Hear, Hear!

Just found this- food for thought as I prepare to head back to Fiji on Saturday...

REVIEW: ROOM- Emma Donaghue

 

As with The Count Of Monte Cristo, I picked this book with no idea of what really happened...just trusting the judgement of various friends and Waterstones colleagues that had recommended it. 'Very good', one of them had said, 'but slightly disturbing'. Well, they definitely weren't wrong on the latter account...

When you begin reading five-year-old Jack's account about his living space, the personification of everything within it (Room, Bed, Table are all spoken about as though they were people) is slightly bewildering. Then when Old Nick is introduced into the equation, and Jack starts to talk about things seen on TV as 'not real', you realise something very sinister is occuring.

Many reviews I've read did not find Jack a convincing narrator, due to his unusually advanced vocabulary. But I disagree; I was utterly taken in by Jack's account, and thought it made for an even more chilling portrayal of his and his Ma's terrifying situation. Ma is one of the bravest characters I've encountered in a long time. Jack's complete isolation from reality- both physically and mentally- was a little uncomfortable to read sometimes, especially with regards to his inappropriate behaviour. But I defy anybody to not hold their breath during the novel's turning point in the middle; I was racing as anxiously through it as Jack was from Old Nick's truck.

I know I've been very cryptic during this review; I just didn't want to give away exactly what the novel is about. Despite the sickening evil within the book, the ending is surprisingly hopeful, advocating the endurance of both mother-child bonds and the human spirit. This novel is well worth a read: just prepare to be emotionally drained.

REVIEW: THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO- Alexandre Dumas

Here I am, on the other side of The Count of Monte Cristo...there was a time there when I thought I wouldn't make it. Literally falling apart in my hands from the moment I picked it up at a hotel, it's a miracle I actually managed to read the whole thing- at least I think I did!

I love a novel that continues to surprise me throughout- especially one that is so famous. Before picking this book, I had only the faintest idea of what would happen- which made me even more taken in by the many twists and turns. So, to offer a similar reading experience, I'll offer the most basic description.

During France's Bonapartist era, Edmund Dantes- a nineteen year-old sailor about to marry the love of his life- is imprisoned through the actions of three jealous comrades. After his miraculous escape (the style of which is literally my worst nightmare- should give you a clue!), does our Edmund forgive and forget that these three scoundrels stole the best years of life? Of COURSE he doesn't; bearing a grudge doesn't even begin to describe it. Cue a revenge plot that builds, little by little, into a masterplan of the most epic proportions...

Edmund Dantes- the Count himself- is probably one of the most complex, yet focused characters I've ever come across. His relentless pursuit for revenge is both terrifying and admirable...even if it does go a little too far at the end. If the Count didn't show signs of some kind of conscience, then it could have made for very uncomfortable reading- but the human side to the Count revealed at the end left a less bitter taste in mouth. All that being said, I defy anybody not to be astounded by the Count's planning and patience- and of course, Dumas' equally patient portrayal of the whole plot. Even the elements that I thought were just sub-plots were linked to the Count's revengeful master-plan, such as making the Greek princess Haidee his slave.

So, all in all, a must-read- but one requiring the kind of patience that would make the Machiavellian Count proud.

Goodbye 2011...

How has this year gone by so fast?
Twenty-Eleven's been a blast
Right from the start until the end-
Now is the time to comprehend
And reflect on all that we've seen-
Oh, what a crazy year it's been!
Spent Jan in beautiful Thailand
And half of Feb- it was that grand,
Cambodia next, then Vietnam
Mid March, Vancouver with Pat's fam!
Then April, back to my home base
When the royal wedding took place,
May's confusion didn't last, 'cos
In June I flew straight back to Oz!
July, I climbed and hiked in snow
Then come August, all systems go-
Soph's wedding, Pat in the UK,
Then Fiji time finally- hooray!
I joined FCOSS just after that
As we settled in our new flat,
October brought Diwali fun
And many sweets from everyone!
I conducted my first workshop
In Nov (luckily not a flop
Considering I hadn't a clue!)
My first Fijian wedding too!
December, home for Christmas time-
Think now's the time to end this rhyme!
My resolution for this year-
To try things that fill me with fear!
After this crazy year, I know
That that's the only way I'll grow.
So as Twenty-Eleven ends,
I say to my family and friends-
Be safe, be healthy- most of all,
Be HAPPY- laugh lots- have a ball,
'Cos that's what life is all about,
Keep smiling, and I have no doubt
That Twenty-Twelve will be a blast,
And a BETTER year than the last!

Happy New Year Everybody! xxxxxx