Social Political Reading
Monday, December 15, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Novel Reading Around the World - 2009
India / Australia: The White Tiger, by Aravind Adiga
By reviewer, Ian Gordon Malcomson:
"The White Tiger" is this year's latest recipient of the Man Booker Prize for the best novel of the year. While the judges don't always get it right when selecting for this award, I think they made a fair choice this time. The story oozes with a sense of what it must be like for a young person growing up in a modern Indian village with no familial support or economic means to make it in life. The main character is an intelligent and literate young man named Balram, who was born an outcast but has miraculously risen to become a richman's driver in the capital city of Dehli. Upon hearing a radio broadcast of his Prime Minister telling his Chinese counterpart that India is a very civilized and virtuous society, he decides to do the unthinkable and write the Chinese premier and tell the real side of the story. What the reader gets here is the rough and rude reality of what it means for many Indian children growing up in an irrational environment that uses and abuses them for criminal and sexual purposes. While the government has banned the caste system, where people are perpetually assigned to hold menial jobs, it still flourishes in all parts of Indian life. "White Tiger", the name given the young boy while at school, becomes his moniker as he makes his way into the nefarious world of corrupt officials and crime bosses. Because he is literate, he has become groomed to be a driver and lackey for a rich family in Delhi. While some might see this as a step-up in terms of ascending the social ladder of Indian society, it is anything but. Balram becomes quickly acquainted with, and be expected to handle, the nastiest of situations that involve murder, cheating, bribery, and stealing. It is from behind the wheel of a Honda Civic that this keenly intelligent young man tells this engrossing story as he wends his way from place to place in the big city, doing his masters's bidding. His fellow chauffeurs, meanwhile, are simply pawns who are not aware of the role they play in the bigger picture. They are the helpless ones who are being exploited by a very unjust and dishonorable society intent on making them its doormat. The reality of all this is that even the virtuous like Balram need to stoop to conquer. We find him gradually getting sucked into the routine of committing the odd venial misdeed in order not to be ostracized by his fellow drivers. If anything, this book is really a profound study of how a corrupt practices can destroy good intentions in any society.
___________________________________________________Cuba: The Old Man and the Sea, by Ernest Hemingway
By reviewer, C. MCCALLISTER "dr dolphin"
Story: An old Cuban fisherman, dreaming of glory but hoping for at least a meal, catches a magnificent blue marlin, and struggles relentlessly to reel it in and get it to land, only to have the sharks devour it along the way. A hollow victory? Each reader must decide. An allegory? Very likely. Commentary: While not Hemingway's greatest work, this is one of his most memorable ones. It's a bit more poetic and metaphorical than his earlier work. The clear, minimalist writing style of Hemingway still shines through, though. Suggestion: If you enjoy this book, read "Blue Road to Atlantis" which is the same story, but told from the fish's point of view. I think it's even better than "The Old Man and the Sea".
Perhaps one of the first anti-war works of literature, the Iliad stands as relevant for our world today as it has been for the Greeks of 3000 years ago. Lattimore has given us with a brilliant translation that makes this masterpiece accessible in all its beauty to modern-day English speakers. The introduction provides the necessary understanding of the background and translation scheme, adding to the appreciation of the poem, but concise and short enough to permit the reader to delve into the beauty of the Iliad without much further ado. The Iliad of course is the most famous classic Greek poem. In reading this translation, one vividly moves into the world of the gods and heroes. Though seemingly long, the Iliad is breathtaking in its action and plot sequences. It is easy to get lost imagining the conflicts between Achilleus, Agamemnon, and Hector, or reflecting on the fascinating intrigues of Athena and Zeus. There are many lessons in these tales for everyone today, for we humans still behave within the same parameters of pride, glory, anger, vengeance, and love. After reading it, I was left reflecting about the meaning of victory, and how Achilleus was unsatisfied after obtaining his revenge. Read it, and you will instantly recognized why this epic poem has been deemed a masterpiece. (anonymous Barnes & Noble reviewer)
Having read this disturbing text (it makes you think) it is a mystery how one is supposed to understand that it was a male who wrote it. Hoerg has done a wonderful job developing Smilla. The story is one of many meanings and underlying messages, it just takes a while to fully comprehend them. It was clearly the best novel I've read in a while. I do however tend to agree with others that the ending was a little off especially if you happen to view the movie (It seemed a to Sci-fi to fit with earlier events), the mis-placed ending dosn't however take anything away from the remainder of the book. (anonymous Barnes & Noble reviewer)
By Lesley West (St James, Western Australia) - A friend insisted I buy this book, telling me what a masterpiece it was. I was at first sceptical, and I must confess it did not grab me within the first few chapters as I had hoped that it would. The main character is a dwarf, the child of a mentally ill mother and a father disabled in World War 1, and whereas her life looked as if it would be interesting, if filled with angst, I was confident that this itself would not hold my attention for the whole of the book.
