Circe by Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles blew me away, and now I've had the chance to drink up Circe, Miller's other epic novel that is an absolute masterpiece.
Spanning eons, Circe tells her life story as a god. I could tell you the particulars of the plot, but while it's completely engrossing, it's not where the novel shines the brightest. The writing is glorious, true art in itself. And the story weaves together so much Greek mythology that we are treated to a different glimpse of these characters we've heard about over the years--what fuels them, the relationships they had amongst themselves, their pettiness. I never imagined I could feel ambivalent toward Athena.
The courage of Circe, her life as a witch, and her compassion toward mortals enveloped me for days. I feared the end of the novel because I didn't want to leave the space the novel created in my life. We have so much to see in ourselves by reading about these gods and the mortals they interacted with. Greek mythology has been presented to me as somewhat silly, something that ignorant people clung to when they didn't know better. Now I see that we aren't that different with our beliefs today, or in how we respond to our lives.
General consensus: This is a voyage into another realm that forces us to expand our sense of reality.
Showing posts with label Historical Fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Historical Fiction. Show all posts
Saturday, January 11, 2020
Friday, October 18, 2019
Book Report #224 The After Party
The After Party by Cressida Connolly
It's between WW1 and WW2, and Phyllis is a wife and mother of three living in England. She has two sisters that she's been missing as she's been living abroad with her husband, and is excited to finally be moving near them.
Her sisters, their husbands, and Phyllis and her husband become enamored with Sir Oswald Mosley and his Party. Phyllis' sister Nina even runs a summer camp that promotes The Party's principles, which Phyllis ends up working at, and her daughters enjoy spending their days there. Phyllis' sister Patricia and her husband think the camp is silly, but are honored to be friends with Sir Oswald. Phyllis' husband Hugh even goes to work for his campaign.
Sir Oswald was a real person, this camp was a real thing, and The Party was the British Union of Fascists. Somehow, Phyllis never comes to see fascist as a dirty word, and she thinks Mussolini is just fine. Thankfully, she doesn't seem so sold on Hitler. The whole time, Phyllis never wavers from her faith in Sir Oswald and her belief that The Party espouses the most patriotic of British principles.
But there was a period where Phyllis and Hugh were imprisoned for their allegiance to The Party. First, their house was searched and they were hauled off to London as WW2 waged. The prison conditions were absolutely miserable. And then they were taken to the Isle of Man for a more relaxed, summer vacation kind of imprisonment that was actually an interment camp where they lived alongside foreign prisoners like Germans and Italians.
Yet neither of Phyllis' sisters or their husbands were imprisoned, which was curious...
General consensus: It was interesting to learn about these British Fascists and get history from their perspective. I had no idea about them or their internment camp.
It's between WW1 and WW2, and Phyllis is a wife and mother of three living in England. She has two sisters that she's been missing as she's been living abroad with her husband, and is excited to finally be moving near them.
Her sisters, their husbands, and Phyllis and her husband become enamored with Sir Oswald Mosley and his Party. Phyllis' sister Nina even runs a summer camp that promotes The Party's principles, which Phyllis ends up working at, and her daughters enjoy spending their days there. Phyllis' sister Patricia and her husband think the camp is silly, but are honored to be friends with Sir Oswald. Phyllis' husband Hugh even goes to work for his campaign.
Sir Oswald was a real person, this camp was a real thing, and The Party was the British Union of Fascists. Somehow, Phyllis never comes to see fascist as a dirty word, and she thinks Mussolini is just fine. Thankfully, she doesn't seem so sold on Hitler. The whole time, Phyllis never wavers from her faith in Sir Oswald and her belief that The Party espouses the most patriotic of British principles.
But there was a period where Phyllis and Hugh were imprisoned for their allegiance to The Party. First, their house was searched and they were hauled off to London as WW2 waged. The prison conditions were absolutely miserable. And then they were taken to the Isle of Man for a more relaxed, summer vacation kind of imprisonment that was actually an interment camp where they lived alongside foreign prisoners like Germans and Italians.
Yet neither of Phyllis' sisters or their husbands were imprisoned, which was curious...
General consensus: It was interesting to learn about these British Fascists and get history from their perspective. I had no idea about them or their internment camp.
