Leaf and Frame

So Long, Farewell

2009-04-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

Obviously I haven't been posting book reviews here for a long time. That doesn't mean I haven't been reading, thankfully! (Recent/current reads include The Four Feathers, A Tale of Two Cities, and the Chronicles of Narnia). But I can barely keep up with my family blog, let alone this one as well. So Leaf and Frame will officially go into retirement, but I hope to post occasional book/movie reviews on All Things Gall.

Thanks to those of you who have stopped by!

Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier

2008-08-21T11:47:00.000-07:00

This novel was a delicious read for me. The gothic undertones, the increasing tension and mystery of the plot, and the fascinating horridness of the housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, all lent thrills and chills to this curl-up-in-a-blanket page-turner.

Besides the fascinating plot, this book has much to recommend itself, including great description, brilliant character development, and a consistent first-person point of view, which keeps you in the narrator's head and helps you feel the increasing unease and fear right along with her. She is the young Mrs. de Winter, the second wife of Maxim de Winter, and throughout the book she finds herself pitted against the memory of Rebecca, the seemingly perfect and universally beloved first wife who had died tragically. Mrs. de Winter loves her husband, but cannot shake her feelings of fear and inadequacy as she continually compares herself with Rebecca, and feels with foreboding the very presence of Rebecca's ghost. Mrs. de Winter's self-doubt is perpetuated by Mrs. Danvers, the icily resentful housekeeper who disdains the young new wife and grows increasingly hostile to her. All the while, Maxim seems oblivious to his young wife's fears as he battles his own demons.

The plot has good build-up, and just as I was getting exasperated with the timidity and self-doubt of the heroine, several events occur which propel the book into the final twists and turns of the plot, and Mrs. de Winter is faced with choices that can strengthen her spirit or extinguish her forever.

Compelling, occasionally dark, Rebecca would be the perfect book for a chilly autumn day and a cozy armchair.

Reviewing Three Mystery Series, with a Word from Atop my Soapbox

2008-06-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

I have been on a mystery kick for the past few weeks, enjoying some Agatha Christie as well as trying out a few new authors. I always have fun reading Agatha Christie; she may not have invested as much time in character development and witty dialogue as did my all-time favorite, Dorothy Sayers, but Christie sure knows how to craft a good whodunit!

I wanted to try out some mystery writers from the last decade, since most of my reading in that genre comes from the first half of the twentieth century. The three new mystery writers I tried out are Jill Churchill (Jane Jeffry series), Kate Collins (Flower Shop Mysteries), and Laura Durham (Annabelle Archer Mysteries). Churchill published her first Jane Jeffry novel in 1989, while the other two women have been published in the last three or four years.

I read the books for entertainment, but it was funny how making comparisons between them sparked a slightly academic train of thought on the plausibility of amateur detectives. It seems to be a popular trend in mystery writing – putting a non-detective character into the role of private investigator. Just scan the mystery shelves at a bookstore, and you’ll see amateur sleuths springing up in tea shops, flower shops, quilting shops, scrapbooking shops, on and on. I’m not pooh-poohing this trend; I think it would be fun to try to create a believable detective out of someone not normally associated with crime solving. However, believable is the operative word. And from the little I’ve read so far of these kind of mysteries, creating a believable non-professional investigator is hard work.

I think Jill Churchill was most successful in this regard. Her main character, Jane Jeffry, a widowed mother of three, gets caught up in murder investigations just from being in the wrong (or right) place at the wrong (right) time. She is inquisitive, and wants to do what she can to find the killer (sometimes in order to protect innocent suspects), but she doesn’t launch a full-blown investigation on her own steam, interfering with the police and putting herself in outrageous situations. She cooperates. She asks questions and shows concern for the people involved. It helps that she is dating a detective – she can get details from him and put her sharp mind on the right path. But of the three main characters in the respective series I mentioned above, I found Jane’s situation and style to be the most plausible as a successful amateur sleuth.

On the score of plausibility, Laura Durham’s wedding planner sleuth Annabelle Archer rates the lowest. Sure, in her line of work Annabelle might run into more people “deserving” of murder, but her eagerness to track down murderers comes across as slightly childish and naïve, someone who is influenced by a little too much television – almost a delusion of grandeur. She gets the job done, of course, but the way she gets distracted from her responsibilities in order to “discuss the case” with her assistant and her gay pal, or to “follow up a clue,” gets to be irritating. I found the wedding planner parts of the novels much more interesting, with the eccentric clients and amusing barely-averted disasters. (Also, interestingly, I discovered the author herself was a big-time wedding planner before turning her hand to writing, and she says on her website that many of the “bridezilla” episodes in her books were inspired by real events.) I would have enjoyed reading a novel based on the nuptial-related trials of a wedding planner; the detective aspirations of Annabelle Archer were implausible at best, and yawn-inducing at worst. For me these books are a fizzle.

For pure fun factor, Kate Collins’ Flower Shop Mysteries get my top vote. Abby Knight, spunky and enterprising, is a completely sympathetic heroine with everyday woes and triumphs, including eccentric relatives, looming bills, a hunky love interest, and the ins and outs of running a local business. I’m not completely convinced about her believability as a detective, either, but it helps that she freely admits she’s practically a snoop and busybody, and her motive of involvement springs from being asked by a desperate friend to put her nosiness to good use. The plots in these books are pretty good, and there are liberal doses of humor and occasional racy romance to swing the story along and provide interesting subplots. So, I would rate the mystery as fair to good, and the overall entertainment very good.

So that is my general, if not vague, take on these three mystery series. I think the days of Agatha Christie-like books, with their deft, candlestick-in-the-library, drawing-in-the-net style, are gone. Nowadays we want to see the everyday protagonist step up, and after a struggle with overdue notices or razor burn, show up the professionals with a combination of dogged inquisitiveness and inspired brilliance. We want a murder mystery with a little “realistic” personal woe or love triangle served on the side. We want to “try out” an old formula in a new setting. Nothing wrong with that, but writers like Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers are a hard act to follow. I guess as a reader I just need to have the right expectations… and secretly imagine how I might craft my own novel featuring an intrepid, lovelorn, twenty-something career woman who… bakes pies! Yes! Oh, wait, someone has already taken that one.

Fountain and Tomb, by Naguib Mahfouz

2008-05-19T17:55:00.000-07:00

This was a unique and enjoyable book, consisting of over seventy brief vignettes (some only a few paragraphs long). Speaking in present tense, the narrator describes life in the Cairo neighborhood where he grew up in the 1920s. The stories focus on the people and customs that surrounded the boy and made an impression on him, defining not only his life but the life of the alley. He tells of romances and heartaches, marriages and deaths; he describes both highborn and lowborn neighbors, pious people and lawbreakers. In his telling he neither judges these characters nor asks the reader to. He presents a distinct look at a distinct culture, but is not compelled to defend, explain, or propagate the religion and customs of his people. He merely weaves, in spare but picturesque language, a fascinating portrait of life as seen and interpreted by an observant and impressionable young boy.

