Thursday, May 1, 2008 - April Book Reviews
Dracula
Well, I can only say two things about this book. One, I hate to admit it, but vampires are actually kind of cool. Two, I will always wear garlic around my neck from here on out.
Okay, maybe they aren't really cool...but they are definitely interesting. Wouldn't want to meet one, glad they don't exist in real life, but I'm sure glad they exist in fiction.
Jonathan Harker is an English solicitor traveling to the house of a count, who he is supposed to do business with. When arriving at the Count's Transylvanian castle, he is overwhelmed by a sense of eeriness that surrounds it. Things appear even stranger when he realizes that he is being held captive in the castle--which is a demon hideout complete with spells and strange women. Miraculously he is able to escape, though forever changed.
The Count is not done with him, however, and soon comes to England and terrorizes the women there, including Jonathan's own wife. Jonathan, along with his wife, friends, and with the help of a doctor, realizes that the Count is no ordinary being--he is a vampire. Although he seems to be dead during the day, he is really undead, and at night ravages the countryside, drinking the blood of his unfortunate victims. They do not die from this, but become vampires too. Jonathan and his friends must stop the vampire (who can be repelled with a crucifix or garlic, or killed with a knife to the heart) before it is too late for his wife--and the rest of the world.
Delightfully scary, this book makes Frankenstein look like The Cat in the Hat. Not for the faint of heart, though. Although most of the gruesome scenes aren't described in detail, enough is left for your imagination to keep you up at night. Most of the frightening scenes, though, come from the climatic ignorance experienced by the characters through much of the book. To them, nothing is going on that is particularly abnormal. But we, the readers, know that it is something terrible--and that's what is so terrifying.
It's easy to see why this, as one of the first vampire stories (published in 1897), is a classic. Yes, it's a horror tale. But it also contains interesting elements on spirituality, death, life after death, and God and Satan.
Crime and Punishment
I did a review a few months back about Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov. I liked that one, a lot, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book truly surpasses it in so many ways--the story, the characters, and the literary style (which may have more to do with the translation than anything, but nonetheless...). It's very different from Brothers, but even more enjoyable. I've learned a lot from reading his works....most importantly learning how to spell Dostoevsky's name!
Raskolnikov is a young, poor student, who, because of his circumstances, is forced to leave the university. After writing a paper and doing research on the subject of murder, he becomes fascinated with man's ability to kill another. His fascination ultimately causes him to commit murder. The story deals with his internal struggles--it gives a look into the mind and heart of a murderer, and the guilt and paranoia he experiences. Raskolnikov must also deal with his mother, sister, and her questionable suitors without giving himself away. It is extremely hard when he is pushed into the life of a young woman named Sonia, who has been forced into prostitution in order to provide for her young siblings. Raskolnikov cannot claim happiness in his own life as long as he is eaten by guilt and fear that one day, someone will find out that he really is a murderer.
Raskolnikov is an extremely interesting character. He goes from proud to irrational to humble to fearful to cruel to kind throughout the book. Likewise the lesser characters have are worth analyzing. The themes of the book are also thought provoking--Dostoevsky deals with Raskolnikov's story from spiritual, moral, and social perspectives.
Castle of Otranto
When I first read this, I thought it was a bit scary...then I read Dracula and can call this pretty tame. Hehe! This book has become known to literary scholars as the first Gothic novel, creating a wide genre that now contains well known favorites such as Jane Eyre, Rebecca, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Indeed, Castle contains everything that a Gothic novel should posses--supernatural ghosts, death, hereditary curses, dark mysterious castles, romantic heroes, women in distress, and royalty.
When the young son of Manfred of the Castle of Otranto is crushed to death by a falling helmet on his wedding day, his family is devastated. His father decides to divorce his own wife and marry the boy's betrothed, Isabella, in hopes of having a new heir. Isabella is opposed to this idea, and fears that Manfred will force her into the union. About this time, things start to get awfully strange around the Castle. With giants, ghosts, talking portraits, and mysterious blood taking over the castle (and don't forget a handsome young prince or two!), will Isabella be able to escape the clutches of the wicked Manfred in time?
Oscar Wilde Plays
I've read a bit here and there of Wilde's works over the years in lit classes, but I've never actually sat down and read a lot of his plays. I bought a collection of his plays a few months ago....and now I cannot believe I've lived this long without him! He's truly the most brilliant and witty author I've read in ages. I could re-read all of these plays many times over.
The Importance of Being Earnest
Ernest isn't really Ernest. In fact, he's Jack. But his girl, Gwendolen, doesn't know that. Ernest lives a double life--when he's in the city, with Gwendolen, he's Ernest. But when he goes back to the country, where he is from, he is Jack. To make things easier, he pretends he has a brother Jack in the country to his city friends, and vice versus to his country friends.
If that isn't complicated enough, his good friend Algernon gets wind of his deception. Algernon, though, thinks its all a pretty good game--so he shows up one day in the country under the name of Ernest, pretending to be that wild brother. Jack has guardianship over a young girl named Cecily, and Algernon falls in love with her.
Of course both Cecily and Gwendolen are pretty miffed when they find out what the men were doing....and it causes quite a few laughs along the way. Subtitled "a trivial comedy for serious people," it's really a comedy of manners and a light love story that pokes fun at the seriousness of modern day society.
An Ideal Husband
This was probably my favorite of the plays, and by far the most wittiest.
Revolving around the irony of the title, this is the story of blackmail and political corruption in 19th century England. Sir Robert Chitlen is, too many, an "ideal husband". He is wealthy, famous, and influential. He is kind and loving to his wife, who seems rather bored by him. He's too ideal, she thinks. Too perfect. Never fear, sweetheart. Sir Chitlen also has a horrible secret on how he came to gain all this power. He thought no one knew it--but it comes back to bite him and he is blackmailed to keep it a secret.