Tuesday, June 04, 2019
Book Report #215 American Duchess
American Duchess by Karen Harper
Part of the back cover copy said, "Before there was Meghan Markle, there was Consuelo Vanderbilt." Frankly, they have a thin connection, only in that they're American women who married British aristocrats. Meghan is a film star, while Consuelo was basically American royalty due to her family's fortune.
I was captivated by Consuelo being forced to marry a Duke in England when she was eighteen and in love with someone else. But how interesting that she later divorced and married the love of her life. The lavish homes and palaces seemed so boring but Consuelo livened things up by spending time with local people and doing the best she could for them.
I loved her friendship with Winston Churchill, her gentle relationship with her father, how her relationship with her mother shifted over the course of her life. I wish the story hadn't ended during the Second World War because I wanted to know how her later years played out.
General consensus: Glosses a lot but probably out of necessity as the author is trying to cover so many years and not churn out an encyclopedia. I was just hungry for more detail. But truly, a great way to learn history and I've already recommended it to my mother.
Part of the back cover copy said, "Before there was Meghan Markle, there was Consuelo Vanderbilt." Frankly, they have a thin connection, only in that they're American women who married British aristocrats. Meghan is a film star, while Consuelo was basically American royalty due to her family's fortune.
I was captivated by Consuelo being forced to marry a Duke in England when she was eighteen and in love with someone else. But how interesting that she later divorced and married the love of her life. The lavish homes and palaces seemed so boring but Consuelo livened things up by spending time with local people and doing the best she could for them.
I loved her friendship with Winston Churchill, her gentle relationship with her father, how her relationship with her mother shifted over the course of her life. I wish the story hadn't ended during the Second World War because I wanted to know how her later years played out.
General consensus: Glosses a lot but probably out of necessity as the author is trying to cover so many years and not churn out an encyclopedia. I was just hungry for more detail. But truly, a great way to learn history and I've already recommended it to my mother.
Friday, September 14, 2018
Book Report #208 The Other Einstein
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
This is the story of Einstein's first wife, Mileva Maric, and a systematic undoing of seeing Einstein as a scientific hero. Some of the book is fact, but there is a lot to the story that is speculation from the author. It makes for a compelling read and it's quite interesting to research after, and figure out what was actually true.
Maric and Einstein, both physics students, met in college in Switzerland. Einstein wooed her even though she meant to focus on her studies as she and her father had worked hard and sacrificed to make her one of the few women attending college in Europe. Einstein was a difficult student, forgoing class to work on his own theories, and did not earn good recommendations from his professors. Thus, it was difficult for him to find a job upon graduation.
Meanwhile, Maric was a bit behind him in graduating and still in school. Einstein convinced her to go to Lake Como with him for a week where they could have a pre-marriage honeymoon. Somehow, they were both surprised when she ended up pregnant. It was difficult for her to attend classes with her morning sickness. Einstein didn't have work and wouldn't marry her immediately, so she went home to live with her parents in Serbia and try to head off some of the shame of the situation. This meant she failed out of school and never graduated with a diploma.
According to the book, Einstein never met his daughter. He worked in a Swiss patent office and expected his wife to be there to take care of him, without his daughter present. She stayed with Maric's parents. One day, Maric received word that her daughter had scarlet fever, so she rushed home, against Einstein's wishes, to be with her. Unfortunately, her daughter died.
Maric went back to Switzerland a broken woman. Einstein seemed to be emotionally absent about the matter. Through her grief, Maric had new understanding of the world that led to the theory of relativity. She and Einstein worked on a paper about it and Einstein published it solely under his name. Maric was incensed.
The couple ended up with two sons. Maric did her best to put aside her feelings and make a good home for her boys, but Einstein made it increasingly difficult, especially when she discovered his affairs, and he took credit for another one of her ideas. Eventually, things got so bad, Einstein wrote her a list of demands if their marriage was to continue (this is actually true!). This is when Maric took her sons and left. Einstein had notoriety worldwide as a scientist, and went on to marry the cousin he was having an affair with.
General consensus: An intriguing look at a life with one of the world's most celebrated scientists. Maybe he doesn't deserve the adoration we award him so freely?
This is the story of Einstein's first wife, Mileva Maric, and a systematic undoing of seeing Einstein as a scientific hero. Some of the book is fact, but there is a lot to the story that is speculation from the author. It makes for a compelling read and it's quite interesting to research after, and figure out what was actually true.
