At first I had a little difficulty following the story lines between the Octopus, the protagonist, Tova Sullivan, Cameron and Ethan, but then all the At first I had a little difficulty following the story lines between the Octopus, the protagonist, Tova Sullivan, Cameron and Ethan, but then all the webbed lives dovetailed together and started to make sense about a quarter of the way in. I was rewarded with a satisfying read. I don't know whatever became of Daphne; no one does, and I guess that's part of the mystery and the allure. I wouldn't say the writing was the most eloquent or sophisticated. It's more befitting Young Adult Fiction, especially when the story focuses on Cameron.
Cameron was deliberately written as an immature, sophomoric character which is disconcerting for a 30-year old to talk, think and act as he does. Then there's this unbelievable juxtaposition between behaving like an irresponsible teen who all of sudden has these epiphanies and sage outlook on life. Lacking true world experiences and real tragedy, there's no hard edge to him. He just sounds soft and dumb; and did I mention incredibly gullible for a thirty year old man? The author is trying too hard to weave in the 18-year old son, Erik, that Tova lost to this impulsive, lost soul himself who happens to show up on her doorstep. Cameron needs more work to be a believable character.
Tova was believable. The Octopus was the star though. Who wouldn't love Marcellus' acerbic wit, acumen and sharp observations? A satisfying read but not remarkable....more
I was introduced to this book in my Poli-Sci class in college. It's probably the only book that was worth reading; at least it's the ONE book that hasI was introduced to this book in my Poli-Sci class in college. It's probably the only book that was worth reading; at least it's the ONE book that has stayed with me all these years. Granted I trawled through American / Victorian / Elizabethan Lit, French Lit, Mythology & Poetry and scores of other text books and while all of them were required reading, Escape from Freedom was the one book that made me think in real time. I wish I had paid more attention to my Poli-Sci professor, he was very influential, forward thinking. I'm going to reread this and come back with a fuller review. It's a timely book that needs to be read and reread....more
The fragile secret of a flower, Music, the making of a poem That gave me heaven for an hour;
First stReview Pending
Sample Poems:
I Have Loved Hours At Sea
The fragile secret of a flower, Music, the making of a poem That gave me heaven for an hour;
First stars above a snowy hill, Voices of people kindly and wise, And the great look of love, long hidden, Found at last in meeting eyes.
I have loved much and been loved deeply -- Oh when my spirit's fire burns low, Leave me the darkness and the stillness, I shall be tired and glad to go.
What Do I Care?
What do I care, in the dreams and the languor of spring, That my songs do not show me at all? For they are a fragrance, and I am a flint and a fire, I am an answer, they are only a call.
But what do I care, for love will be over so soon, Let my heart have its say and my mind stand idly by, For my mind is proud and strong enough to be silent, It is my heart that makes my songs, not I. ...more
It's strange, I've yet to write a review of Memoirs of a Geisha, that I read decades ago, probably the year it was published, and I'm getting "likes" It's strange, I've yet to write a review of Memoirs of a Geisha, that I read decades ago, probably the year it was published, and I'm getting "likes" for a blank, non-existent review? Maybe the "likes" are for the book itself and not for the pseudo review I'm about to write:
The book was entertaining, a satisfying read, albeit, highly idealized, (maybe a little too predictable), romanticized; and, I daresay, even Disneyfied and eventually made into a movie in 2005, which I've never seen. What made Memoirs of a Geisha especially memorable for me was that it was written in the voice of a female protagonist by a male writer. As a highly skeptical reader, it's not easy to convince me of the fluidity of the narrator's gender. (Cf: Marguerite Duras' The Sailor from Gilbraltar was quite awful). Arthur Golden pulled off the female POV and more importantly, the "voice." There were a few hiccups with a few cultural references bordering dangerously close to stereotype that raised my eyebrows but overall the writing was well done. I wish I could remember more details but I think the book earned points with me because I like happy endings. This one ended on a happy note, maybe not wholly realistic, but still I loved that the protagonist ends up with the Chairman, as her danna so that she could retire from being a Geisha. Though, she was bought and sold, and the Chairman essentially is the knight in shining armor who rescues her...you know that Hollywood tripe formula where everyone rides off into the sunset. Never mind the horrors of "human trafficking" and modern-day concubines. There are worse endings than happy ones....more
Winner of the Newberry Award The Tale of Despereaux is a children's fantasy book and what a fantastical tale of a tail told well. I have a new hero, hWinner of the Newberry Award The Tale of Despereaux is a children's fantasy book and what a fantastical tale of a tail told well. I have a new hero, his name is Despereaux! and he is the most adorable mouse in the world. Never have I wanted a child more than now to be able to read a book to, The Tale of Despereaux. You do not need to have a child but you do need to have the eyes, the wonder of a child to love a little mouse with big dreams and hopes and a bigger heart than anyone's. The narrative, the writing AND the exquisite illustrations by Timothy B. Ering thrilled me....more
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