I found this book easy and fun to read; the structure makes it easy to read in short segments, although often I was enjoying myself too much to put it down. I loved the brief look at so many different, fascinating people. Sometimes I couldn't help thinking, Are there really this many interesting (even eccentric) people to be found in one close-knit neighborhood? I wish I could observe such types of people and be able to describe their story in such a succinct yet poetic way!

(This review also posted on Bookfest.)

North and South, by Elizabeth Gaskell

2008-05-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

This was my first time reading Elizabeth Gaskell, a contemporary of Charles Dickens and the Brontes. I had never heard of her before this novel was suggested for our women's book club, but I learned she also wrote the novel Wives and Daughters, which was made into a miniseries that I enjoyed very much.

North and South chronicles a few years in the life of a young English woman, Margaret Hale, and her family. When Margaret's father decides he can't in good conscience remain a clergyman with the Church of England, the family moves from their country parish and idyllic parsonage in the South of England, to a smoky, bustling manufacturing city in the North. This is hard on all of them, particularly Margaret, who loved the parsonage and country life, and who at first has a strong prejudice against the class of shopkeepers and manufacturers. The Hales endure a succession of tragic circumstances, in addition to reduced social standing and income, including deaths of loved ones. Also central to the novel is Margaret's love-hate relationship with a young factory owner, John Thornton, a rather Pride and Prejudice-like romance that develops very slowly throughout the length of the novel.

North and South has a slow beginning, but I found the characters interesting and well-developed, and the description of life in that city provides commentary on the social and economic consequences of the industrial revolution. The plot eventually picks up the pace, too, with a factory workers' strike; Margaret's growing friendship with a poor working-class family; a hush-hush visit from Margaret's brother, who was involved in a naval mutiny and would be hanged if discovered on English soil; and the tension between Margaret and Thornton.

The novel is thick, but I recommend hanging in there through the slow beginning, because the writing is excellent, with good character arcs, and Margaret is a heroine who should join the ranks of other famous British heroines like Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Eyer.

The Name of the Rose, by Umberto Eco

2008-04-09T16:41:00.000-07:00

Probably one of the deepest, most literary mysteries I’ve ever read! This novel contains as much (or more) discussion of philosophy, history, Apocalyptic revelation, ecclesiastical politics, and the purpose of knowledge, as it does of character and plot development, to say nothing of actual “detecting.” But while I felt bogged down in a few places, for the most part the characters and the mystery, as well as the richly portrayed medieval and monastic culture, kept me fascinated and turning pages quite eagerly.

The Franciscan monk William of Baskerville is an admirable protagonist and “detective” (not by profession, of course, but the role he assumes in the story). To me he resembles a combination of other characters I like: Brother Cadfael (another monk who investigates murder), Sherlock Holmes (uses similar methods of reasoning), and Albus Dumbledore (the wise mentor of great intelligence, keen shrewdness and courteous manners).

In the 1320s, there is upheaval in the Holy Roman Empire, marked by power struggles between Emperor and Pope, and accusations of heresies between various monastic orders. A meeting is arranged between two religious factions, one supporting the Emporer and one the Pope, to address the issue of the monastic lifestyle of poverty, which is divisive not only among the clergy, but has acquired political significance as well. William of Baskerville is one who will speak in favor of poverty, and arrives several days early at the designated location of the meeting, an unnamed but ancient and magnificent abbey. Accompanying him is Adso, William’s young novice pupil, who like a faithful Watson is the narrator of the story.

William is renowned for his wisdom and cleverness, and for this reason the abbot of this particular abbey beseeches William to look into the recent death of a young monk. Naturally, the matter proves to be more grave and complex than it first appeared. Over the course of the week that William and Adso spend at the abbey, several more deaths occur, together with apocalyptic portents and rumors of illicit sexual relationships and forbidden books full of dark secrets. As William attempts to unravel the clues, he and Adso encounter a mysterious reticence among the abbot and older monks regarding the restricted library, and William becomes convinced the key to the puzzle lies in that quarter. But discovering how to access the library and make sense of its labyrinthine passages is a whole other challenge. Adding to these difficulties is the arrival of the Pope’s contingent, accompanied by an Inquisitor, who desires to destroy the credibility of the Emperor’s supporters by discovering connections to heretical sects.

Obviously, this story is complex and involved! But despite the intricacies of the plot, the actual episodes of sleuthing and character interaction comprise only half the length of the book. The rest of the 500-some pages are devoted to long passages of discussion and meditation on the other topics I mentioned at the start, particularly the history of the monastic orders involved in the story, and the rise of heresies and doctrines that have led to all the political/ecclesiastical strife. There are also discussions of the value of knowledge and books; the grandeur of the abbey’s treasury; the various kinds of lust that can afflict the monks (not just carnal, but also lust for knowledge); and religious disputes such as whether or not laughter is a holy or a wicked thing, to name some. I confess my attention wandered during some of these passages. But they do enrich the story and pertain to the development and motivations of various characters, so they are not merely excessive rabbit trails!

The Name of the Rose provides a fascinating glimpse into medieval monastic life and the intrigue that could surround people of power, even in the church. Beyond this richness of setting, the portayal of the characters is equally riveting, and together with the skillfully constructed murder mystery, makes for an excellent and enjoyable novel.

Some Books I Enjoyed in March

2008-04-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

The Well of Lost Plots, and Something Rotten, by Jasper Fforde

Books three and four, respectively, of Jasper Fforde’s Thursday Next series. Each successive book takes the plot to greater creative heights in this unique fantasy/mystery/literary adventure series. Thursday Next, a literary detective, works to pretect the integrity of various works of literature, and meanwhile gets caught up in danger, romance, reliving war memories, time travel, and fictional characters jumping into the real world. All in a day’s work for this intrepid young woman! These books are so much fun to read (and they make you wish you had a better grasp of classic literature!), and I’m always dazzled by the humor, irony and imagination that Fforde put into these novels. Make sure you read them in order; the story builds from one book to the next.

Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

I can finally say I have read this book! Long overdue, I suppose, but I’m glad to know the story and characters that have influenced much of American storytelling. It was not always easy to read; the dialects sometimes slowed me down, and of course the prevalent use of the word “nigger” was offensive. But Twain’s commentary on “civilized” society was apt and full of the humourous satire for which he is famous. I appreciated Huck’s realistic inner turmoil and the development of his character. He and Jim, the runaway slave, were by far my favorite characters of the book; but all the others, while often annoying, certainly had entertaining eccetricities!

Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy Sayers and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling

Just re-reading some old favorites! (And probably my favorite novel of each author, too.)

