A sad short story about two sisters mourning the loss of their father. Though I found Katherine Mansfield's writing dull, she does a good job of showiA sad short story about two sisters mourning the loss of their father. Though I found Katherine Mansfield's writing dull, she does a good job of showing the sisters' nuanced relationship with their father, in particular how his control over them permeates beyond death. It sucks how these girls suffer, both from the patriarchal way their father treated them as well as the grief they experience after he dies. Mansfield captures this intricate father-daughter beyond the grave dynamic well....more
I love how this book portrays an empowered woman who achieves success as a singer though her talent, work ethnic, and independence. This type3.5 stars
I love how this book portrays an empowered woman who achieves success as a singer though her talent, work ethnic, and independence. This type of coming-of-age story often only occurs with boys and men. Cather, however, follows her protagonist Thea throughout her childhood in eastern Colorado all the way up to her rising fame as an artist in New York. Thea defies the expectations placed on women to act docile and domestic; she prioritizes herself and her ambitions and thus has a happy ending. While some may accuse Thea of selfishness or ungratefulness, I would ask these readers: why do we not penalize men as much when they leave behind their loved ones for their work?
I enjoyed dissecting so many themes in The Song of the Lark: the trappings of heteronormativity, the price we so often pay to succeed as artists, and how to integrate autonomy with the gift of amazing mentorship. While the writing style of the book sometimes bored me, Thea's ascent made the whole experience worth it. Recommended if you want a book about a girl who grows into a woman after overcoming challenges and displaying a courageous faith in herself....more
An intense novel about race relations, familial ties that transcend generations, and the ways in which capitalism and race interact to deaden3.5 stars
An intense novel about race relations, familial ties that transcend generations, and the ways in which capitalism and race interact to deaden our souls. This epic romantic saga spans several years and many characters. Amidst all of this, Pauline Hopkins shows how the contending forces that created slavery still exist and harm black people. I appreciated Hopkins's emphasis on the past repeating itself. With Trump's recent victory, we cannot pretend that , , greed, etc. have disappeared when those powers put him into office. One quote I found meaningful that articulates this idea:
"Mob-law is nothing new. Southern sentiment has not been changed; the old ideas close in analogy to the spirit of the buccaneers, who formed in many instances the first settlers of the Southland, still prevail, and break forth clothed in new forms to force the whole republic to an acceptance of its principles... the atrocity of the acts committed one hundred years ago are duplicated today, when slavery is supposed to no longer exist."
Other aspects of this novel I enjoyed: the presence of an empowering friendship between two women, Hopkins's fast-paced and riveting plot, and the overall astute critique of capitalism. I did not love how the book conformed to romantic standards (e.g., the large amount of marriages annoyed me) and sometimes the plot moved in a confusing, jarring way across space and time. Still, reading and discussing this book in a college class on feminism did make me more aware of the cruelty that arises when you blindly ascribe to systemic forms of oppression, in particular racism and the dark side of capitalism....more
This short story sequence bored me out of my mind. Other reviewers state that this book appeals to an older, more experienced audience, though I hope This short story sequence bored me out of my mind. Other reviewers state that this book appeals to an older, more experienced audience, though I hope I do not have to reread this in my old age. Sarah Orne Jewett's acclaimed novel follows a young writer who spends a summer in Dunnet Landing, Maine. There, she befriends various townsfolk and notices the decline of the Coastal New England town itself.
While perhaps there is something to be said about how Jewett eschews typical plot constructions in The Country of the Pointed Firs, I could not find anything exciting or rewarding about this book. Jewett includes some meaningful observations about friendship and time passing, but I have come across these same sentiments in works of overall higher quality. Maybe those who come from a small town or are interested in the history of New England would like this one more than I did....more
A short story about Nick Adams recovering from a traumatic head wound. He has some weird dreams. While "A Way You'll Never Be" provides insight into tA short story about Nick Adams recovering from a traumatic head wound. He has some weird dreams. While "A Way You'll Never Be" provides insight into the challenges of suffering from a physical injury after war, it gives little substance for readers to form any meaningful connection to Nick.
