It is not anything like the Greene works that I had read.
This is a novel of action with less reflection - reflection on the character or the situationIt is not anything like the Greene works that I had read.
This is a novel of action with less reflection - reflection on the character or the situation. It is more like a murder mystery (whodunit mystery). In the Preface we are already warned by Greene that these two works (The Third Man / The Fallen Idol) were actually meant for Film Productions.
The Third Man is a good entertainment in that sense. The Fallen Idol would not have succeeded as a film. But Greene tells that they made many changes in the film version.
I have not seen both films. So I can not judge the novellas against the films or the films against the novellas.
May be, I expected something that I considered Greene in this novellas. And I am told that Greene also could write other works, not just in the line of my expectations. No complaints....more
The setting of this novel - the Vietnam under French Rule - escaped me. I could not get myself engaged into it and so at times, iThree and Half Stars.
The setting of this novel - the Vietnam under French Rule - escaped me. I could not get myself engaged into it and so at times, it was difficult to follow the story. I could not get into the historical details provided in the book. And I was lazy to read about it elsewhere.
The introduction by Zadie Smith helped me get into a few of the ideas expressed in the book. Her comparison of love and war and how it is expressed in the novel was revealing to me.
The novel was about a British News Reporter in French occupied Vietnam. Vietnam struggles to be free. There are civil disturbances - a group supporting the French and many opposite groups. And America also wants to get involved to establish a democracy in Vietnam. The independence seeking Vietnam, the Occupying France, the Idealistic US, the Observant British - these four are represented wonderfully in this novel by corresponding characters.
The American and the British fall in love with the same native (Vietnamese) woman. Where does it lead? Zadie Smith has read the same tragic love story as the narration of political events. She writes: "Greene knew that one country could fall for another, get involved with it, grow tired of it and break its heart."
By the way, you can read the introduction either before the commencement of the novel or after the completion of the novel. I do not think it would make much of a difference.
Better understanding of the historical background would have helped me much. But no complaint. Greene kept me engaged throughout the novel. I was more hooked into the 'love story' that played out in the novel....more
The Plot and the Theme:A person decides her own fate. Nothing is wrong in deciding for one'sMaybe three and half stars.
The story looked very absurd.
The Plot and the Theme:A person decides her own fate. Nothing is wrong in deciding for one's own life. Does that mean one can also decide for one's own death? That is the theme.
Elaboration of the Theme:If I decide on my death (suicide), do I become my own master? Just because I choose my own clothes, my own friendships, my own liking for a job, can I say I am the master of my life?
Simply Put:Am I the one who is in the Driver's Seat when it comes to my life and death? Muriel Spark does not give us answers. She leaves us with that question.
The hidden question is:Is God in the driver's seat deciding the course of my life and death? Or is it me? An interesting question indeed.
Question: Can anything ordinary become so beautiful in a few words?
Answer: It can. There may be some good writers who can do it. But Rumer Godden is cQuestion: Can anything ordinary become so beautiful in a few words?
Answer: It can. There may be some good writers who can do it. But Rumer Godden is certainly one of them.
It looks like Rumer Godden had to stay for six months (July - December 1943) in a small village on the Himalayan Ranges just below Darjeeling. She stayed in one of the Tea Estate bungalows in Rungli-Rungliot area in Bengal with her two kids. It was the time of World War II and she had for her company only her two kids aged 5 and 3 and some of the Indian servants and ponies and dogs and flowers and plants and mountains and snows and solitude.
So obviously she writes only about them. About the kids, about the animals, about the landscapes, about the servants, about the solitude. Even though there is nothing great about them, yet Rumer Godden paints them in words so beautifully that the reader would long to be in that tiny solitary mountain village.
Some of her observations and reflections are to the point. I loved many such comments and observations on the natural season, plants, animals and on the natives.
Here is a quote on her observation on the habit of betel chewing by the People from North India (in this case North Eastern People):
"I shall always feel doubtful about lipstick after living in a betel-nut country. The betel-chewers have red vivid lips; it gives the man a girlish perverted look, until they open their mouths and show their teeth, stained scarlet too. Then they look more than depraved; like Draculas, bloody in every sense of the word."...more
A Simple Story. A story for young kids. But it is equally good for adults.
Elizabeth Goudge blends skillfully fairy tales, folk songs, real life eventsA Simple Story. A story for young kids. But it is equally good for adults.
Elizabeth Goudge blends skillfully fairy tales, folk songs, real life events and suspenseful episodes. Thee are wild and domestic animals that live with human beings, there are unicorns playing important roles in the novel, there are dwarf like people, there is the allegorical clash between the Sun & Moon (Light) vs Darkness & Night, there are moral lessons teaching one (1) to give to God what He deserves; (2) to control one's emotions and never to lose relationships for a moment of anger; (3) never to be proud always - to be humble to accept mistakes; (4) to believe in miracles. These are very wonderfully woven into an enchanting story. Liked it....more
A Murder. Many suspects. Many possibilities. The great reveal. All the pieces fall in place in the last but one chapter. TheseA Thorough entertainer.