Maric and Einstein, both physics students, met in college in Switzerland. Einstein wooed her even though she meant to focus on her studies as she and her father had worked hard and sacrificed to make her one of the few women attending college in Europe. Einstein was a difficult student, forgoing class to work on his own theories, and did not earn good recommendations from his professors. Thus, it was difficult for him to find a job upon graduation.
Meanwhile, Maric was a bit behind him in graduating and still in school. Einstein convinced her to go to Lake Como with him for a week where they could have a pre-marriage honeymoon. Somehow, they were both surprised when she ended up pregnant. It was difficult for her to attend classes with her morning sickness. Einstein didn't have work and wouldn't marry her immediately, so she went home to live with her parents in Serbia and try to head off some of the shame of the situation. This meant she failed out of school and never graduated with a diploma.
According to the book, Einstein never met his daughter. He worked in a Swiss patent office and expected his wife to be there to take care of him, without his daughter present. She stayed with Maric's parents. One day, Maric received word that her daughter had scarlet fever, so she rushed home, against Einstein's wishes, to be with her. Unfortunately, her daughter died.
Maric went back to Switzerland a broken woman. Einstein seemed to be emotionally absent about the matter. Through her grief, Maric had new understanding of the world that led to the theory of relativity. She and Einstein worked on a paper about it and Einstein published it solely under his name. Maric was incensed.
The couple ended up with two sons. Maric did her best to put aside her feelings and make a good home for her boys, but Einstein made it increasingly difficult, especially when she discovered his affairs, and he took credit for another one of her ideas. Eventually, things got so bad, Einstein wrote her a list of demands if their marriage was to continue (this is actually true!). This is when Maric took her sons and left. Einstein had notoriety worldwide as a scientist, and went on to marry the cousin he was having an affair with.
General consensus: An intriguing look at a life with one of the world's most celebrated scientists. Maybe he doesn't deserve the adoration we award him so freely?
Book Report #207 Olivia Twist
Olivia Twist by Lorie Langdon
This is the story of Oliver Twist grown up. The thing is, Oliver, or "Ollie" passed as a boy on the streets because it was the safer route to go. As an adult, Ollie can be who she really is-- a beautiful lady named Olivia.
Olivia lives with her uncle in London and has access to high society. She still lives by her old ways, and pilfers things from the wealthy homes she visits, but she's a Robin Hood. She robs the rich to feed the homeless boys she helps on the wrong side of town.
There is an attractive, magnetic man named Jack MacCarron who also attends these parties. Olivia is shocked to find him stealing in the next room and even more shocked when she discovers that he's actually Dodger who kept her safe as a kid.
Olivia and Jack are drawn together yet they have different roads to take, so they cannot be together. Or can they? It's an alluring adventure and I couldn't have had more fun reading about these two.
General consensus: Great writing. Captivating and fun historical fiction.
This is the story of Oliver Twist grown up. The thing is, Oliver, or "Ollie" passed as a boy on the streets because it was the safer route to go. As an adult, Ollie can be who she really is-- a beautiful lady named Olivia.
Olivia lives with her uncle in London and has access to high society. She still lives by her old ways, and pilfers things from the wealthy homes she visits, but she's a Robin Hood. She robs the rich to feed the homeless boys she helps on the wrong side of town.
There is an attractive, magnetic man named Jack MacCarron who also attends these parties. Olivia is shocked to find him stealing in the next room and even more shocked when she discovers that he's actually Dodger who kept her safe as a kid.
Olivia and Jack are drawn together yet they have different roads to take, so they cannot be together. Or can they? It's an alluring adventure and I couldn't have had more fun reading about these two.
General consensus: Great writing. Captivating and fun historical fiction.
Monday, September 03, 2018
Book Report #206 Carnegie's Maid
Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict
This is a fictional account of Clara Bennett who travels from Ireland to America in the early 1860s to find work so she can send money home to her family. She ends up in Pittsburgh as a lady's maid for Andrew Carnegie's mother. Andrew finds Clara's intelligence intoxicating, and she equally enjoys his company. But the stakes are high considering they are in opposite social classes, and that Clara is posing as someone she's not.
General consensus: This was a beautiful way to make sense of Andrew Carnegie's philanthropy, and a refreshing tale to read when the separation between wealth and poverty is so great.
