Anita Shreve's Rescue
2012 by Abacus
Once we are introduced to the main characters Webster and Sheila, we know that their relationship will be riddled with pain, disaster and its fair share of problems.
Webster is a likeable character, evoking sympathy because of his turbulent relationship with an alcoholic wife who endangers the life of their only daughter. The same cannot be said of Sheila - his wife - who it is very difficult to feel sorry for as she brings it all on herself. She should never have tried to be something she wasn't - to try on a life that didn't fit.
Rescue begins on a cheerful, warm-hearted note as Webster and Sheila fall in love in extraordinary circumstances. Webster has a tough time trying to settle Sheila down but when he succeeds in rescuing her, the result is that she manages to grow up and lead a mature life.
All this happiness is not to last though. Once she becomes suffocated by this sensible life, where she can no longer handle the commitment, it soon becomes apparent that this story is bound on an unhappy journey. Sheila's poisonous personality sets to ruin their daughter Rowan's existence. Will Sheila return to rescue her daughter and make up for lost time or will she continue to cause disruption and distress?
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
A race between life and death
Ken Follett's Whiteout
2005 by Pan Books
Whiteout is yet another Follett special. The precise detail and descriptive characters he creates makes his books so difficult to put down.
Whiteout is an epic tale of human betrayal, family feud and medical catastrophe, all with a ticking clock.
Every page of this story has some dramatic action taking place, a cliff-hanger or even a developing love affair.
The audience will find Kit to be a most deceitful character and will take an instant dislike to his personality - stereotypically rich, a spoilt only son of a wealthy millionaire who gets extremely perturbed when things dont go his way. However, the fact that he finally gets what is coming to him, is justice enough.
I admire how Follett has decided to make the powerful woman in the story, the hero, the knight in shining armour who rescues the Oxenford family from certain death, after Kit embarks on a dangerous mission which heads towards even his own self-destruction. With the help of master criminals, all Kit wants to do is repay his building gambling debt. Things soon take a turn for the worse when they steal a lethal infectious drug from Oxenford Medical and then hold up Stanley Oxenford's family on Christmas Day as hostages in their family home. What makes this exceptionally is how they manage to steal this drug from right under, head of security Toni Gallo's nose, and even past her high-tech security systems.
We find ourselves asking, what will happen to this deadly drug, which has ended up in the wrong hands.
2005 by Pan Books
Whiteout is yet another Follett special. The precise detail and descriptive characters he creates makes his books so difficult to put down.
Whiteout is an epic tale of human betrayal, family feud and medical catastrophe, all with a ticking clock.
Every page of this story has some dramatic action taking place, a cliff-hanger or even a developing love affair.
The audience will find Kit to be a most deceitful character and will take an instant dislike to his personality - stereotypically rich, a spoilt only son of a wealthy millionaire who gets extremely perturbed when things dont go his way. However, the fact that he finally gets what is coming to him, is justice enough.
I admire how Follett has decided to make the powerful woman in the story, the hero, the knight in shining armour who rescues the Oxenford family from certain death, after Kit embarks on a dangerous mission which heads towards even his own self-destruction. With the help of master criminals, all Kit wants to do is repay his building gambling debt. Things soon take a turn for the worse when they steal a lethal infectious drug from Oxenford Medical and then hold up Stanley Oxenford's family on Christmas Day as hostages in their family home. What makes this exceptionally is how they manage to steal this drug from right under, head of security Toni Gallo's nose, and even past her high-tech security systems.
We find ourselves asking, what will happen to this deadly drug, which has ended up in the wrong hands.
What lies beneath a perfect facade
Anita Shreve's Strange fits of Passion
1994 by Abacus
Strange fits of passion is told in the "reporter" style that recounts events that unfolded in the similar way that her other novel Testimony did.
Each chapter offers an outlook of what happened and the thoughts and views of the main characters and those local people who made contact with Mary/Maureen. Shreve writes their thoughts and views as a police interview account, which echoes the police interview they would have gone through at the time of the events in the story. The local people play the part of the eye witnesses to Mary's life and goings-on while she resides in their town.
When Mary arrives in their small town, things are not quite as they seem, for she hides beneath her disguise and lies. The residents accept her for who she is and befriend her, treat her like one of their own. Only when a dark shadow edges towards the town, to cast its ugly head over the new life that Mary has created for herself, do the residents begin to question who she claims to be and uncover the reality that lies beneath.
As the reader though, we find ourselves praying that the residents believe what Mary has hidden from them - the awful story that she is burdened with. We have to hope that true friendship will shine through the despair and stand against the evil that awaits, to help Mary through this tough time.
Justice does prevail in the end but in freeing herself, Maureen simultaneously ruins the lives of two families - her own and that of the man she comes to love. In taking revenge on her husband and ending her nightmare, she brings about more heartache to her life.