Recent Books

2008-01-31T13:16:00.000-08:00

I haven’t posted any book reviews in a few months, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been reading. Here are a few books I’ve enjoyed lately:

Because They Hate, by Brigitte Gabriel.
Ms. Gabriel describes the terror of living through years of war in her country of Lebanon back in the 1970s, when she was a girl. Palestinians and other militant Muslims attacked the Lebanese, simply because they were Christians. Ms. Gabriel delivers a philippic against militant Islam, together with historic evidence of an Islamic agenda and a warning to Western nations not to view this threat with skepticism or complacency. I was fascinated (and sometimes horrified) by her firsthand account of living through the war. It made me very thankful for the peace and freedom of our culture! In a somewhat abrupt shift, the second half of the book addressed the facts of militant Islam and a call to awareness in America. This part I skimmed over a bit, but she does include a chapter of suggestions on what steps to take in educating oneself in this topic and preventing the erosion of American freedoms and the takeover of Islamic ideology. My impression as I read this book was that Gabriel knew what she was talking about, but I wondered if her urgency was influenced by her personal experience more than known facts.

Surprised by Joy, by C. S. Lewis.
What a fabulous read! This is one of my new favorite books. Lewis’s writing is wonderful, of course, and he has pinned himself down (and the character of humanity he encountered throughout his life) with eloquent and candid accuracy. I enjoyed the journey through his childhood into adolescence, and the look at the culture of the time (who knew about public boarding schools!) in addition to his own philosophical and creative journeys, and ultimately to his faith in Christ. I found a great deal of humor and insight in this book, and though the language is the articulation of an Oxford don, there is much humility as well.

The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Infidelities, reunited lovers, lavish parties, unexpected friendships, old wealth, new wealth, murder – it’s all in this short but thought-provoking and entertaining novel. This was my first Fitzgerald novel and I enjoyed this introduction to his writings. He is adroit with language, not wordy yet creating evocative scenes and developing characters through their speech, posture and interactions. Plus, it’s an interesting glimpse into the excess and glitzy shallowness of the lifestyle some people actually lived during the Jazz Age.

A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L'Engle

2007-10-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

A Wrinkle in Time was a favorite of mine in junior high. I think I liked it more for the character relationships (and the small element of romantic interest between Meg and Calvin) than for the science fiction. This time around I find I still appreciate the character development and the writing style best; but the interstellar adventure of Meg and her friends is fun, albeit lacking in the complexity of other science fiction/fantasy books I have read, e.g., C. S. Lewis’s space trilogy. But it is a good introduction for young people to the science fiction genre, with time and space theories cushioned by interesting places and likeable characters. Just be prepared for a dash of moralizing and a generic spiritual element within the story.

Birds of a Feather, by Jacqueline Winspear

2007-10-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

In Birds of a Feather, Maisie Dobbs is a Depression-Era private investigator (and amateur psychologist) from London. Working with her assistant, Billy Beale, she traces the disappearance of Charlotte Waite, the daughter of a self-made, wealthy grocery magnate. The job leads Maisie to various locations throughout London as well as to a convent in Kent and a couple coastal villages. But what starts as a missing person case quickly deteriorates into a murder investigation, and the possible connection of the deaths of three young women to Charlotte’s disappearance. Along the way, Maisie evades the tentative advances of Detective Inspector Stratton; encourages Beale to overcome a personal difficulty; strengthens her relationship with her father; and deals with the memories and grief surrounding her experience as a battlefield nurse during the Great War. Maisie’s plate is quite full, but with the guidance of her friend and mentor Dr. Maurice Blanche, and through her own plucky resourcefulness and quick mind, Maisie accomplishes all with a compassionate heart and cool aplomb.

I enjoyed the mystery, but even more I enjoyed the character development and the historical setting, with the references to the Great War and how it affected lives years later. I was a bit perplexed by Maisie’s use of “meditation” and sensing the emotional energy that pervaded a crime scene, as a part of discovering clues. This was different from the empathetic psychological detection of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple or G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown. It wasn’t even related, I don’t believe, to the trendy spiritism that fascinated the British middle-class of the 1920s and ‘30s. This is a different method that Jacqueline Winspear has created for her character, which I found difficult to buy into. But otherwise, the story was a lot of fun to read, and I look forward to reading other novels in the series.

Update (11/5):

I just finished Maisie Dobbs, the first novel in this series, and I enjoyed it. It gave a great background on the characters - good development that helps me understand Birds of a Feather even better. I liked the insights into the experience of WWI soldiers. I also enjoyed the book's structure, which had several sections of back story illuminating the development of Maisie's detective skills and her relationship with key characters from the other books.

Silas Marner, by George Eliot

2007-10-03T09:03:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed this well-balanced novel. It provides interesting commentary on and contrasts between the wealthy and working classes; between community and the individual; and between trust and mistrust in one's neighbor. And particularly on the reactions of the morally upright, the cowardly compromisers, and the deliberately wicked in the face of trouble or crisis. There are interesting literary elements throughout the book as well: themes, metaphor, and symbolism. All is balanced and every character gets his just reward. Selfless love brings redemption.

The Yearling, by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

2007-09-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Baxter family lives and farms in an isolated backwater area of Florida, in the late 19th century. Jody Baxter, the boy, adores and respects his father, Penny Baxter, and his greatest joy is found in going on the hunt with his father and listening to his enthralling tales of previous hunting exploits. Yet Jody, the only boy his age for miles, is lonely and longs for a close friend and companion of his own. When he discovers an orphaned fawn, Jody persuades his parents to let him keep it as his own, and his hungry heart quickly finds joy and satiety in the young creature who accompanies him in his chores and in his frolicking and forest rambling.

The Yearling is a tale of rural life: planting and harvest, hunting, caring for livestock, weathering storms, trading in town, sharing yarns around the fire. My 21st-century mind is amazed at the work that was necessary just to survive! And at what simple things brought pleasure and excitement: storytelling, visiting neighbors, having that extra bit of money to buy that special thing in town.

The Yearling is also a tale of growing up, of the tug between clinging to boyhood freedom and innocence, and desiring to enter the realm of manhood (in particular, creating one’s own collection of exciting tales and exploits). Jody has two examples of grown manhood: his rough-riding, backwoods neighbors, the Forresters, whose tastes run to whisky and shooting at any creature that moves; and his father, Penny, a wise, gentle man with a great work ethic, great hunting skills, and great strength of character. While Flag, the fawn, is Jody’s source of joy, Penny is the pillar of strength and stability that upholds Jody through a year of ups and downs.

The writing in this novel is excellent: from its point of view (believable, consistent, and sympathetic), to its description of the characters and setting (visually lush and detailed), to the heavy dialect of the dialogue (at first difficult to read quickly), to the story arc (gentle and character-driven). All the characters are fully-fleshed, believable, and interesting; even the secondary characters, who have no journey of their own, are real and colorful. Penny Baxter is my favorite character, with his great tales inspiring and his gentle affirmation guiding his young son. There is a sweet irony in Penny, who is physically scrawny, but who has more wisdom, perseverance, iron tenacity, and strength of character than all the burly, dark-bearded Forresters combined.