How wrong I was, becuase it is not Trudi's life that grabs you, it is the world she is living in - the horror of Germany between the wars. It is difficult to find words to describe how that world changes, with the rise of Adolf Hitler, and the slow and deliberate persecution of the Jews, and the terror of ordinary citizens who barely dared to question what was hapening to their lives. The story becomes shocking, unimaginable and utterly compelling. I also think that it is something that everyone should read, and I like my friend, will recommend it to everyone.
It is not an easy story to read, and Trudi, the main character is spiky and independent - not always easy to identify with. But is an important book because it also chronicles the life of everyday Germans who were caught up in unspeakable times, and it is with these characters that our sympathies lie.
I am pleased that I took my friend's recommendation. Again, not an easy read, but a picture of history that cannot be ignored. It is a truly compelling and magnificent novel.
A hundred and fifty years ago, a young Englishman founded a private raj on the coast of Borneo. The world that resulted, boasting stone quays, great swaths of lawn, three Christian churches, and musical levees, eventually encompassed a territory the size of England, its campaigns paid for in human heads.It is the story of Victorian social mores superimposed on one of the most violent cultures on earth, of pockets of terness amid extreme brutality, and of a remarkable tribe of fugitives, missionaries, and romantics drawn to this remote outpost of the world.The deeper story resides in the realm of the heart. It is about love in absurd conditions, the tenacity of it as well as our ability to miss it repeatedly and with perverse genius. In the end, it is about love enduring when nothing else is left.
The Hundred Secret Senses is absolutely a fabulous novel that delves into the relationship between 2 Chinese sisters that have completely different thoughts - different origins, different mothers and these concepts agitate our minds relentlessly. It tells us stories that we couldn't possibly imagine - surreal village tales, ghosts stories,etc. All other novels of hers are about mothers and daughters, but this one proves that Amy Tan has galvanized her skill of writing, her fine senses and she delivers the freshest materials. Tan will make you feel alert when you find the word 'hundred','secret' or 'sense' in the novel. It will keep you wondering of the true meaning of the hundred secret senses until the end - it's only revealed on the very last page. This novel marks the revolution on Amy Tan as an author. Be prepared to be amazed by this pleasantly piquant novel that shines with meaning, faith and most importantly, love. (anonymous Barnes & Noble reviewer).