1994 by Abacus
Strange fits of passion is told in the "reporter" style that recounts events that unfolded in the similar way that her other novel Testimony did.
Each chapter offers an outlook of what happened and the thoughts and views of the main characters and those local people who made contact with Mary/Maureen. Shreve writes their thoughts and views as a police interview account, which echoes the police interview they would have gone through at the time of the events in the story. The local people play the part of the eye witnesses to Mary's life and goings-on while she resides in their town.
When Mary arrives in their small town, things are not quite as they seem, for she hides beneath her disguise and lies. The residents accept her for who she is and befriend her, treat her like one of their own. Only when a dark shadow edges towards the town, to cast its ugly head over the new life that Mary has created for herself, do the residents begin to question who she claims to be and uncover the reality that lies beneath.
As the reader though, we find ourselves praying that the residents believe what Mary has hidden from them - the awful story that she is burdened with. We have to hope that true friendship will shine through the despair and stand against the evil that awaits, to help Mary through this tough time.
Justice does prevail in the end but in freeing herself, Maureen simultaneously ruins the lives of two families - her own and that of the man she comes to love. In taking revenge on her husband and ending her nightmare, she brings about more heartache to her life.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Behind closed doors!
Anita Shreve's Testimony
Published 2009 by Abacus
Drama
Told from the perspective of those involved, Testimony tells the story of an incident that occurred at a private boarding school, Avery Academy, and how the lives of those involved changed forever. The incident seems to have had a tremendous impact on so many characters who were either directly or indirectly involved.
The novel flits between past and present a bit too often which gets rather complicated but having each chapter written from the point of view of each character, each telling their own individual tale of the part they played in the affair and how it has changed their life in the present, is a great feature that helps the flow of the novel. Each character talks to the reader as though we are a reporter trying to interview them as they are very factual and matter-of-fact about it. Sometimes they almost feel like they see the reader as a friend or confidante; someone they can trust and who they are opening up to and telling all. The language and style of the novel is very similar to a police report or interview but it is crisp and to the point. It is very easy to read and an engrossing page turner.
Not only does the text describe what happened and how but it also provides testimonies, confessions and statements from the students involved. Although the initial event is horrific and graphic, nothing prepares the reader for the despair and colossal destruction that comes about afterwards. There is so much pain and remorse in this book. For once there is no happy ending, it simply ends with one student recounting the event and providing us with all the missing pieces of this puzzle.
Published 2009 by Abacus
Drama
Told from the perspective of those involved, Testimony tells the story of an incident that occurred at a private boarding school, Avery Academy, and how the lives of those involved changed forever. The incident seems to have had a tremendous impact on so many characters who were either directly or indirectly involved.
The novel flits between past and present a bit too often which gets rather complicated but having each chapter written from the point of view of each character, each telling their own individual tale of the part they played in the affair and how it has changed their life in the present, is a great feature that helps the flow of the novel. Each character talks to the reader as though we are a reporter trying to interview them as they are very factual and matter-of-fact about it. Sometimes they almost feel like they see the reader as a friend or confidante; someone they can trust and who they are opening up to and telling all. The language and style of the novel is very similar to a police report or interview but it is crisp and to the point. It is very easy to read and an engrossing page turner.
Not only does the text describe what happened and how but it also provides testimonies, confessions and statements from the students involved. Although the initial event is horrific and graphic, nothing prepares the reader for the despair and colossal destruction that comes about afterwards. There is so much pain and remorse in this book. For once there is no happy ending, it simply ends with one student recounting the event and providing us with all the missing pieces of this puzzle.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Be mindful of love
Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility
Period classic - Romance
Spirited novel about friendship, love, sisterly affection, hope and deceit.
Austen presents brilliant stories that show perfectly the close connection that exists between siblings. She must have drawn from her own relationship with her sister Cassandra in order to portray such a likeness.
I think in making it the key focus in this text, alongside love and marriage, she expresses how important these bonds are not just to her but to everyone else as well.
I admire sensible Elinor Dashwood for being the responsible, practical, elder, clever sister who keeps her emotions inside in order to get on with what she must do and to put everyone else first before herself. Elinor is extremely unselfish and quite a sad character throughout the text until the very end.
Marianne would probably fit quite well in society today as she seems the character people could relate to because of her lively, spirited almost rebellious nature. She is a fun character but most of the time is rather immature, hence Elinor spends most of her time consoling her and taking care of her.
Finally, there is Margaret who doesn't get to do most of the fun things her sisters get to do because she is too young.
The interaction between these sisters makes it an enthralling book just like the Bennets' in Austen's Pride and Prejudice or Alcott's Little Women.
Of course, inevitably it all ends as we'd expect but it is far from disappointing.