This is a fictional account of Clara Bennett who travels from Ireland to America in the early 1860s to find work so she can send money home to her family. She ends up in Pittsburgh as a lady's maid for Andrew Carnegie's mother. Andrew finds Clara's intelligence intoxicating, and she equally enjoys his company. But the stakes are high considering they are in opposite social classes, and that Clara is posing as someone she's not.
General consensus: This was a beautiful way to make sense of Andrew Carnegie's philanthropy, and a refreshing tale to read when the separation between wealth and poverty is so great.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Book Report #199 White Houses
White Houses by Amy Bloom
I'm still scratching my head about this book. I picked it up because I saw everyone was reading it and I have to do what everyone is doing. I quickly discovered I was reading historical fiction narrated by Eleanor Roosevelt's lesbian lover, Alice Hickok, who was known as the First Friend of The White House.
Their relationship is no secret now, although it was at the time. FDR had his affair(s) and Eleanor had hers. They had a country to run and a nation to inspire so they managed to largely keep their personal lives out of the spotlight.
The story is told out of order. There's a lot of jumping around to different times and places, with the main thread being in a New York apartment where they are holed up in a lovers nest as old ladies. Alice was a strong, opinionated woman and some of the things she had to say about famous people somewhat shocked me, like that she thought Charles Lindbergh killed his own baby and blamed someone else.
She thought of The White House as a dorm, and stayed there frequently. She knew FDR pretty well, as well as a good part of the Roosevelt family. She also grew up poor and abused in the Midwest, so we learn a lot about that and how it was such a different world than the one she later lived in as an accomplished journalist.
General consensus: I couldn't put it down but it felt a bit like salacious gossip dressed as fine literature.
I'm still scratching my head about this book. I picked it up because I saw everyone was reading it and I have to do what everyone is doing. I quickly discovered I was reading historical fiction narrated by Eleanor Roosevelt's lesbian lover, Alice Hickok, who was known as the First Friend of The White House.
Their relationship is no secret now, although it was at the time. FDR had his affair(s) and Eleanor had hers. They had a country to run and a nation to inspire so they managed to largely keep their personal lives out of the spotlight.
The story is told out of order. There's a lot of jumping around to different times and places, with the main thread being in a New York apartment where they are holed up in a lovers nest as old ladies. Alice was a strong, opinionated woman and some of the things she had to say about famous people somewhat shocked me, like that she thought Charles Lindbergh killed his own baby and blamed someone else.
She thought of The White House as a dorm, and stayed there frequently. She knew FDR pretty well, as well as a good part of the Roosevelt family. She also grew up poor and abused in the Midwest, so we learn a lot about that and how it was such a different world than the one she later lived in as an accomplished journalist.
General consensus: I couldn't put it down but it felt a bit like salacious gossip dressed as fine literature.
Saturday, April 07, 2018
Book Report #190 - Inside Out and Back Again
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
This is a beautiful and touching book told in verse.
Ha is a young girl living with her brothers and mother in Saigon during the Vietnam War. It's scary with all the explosions and violence looming nearby, especially with her dad being MIA, but it's also her home, the only place she's ever known, and she has the things she loves at her fingertips, like her mango tree. So when it comes time to flee on a ship, she's torn. Of course, when push comes to shove, she does what her mom tells her to do and gets on the boat.
The trip is miserable and scary. They're not sure what's happening or if they'll make it, and conditions are terrible as far as personal hygiene, food, and water. But they persist, and end up in Alabama.
Ha struggles with everything that's happened--the war, leaving her home far behind, hoping her father will come back to them, and the culture shock of Alabama. She has to learn English and it's super confusing. The kids in her class espouse the views of their parents, and they see the Vietnamese as the enemy. It's heart-wrenching to watch Ha fight her peers as she tries to adjust to life in America and cope with everything that's happened.
Even though it's painful to read, it's beautifully written. It's an important read for Americans because we tend to have one view of the Vietnam War: that of our side. But what about the Vietnamese civilians? Their stories are important if we want to view the war even remotely accurately. And when we let our hearts break with them, we become more fully human.
General consensus: Beautiful and important.
This is a beautiful and touching book told in verse.
Ha is a young girl living with her brothers and mother in Saigon during the Vietnam War. It's scary with all the explosions and violence looming nearby, especially with her dad being MIA, but it's also her home, the only place she's ever known, and she has the things she loves at her fingertips, like her mango tree. So when it comes time to flee on a ship, she's torn. Of course, when push comes to shove, she does what her mom tells her to do and gets on the boat.