By reviewer, Ian Gordon Malcomson:"The White Tiger" is this year's latest recipient of the Man Booker Prize for the best novel of the year. While the judges don't always get it right when selecting for this award, I think they made a fair choice this time. The story oozes with a sense of what it must be like for a young person growing up in a modern Indian village with no familial support or economic means to make it in life. The main character is an intelligent and literate young man named Balram, who was born an outcast but has miraculously risen to become a richman's driver in the capital city of Dehli. Upon hearing a radio broadcast of his Prime Minister telling his Chinese counterpart that India is a very civilized and virtuous society, he decides to do the unthinkable and write the Chinese premier and tell the real side of the story. What the reader gets here is the rough and rude reality of what it means for many Indian children growing up in an irrational environment that uses and abuses them for criminal and sexual purposes. While the government has banned the caste system, where people are perpetually assigned to hold menial jobs, it still flourishes in all parts of Indian life. "White Tiger", the name given the young boy while at school, becomes his moniker as he makes his way into the nefarious world of corrupt officials and crime bosses. Because he is literate, he has become groomed to be a driver and lackey for a rich family in Delhi. While some might see this as a step-up in terms of ascending the social ladder of Indian society, it is anything but. Balram becomes quickly acquainted with, and be expected to handle, the nastiest of situations that involve murder, cheating, bribery, and stealing. It is from behind the wheel of a Honda Civic that this keenly intelligent young man tells this engrossing story as he wends his way from place to place in the big city, doing his masters's bidding. His fellow chauffeurs, meanwhile, are simply pawns who are not aware of the role they play in the bigger picture. They are the helpless ones who are being exploited by a very unjust and dishonorable society intent on making them its doormat. The reality of all this is that even the virtuous like Balram need to stoop to conquer. We find him gradually getting sucked into the routine of committing the odd venial misdeed in order not to be ostracized by his fellow drivers. If anything, this book is really a profound study of how a corrupt practices can destroy good intentions in any society.
___________________________________________________
By reviewer, C. MCCALLISTER "dr dolphin"Story: An old Cuban fisherman, dreaming of glory but hoping for at least a meal, catches a magnificent blue marlin, and struggles relentlessly to reel it in and get it to land, only to have the sharks devour it along the way. A hollow victory? Each reader must decide. An allegory? Very likely. Commentary: While not Hemingway's greatest work, this is one of his most memorable ones. It's a bit more poetic and metaphorical than his earlier work. The clear, minimalist writing style of Hemingway still shines through, though. Suggestion: If you enjoy this book, read "Blue Road to Atlantis" which is the same story, but told from the fish's point of view. I think it's even better than "The Old Man and the Sea".
____________________________________________________
Greek: The Iliad, by Homer
Perhaps one of the first anti-war works of literature, the Iliad stands as relevant for our world today as it has been for the Greeks of 3000 years ago. Lattimore has given us with a brilliant translation that makes this masterpiece accessible in all its beauty to modern-day English speakers. The introduction provides the necessary understanding of the background and translation scheme, adding to the appreciation of the poem, but concise and short enough to permit the reader to delve into the beauty of the Iliad without much further ado. The Iliad of course is the most famous classic Greek poem. In reading this translation, one vividly moves into the world of the gods and heroes. Though seemingly long, the Iliad is breathtaking in its action and plot sequences. It is easy to get lost imagining the conflicts between Achilleus, Agamemnon, and Hector, or reflecting on the fascinating intrigues of Athena and Zeus. There are many lessons in these tales for everyone today, for we humans still behave within the same parameters of pride, glory, anger, vengeance, and love. After reading it, I was left reflecting about the meaning of victory, and how Achilleus was unsatisfied after obtaining his revenge. Read it, and you will instantly recognized why this epic poem has been deemed a masterpiece. (anonymous Barnes & Noble reviewer)_____________________________________________________
Denmark: Smilla's Sense of Snow, by Peter Hoeg
Having read this disturbing text (it makes you think) it is a mystery how one is supposed to understand that it was a male who wrote it. Hoerg has done a wonderful job developing Smilla. The story is one of many meanings and underlying messages, it just takes a while to fully comprehend them. It was clearly the best novel I've read in a while. I do however tend to agree with others that the ending was a little off especially if you happen to view the movie (It seemed a to Sci-fi to fit with earlier events), the mis-placed ending dosn't however take anything away from the remainder of the book. (anonymous Barnes & Noble reviewer)____________________________________________________
Germany: Stones from the River, by Ursula Hegi
By Lesley West (St James, Western Australia) - A friend insisted I buy this book, telling me what a masterpiece it was. I was at first sceptical, and I must confess it did not grab me within the first few chapters as I had hoped that it would. The main character is a dwarf, the child of a mentally ill mother and a father disabled in World War 1, and whereas her life looked as if it would be interesting, if filled with angst, I was confident that this itself would not hold my attention for the whole of the book.