This 1939 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is masterful in its depiction of a way of life long gone, and in its simple celebration of hard work, family and friendship, and the innocence and ideals of youth.

(this review also posted on Bookfest)

1984, by George Orwell

2007-08-21T16:02:00.000-07:00

This was a fascinating and sometimes disturbing book, well-written in the consistency and comprehensiveness of the world Orwell created: a totalitarian regime that reached into every aspect of the characters' life. I thought Orwell, since he was taking such political doctrine and practice to the extreme, did a great job of envisioning a world so completely. I was especially fascinated by the idea of revising history to match what was the current reality of the Party, and how every previous "edition" of the past, so to speak, was destroyed, so people no longer knew what was truth and what were lies regarding history. What Big Brother and the Party declared to be the truth was the truth; and there was no evidence to contradict it. Pretty scary idea!

The characters were interesting (and I appreciated that there weren't too many to keep track of). It was easy to sympathize and empathize with Winston Smith, the protagonist, who found himself questioning and dissatisfied with the status quo, but with his freedom so restricted, unable to do anything about it. One felt his excitement at discovering like-minded rebels; and his chill of horror at discovering unexpected enemies.

The world Orwell conceived was very awful to envision; and I'm heartily grateful that kind of world has never come to pass. But my own feeling is that it never could get quite that bad - at least where all of civilization is controlled by an oligarchical communism and where every last bit of individualism and personal freedom is destroyed, together with history and truth. God's word, truth and church could never be completely stamped out - and that's a truth and promise that gives me hope when I emerge from the fascinating but depressing world of 1984.

The Fourth Bear, by Jasper Fforde

2007-08-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

After enjoying the first book in the Nursery Crimes series, I was eager to pick up the second. The Fourth Bear proved to be just as clever, funny and engaging as The Big Over Easy. In fact, I think I enjoyed it even more, because in addition to the mystery and the plethora of PDR (Persons of Dubious Reality, i.e., people who are characters from well-known children's stories and nursery rhymes), we get more back story and more personal glimpses of the detective hero, Jack Spratt. I would recommend trying this series, especially if you enjoy mysteries involving blue aliens, illegal porridge, psychotic gingerbreadmen, anthropomorphic animals, the marriages of Titans, exploding cucumbers, Punch and Judy, and nefarious government-sanctioned plots to create the ultimate weapon.

Thus Endeth the Series

2007-07-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

I am both happy and sad to have completed the Harry Potter books. I really enjoyed the final one: it was filled with heart-pounding adventure, and all the questions were answered (though mostly in the last few chapters, after a huge build-up!). There are sad parts, and happy parts, and the ending is appropriate and satisfying. It's been a fun journey with Harry and his friends!

"School for Wives," by Moliere

2007-07-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

A comedic play that I read for my book discussion group. The language is rather formal (perhaps that's just the translation, too), but there is a lot of irony and humor, and a satisfying conclusion (and it's a very quick read!). A good introduction to Moliere!

A Look Back

2007-07-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

Since we're halfway through the year, I think it would be appropriate to list all the books I've read these past six months. (Plus, I love making lists, and it will be fun to gloat over my accomplishments.) So, as best as I can remember...

To Say Nothing of the Dog, by Connie Willis
Enchantment, by Orson Scott Card
Macbeth, by Shakespeare
My Antonia, by Willa Cather
The Shakespeare Stealer Series (3 books), by Gary Blackwood
Peter Pan in Scarlet, by Geraldine McCaughrean
The Constant Gardener, by John Le Carre
Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ, by John Piper
A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, by Solzhenitsyn
The Painted Veil, by Somerset Maugham
Restoring Grace, Artistic License, and Paradise Fields, by Katie Fforde
The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
Harry Potter, books 1 - 6 (re-reads, getting ready for the final book!!), by J.K. Rowling
Babette's Feast, by Isak Dinesen
The Man Who was Thursday, by G.K Chesterton
The Mysterious Affair at Styles, by Agatha Christie
Shadows and Strongholds, by Elizabeth Chadwick
The Big Over Easy, by Jasper Fforde

The Big Over Easy, by Jasper Fforde

2007-07-03T21:28:00.001-07:00

I picked this up on the recommendation of my friend Kimberly Swait, although I first heard of this author and title from Kim's husband Joffre, who wrote about it on his blog some time ago. I really loved the book! It's a mystery, but quite different from any other one I've read, because it features characters from nursery rhymes and fairy tales, set in a modern day English town amidst normal people who interact with these characters and are quite unfazed by it. The mystery is pretty good; clues aren't withheld from the readers, but nothing was obvious (at least to me) until the end. But what I liked best about the book was that it simultaneously paid homage to and poked gentle fun at the mystery genre and all the archetype characters and scenarios. Plus, it is cleverly written and structured (I love the "news article excerpts" at the start of every chapter), and the characters are large and colorful. This is a great read for fans of the mystery genre, and just as much so for those who aren't.

I've got the next book in the series on my shelf; can't wait to start it!

The Man Who Was Thursday, by G.K. Chesterton

2007-06-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

I love reading Chesterton, particularly his Father Brown mysteries (more great short stories that I would highly recommend to mystery lovers searching for well-written, literary works of that genre). I read The Man Who was Thursday this month for my book club, and I enjoyed reading it as well as the group discussion of it. It's an unusual story, but that makes sense when you realize the original subtitle is A Nightmare. In a sense this book is a mystery also, since it follows the efforts of an undercover policeman, who is trying to discover and thwart the plots of a European anarchist group. But the story also involves philosophy, larger-than-life characters, masks, vivid descriptions (lots of color, particularly red), chase scenes, and the meaning of poetry from the standpoint of anarchy versus law and order. It seems the book should be weighed down under all that, but it actually moves at a pretty good pace. I found it fascinating, both the plot, and the way Chesterton can incorporate such intellectual and philosophical discussion right within the storyline. It's not a very long novel, so it make a good summer read. (But I could envision it as a cozy autumn read also, delightful when accompanied by hot tea and the drizzle of rain!)

Shadows and Strongholds, by Elizabeth Chadwick

2007-06-11T14:26:00.001-07:00

A medieval romance, with many strengths: interesting characters (based on historical people, I learned); descriptive and evocative, so you really get a sense of the culture and what people and places look like; good writing, intelligent but fast-paced, with some vocabulary contemporary to 12th-century England. The novel is pretty long, with a number of subplots and conflicts, but the overall arc of the plot is interesting and easy to follow, although the ending is somewhat unexpected. That's good, though; it was realistic that not everything resolved perfectly. There is quite a bit of sexual content (what is it with modern novelists needing to throw that in all the time?), and some of it graphic. At least the love scenes are mostly between married couples (although there is a rape scene that I skipped over). But it's not all sex. There are battles and horse-back journeys; there are births and deaths, weddings and parties, and the everyday hardships of keeping a medieval manor running smoothly. Along with plenty of romance, Shadows and Strongholds provides an interesting (and I think fairly accurate) look at medieval society and the political warring between monarchs fighting for control of England.