The trip is miserable and scary. They're not sure what's happening or if they'll make it, and conditions are terrible as far as personal hygiene, food, and water. But they persist, and end up in Alabama.
Ha struggles with everything that's happened--the war, leaving her home far behind, hoping her father will come back to them, and the culture shock of Alabama. She has to learn English and it's super confusing. The kids in her class espouse the views of their parents, and they see the Vietnamese as the enemy. It's heart-wrenching to watch Ha fight her peers as she tries to adjust to life in America and cope with everything that's happened.
Even though it's painful to read, it's beautifully written. It's an important read for Americans because we tend to have one view of the Vietnam War: that of our side. But what about the Vietnamese civilians? Their stories are important if we want to view the war even remotely accurately. And when we let our hearts break with them, we become more fully human.
General consensus: Beautiful and important.
Sunday, January 14, 2018
Book Report #185 - Shanghai Girls
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
This book is fantastic literature, plus a history lesson, plus a rollercoaster of emotions. Lisa See, I bow down to you. You are my co-queen along with Beyonce.
There were two sisters, May and Pearl, living in Shanghai in 1937. They were beautiful girls and modeled for ads and magazines. Their conservative parents did not approve, but they were modern and didn't care. But then their dad gambled all their money away and sold them as brides, and Japan started bombing China. From then on, it's omg after omg.
Their father sold them to brothers who lived in Los Angeles, so they had to make their way out there. I do not want to give any spoilers because it was each surprise in the plot that added to my awe of the writing. And then the end. Holy crap. It's just unbelievable all the way through, and See maintains such mastery and control over the whole thing.
General consensus: I can't even. It's among the greatest books I've ever read.
This book is fantastic literature, plus a history lesson, plus a rollercoaster of emotions. Lisa See, I bow down to you. You are my co-queen along with Beyonce.
There were two sisters, May and Pearl, living in Shanghai in 1937. They were beautiful girls and modeled for ads and magazines. Their conservative parents did not approve, but they were modern and didn't care. But then their dad gambled all their money away and sold them as brides, and Japan started bombing China. From then on, it's omg after omg.
Their father sold them to brothers who lived in Los Angeles, so they had to make their way out there. I do not want to give any spoilers because it was each surprise in the plot that added to my awe of the writing. And then the end. Holy crap. It's just unbelievable all the way through, and See maintains such mastery and control over the whole thing.
General consensus: I can't even. It's among the greatest books I've ever read.
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Book Report #182 - Fall of Giants
Fall of Giants (Book One of The Century Trilogy) by Ken Follett
This is a mammoth book about World War One. It's the first installment of The Century Trilogy that goes through the 20th Century (the next book will be about World War Two).
We follow the lives of various people around Europe, America, and Russia as we witness the war unfold. We see it through the eyes of English, German, Russian, Welsh, and American people, some well-off and some poor, some for the war and some against it. It's the same kind of set-up as Pillars of the Earth: specific characters are followed to give a full picture of what's going on.
I was more interested in the relationships in the book than I was in the particulars of the war. But history buffs will probably be intrigued by the details around war tactics and the specific battles.
The book got me thinking that if this is how the kids were taught about history--through interesting stories and characters--they'd probably remember a decent amount of it.
General consensus: It wasn't my favorite Follett book, but it kept my attention.
This is a mammoth book about World War One. It's the first installment of The Century Trilogy that goes through the 20th Century (the next book will be about World War Two).
We follow the lives of various people around Europe, America, and Russia as we witness the war unfold. We see it through the eyes of English, German, Russian, Welsh, and American people, some well-off and some poor, some for the war and some against it. It's the same kind of set-up as Pillars of the Earth: specific characters are followed to give a full picture of what's going on.
I was more interested in the relationships in the book than I was in the particulars of the war. But history buffs will probably be intrigued by the details around war tactics and the specific battles.
The book got me thinking that if this is how the kids were taught about history--through interesting stories and characters--they'd probably remember a decent amount of it.
General consensus: It wasn't my favorite Follett book, but it kept my attention.
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Book Report #181 - The Cellist of Sarajevo
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
This book was the simple stories of a handful of unrelated people who lived through the war in Sarajevo during the 1990s. One is a sniper, one has a family who escaped to Italy, another is a father who has to provide for his family. They're all rocked from being forced to watch their beautiful city be destroyed while they dodge bullets and bombs.