Meanwhile, his little sister is becoming infatuated with the young Lord Goring. He is not at all a candidate for an "ideal husband"--he is an insistent bachelor and a bit wild and arrogant. (and also extremely funny; I'm in love with this character!). Of course, with a twist of fate, Goring must save the day and show that he really is the ideal man after all. Appearances can be deceiving!
A Woman of No Importance
Gerald is a young man interested in the affections of the modest, almost puritanical Hester. He has a rival, though--Lord Illingworth, his soon-to-be employer. Furious at the Lord, he tries to kill him but in a twist of fate (and a little help from his mother) he finds out that the man is actually his father. When his mother was younger, she became pregnant by Lord Illingworth and he refused to marry her, making her a fallen woman in society's eyes. Now that the truth comes out, Gerald tries to push his parents together--but this time around his mother refuses to marry the Lord (frankly, because he's a first-rate JERK). How will this affect Gerald, with his new label as the product of an immoral relationship, and his place in society and with Hester? (and all you Hawthorne fans, yes, her name is a total reference to the Scarlet Letter!)
Salome
This play is a twist on the biblical account of John the Baptist's beheading. Although some names are changed and the perspective is from that of Salome, the daughter of Herodias, it is easy to recognize the account. Although a good look into the minds of the enemies of John the Baptist, the story was actually banned in England because of the almost irreverent perspective of the story.
We see the story very similar as it is in the Bible, except for some major additions--in this, Wilde explores the passions of Salome, Herodious, and Herod, as well as Wilde's own interpretation for the reasoning behind Salome's request (which is pure myth on Wilde's part, and not at all true as far as we know from history and the Bible).
Although it is purely a made-up take on a true story, this play really took a lot of creativity and genius on Wilde's part. It is not as trivial nor as witty as his other stories; in fact, as many of the Victorians agreed, it just often comes across as shocking.
Lady Windemere's Fan
Lady Windemere was desperately in love with her husband...until another woman showed up. This woman has blatantly taken over the Lady's husband's time, money, and love, it appears. Lady Windemere is furious with her husband, and with the woman. Not only is she heart broken over her husband's betrayal, but she is incredibly ashamed, as the whole town is talking about her husband and his supposed mistress. What the Lady doesn't know is that the woman that her husband has a secret with is not his mistress, but instead her own mother. Things get complicated when the heartbroken Lady Windemere turns to a friend who has been secretly in love with her....just in time for all the secrets to spill out.
Comments
Thursday, May 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sharla88
THat is so funny that you posted about Dracula. I just bought Frankenstine yesterday and I kinda wanted that next!! LOL great book reviews!
I know I hope we go see it in theaters my parents like it, but are not really big fans. So I may have to wait :*(
GB~
sharla~
Thursday, May 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Narniagirl
Hello,
I've been to your blog before, but never commented. How did you tell I am a Narnia fan? lol. Prince Caspian comes out in 16 days!!!!!! :D
I think your Prince Caspian challenge is a great idea. I'm a little late to join, but I think my friend and I might read it together.
Also, I wanted to say thanks for joining us in the Prayer Challenge! I posted about what country, well, actually *countries*, that I am praying for.
I'd love to receive another comment from you. You are also welcome to add me to your friends list. :)
Blessings,
Kylie
Thursday, May 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Curufinwe
My B-day, 'eh? well, I didn't get much, cept money to get stuff myself, but I don't know if I'm going to get that gun.....:-|
I might be taking a break from blogging sometime. :-(
~CF
Friday, May 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by CrossView
Great reviews!
One of my favorite books is Dracula.
I'm not sure if my 18-yr old has read all of the ones on your review list so I'll show her this post. She's off for the summer and looking for more good reads.
Friday, May 2, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by lotrsavvy
Man, you sure do read a lot of books. I'm still reading The Unfinished Tales. hehe I need to read something new and different...but we rarely get to the library.
Aaaah, it's ok. :P
Jennifer
Saturday, May 3, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by carygrant19
Oh, yes, it is the Gary Cooper version! (I almost wrote Cary Gooper, which is just a hop, step and a jump from Cary Grant......sorry!) It is really good so far! I love the fact that one of the professors is Clarence from 'It's A Wonderful Life.' Did you notice that?
Oooooh! Bogie movies? I've tons of suggestions:
-To Have and Have Not
-Casablanca
-Key Largo
-Sabrina
-The Maltese Falcon
If I think of any more I'll tell ya.
Oh, my goodness! I love love love 'The Importance of Being Ernest!' I saw a production of it once and I also read it. Oscar Wilde is brilliant!
Book recommendation: anything Jane Austen, especially 'Pride and Prejudice.'
This is a long comment! Sorry! We'll watch the end of 'Ball of Fire' maybe tonight. Now that American Idol is on, two nights a week are taken up! :)
Saturday, May 3, 2008 - From Lucy
Posted by Anonymous
Those are some good book reviews! I've always wondered what Dracula was like, Sounds creepy! Wait, I mean down right scary!
Lucy
Monday, May 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Charlotte
I've never read ANY of these! I really must... the Importance of Being Earnest sounds good... actually they all do. I'm going to have to check these out... though I might leave Dracula alone.......... :)
Monday, May 5, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Charlotte
Ah! carygrant19, I just saw your comment and I just had to say that I absolutely LOVE Casablanca. Such a good movie. The Maltese Falcon is good even tho I hate the ending, and Sabrina is awesome. To Have and To Have Not is good if only because it's Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart.... :) I've never seen the others. I may have to check them out!
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