Period classic - Romance
Spirited novel about friendship, love, sisterly affection, hope and deceit.
Austen presents brilliant stories that show perfectly the close connection that exists between siblings. She must have drawn from her own relationship with her sister Cassandra in order to portray such a likeness.
I think in making it the key focus in this text, alongside love and marriage, she expresses how important these bonds are not just to her but to everyone else as well.
I admire sensible Elinor Dashwood for being the responsible, practical, elder, clever sister who keeps her emotions inside in order to get on with what she must do and to put everyone else first before herself. Elinor is extremely unselfish and quite a sad character throughout the text until the very end.
Marianne would probably fit quite well in society today as she seems the character people could relate to because of her lively, spirited almost rebellious nature. She is a fun character but most of the time is rather immature, hence Elinor spends most of her time consoling her and taking care of her.
Finally, there is Margaret who doesn't get to do most of the fun things her sisters get to do because she is too young.
The interaction between these sisters makes it an enthralling book just like the Bennets' in Austen's Pride and Prejudice or Alcott's Little Women.
Of course, inevitably it all ends as we'd expect but it is far from disappointing.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Life's Foundations
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
Historical fiction
Published by Pan Books 2007
Despite the fact that it is a very long book with an extraordinarily bizarre style, the story is rather intriguing and especially after part one, it becomes a book you cannot put down. Stylistically, it is broken into parts with their own chapters and sections within those chapters which makes it easy to read in bite size chunks. However, there are breaks and gaps all over the place which can be a bit confusing.
In order to appreciate this text i believe you must have some interest in history or architecture with it being set in medieval times where the main characters' lives are based around the building of a cathedral. I find myself hoping the cantankerous William Hamleigh gets his comeuppance in the end and the other more faithful and affable characters who have been wronged throughout get to live happily.
I have enjoyed this book because we follow the main characters throughout their lives. We grow up with them as their stories evolve, their lives change and their personalities develop.
Historical fiction
Published by Pan Books 2007
Despite the fact that it is a very long book with an extraordinarily bizarre style, the story is rather intriguing and especially after part one, it becomes a book you cannot put down. Stylistically, it is broken into parts with their own chapters and sections within those chapters which makes it easy to read in bite size chunks. However, there are breaks and gaps all over the place which can be a bit confusing.
In order to appreciate this text i believe you must have some interest in history or architecture with it being set in medieval times where the main characters' lives are based around the building of a cathedral. I find myself hoping the cantankerous William Hamleigh gets his comeuppance in the end and the other more faithful and affable characters who have been wronged throughout get to live happily.
I have enjoyed this book because we follow the main characters throughout their lives. We grow up with them as their stories evolve, their lives change and their personalities develop.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Overcoming Adversity
The King's Speech by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi
Biographical
Published 2011 by Quercus
An excellent read offering an insight into George VI's abrupt succession to the throne, his incredible battle with the speech impediment that plagued him since childhood, and his tough reign through the trauma of World War Two.
The reader comes to see how important Lionel Logue was in helping the King overcome his stammer, not only through his skills as a speech therapist but also through the friendship that formed between himself and the King. He was always a loyal friend to the King which provided the support he needed throughout his remaining years.
This documentary, in its biographical style, makes The King's Speech easy to follow and understand, creating a book you cannot put down.
There is a feeling of immense sympathy for the King as he endeavoured to overcome the ordeals and struggles in his life. Through this he became praised as a great monarch, remembered for ruling the people through a disastrous time of war and catastrophe, into a more peaceful time.
I found this book to be a wonderful tribute to two great men who deserve to be remembered and honoured each in their own right; the ordinary, Australian speech therapist and the Duke of York, King George VI.
Biographical
Published 2011 by Quercus
An excellent read offering an insight into George VI's abrupt succession to the throne, his incredible battle with the speech impediment that plagued him since childhood, and his tough reign through the trauma of World War Two.
The reader comes to see how important Lionel Logue was in helping the King overcome his stammer, not only through his skills as a speech therapist but also through the friendship that formed between himself and the King. He was always a loyal friend to the King which provided the support he needed throughout his remaining years.
This documentary, in its biographical style, makes The King's Speech easy to follow and understand, creating a book you cannot put down.
There is a feeling of immense sympathy for the King as he endeavoured to overcome the ordeals and struggles in his life. Through this he became praised as a great monarch, remembered for ruling the people through a disastrous time of war and catastrophe, into a more peaceful time.
I found this book to be a wonderful tribute to two great men who deserve to be remembered and honoured each in their own right; the ordinary, Australian speech therapist and the Duke of York, King George VI.
Friday, July 29, 2011
The Good Shall Conquer
J.K Rowling: The Harry Potter series
Adventure and Fantasy
What started out as a novel, about an exceptional boy who survived an attack from the most powerful, dark and evil thing in the world, became a sensational story about three unlikely friends whose journey will test their friendship, their loyalty and their magical talents.