There's no escape. It's just about how to make it through each day, if you don't get killed. And how to not let your thoughts destroy you before the bullets from the snipers on the hills do.
Oh! But there's a cellist. And he plays for 22 days--one day for each person who was killed by a bomb. His music is the link to the past, to a place beyond the war, to the memories of the Sarajevans before their city was a hellscape.
General consensus: So realistic it broke my heart.
This book was the simple stories of a handful of unrelated people who lived through the war in Sarajevo during the 1990s. One is a sniper, one has a family who escaped to Italy, another is a father who has to provide for his family. They're all rocked from being forced to watch their beautiful city be destroyed while they dodge bullets and bombs.
There's no escape. It's just about how to make it through each day, if you don't get killed. And how to not let your thoughts destroy you before the bullets from the snipers on the hills do.
Oh! But there's a cellist. And he plays for 22 days--one day for each person who was killed by a bomb. His music is the link to the past, to a place beyond the war, to the memories of the Sarajevans before their city was a hellscape.
General consensus: So realistic it broke my heart.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
Book Report #173 The Kitchen House
The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
Set in southern Virginia in the late 1700s and early 1800s, this is the story of a tobacco plantation largely from the point of view of the servants in the kitchen house.
The Captain and Miss Martha own the plantation. In 1793, the Captain brings little Lavinia from his ship and gives her to the kitchen house. She's Irish and can't remember anything, not what happened on the boat or even her name. She's clearly traumatized, and can't stop throwing up and crying. Slowly it comes out that her parents died on the ship and she had a brother who she was separated from. The slaves in the kitchen house take her on as part of their family, and there is deep love between them, which made me cry more than once.
There is so much to this amazing story, and it's absolutely riveting. Drama around every corner and so many characters to care about. A few things will stick with me for a long time: how deeply people can love each other, how much suffering people can endure while staying strong and not compromising their principles, and how little power anyone who was not a white man had at that time. Even white women were under the control of their husbands.
General consensus: Mind blowing historical fiction. I wouldn't be surprised if it became required reading in schools and/or a successful film.
Set in southern Virginia in the late 1700s and early 1800s, this is the story of a tobacco plantation largely from the point of view of the servants in the kitchen house.
The Captain and Miss Martha own the plantation. In 1793, the Captain brings little Lavinia from his ship and gives her to the kitchen house. She's Irish and can't remember anything, not what happened on the boat or even her name. She's clearly traumatized, and can't stop throwing up and crying. Slowly it comes out that her parents died on the ship and she had a brother who she was separated from. The slaves in the kitchen house take her on as part of their family, and there is deep love between them, which made me cry more than once.
There is so much to this amazing story, and it's absolutely riveting. Drama around every corner and so many characters to care about. A few things will stick with me for a long time: how deeply people can love each other, how much suffering people can endure while staying strong and not compromising their principles, and how little power anyone who was not a white man had at that time. Even white women were under the control of their husbands.
General consensus: Mind blowing historical fiction. I wouldn't be surprised if it became required reading in schools and/or a successful film.
Wednesday, April 06, 2016
Book Report #164 - House on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
House on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford
A slow and elegant story that takes place in Seattle both in the 80s and the 40s. Henry is a Chinese boy who doesn't feel like he fits in to the Chinese or American worlds of Seattle. His father is a militant Chinese man who only allows Henry to speak English in the house. He proudly sends Henry "scholarshipping" to a good American school.
It is there that Henry meets a Japanese girl, Keiko, and they hit it off. Of course, his father would never allow them to be friends but what he doesn't know can't hurt him.
Keiko is relocated to an internment camp in Puyallup, and Henry does what he can to stay connected. This tears his family apart, but he is devoted to Keiko.
Back in the 80s, The Panama Hotel in Seattle is being refurbished, so the basement is opened and the belongings of many Japanese families who were sent to camps are discovered. This causes Henry, now a retired man whose wife recently died, to reflect on his childhood and Keiko.
The story that emerges is so much more than I have said, and so moving. I refuse to say anything more, and fear I've already said too much.
General consensus: Gorgeous and moving. A beautifully written story of redemption and possibility.
A slow and elegant story that takes place in Seattle both in the 80s and the 40s. Henry is a Chinese boy who doesn't feel like he fits in to the Chinese or American worlds of Seattle. His father is a militant Chinese man who only allows Henry to speak English in the house. He proudly sends Henry "scholarshipping" to a good American school.