A Murder. Many suspects. Many possibilities. The great reveal. All the pieces fall in place in the last but one chapter. These are the things you expect in an Agatha Christie novel. And you have them.
I read it in a day. In fact, wanted to keep it for the Christmas season. But no regrets. In fact, happy that I finished reading it before the beginning of the Advent. ...more
The novel begins with a murder, moves in the detective novel mode and ends as a spiritual moral story (CatSuperb Ending. I just cannot come out of it.
The novel begins with a murder, moves in the detective novel mode and ends as a spiritual moral story (Catholic moral story).
Heaven and Hell - Eternal Bliss and Eternal Damnation. Can man/evil man escape damnation? What happens when you love the 'evil person' and you fear God? Do you want to be on the side of God or to be with the person you love? Can you never hope for his salvation? Or is it easy to be damned along with him than to be separated from him enjoying the Bliss? Is there a limit to the mercy of God?
The whole novel poses these questions all along the chapters. The answers are in the last chapter (barely 2 and half pages). The whole novel is worth for that chapter alone. But you need the full story to get the impact of the last chapter. Graham Greene emerges a great theologian. The ending reminded me of the ending of Gerorges Bernanos'The Diary of a Country Priest.Both are different genres. But they had the similar reflections at the end of the novel.
Consider these two statements. They both appear in the last pages of these novels:
"Grace is everywhere."-The Diary of a Country Priest.
"You can't conceive, my child, nor can I or anyone the... appalling... strangeness of the mercy of God."-Brighton Rock....more
It is a typical Catholic novel with Catholic themes. Of course that does not take away some sarcastic remarks relating to the times in which the plotIt is a typical Catholic novel with Catholic themes. Of course that does not take away some sarcastic remarks relating to the times in which the plot is set in (16th Century Catholic Spain). Readers can very well remember that it was the time of the Great Inquisition.
The novel can be divided into two parts.
The first part is a kind of a Catholic moral tale. It answers this question: Who serves God better - the Bishop with his prayers and mortification or the great soldier/noble who fought against the enemies of Faith or the simple person who did his everyday duties with complete dedication? The answer is obvious. But it comes out nicely in the first part of the novel with lots of dramatic sequences.
The second part is a miniature version of the great Italian Classic,The Betrothed.Or at least, it seemed to me like that. Also it is a kind of rags-to-riches fairy tale in which Christian/Catholic virtues are aptly narrated. This novel edified the reader with good entertainments.
Bonus Information: The Blessed Virgin appears twice in the novel as a character. Once in the first part and the other time in the second part. Her appearance in the second part, I found, very lovely....more
This is a collection of selected verses from some six similar works of Hilaire Belloc. These are all cautionary verses specially meant for children. MThis is a collection of selected verses from some six similar works of Hilaire Belloc. These are all cautionary verses specially meant for children. Moral teachings and simple practical exhortations for the children are presented in a lively rhyme form with enhancing additions in the form of some lovely illustrations.
Here is a sample:
HENRY KING WHO CHEWED BITS OF STRING, AND WAS EARLY CUT OFF IN DREADFUL AGONIES
The Chief Defect of Henry King was chewing little bits of String. At last he swallowed some which tied Itself in ugly Knots inside. Physicians of the Utmost Fame Were called at once; but when they came They answered, as they took their Fees, 'There is no Cure for this Disease. Henry will very soon be dead.' His Parents stood about his Bed Lamenting his Untimely Death, When Henry, with his Latest Breath, Cried - 'Oh, my Friends, be warned by me, That Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch and Tea Are all the Human Frame requires...' With that the Wretched Child expires.
The selections from the last two books deal with poems/rhymes that are meant for adults. The themes are political and social satire, I guess. The problem is that they deal with the political and social situation of England of Belloc's times. As I am not that aware of such events, some of them flew above my head as I read them, I enjoyed the collections from the first two books. The collections from the next two were Okay. That may be the reason why I limited my rating to three stars....more
I had read two other works by the same author. They are:The Secret GardenandA Little Princess.The main protagonists in these two works were girlsI had read two other works by the same author. They are:The Secret GardenandA Little Princess.The main protagonists in these two works were girls and in the book in review the main character is a boy. I think this was a book intended for the small boys.
But then children's literature always comes with its own charm. I was truly amused by the simple story in which a small boy from the poor quarters of New York suddenly finds himself to be an inheritor of earldom in England. He is transferred to England and is to be trained in nobility by none other than the old Earl, the boy's grandfather. Two contrasting characters meet - the old and young; the selfish and the generous; the grumpy and the charming; the mistrusting and the trusting, The small boy works wonders in transforming the old man. This is the crux of the story. But it is told with lot of drama involving colourful characters that the story becomes sweet and lovely.
As usual I found lot of lessons taught in an entertaining manner. The main lesson is thatIf a person has a kind heart and wills always kindness for the people around him/her, the world would be transformed into lovely place. If you are kind, your kindness affects the other and that affects the next one and thus begins the formation of a chain of influence. The other minor lesson is thatalways try to look for the good qualities in the others. It would do a lot of good for the relationship.