Restoring Grace, by Katie Fforde

2007-05-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

I've read three novels, now, by British author Katie Fforde, but Restoring Grace is my favorite so far. It is a romance that involves art, wine appreciation, old houses, friendship, and the joys and anxieties of romantic entanglements. It focuses on two young women and their efforts to restore an old house and equally old paintings, as well as their respective budding romantic relationships. The other two novels that I've read are Paradise Fields and Artistic License. They are romances that likewise follow the ups and downs of women (either single, divorced, or widowed) finding themselves faced with a new project (whether restoring old houses, running a farmer's market, or opening an art gallery) and a new relationship. All the books have lots of sex, so take that as a caution; but they are generally light-hearted, fun reads, with down-to-earth and lovable heroines. I particularly enjoy the British dialect, that comes across in certain words and expressions, which are just different from our American usage. But I'm a bit of an Anglophile, so I enjoy learning new British terms and becoming familiar with them.

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

2007-05-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

There's a cliche about the train wreck -- it's so horrible yet so fascinating you can't look away. That's how I found The Kite Runner, which had many disturbing elements in it, episodes that were difficult to read because of the oppression and "violence of the wicked" -- very often violence against children -- and because of the sheer sadness of some of the passages. Yet the book drew me in with its poignant but matter-of-fact prose; its eye-opening look at life in war-torn nations; its touching moments of faithful friendship, and the heart-rending quest for a father's praise.

The story is set in Afghanistan, and the narrator is Amir, who relates how his carefree boyhood was destroyed, first by a personal sin, then by war violence which forces Amir and his father to escape their home to Pakistan, and ultimately come to America, where they try to make a new life in California. Though seeing the violence and oppression of Afghanistan's invaders was terrible, it is his own sin that hangs like a dark cloud over Amir. In his quest for gaining the love and pride of his adored father, Amir makes a choice that hurts (to say it mildly) his most loyal friend and servant, Hassan. Amir's guilt over this becomes a disease that ruins his friendship with Hassan and changes the course of both their lives. As an adult, Amir is given the opportunity to redeem himself of his boyhood failure. He must see if can claim for his own the courage, faithfulness and integrity that he always admired in his father and in Hassan.

The Kite Runner is moving and often painful. Of course, there are some bright spots: happy memories of a carefree childhood that crop up throughout the book; a new and ardent love that springs up further on in the story; and evidence of Amir truly gaining the respect of his father. But the heaviness never really lets up, because not only are the violent scenes distressing (although it is rarely in-your-face violence, the language is simple and evocative and unmistakable), the presentation of all these lives in the grip of Islamic ideology is saddening as well. On the one hand are the violent jihadists; but on the other you have the sympathetic characters like Amir, who must live with guilt, because there is no blood redemption, no sacrifice of love on their behalf by Allah, no salvation by grace. Allah may eventually forgive his followers, but they, like Amir, must earn their own redemption.

I'm glad I read this book, because it was so well-written, and because it showed a way of life that is foreign to me, but that is normal for so many people around the world in Islamic and war-torn countries. However, I would recommend it only to mature and discerning readers.

The Holiday (2006)

2007-05-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed this romantic comedy. Though lighthearted, it has many touching moments as well as dialogue candidly expressing pain and self-doubt. The plot centers around two women, one from L.A. and one from Surrey, England, who swap houses over the Christmas holiday. Each woman is unlucky in love, and longs to take a break from the misery. Naturally, during their respective getaways, the women develop new friendships - and new loves.

One thing I appreciate about the movie is that it deliberately - and sometimes tongue in cheek - includes commentary on the history and culture of film making, particularly the genre of romantic films.

The characters are fun and charming, too; I particularly like Kate Winslet's character, who befriends an elderly man, and brings some joy and meaning back in his life. The old man, meanwhile, gives her some wisdom and life lessons that enable her to move beyond a destructive and unrequited love.

Contrasting but equally beautiful scenery from L.A and the English countryside, and a fun soundtrack, round off this enjoyable film.

The Queen (2006)

2007-05-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

Excellent movie. Great acting, good script. I found the story fascinating as it recounted the death of Princess Diana and the week that followed, combining real historical footage with the movie's footage. We see the contrasting reactions, perspectives and means of coping from within the royal family, the Prime Minister's government, the press, and the public.

Obviously the movie focuses mostly on the Queen herself, but Tony Blair, the newly-elected Prime Minister, plays a big role as well, as he works to persuade the Monarchy that dealing privately and quietly with Diana's death is alienating and infuriating to the British people, who want to see Diana honored publicly by the royal family. The Queen has her own feelings in the matter - she prefers quiet, dignified expressions of grief, and it is hard enough to feel grief for a woman who made life so difficult for the royals.

Early on in the movie it is difficult to relate to and sympathize with the Queen and Prince Philip, who want to carry on almost like nothing happened, and whose methods of braving the storm include hunting stags and fretting over tea that's gone cold. But we admire the Queen's concern for her grandsons, and we begin to realize - particularly through the enlightening remarks made by PM Blair to his staff - just how difficult this situation is and what strength of character the Queen has. The film does an excellent job at portraying the various perspectives, from the common people, to the Ministerial staff, to the royal family, and getting us the audience to understand and even sympathize with each one.

A fascinating look at recent history and events that touched so many people.

Accio Harry Potter! (Sometimes I just have to re-read old favorites)

2007-05-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

Reasons I enjoy Harry Potter:

Exciting story
Imaginative
Good writing
Consistent, believable character arcs
Brilliant allusions to classic mythology
Excellent use of story archtypes
Importance placed on the names of people and objects

The Painted Veil, by W. Somerset Maugham

2007-04-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

This is a well-written story filled with color, irony, and the strengths and frailties of human nature. It contrasts characters who have shallow, selfish ambitions with those who are driven by human compassion and noble ideals. The character arc of the heroine, Kitty, is both realistic and engrossing. She is complex and flawed, but sympathetic and likeable, as she moves from a shallow society girl to a woman who grows in compassion and who acknowledges that many of her trials are the consequences of her own sinful actions.

I really enjoyed this book; it was hard to put down and I completed it easily in a couple days. The prose is excellent - descriptive and supportive of the tone and themes. The characters are well-drawn and fascinating. The book addresses profound themes, but it is never heavy, moralizing or sentimental. An excellent read. I'm interested to watch the movie when it comes out on DVD.