All of this is in the name of that age old battle between good and evil. Their quest will transform their world forever.
Yes, i am of course talking about Harry Potter and his close friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.
Adventure and Fantasy
What started out as a novel, about an exceptional boy who survived an attack from the most powerful, dark and evil thing in the world, became a sensational story about three unlikely friends whose journey will test their friendship, their loyalty and their magical talents.
All of this is in the name of that age old battle between good and evil. Their quest will transform their world forever.
Yes, i am of course talking about Harry Potter and his close friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Life of a Lady
D.H Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover
Published by: Penguin Group 2011
Romance
Rather negatively, i found the writing style hard to get along with in its jumpy style. Stories with a flowing style, like most classic novels, tend to hold my interest better and tend also to be clearer to understand and follow. Not only is the style and language not to my taste but the actual content does not hold my interest either. This however, is not Lawrence's fault, but just down to my individual taste.
The complex heroine Lady Constance Chatterley shifts between an emotionless and empty woman to a pathetic and needy lover, bringing contempt and frustration to the pages as no amount of lovers, money, high society or good living ever seems to make her happy. Although the sex is explicit, there seems to be little romance or even love between the characters who share these intimate moments.
I can appreciate the struggle Lawrence must have gone through to produce a novel about such a delicate and complex topic, as he talks so openly about sex and the complexity of love.
Published by: Penguin Group 2011
Romance
Rather negatively, i found the writing style hard to get along with in its jumpy style. Stories with a flowing style, like most classic novels, tend to hold my interest better and tend also to be clearer to understand and follow. Not only is the style and language not to my taste but the actual content does not hold my interest either. This however, is not Lawrence's fault, but just down to my individual taste.
The complex heroine Lady Constance Chatterley shifts between an emotionless and empty woman to a pathetic and needy lover, bringing contempt and frustration to the pages as no amount of lovers, money, high society or good living ever seems to make her happy. Although the sex is explicit, there seems to be little romance or even love between the characters who share these intimate moments.
I can appreciate the struggle Lawrence must have gone through to produce a novel about such a delicate and complex topic, as he talks so openly about sex and the complexity of love.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Reality is not always the perfect picture
Jodi Picoult: Picture Perfect
Fiction - Domestic violence/family saga
Published by Hodder & Stoughton 2010
Picture Perfect tells two stories that come to coincide and inter-link with each other. One is of a melancholic Indian man's plight, who is trying so hard to forget his past, wishing he could erase his roots, trying to confront the racist issues his faces, whilst living an ordinary life. It becomes apparent that Will Flying Horse has a big part to play, almost acting as a guardian angel and saviour for the abused Cassie. The main focus is on the seemingly perfect, storybook Hollywood marriage which, as the story develops, rather despairingly turns into a harsh reality of domestic violence as it is clear that not everything is as it first appeared. Despite Cassie's nightmarish life though, she is overcome with the gripping emotions of love, loyalty and care as she vouches to stay with her husband Alex. What makes their relationship so intense is Alex's propensity to perform as a modern-day Jekyll and Hyde.
Here, Picoult portrays hidden depths, showing the reality and complexity of human existence. Her complex characters are never exactly what they appear to be as the facade begins to crack with reality seeping through the hidden secrets, mysterious pasts and forgotten identities and ancestral histories.
Will Cassie finally escape or can the relationship return back to its initial fairy-tale beginning? Either way, something has to change as it is clear Cassie cannot survive much longer in her current predicament.
Fiction - Domestic violence/family saga
Published by Hodder & Stoughton 2010
Picture Perfect tells two stories that come to coincide and inter-link with each other. One is of a melancholic Indian man's plight, who is trying so hard to forget his past, wishing he could erase his roots, trying to confront the racist issues his faces, whilst living an ordinary life. It becomes apparent that Will Flying Horse has a big part to play, almost acting as a guardian angel and saviour for the abused Cassie. The main focus is on the seemingly perfect, storybook Hollywood marriage which, as the story develops, rather despairingly turns into a harsh reality of domestic violence as it is clear that not everything is as it first appeared. Despite Cassie's nightmarish life though, she is overcome with the gripping emotions of love, loyalty and care as she vouches to stay with her husband Alex. What makes their relationship so intense is Alex's propensity to perform as a modern-day Jekyll and Hyde.
Here, Picoult portrays hidden depths, showing the reality and complexity of human existence. Her complex characters are never exactly what they appear to be as the facade begins to crack with reality seeping through the hidden secrets, mysterious pasts and forgotten identities and ancestral histories.
Will Cassie finally escape or can the relationship return back to its initial fairy-tale beginning? Either way, something has to change as it is clear Cassie cannot survive much longer in her current predicament.
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