It is there that Henry meets a Japanese girl, Keiko, and they hit it off. Of course, his father would never allow them to be friends but what he doesn't know can't hurt him.
Keiko is relocated to an internment camp in Puyallup, and Henry does what he can to stay connected. This tears his family apart, but he is devoted to Keiko.
Back in the 80s, The Panama Hotel in Seattle is being refurbished, so the basement is opened and the belongings of many Japanese families who were sent to camps are discovered. This causes Henry, now a retired man whose wife recently died, to reflect on his childhood and Keiko.
The story that emerges is so much more than I have said, and so moving. I refuse to say anything more, and fear I've already said too much.
General consensus: Gorgeous and moving. A beautifully written story of redemption and possibility.
Saturday, January 16, 2016
Book Report #162 The Piano Teacher
The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee
Claire comes to Hong Kong from England in 1953 with her new husband, not knowing what to expect. She takes a job teaching piano to the daughter of a wealthy couple, and then finds herself having an affair with their British driver, Will.
The story jumps back to the early forties, when Hong Kong was a rollicking good time. Will met Trudy then, a Eurasian socialite. They went to parties and fell in love. But then the war started, and Japan invaded. It was a different world, and Trudy stayed on the outside while Will went into imprisonment. Trudy did what she felt she had to do to survive, and Will was confused about whether his behavior was honorable or cowardice.
Claire knew none of this. Just that Will was sullen and not in their relationship for love. But eventually the truth starts coming out about a high-level scandal and all hell breaks loose.
General consensus: A fantastic first novel. Keeps your interest first through character development, and then through the plot.
Claire comes to Hong Kong from England in 1953 with her new husband, not knowing what to expect. She takes a job teaching piano to the daughter of a wealthy couple, and then finds herself having an affair with their British driver, Will.
The story jumps back to the early forties, when Hong Kong was a rollicking good time. Will met Trudy then, a Eurasian socialite. They went to parties and fell in love. But then the war started, and Japan invaded. It was a different world, and Trudy stayed on the outside while Will went into imprisonment. Trudy did what she felt she had to do to survive, and Will was confused about whether his behavior was honorable or cowardice.
Claire knew none of this. Just that Will was sullen and not in their relationship for love. But eventually the truth starts coming out about a high-level scandal and all hell breaks loose.
General consensus: A fantastic first novel. Keeps your interest first through character development, and then through the plot.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Book Report #152 - People of the Book
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
I almost didn't make it through the first chapter because I didn't think a novel about a book conservationist would be interesting enough. I'm glad I hung in there.
This is the story of the Haggadah, a Jewish text used at families' Seder celebrations. This particular Haggadah is a gorgeous illustrated little book that survived over 500 years in tumultuous conditions. The story begins in 1996 in war-torn Sarajevo where Australian book conservationist Hanna is assessing the Haggadah that just turned up. People thought it had to have been lost over all those years, so there's quite a bit of excitement.
The novel switches back and forth between Hanna and the adventures the Haggadah has been through, eventually explaining how it was created. Hanna's personal story with her mother is gripping, and time traveling to places like Venice and Seville is fun, even while the story is a serious drama.
When I finished the book, I felt like I'd learned a lot about European history, even though the book was clearly historical fiction. It was inspired by a true story, and Brooks makes sure to explain what's true and what's not in the afterword.
General consensus: Well-written historical fiction. Impressive scope.
I almost didn't make it through the first chapter because I didn't think a novel about a book conservationist would be interesting enough. I'm glad I hung in there.
This is the story of the Haggadah, a Jewish text used at families' Seder celebrations. This particular Haggadah is a gorgeous illustrated little book that survived over 500 years in tumultuous conditions. The story begins in 1996 in war-torn Sarajevo where Australian book conservationist Hanna is assessing the Haggadah that just turned up. People thought it had to have been lost over all those years, so there's quite a bit of excitement.
The novel switches back and forth between Hanna and the adventures the Haggadah has been through, eventually explaining how it was created. Hanna's personal story with her mother is gripping, and time traveling to places like Venice and Seville is fun, even while the story is a serious drama.
When I finished the book, I felt like I'd learned a lot about European history, even though the book was clearly historical fiction. It was inspired by a true story, and Brooks makes sure to explain what's true and what's not in the afterword.