This serves as my last review of a Hemingway short story (only one more Hemingway review after this one)! Not for the first time, I wonder what Hemingway would have dedicated his writing to if he grew up in an era with less war. I also suspect that I would have liked his works more if not for my adamant feminist views and how I think men should not . As far as Hemingway goes, "A Way You'll Never Be" does not do much harm - rather, it shows the harm suffered by one of Hemingway's own protagonists. This story did not make me grown aloud like Hemingway's other works; it still falls short of a recommendation. ...more
One of Hemingway's better stories, about a soldier who struggles to sleep as a result of the war. I appreciated how the main character explored his emOne of Hemingway's better stories, about a soldier who struggles to sleep as a result of the war. I appreciated how the main character explored his emotions through thoughtful introspection, how he had a meaningful and intimate conversation with his friend, and how he reflected on his past. Even more importantly, his describes his feelings without turning to drinking alcohol or objectifying women, a trend observed in other Hemingway works. "Now I Lay Me" also contains eloquent depictions of nature, perhaps the same ones that so many Hemingway fans cling to when supporting their problematic favorite. Overall, a decent story, and one I would recommend over his other works, alongside "The Sea Change" and "Soldier's Home." Only two more Hemingway reviews left, huzzah!...more
Though Hemingway perpetuates racism against American Indians as well as sexism against women in "Ten Indians," he also details the bittersweet first hThough Hemingway perpetuates racism against American Indians as well as sexism against women in "Ten Indians," he also details the bittersweet first heartbreak of Nick Adams. As I have said in previous reviews, I enjoy reading about Nick's coming of age. I just wish it did not have to occur in the context of so much misogyny, prejudice, etc. Similar to most other Hemingway works, I would not recommend this one.
Three more Hemingway reviews to go, Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ friends. At New Year's I will toast to the end of 2016 and to the end of my time with this over-hyped author....more
A curious short story about how nationalism and our preconceived notions about people can blind us. Unlike other Hemingway works, this one had discernA curious short story about how nationalism and our preconceived notions about people can blind us. Unlike other Hemingway works, this one had discernible layers, engaging dialogue, and a surprising ending that tied the story together well. More like a 3-star read compared to other Hemingway works, but still a 2-star read when juxtaposed with all of the great writers that exist today (check out my five-star shelf for some of them and their work.)
Four more Hemingway reviews left! Hallelujah. ...more
Almost no plot, very little character development, and only an ounce of setting to give us context for the story. Lots of violence. Typical Hemingway.Almost no plot, very little character development, and only an ounce of setting to give us context for the story. Lots of violence. Typical Hemingway. If this is one of the greatest writers in the American canon, I know we can do a heck of a lot better.
Five more Hemingway reviews left. I am thankful for all the books I read that rise above excessive displays of aggression and misogyny. I appreciate that Hemingway has made me grateful for those works, I suppose....more
A sad story about soldiers who have lost parts of their bodies and pieces of their hearts to war. If you pick up a Hemingway book, you have a 75% chanA sad story about soldiers who have lost parts of their bodies and pieces of their hearts to war. If you pick up a Hemingway book, you have a 75% chance it will feature war and bloodshed and the consequences of battle. Despite the repetitive subject matter, in stories like these, Hemingway captures the emotional pain that comes from loss after war, even if just for a moment.
Six more Hemingway reviews to go, Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ friends. Six more. ...more
A sad story about a boy who learns about his father's imperfections in a rather lethal way. "My Old Man" eschews Hemingway's usual straightforward wriA sad story about a boy who learns about his father's imperfections in a rather lethal way. "My Old Man" eschews Hemingway's usual straightforward writing style in favor of a discursive, hard-to-understand structure that does not help the story's delivery. While I appreciated the theme of growing up and coming to terms with your parent's flaws, Hemingway did not bring that theme to life in any innovative or gripping way. I would encourage you to read something else, like this from Teen Vogue about Donald Trump....more
A sad story about a man who acts nice and gets punished for it. Unlike other men, our protagonist does not sleep with multiple women. He also cannot cA sad story about a man who acts nice and gets punished for it. Unlike other men, our protagonist does not sleep with multiple women. He also cannot conceive with his wife. These failures to achieve traditional measures of masculinity lead him to drink a lot of white wine to cope with his problems. Overall, a pretty miserable piece about a man who does not conduct himself in traditionally masculine ways, who then resorts to unhealthful traditionally masculine behaviors (e.g. drinking excessively) to cope with his despair. Only recommended if you want a story to dampen your mood. ...more