Loved this book. But I found the other two works that I had mentioned in the opening paragraph made an impact that was far greater than the impact made by this work. And that is why I have reduced a star for this work....more
It is a novel set in the 4th century when Diocles and Maximian were the emperors on East and West side of the Roman empire. It wasFour and Half Stars.
It is a novel set in the 4th century when Diocles and Maximian were the emperors on East and West side of the Roman empire. It was the time of one of the worst ever persecutions that the early Church faced.
In this novel, the saints and martyrs whom we venerate come alive. The well known ones are: St. Sebastian and St. Agnes. Along with them the entire grim situation that the early Church faced under the irascible ire of the Romans comes alive. As a reader you feel the tensions of the Christians as the rumours depicting Christians as vile creatures, cunning sorcerers and merciless cannibals increased. You feel along with the Christians a longing for the glorious martyrdom. As they rejoice walking towards the Coliseum to face the wild animals, you rejoice with them. You feel proud of your Faith. As the Christians loved each other and tried to practice the virtue of forgiveness with the slimy betrayers and ruthless executioners, you feel sad for not practicing the Faith.
The novel, as you might have already noted is intended to inspire you of a Christian's Faith, to encourage in practicing the Christian virtues, and to strengthen your Faith. The novel does it by making the reader to live in the Christian community that very valiantly faced the Martyrdom than to giving up one's faith. The scenes of St. Agnes' martyrdom moved me to tears. The tears were tears of JOY. The fact that I had visited the Church of St. Agnes in Rome added a personal touch to it.
The writer, Nicholas Cardinal Wiseman also gives the necessary historical details necessary for the comprehension of the novels. You get an idea of Roman customs, the information of the important architectural monuments - catacombs, John, the Lateran Basilica, etc. If you had visited Rome, it is easy to re-live the moments. If not, still you get an idea of all the places and events and a desire will be instilled in to visit the holy places mentioned.
Lastly, it is evidently very Catholic. If you are a Catholic, and if you have not read this one, you certainly need to read this. You will fall in love with your Faith....more
Language:Mary Shelley writes in a beautiful language. For the language of this novella, I would give full 5 Stars.
Story:It is a simple plot spread oLanguage:Mary Shelley writes in a beautiful language. For the language of this novella, I would give full 5 Stars.
Story:It is a simple plot spread over a few pages. In fact it would have made a great short story if she had edited some of the passages. It is about the unnatural passion of a father for his daughter and how it destroys both of them. Believe me, I have not given up anything other than what is in the blurb.
Themes:Unnatural Passion, Grief, Guilt and Despair. Also a pinch of Hope is thrown around.
Remark:It is her dealing with these emotions - passions, grief, guilt, despair and hope - that struck me hard. At times, it read like a spiritual discourse. May be, it is due to my religious outlook at everything. But be not discouraged. It does not bore you being too preachy. It flows with the plot and the language is mellifluous.
Last Observation:It did not create an impact in me the wayFrankensteindid. But if Mary Shelley could write so beautifully, I would read her all books for the simple pleasure of reading and cherishing something beautifully written.
This is a collection of Robert Herrick's poems (selected poems) is ordered in two blocks: The Profane and the Religious. The Profane section is lengthThis is a collection of Robert Herrick's poems (selected poems) is ordered in two blocks: The Profane and the Religious. The Profane section is lengthy almost covering 90% of the pages. The remaining 10% are for the Religious poetry. If I may rate the religious section alone, I would generously give it full 5 stars.
The poems are with traditional rhythmic patterns. They give you joy to read them aloud. You enjoy the synchronizing sound as you read aloud. He writes on all themes, but the predominant theme seems to be love in the Profane section.
I will give some sample poems. And it will be easy for you judge Herrick yourself.
Poems from the Profane Section:
THE PARLIAMENT OF ROSES: TO JULIA
I dreamt the roses one time went To meet and sit in parliament: The place for these, and for the rest Of flowers, was thy spotless breast, Over the which a state was drawn Of tiffany, or cobweb lawn. Then in that parley all those powers Voted the rose the Queen of Flowers - But so as that herself should be The Maid of Honour unto thee.
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DIVINATION BY A DAFFODIL
When a daffodil I see, Hanging down his head towards me, Guess I may what I must be: First, I shall decline my head; Secondly, I shall be dead; Lastly, safely buried.
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Poems from the Religious Section:
MERCY AND LOVE
God hath two wings, which he doth ever move: The one is mercy, and the next is love. Under the first the sinners ever trust, And with the last he still directs the just.
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TO GOD
I'll come, I'll creep (though thou dost threat) Humbly unto thy mercy seat. When I am there, this, then, I'll do: Give thee a dart, and a dagger, too. Next, when I have my faults confessed, Naked I'll show a sighing breast, Which, if that can't thy pity woo, Then let thy justice do the rest, And strike it through.
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LONG LIFE
The longer thread of life we spin, The more occasion still to sin.
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BAPTISM
The strength of baptism, that's within: It saves the soul by drowning sin.
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