The Shakespeare Stealer Series, by Gary Blackwood

2007-03-26T14:52:00.000-07:00

This volume comprises three novels: The Shakespeare Stealer, Shakespeare's Scribe, and Shakespeare's Spy. These stories follow the adventures of Widge, an orphan who finds himself joining the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the group of players that Shakespeare was part of (later the King's Men). The books are geared for young people (middle school?), but I enjoyed them a lot. The plots were entertaining and the characters interesting, and the books gave a good picture of life as a Player in Elizabethan London. The writing is pretty good, too; I think it would be vocabulary-building for middle-schoolers. It certainly is balanced between description, scene, and dialogue, so the stories are fast-paced but not exclusively plot-driven.

The Shakespeare Stealer Series could never substitute for a history textbook on that era, nor be considered a study of Shakespeare's works. But it makes a good introduction to Elizabethan culture and even gives details about some of the plays, so that it could be a good way to pique someone's interest to study those subjects further.

One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, by Alexander Solzhenitsyn

2007-03-20T07:56:00.000-07:00

Now here is a novel that anyone could read, even people intimidated by Russian literature! A mere hundred pages or so, this book chronicles (exactly as the title suggests) one day in the life of a man imprisoned at a Soviet labor camp. Ivan Denisovich Shukov is serving a ten-year term (a penalty for perfectly ridiculous and untrue charges), and we get a glimpse of his life -- a very difficult life, too! The prisoners ("zeks") are constanly cold, and what little food they are given consists of thin soups, oatmeal, hard bread, etc. They labor during the day, mostly outside, despite the extreme temperatures; they endure several roll calls and searches each day. But the remarkable thing about our hero is that he goes through life quite calmly and matter-of-factly -- which is echoed in the tone of the book, as we follow the story through Shukov's eyes. Shukov has learned to preserve some human dignity and individualism in those dehumanizing conditions, maintaining simple little rituals like removing his hat to eat, and never begging for food or cigarettes from the other prisoners. He trades favors with other prisoners, like guarding the parcels that come in for another zek in his squad, in exchange for a bit of food or tobacco. He is handy with tools, and actually takes some pride in his work when the zeks are out building a wall at the work site, demonstrating his good character in the midst of such horrid surroundings.

The brilliance of the book lies in the straight-forward prose and matter-of-fact tone, which contrasts sharply with how difficult life in the camp really is. Shukov is as eager as anyone to finish his term of imprisonment, but he takes each day as they come without letting himself think too much about his deprivations. We the readers are horrified by the conditions the zeks endure; and we are glad we only have to witness one day of it. We are left with a strong impression of that monotonous drudgery, that never-ending cold, that careful rationing of food in the effort to minimize hunger -- and realize, they have to go through 10 years of that! Aren't we glad to be snuggled into our own warm homes while merely reading about such a life!

Yet the book isn't all darkness and depression. That's the other remarkable thing about the story and our protagonist. Shukov manages to find small things to brighten his day, like opportunities to earn extra bits of food, or seeing the result of his labors in a perfectly straight wall. We marvel at the equanimity of Shukov; and we admire him for taking it each day at a time, and not allowing himself to be overwhelmed by his circumstances. He maintains his humanity, almost against the designs of the Soviet labor camp system.

I read this book for my book club, and enjoyed it. It's a well-drawn look at the life of Soviet prisoners in the Stalin era -- very much what Solzhenitsyn himself went through at one point in his life.

A Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett

2007-03-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

What causes us to love a rags to riches story so much? Why is the Cinderella story so endearing? Why do we cheer for the underdog, the downtrodden, the unjustly treated, to rise up and confound their foes? I'm sure I'm not alone in enjoying those tales of someone who endures miserable circumstances or unfair treatment, and not through any wrongdoing on their part, but on the contrary often because of something noble in that person's character. A persecution of sorts.

That's one reason why A Little Princess was one of my favorite books growing up. Sara Crewe, the "princess" in this story, is a young Victorian Cinderella, good-natured and particularly kind to people who are inferior in some way or another. Her story actually mirrors the Cinderella tale pretty closely. She starts off in good fortune, with a wealthy and doting father. As a young girl she is placed in a London boarding school, run by a respectable but hard-hearted and rather selfish woman. Sara befriends a number of younger or less fortunate girls, including the badly treated scullery maid, Becky; and though at first Sara's schoolmates are more fascinated by her fashionable clothes, soon her kind generosity and gift for story-telling are what draw many of the girls to her. Sara is well-bred; she has impeccable manners and a self-control and dignity that bring about her nickname "Princess Sara," spoken in admiration by her friends and in scorn by her jealous detractors. When the simultaneous death of her father and loss of his fortune leave Sara a penniless orphan, she is forced to become a drudge at the school, overworked and underfed. Her only comfort is a couple loyal friends, and her active imagination, with which she dreams up scenerios to cheer herself and Becky through the endless work and ill treatment. Though persecuted, Sara never stops being a "princess" on the inside. She is as kind and polite as always, even when she feels like flying into a rage at someone. Her hopeful optimism and kind nature are at last rewarded when a benefactor enters her life and brings about another change in fortune, which leads to the satisfying conclusion in which all characters receive their just desserts.

Now that I'm older, I recognize that this story follows an old and well-loved formula -- quite literally the "riches-to-rags-to-riches" formula. But though I can judge it now on a literary and thematic level, I find that I enjoy the book no less for the story itself. I admit that I'm a sentimentalist; I like A Little Princess for many of the same reasons that I like other orphan stories, like Anne of Green Gables. A character whose circumstances are so much against her, still manages to use inner resources and strength of character to bring happiness not only to herself, but also to others. And meanwhile, quite satisyingly, the antagonists get their come-uppance.

Another thing that I notice when I read with a more critical eye, is the absence of faith. This is the one aspect I don't like about A Little Princess: scant reference to God and no acknowledgment of his help and provision. Self-reliance and personal righteousness are the laudable qualities in this story, rather than what a truly Christian perspective would say, namely that only through God's grace are we able to have so much goodness, even toward those who persecute us.

This lack of a spiritual dimension is the one great detraction from what is otherwise a fun story. The character arcs are a bit bland, but the strength of the story is in the structural balance and the events of the plot. It is a quick read, a "feel-good" story (perhaps too sweet for some, but delicious for readers with sentimental leanings). A worthy story for upper-gradeschoolers (and adults) to have on their reading resume.

The Constant Gardener, by John Le Carre

2007-03-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

At times suspenseful, at times moving, The Constant Gardener is one of those great gifts to the modern reader: equally plot- and character-driven. It contains intrigue, cover-ups, conspiracy, love affairs, dogged investigation, acts of bravery and sacrifice -- all told in a direct and visual narrative that so appeals to a film-saturated generation. But it also has the depth of a book that asks hard questions, that delves into the thoughts and motives of the characters, that shows the full spectrum of human strength and frailty. The hero, Justin Quayle, takes a journey to discover the reasons behind the murder of his beautiful young wife, and along the way learns not only about the passion and determination that drove his wife in her crusades for justice and integrity, but more about his own inner strength as well.