This story features: men who rely on alcohol and sports to cope with their problems, men who do not know how to communicate, and men who make themselvThis story features: men who rely on alcohol and sports to cope with their problems, men who do not know how to communicate, and men who make themselves and their wives feel miserable. The good news: we can prevent these men from pervading our daily lives, through having reasonable expectations when we raise them. I would check out this article instead of reading this short story. Also, I only have about ten Hemingway stories left to review. #blessed...more
In "The Battler," Nick Adams meets an old boxer by the train tracks, who he learns about life from. Unfortunately, the boxer's advice comes in two unhIn "The Battler," Nick Adams meets an old boxer by the train tracks, who he learns about life from. Unfortunately, the boxer's advice comes in two unhelpful shades: 1) you always have to be tough, no matter how much pain you experience, and 2) do not trust women, because they will hurt you. I like seeing Nick's progression throughout these stories and the various people who influence him. I dislike that a lot of what he internalizes comes from harmful standards about masculinity that erase male emotion and demonize women. Instead of reading this story, I recommend you check out about toxic masculinity instead. ...more
Yes, I think that this story serves as a moving account of a man who comes to terms with his life as he prepares to die. However, while I hate to sounYes, I think that this story serves as a moving account of a man who comes to terms with his life as he prepares to die. However, while I hate to sound as repetitive in my reviews of Hemingway as Hemingway sounds in his actual writing, I cannot stand how his protagonists always take out their frustrations on women. As the main character suffers, he calls his partner a "rich bitch" and a "caretaker and destroyer of his talent." I rate Hemingway's work so low because from my perspective, I must point out how he lets his characters get away with sexism and misogyny, even if they do indeed face painful circumstances. I will say it now and I will say it again: an individual's anger does not justify their mistreatment of another person. I wish Hemingway had understood that in his life and in his writing. ...more
A simple story about Nick Adams reminiscing about his dad after he himself has a son. "Fathers and Sons" serves as a good representation of how we canA simple story about Nick Adams reminiscing about his dad after he himself has a son. "Fathers and Sons" serves as a good representation of how we can come to really understand the loved ones in our lives, even if this interpersonal awareness occurs after some time has passed. On an unrelated note, I would like to challenge this "iceberg theory" so often associated with Hemingway's work, this notion that he intentionally shows only the surface events of a story so readers can pull out the rest. I argue the use of this theory just excuses the lack of depth in Hemingway's writing. I perceive his style more as a sometimes nice, most times not nice ice cube floating atop the vast literary ocean, as opposed to an iceberg with layers. Not to mention that his stories are all so similar. Anyway, I would not really recommend this story - check out "The Sea Change" or "Soldier's Home" instead. ...more
A Hemingway story in which Nick Adams and his friend George ski together in Switzerland. Nothing really happens. If you want, you could interpret "CroA Hemingway story in which Nick Adams and his friend George ski together in Switzerland. Nothing really happens. If you want, you could interpret "Cross-Country Snow" as a commentary on how men use athletics to avoid and to cope with their emotional pain. I wish Hemingway had moved beyond that tired trope in his writing - the idea that male bonding only occurs in a way that avoids the compassionate discussion of emotions.
Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ friends, by the end of December, I will have reviewed all the Hemingway works I have read. And then, like an early spring, my reviews on this site will feature diverse works of quality once again....more
Another lackluster Hemingway story in which a man tries to reclaim his pride by acting in aggressive and unfriendly ways. Instead of reading this shorAnother lackluster Hemingway story in which a man tries to reclaim his pride by acting in aggressive and unfriendly ways. Instead of reading this short story, I would recommend reading on how we can raise more kind, nurturing men. If anything, Hemingway's story hints at how sad it must feel deep down, for men to have no way to value themselves other than by hunting, arguing with people, and engaging in other "masculine" behaviors....more
Revolutionary: that Hemingway can write a story so boring and pointless that I give it my first one star rating since 2009. In "The Revolutionist," a Revolutionary: that Hemingway can write a story so boring and pointless that I give it my first one star rating since 2009. In "The Revolutionist," a Magyar communist revolutionist travels to art galleries and talks to some people. I recommend that you do not read this story....more
A brief story about a soldier who falls in love with an Italian nurse, only for the nurse to outgrow their relationship and move onto someone else. WhA brief story about a soldier who falls in love with an Italian nurse, only for the nurse to outgrow their relationship and move onto someone else. While the length of the story does not allow for much character development, Hemingway still captures the sad, bittersweet feeling of separation after people grow apart and change. Within the context of war, he highlights a particular feeling of loss, if only for a fleeting moment....more
Loading...