How wrong I was, becuase it is not Trudi's life that grabs you, it is the world she is living in - the horror of Germany between the wars. It is difficult to find words to describe how that world changes, with the rise of Adolf Hitler, and the slow and deliberate persecution of the Jews, and the terror of ordinary citizens who barely dared to question what was hapening to their lives. The story becomes shocking, unimaginable and utterly compelling. I also think that it is something that everyone should read, and I like my friend, will recommend it to everyone.
It is not an easy story to read, and Trudi, the main character is spiky and independent - not always easy to identify with. But is an important book because it also chronicles the life of everyday Germans who were caught up in unspeakable times, and it is with these characters that our sympathies lie.
I am pleased that I took my friend's recommendation. Again, not an easy read, but a picture of history that cannot be ignored. It is a truly compelling and magnificent novel.
______________________________________________________
Borneo: Kalimantaan, by C.S. Godshalk
A hundred and fifty years ago, a young Englishman founded a private raj on the coast of Borneo. The world that resulted, boasting stone quays, great swaths of lawn, three Christian churches, and musical levees, eventually encompassed a territory the size of England, its campaigns paid for in human heads.It is the story of Victorian social mores superimposed on one of the most violent cultures on earth, of pockets of terness amid extreme brutality, and of a remarkable tribe of fugitives, missionaries, and romantics drawn to this remote outpost of the world.The deeper story resides in the realm of the heart. It is about love in absurd conditions, the tenacity of it as well as our ability to miss it repeatedly and with perverse genius. In the end, it is about love enduring when nothing else is left.____________________________________________________
China: The Hundred Secret Senses, by Amy Tan
The Hundred Secret Senses is absolutely a fabulous novel that delves into the relationship between 2 Chinese sisters that have completely different thoughts - different origins, different mothers and these concepts agitate our minds relentlessly. It tells us stories that we couldn't possibly imagine - surreal village tales, ghosts stories,etc. All other novels of hers are about mothers and daughters, but this one proves that Amy Tan has galvanized her skill of writing, her fine senses and she delivers the freshest materials. Tan will make you feel alert when you find the word 'hundred','secret' or 'sense' in the novel. It will keep you wondering of the true meaning of the hundred secret senses until the end - it's only revealed on the very last page. This novel marks the revolution on Amy Tan as an author. Be prepared to be amazed by this pleasantly piquant novel that shines with meaning, faith and most importantly, love. (anonymous Barnes & Noble reviewer).____________________________________________________
Middle East: The Fifth Mountain, Paulo Coelho
By Irina Iacobescu (Dubai, UAE) -This book shares the same theme as 'The Alchemist', the theme of the quest, seen as a journey that takes the main character far from his own country. 'The Fifth Mountain' begins with a reference to 'The Alchemist' and the author repeats the central idea of his first book: `when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it'. This book can be considered a sequel, although the content is different. But in principle, the idea remains the same: how to to accept and carry the responsibility of living one's`destiny'.
The main character is prophet Elijah, a Biblical figure who set out the conditions for the coming of the Messiah, and eventually, after he was thoroughly tested was sent up to Heaven. His mission from God was to restore His worship in Israel, for the king there had married a foreign princess, who was introducing her own gods to the people.
The text of the book in itself is very simple, but the message is very powerful: only by confronting what is most important to you, and so confronting yourself at your most vulnerable, you can climb the wall of frustrations that keeps you from what you desire, which gives meaning to your life.
To what point can we predict our own destiny? - this is the main question in the book and Im sure many of us tried to find an answer. Elijah is sometimes torn between the desire to serve God and the needs of those he has come to love. But the reader will find out that love and faith will eventually triumph over. Only love and faith will help our hero get over the difficulties.
Here you can find some quotations from the book - Im sure it will make you want to read it:
- '... a man must choose... therein lies his strength: the power of his decisions... he who makes no choice is dead in the eyes of the Lord...'
- 'There is no tragedy, only the unavoidable. Everything has its reason for being: you only need to distinguish what is temporary from what is lasting.'- 'If you have a past that dissatisfies you, then forget it now.'