I appreciate the book for its clear, energetic prose; for the intriguing plot line and conflict of corporate greed and corruption; for the realistic characters with their public personas and private motivations. The narrative shifts perspectives throughout the book, which was a bit confusing sometimes when there was no structural warning. But the advantage of the different POVs is that first we view certain characters, like Justin Quayle, through the eyes of another character. As the story unfolds, and the POV shifts to Justin himself, we realize how little the other characters really know him and understand what he is going through. Because he has been misjudged by the others, we feel all the more sympathy and admiration for him, and our estimation of him grows as his noble character is further revealed through his thoughts and actions. Through his memories and investigations, we discover more about Tessa, his deceased wife, as well. Her deeply compassionate nature and sense of justice brought her up against powerful corporations; her fearlessness stands in stark contrast to the petty bureaucrats who simply want to save face and kowtow to Big Money.

Although it took me several chapters to get really into the book, eventually I got caught up in the mystery and found it hard to put down. But even more than the intrigue and investigation, it was the unfolding love story of Justin and his wife, and Justin's growth into courage and assertiveness, that kept me turning pages until the very last, emotionally moving scene.

I enjoyed this book, but because of bad language, including some that is sexually explicit, I would recommend it only to mature readers, and with cautions along those lines. But I think they would find it a worthwhile read, particularly if they are readers like myself, who want to expand their appreciation of popular fiction but still require good writing!

Scoop (2006)

2007-03-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

This film started out promisingly: A shot of a well-attended funeral; then a group of Cockney men in unaccustomed suits, sharing post-funeral drinks and reminiscing about their fellow reporter, extolling his intrepidity and unfailing success in getting scoops. Then the next scene, a longboat, enshrouded with heavy mist, piloted by the silent, unmoving figure of Death with the usual hood and scythe.

(A quirky sense of humor and irony, then. Always a fun tone to take. Plus, a sort of reference to Charon and the river Styx. Classical references are always good; they assume intelligence on the part of the viewer.)

Back to the scene. Several passengers on this boat, and two start chatting, introducing themselves and explaining how they died. The woman suspected she had been poisoned because she had been on the verge of discovering a dangerous secret. The man, who is of course the deceased reporter, listens to the woman's theory of scandal, and laments that he is unable to break this sensational story. What a triumph for the reporter who could confirm and publish this story of a wealthy aristocrat who is actually a serial killer!

And so begins the tale of an aspiring journalist (played by Scarlet Johannsen), who is randomly contacted from beyond the grave and given a tip for the story that could make her career. Unfortunately, what starts out as a quirky, interesting premise devolves into a poorly scripted cliche of the woman who tries to expose a man and ends up falling for him herself. Not that this is a bad formula for a movie, but it wasn't very well done. Stilted dialogue, no character development, and one hardly cared whether or not the handsome suspect (played by Hugh Jackman) was actually a serial killer. The only worthwhile character was a Brooklyn-accented, small-time magician (played by the film's director, Woody Allen) whose itinerant show brings him to London where all this action takes place. He is a funny man with a limited repetoire of phrases and tricks that he uses on his audience, and a habit of chattering nervously and sometimes tactlessly. But the film has two conflicting tones; certain aspects say this is tongue-in-cheek, don't take this movie so seriously. But other scenes try to make the movie genuinely suspenseful, or at least make the growing love affair into something kind of steamy. It just wasn't very well integrated or balanced, I guess. My overall impression was that Scoop was just an opportunity to show off Hugh Jackman's chest, Scarlet Johannsen's curves, and another of Woody Allen's endearingly eccentric characters (which was really the one redeeming aspect of the film).

So unless you're a big fan of one of those three things, the movie would probably be a waste of time. But then, maybe I just "didn't get it!"

To Say Nothing of the Dog, by Connie Willis

2007-03-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

I read this book for the first time in January, as part of Bookfest 2006 (group book blog - see sidebar link). I loved it and classified it as a favorite. Connie Willis is a much-published science fiction writer, and this book falls into the sci fi genre. But it is not what I, the uneducated-in-science-fiction reader, imagine when I think of that genre - distant solar systems; furry creatures with anteater-like proboscises; space ships; robotic servants that look something like drive-in waitresses on skates; "Sector Five of the V-Quadrant" (whatever that is), etc.

No, To Say Nothing of the Dog contains time travel, but it does not seem like science fiction. Perhaps because the time travel is secondary to the character development and the relationships between characters. Perhaps because much of the book is set in Victorian England amidst river punting, old churches, long dresses, and charity bazaars (jumble sales), to say nothing of various dogs and cats. There is a mystery for the main characters to solve; there are romantic entanglements (all properly chaperoned); there are big ugly fish in a fish pond whose proper Latin names I can't pronounce or spell. And there are plenty of eccentric British characters (from both the 19th and 21st centuries). I like the book for all these elements, and especially for the humor and clever allusions to other mystery and period literature. Ned, the narrator, is a sympathetic, consistant and believable voice, and through his observations and thought processes I really got to know him as a character.

So, a British time-travel mystery with romance, witty dialogue and funny, loveable characters - a book right up my alley! (Or more apropos, "my cup of tea.")

Double, Double, Toil and Trouble

2007-03-01T14:05:00.000-08:00

Well, it was little bit of toil, anyway, reading through Shakespeare's Macbeth for the first time. The famous tragedy was our book club's February pick, and we enjoyed discussing it together. It was the first Shakespeare we had done as a group - the first drama of any kind, and we agreed we will have to do more in the future.

I enjoyed Macbeth on the whole. Some very villainous characters, and some very noble ones. Lady Macbeth was probably my least favorite character, because she was so callused and manipulative. She had some pretty dark lines about being willing to kill her children for the sake of getting her husband on the throne! Macbeth himselfwas complex. I could see he had a conscience throughout the play, but his downfall came through his own ambition, and from a rather weak will that listened to his wife. He had the opportunity to repent and confess his sins, even after killing King Duncan; but apparently he considered himself beyond redemption and plunged recklessly toward destruction and hell.

I had a very helful commentary: Peter Leithart's Brightest Heaven of Invention, in which he has a chapter devoted to Macbeth. He was good at explaining the themes, language, symbolism, and character arcs of the play. He demonstrated the strong contrast between the representatives of hell, so to speak (the equivocating witches and the traitorous Macbeths), and the representatives of heaven (the loyal Malcom and his followers). Chaos and devilry came to Scotland when Macbeth killed the king; Malcom restored stability and trust in God. Many deaths occurred as a result of the bloody ambition of the Macbeths and their refusal to repent; and in this refulsal, they did indeed move beyond redemption. Malcom recognized, however, that peace would be restored only "by the grace of Grace;" and the overthrow of the influence of hell was as needful as the overthrow of a tyrannous and bloody usurper.

Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

2007-03-01T12:41:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago we watched one of my favorite movies, Much Ado About Nothing. Shakespeare's play is very witty, rich, and entertaining, and Kenneth Branagh's movie version does it justice.

Here's what I appreciate about the movie:

Great acting, especially by Kenneth Branagh (Benedick), Emma Thompson (Beatrice) and Michael Keaton (Dogberry)
Lively musical score
Beautiful scenery and sets, eye-catching color-palette.
The lighthearted scenes are jolly, exuberant, colorful and humorous, contrasting sharply with the brooding sourness of the villain's scenes.
And, of course, the wit of Shakespeare's dialogue and the satisfying resolution of each story line.

This is a fun, vivacious production that brings a smile to the lips and sparkle to the eye. Great viewing for a couple's cozy night in, or a college girls slumber party. Content warning: rear nudity and some sexuality. I think the movie has a PG-13 rating, so use caution and be prepared with the fast-forward button if you find those scenes offensive. Other than that, this movie is pure fun!

The Illusionist (2006)

2007-03-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

A mysterious master illusionist; a pragmatic, dogged police inspector; a volatile, autocratic prince; and a beautiful, self-assured duchess. These are the characters whose lives and actions are closely entwined in this tale of mystery, murder, and enduring love.

Illusion and "things are not as they seem" are necessarily themes of this movie, but there is no mystery for the viewer about the love between Eisenheim the Illusionist and Duchess Sophie. It is this love-since-childhood that provokes the hatred of the egotistical and power-hungry Crown Prince, and raises the suspicions of the loyalist Chief Inspector Uhl. Eisenheim's popularity and success already have caught the wary eye of the Imperial police, and when the police further suspect a love affair between the magician and Sophie, Prince Leopold's fiancee, a concerted effort begins to discredit Eisenheim.

Eisenheim and Leopold are worthy foils. Eisenheim was a working-class boy who rose to fame and prominence. Leopold is the prince of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Eisenheim is mysterious and aloof from the public by virtue of his profession, just as Leopold is removed from his subjects by status. Both men are intelligent and deliberate in their actions, but both have areas of passion, almost obsession: Eisenheim harbors a passionate love for Sophie, while the prince is driven by egotism and lust for power, and will lash out in violence when crossed.

Thrown into the mix is Chief Inspector Uhl, the plain-speaking voice of reason and cynicism. His loyalty to the prince is challenged throughout the film, but he does not automatically take sides with the magician. He presents an obstacle to Eisenheim and Sophie; but his sense of justice is as persistent as his investigation of the mysterious illusionist. As viewers, our sympathies and admiration lie with Eisenheim, but our empathy lies with Uhl, caught in rather a difficult position between pragmatism and doing the right thing. Uhl represents us: astonished and respectful of Eisenheim's mastery, but never fully understanding his character and motivations, and never sure if Eisenheim's magic is simply an illusion, or an actual power that challenges our cynicism.

I enjoyed the film for its mysterious and romantic plot, its contrasting characters, its cinematography and effects, and the fabulous set design. I was never completely caught up in the story, though; the characters were perhaps too remote and not developed enough. And the "twist" at the end wasn't a complete surprise to me, probably because I have seen similar plot devices in other shows. But overall, I found it a fun film experience, with a good balance of "candy" and substance. (The magician's illusions were fantastic as well -- and the tricks are never completely revealed!)

My Antonia, by Willa Cather

2007-02-27T09:07:00.000-08:00

My Antonia is a pioneer story set in Nebraska. Written in first person, using the conceit of a memoir, it chronicles the friendship of a young American boy and a Bohemian immigrant girl. colorful characters; picturesque descriptions of landscape; and episodes of adventure, farm life, love and loss fill the pages of this book. It is simple, well-constructed prose, and the protagonists are sympathetic. The characters are well-drawn; realistic, yet symbolic of a life that is past, a life that was ideal and idealized. A life that is now merely cherished memories to the narrator, Jim Burden, who views his life-long friend, Antonia, as a kind of symbol of the exuberance and vitality of pioneer life.

I read My Antonia for the women's book club that I participate in, a group of Christian women from a few different local churches, which gathers monthly to discuss the assigned book. We've done quite a variety of books, mostly classics, or contemporary fiction that has some cultural weight, like The Da Vinci Code. Some of the past titles include Pride and Prejudice, The Brothers Karamazov, The Great Divorce, My Name if Asher Lev, To Kill a Mickingbird, and Dante's Inferno. I don't know if I'll get around to writing a review on all these titles, but I do have a store of literature to choose from, in addition to future books I plan to read. I don't believe I'll run out of material for this blog!

Enchantment, by Orson Scott Card

2007-02-27T08:36:00.000-08:00

Enchantment is a fantasy, an adventure, but mostly a romance. Dividing its time between the twentieth and tenth centuries, the story follows a modern-day hero and his destiny of crossing paths with a beautiful medieval princess. Ivan is a Jewish Ukrainian immigrant to America; a scholar of ancient Slavic languages and the origins of fairy tales; an athlete; a dutiful son; and a modern man with rather chivalrous tendencies. As a graduate student he returns to his native land, and there in an ancient wood he discovers the real Sleeping Beauty, the princess who inspired the tale that was passed down through the centuries, and who is caught in an enchantment that imprisons her between time and timelessness. Ivan awakes Princess Katerina, and enters a centuries-old world where magic and witches still exist and struggle for prominence over the recently Christianized Slavic peoples. Ivan discovers that many things he thought to be just fairy tales were actually real events and people that became mythologized through many retellings over the years. But his own role as the handsome prince who wakes Sleeping Beauty is more complicated than he realized, as he attempts to adapt to the culture of the ancient kingdom of Taina; help the people destory the evil influence of the powerful witch, Baba Yaga; earn the respect of Taina's king and warriors; and most of all, gain the respect and love of Katerina - after she becomes his bride.

I enjoyed this book for its clear, fast-pased prose; the imaginative incorporation of history and myth; the lively portrayals of the characters; the suspense and near misses that get tangled in magic and the fabric of time; and the growing romance between Ivan and Katerina. At first I was jarred by the juxtaposition of fantasy and reality, of the medieval world and the modern one; jarred by a world where religion (a kind of Christianity entwined with ancient pantheism) and magic (both good and bad) coexisted and were regarded as real and mutually influential. But once I understood the rules of this universe as created by the author, I happily suspended disbelief and enjoyed the adventure and the good story-telling. It is not a Christian book nor a Christian story; but the attempt to give fairy tales a basis in history (and a glimpse of what would happen if the fairy tales were brought into the modern world) is an imaginative one, and done fairly well.

I read this book for the group book blog I participate in; another member of the blog wrote a good review of Enchantment. Check out the February post.