General consensus: Well-written historical fiction. Impressive scope.
Monday, March 16, 2015
Book Report #147 - The Women
The Women by TC Boyle
This is the story of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright's life with the women who captivated him, both wives and mistresses. The bulk of it takes place at his huge home in Wisconsin called Taliesin, a place so frigid in the winter the reader might shiver.
Frank is Frank's biggest fan. He is charming, narcissistic, and manipulative. He has big plans for his work, and he forces the world to conform to his desires. He's always low on funds, living on credit, blustering through his balancing on air with loquaciousness.
The story is told out of order. I suspect Boyle might like to end his novels with shock and awe, and this is no different. Things reach a crescendo with a mass murder that would be considered literary ridiculousness, if only it wasn't true.
General consensus: Classic TC Boyle. Could drag a bit and be excessive, but overall, informative and engaging. Another triumph.
This is the story of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright's life with the women who captivated him, both wives and mistresses. The bulk of it takes place at his huge home in Wisconsin called Taliesin, a place so frigid in the winter the reader might shiver.
Frank is Frank's biggest fan. He is charming, narcissistic, and manipulative. He has big plans for his work, and he forces the world to conform to his desires. He's always low on funds, living on credit, blustering through his balancing on air with loquaciousness.
The story is told out of order. I suspect Boyle might like to end his novels with shock and awe, and this is no different. Things reach a crescendo with a mass murder that would be considered literary ridiculousness, if only it wasn't true.
General consensus: Classic TC Boyle. Could drag a bit and be excessive, but overall, informative and engaging. Another triumph.
Saturday, November 08, 2014
Book Report #142 - The Signature of All Things
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
A historical novel set during the founding of America with a focus on botany. It doesn't sound gripping, but is is.
It's the story of Alama Whitaker, the daughter of a Dutch mother and terribly rich American father, who reside on a huge estate in Philadelphia. We are with Alma from birth to death. I really don't want to give anything away because I want everyone to read it with the surprise and delight I had. The talk of botany, the character depictions, the sailing around the world...why can't we learn history this way in school?
I am blown away that Elizabeth Gilbert changed genres with such brilliance. She had the period and the dialogue down so well, I started thinking like the book. And I didn't mind it a bit.
General consensus: A damn good read. I ate the second half in one night.
A historical novel set during the founding of America with a focus on botany. It doesn't sound gripping, but is is.
It's the story of Alama Whitaker, the daughter of a Dutch mother and terribly rich American father, who reside on a huge estate in Philadelphia. We are with Alma from birth to death. I really don't want to give anything away because I want everyone to read it with the surprise and delight I had. The talk of botany, the character depictions, the sailing around the world...why can't we learn history this way in school?
I am blown away that Elizabeth Gilbert changed genres with such brilliance. She had the period and the dialogue down so well, I started thinking like the book. And I didn't mind it a bit.
General consensus: A damn good read. I ate the second half in one night.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Book Report #129 - The Changeling
The Changeling: A Novel by Kate Horsley
Here's a gripping trip to hell set in Ireland during the time of the Black Death.
The Goat-herder of a small town has four girls and says he will kill his gestating child if it turns out to be a fifth. The midwife and the mother trick him into believing it is a boy, and raise her as Grey. Grey believes that she is a deformed boy, and the whole village is fooled along with her.
Obviously this charade has an expiration date. That comes when she has her period. It's horrible horrible horrible. Everything that happens from there on out--time in the church with the priest, life at the monastery, the Black Death, life as a mother--is HORRIBLE.
General consensus: A beautifully written period piece written in a frank, coarse manner that turns out to be comforting in its honesty. An interesting reflection on how transient our identities are.
Here's a gripping trip to hell set in Ireland during the time of the Black Death.
The Goat-herder of a small town has four girls and says he will kill his gestating child if it turns out to be a fifth. The midwife and the mother trick him into believing it is a boy, and raise her as Grey. Grey believes that she is a deformed boy, and the whole village is fooled along with her.
Obviously this charade has an expiration date. That comes when she has her period. It's horrible horrible horrible. Everything that happens from there on out--time in the church with the priest, life at the monastery, the Black Death, life as a mother--is HORRIBLE.
General consensus: A beautifully written period piece written in a frank, coarse manner that turns out to be comforting in its honesty. An interesting reflection on how transient our identities are.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)