- 'A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires.'
- 'Take advantage of the chance that tragedy has given you; not everyone is capable of doing so.'
- 'Sadness does not last forever when we walk in the direction of that which we always desired.'
- "There are inevitable moments of misfortune which interrupt our lives. However, they happen for a reason." Sometimes the world seems to have conspired against us, and so we ask ourselves, "Why does this have to happen to me?" Confronted by the inevitable, some of us become discouraged; others, however, grow stronger and increase their understanding.'
Is there anything else I should say to help you decide read this book? Im sure you wont regret this experience.
The main character is prophet Elijah, a Biblical figure who set out the conditions for the coming of the Messiah, and eventually, after he was thoroughly tested was sent up to Heaven. His mission from God was to restore His worship in Israel, for the king there had married a foreign princess, who was introducing her own gods to the people.
The text of the book in itself is very simple, but the message is very powerful: only by confronting what is most important to you, and so confronting yourself at your most vulnerable, you can climb the wall of frustrations that keeps you from what you desire, which gives meaning to your life.
To what point can we predict our own destiny? - this is the main question in the book and Im sure many of us tried to find an answer. Elijah is sometimes torn between the desire to serve God and the needs of those he has come to love. But the reader will find out that love and faith will eventually triumph over. Only love and faith will help our hero get over the difficulties.
Here you can find some quotations from the book - Im sure it will make you want to read it:
- '... a man must choose... therein lies his strength: the power of his decisions... he who makes no choice is dead in the eyes of the Lord...'
- 'There is no tragedy, only the unavoidable. Everything has its reason for being: you only need to distinguish what is temporary from what is lasting.'- 'If you have a past that dissatisfies you, then forget it now.'
- 'A child can teach an adult three things: to be happy for no reason, to always be busy with something, and to know how to demand with all his might that which he desires.'
- 'Take advantage of the chance that tragedy has given you; not everyone is capable of doing so.'
- 'Sadness does not last forever when we walk in the direction of that which we always desired.'
- "There are inevitable moments of misfortune which interrupt our lives. However, they happen for a reason." Sometimes the world seems to have conspired against us, and so we ask ourselves, "Why does this have to happen to me?" Confronted by the inevitable, some of us become discouraged; others, however, grow stronger and increase their understanding.'
Is there anything else I should say to help you decide read this book? Im sure you wont regret this experience.
_____________________________________________________
France: The Zahir, by Paulo Coelho
By Anneliese Flores Clar "florcita" (Texas USA) - This is a story about a famous writer whose wife, a journalist, suddenly disapears. He had become unapreciative of his partner, and has a long history of infidelity, however, this couple seemed to have an open marriage, meaning he didn't expect fidelity from her either. A long time goes by without anybody knowing where is Esther, that's her name, but suddenly a man which whom she was last seen and whom is suspected to be her lover comes to talk to him while he was promoting his last book, books that he writes about his love for Esther and the experience he is going through since she disappeared, from then on starts a journey about knowing who Esther really was, her own journey, in the process, he rediscovered himself. This was a man with Spiritual knowledge, but after reaching certain point had become complacent and self-indulgent. I don't want to give the story away, only I got to tell you that since I first read The Alchemist, I have read most every book of Paulo Coelho and have never been disapointed, in all of them I have gained wisdom for my own life. From this book I learned that very rarely we live in the present moment, and when we don't live in the present moment, is as if we are not really alive, I learned to dumped my story, the book even shares a Shamanic exercize to dump your story, in other words empty your vessel, A warrior of the Light doesn't have a past, so much energy waisted in our story that we could use for our present moment, I was reminded to be opened to new experiences and to aknowledge the feelings buried inside me, the book also teaches about forgiveness and humbleness, honesty and trust in the Divine, it talks about the Divine Femenine awakening, about signs and being alert to follown the signs the Universe gives us, trust in the Divine guidance. As if this wasn't enough, I am sure there is more that escapes my mind at this moment and you will probably discover some more for yourself! oh yes, and appreciation, learn and appreciate the people in our lives!
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