the perpetrators.At this point, I was quite eager for a final proof that atheism is not a cancer but a cure, that it can not only provide what religion can’t, but also what it can. I was not disappointed. I saw that we don’t need God to find wonder and hope in the world around us. In fact, the science that we have today and the potential of future finds is even more effective at filling me with amazement and awe; not because I can see the hidden grandeur, but the hidden simplicity. I can say with much confidence that this may have been the single most important book I have ever read.
Silas Marner by George Eliot
ReplyDeleteSilas Marner, a weaver, lives in the north of England, in a town called Lantern Yard. Wrongly being blamed for theft, Silas exiles from a religious group. For a long time, the forlorn, wilted man lives for no reason yet to store the cash he gets in instalment for his weaving as he proceeds with his life in Raveloe. Carrying on with a solitary life, his trust in divine is replaced by materialism. Every night, he takes his gold coins from it’s concealing spot in the floor of his house and lets the sparkling pieces go through his fingers.Concurrently, The Red's habitation House, Raveloe's well off family is having inconveniences. Old Mr.Cass’s older child, Godfrey, is secretly married to Molly-an opium junkie who additionally happens to be the mother of his infant young lady, Eppie. These are pre-normal separation days, this is demoralising for Godfrey since he has his eyes on Nancy Lammeter. While, Mr.Cass's younger son, Dunstan has debts he cannot pay back and is presently blackmailing Godfrey with his secret about Molly. The theft of Silas's house outfits tattle for the whole group. Another secret is the vanishing of Dunstan.On New Year's Eve, a yellow-haired baby girl, Eppie who advances towards Silas’s house. Silas sees a brilliant sparkle before his chimney, a glimmer that he mix ups for his lost gold. Finally, the old stone quarry is depleted, and labourers discover a skeleton distinguished by Dunstan's watch and seals. Eppie’s arrival integrates Silas into the community and they share song bonds.
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ReplyDeleteThe book ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D Salinger concerns the repercussions faced by a young adolescent boy, who has seen more despair and disappointment than the average teenager. It is set over a period of no more than three or four days, at a time when the so called ‘rebellious’ young teenager had just gotten expelled by a fourth school.
ReplyDeleteI don’t particularly agree with the generalization of Holden being rebellious. If one really understood his character, one would realize that he’s more troubled than rebellious. On the contrary, he’s trustworthy and doesn’t judge people.
What’s striking is the way in which J.D Salinger writes this book and portrays Holden’s thoughts that makes one relate to his detached feelings in ever way, no matter how much their life differs. This is why Holden Caulfield was more than just a character in a book for me. The way he feels generally lost is partly because he’s bored and disinterested in the life he’s living and this can be portrayed by his partially sarcastic tone. He always wants to be anywhere other than where he actually is, he has an extreme desire to escape.
Unlike most books, the main character in ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ wasn’t meant to display some kind of moral lesson. He wasn’t the hero of the story or anything, but he was victim to, in a teenager’s point of view, the catastrophe that is life.
Most importantly, what I love most about this book, is that it reminds us that it’s okay to be broken inside, because no matter how much of an internal conflict you’re having, things do get better, and running away is not a solution, no matter how easy it may seem.
Having read many great books that can be categorized as ‘classics’ which turn out to be boring, I can say that ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ is a book that engaged me to a great extent, not simply because I’m an avid reader, but because I connected with in on a deeply emotional level. Needless to say, it is one of the best books of our time and a great read for anybody who wants emotion mixed with humor in a sarcastic way, or even if they’re just looking for something different.
‘Of Mice and Men’ is a novel written by John Steinbeck, which was published in the year 1937 and is set during the Great Depression in California, U.S.A. ‘Of Mice and Men’ is not just a simple novel but also a true reflection on how the world around is and brutality of life. Just like Bob Marley had said –‘Truth is everybody is going to hurt you: you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for’ is something the book teaches us through the life experiences of the two central characters Lennie and George. The book tells us the story of two best friends and also the main characters of the story- George Milton and Lennie Small, two oust migrant ranch workers who go from place to place in search of job opportunities with hope of one day of fulfilling their dream that is owning their own farm and tending to rabbits. This however doesn’t take place as events unfurl. They arrive at a new farm; work with new people, make new friends and enemies till the owner’s son Curley’s wife ruins it for them.The theme of Friendship is a constant theme throughout the novel. This theme is portrayed out in the story by Lennie and George’s friendship. The friendship between the two is one, which you can call – true friendship. Lennie and George would always accompany each other wherever they went and from job to job and made sure they had eachother’s back all the time. George was somewhat a guardian for Lennie. He made sure no harm was done to him either by drinking too much water or preventing him from getting into fights, which Lennie was prone towards due to his short-temper. Although Lennie never let George lead a normal life, stay in a particular job and all he brought upon George was a lot of trouble and pain. This was very evident by the frequency George had to switch jobs due to actions of Lennie. Even after all these events George never let go of Lennie’s company even on getting an opportunity to get rid of him. He would comfort Lennie and consoling him even if it was Lennie’s fault, and always made sure he had Lennie’s back. He did not do all of this out of sympathy for a ‘mentally disabled person’ but he did it because he saw a friend in Lennie who he loved no matter what the circumstances were. Lennie on the other hand was always in full support of George and all that he did. He himself never spoke ill of his friend and made sure that no one did too. In the end of the novel however hard and painful it was for George to shoot kill Lennie he did so with the sole purpose to spare him the merciless death that would be delivered to him by Curley’s lynch mob, for Lennie had ‘accidentally’ killed Curley’s wife. The extent that George went to for better of his friend shows how truly irreplaceable and priceless their friendship was. The kind of friendship bond that George and Lennie share is one which I envy the most as it is something I would love to have someday. Just like Lucius Annaeus Seneca had once said- ‘One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood’ and it is the friendship between the two that truly justify his quote. The theme of Friendship and the way it has been beautifully portrayed in the book is one of the main reasons behind me in falling in love with the book so much and at the same time this book taught me a lot and changed my perspective on true friendship as a person.
ReplyDeleteThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon is a moving book written through the eyes of 15 year old Christopher, who suffers from autism. The story begins with him trying to uncover the mystery of who killed his neighbor’s dog, Wellington, but leads onto him discovering a deep secret his dad had been keeping from him for several years. The book traces Christopher’s journey, as he sets of on a mission to find his mother.
ReplyDeleteChristopher’s father is a very intense character, who feels extreme emotions that he cannot always control. His love for Christopher is extremely evident, but he is unable to channel his frustration correctly. This results in him often yelling at Christopher in hopes to get his point across. I find the father to be a very caring character, who is still struggling to get over the end of his relationship with his wife. Christopher’s mother left the father at a time where he needed her most. She ran away from her responsibilities and left him to take care of Christopher all alone. He has raised him with immense care, trying to fulfill Christopher’s daily needs to the best of his ability. The fact that he has raised Christopher all alone, has given him a strong sense of protectiveness, and therefore he tried to keep him away from the truth about his mother.
Since the book is written from the point of view of Christopher, there are a lot of diagrams and math problems shown in the book. I find this style to be extremely interesting, as it constantly reminds the reader that it is not Mark Haddon that is narrating the story, but it is Christopher. One of these examples is the way there are several mathematical explanations and puzzles in the book, that to him are very basic to solve, but more complex to the reader. This brings out the idea that even though Christopher doesn’t have very strong social skills, he makes up for it with his mathematical intelligence. Christopher also has a fixation with order. He requires timetables or accurate schedules telling him exactly when things are to be done. Christopher’s obsession with order is juxtaposed against the evident disorder in his family, making the dysfunctional ways of their lives more prominent.
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ReplyDeleteAlbert Camus’ ‘The Outsider’ is a book that compels one to introspect the way in which one perceives others. For me the book shattered years of deeply rooted ideas about the natural order, societal acceptance and the role of an individual in society. Meursault’s unemotional, indifferent and detached reaction to the death of his mother, Marie’s casual attitude to Meursault’s imprisonment and her undying belief that she will marry Meursault and the priest’s perseverant attempt to save Meursault’s soul are all aspects of the novel that powerfully capture the readers thought process. For me, the events of the book in the way that they unravel were shocking at times, surreal but overall absurd.
ReplyDeleteThere is an unusual attitude that Camus portrays of Meursault retaining his individuality and rejecting the societal expectations. Camus effectively interwove the character of the “robot woman” to compare Meursault to. Meursault is initially intrigued by her “robot-like movements” and “followed her for a bit.” Whilst her movements were robotic, Meursault’s emotions were monotonous which explains his interest for her.
‘The outsider’ is one of the strangest books I’ve ever read, but the pure absurdity and indifference of the characters and events make it a must read book!
In fictional Caribbean world created by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, men wear rings on their boots and grimmed golden glasses and kid gloves of the same colour, women were a Sunday dress with blue flowers just in case the bishop came by to pay them a call and the bishop rides paddle wheel steamboat but doesn't plan to stop, even though his favorite soup is prepared for him. This fictional world is as memorable as a sharpened quartering knife. In the novel “Chronicle of a death foretold”, the curiosity of the anonymous narrator, leads to the confrontation of the past and the present, both revolving around the event that took place nearly three decades ago, the foretold death of Santiago Nasar. With a dream-like detective story, this is one of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s prominent books, as it showcases both his journalistic skill and remains a work of fiction.
ReplyDeleteOn their wedding night, the newlywed Angela Vicario and Bayardo San Roman are left alone, when Bayardo discovers that his wife is not a virgin. That very night, with disgust he returns Angela back to her family. After persistent beating from her mother, her brother's demand the name of the man who violated he, to which she replied “Santiago Nasar”. Without any verification, Angela’s brothers set no avenging their family honour, soon the whole town knows their plan, except for Santiago.