REVIEW: 1Q84 (BOOKS 1, 2 & 3)- Haruki Murakami

Ah, Murakami...the master of making the abnormal seem normal; the impossible, possible. i was desperate to read this book (or should I say these books) from the moment they came out in the bookshops. One of my favourite authors adapting Orwell's '1984'- one of my favourite books of all time- in his superbly surreal manner? Sounded like a match made in heaven.

The story begins in Tokyo, 1984, and revolves around the lives of two characters: Aomame, a fitness instructor with rather sinister extra-curricular activities, and Tengo, a maths teacher-come-wannabe writer who gets embroiled in a ghost-writing scandal. The lives of these two people seem to have followed very different directions since they held hands at elementary school- yet both still feel deeply affected by this event twenty years later.  After they are pulled into the new world of '1Q84' through different paths, both Aomame and Tengo deeply anger a dangerous cult called Sagiake; suddenly, the need for the two to find each other and escape back to 1984 is more desperate than it has ever been...

There are a few Orwellian references throughout the novel...the Little People are a play-on '1984's' Big Brother; Aomame checking the newspapers in Book One's opening scene, just like Winston's Smith does in the first part of 1984...the comparisons are endless, and fun to look out for. Despite all that, 1Q84 is definitely a story in its own right.

Conveying complete 'loneliness' in an interesting way can be a difficult task; after all, we learn much about key characters from how others react to them. However, this is an area where Murakami shines: both Aomame and Tengo are intensely lonely people, partly as a result of their childhoods. Though these two protagonists were vividly described, my personal favourites were the suspiciously aloof Fuka-Eri, and 'Bobblehead' Ushikawa...bit-parts with a big part to play in proceedings.

If I had to make one tiny criticism, it would be that Book Three should have been a little shorter. I understand the build-up needed before Aomame and Tengo's meeting, but I found myself getting a little frustrated with the slow pace. Of course, this is testament to how involved I was with the characters at the time, that I was so desperate for them to meet and escape- but I still stand that letting them meet a little sooner would have made for a punchier end, like in '1984'.

The latter is just a very minor criticism though- and it's only because I love Murakami so. When reading this novel, don't concern yourself too deeply with what is real and what is not...just follow the journeys of the characters, and you will soon reach your own conclusion.

An interesting fact to end on...'Q' and '9' are Japanese 'homophones' (kyū)...a clever way of Murakami showing us, just like Orwell did by setting his novel in the not-so-distant future, that the two worlds of '1984' and '1Q84' are not so far apart. Watch out for the author's ingenious manipulation of the novel's order of events, especially in Book Three; don't assume that time is always in a straight line...

Weekend At The Beachouse...

...former home of ITV'S "hit" reality show Love Island. Remember that show, UK peeps? You know, the one with Kelly Brook and Patrick Kielty? No? Probably for the best.

Anyway, where was I? We decided to head out of our new apartment this weekend, and thought the best plan was to finally visit this 'Beachouse' on the Coral Coast that all the ex-pats had been talking about. I can see why...great location, lovely beach, beach hammocks (a winner for Patrick) and most importantly, great atmosphere. Travellers, holiday-makers, ex-pats...an eclectic crowd indeed. Oh, and it's a bargain...two spaces in a dorm for $70 FJD. I ventured back into a dorm before my flight in Nadi, but Patrick hasn't been in one since New Zealand...it's quite a culture shock from double rooms, but a nice way to save a bit of cash....that of course you then spend on beer and food. Any plans to learn to paddle board (me) or go surfing (Patrick) went out the window after an unintentionally big night on Saturday....but we did make some cool people in the process! Some impromptu night swimming in the pool helped us bond with some awesome Filipino ex-pats, and slightly crazy, but very friendly, Japanese tourists. The latter were almost as mental as the weather, but not quite...the sky couldn't decide whether to rain or be sunny, so decided to alternate every ten minutes. Literally. We'd run inside from the beach when it started raining, only for the sun to come out by the time we'd got there. That's Fiji weather for ya- keeping you on your toes...

So all in all, a much-needed getaway from Suva. here's the website for anybody interested in visiting the Beachouse: http://www.fijibeachouse.com/

...and here's are some ever-so-slightly pretentious sunset pics of us on the beach...

Familiarity and Fresh Starts in Fiji...

Bula all...sorry it's been a while! Have loved every minute of my seven weeks back home...Christmas with family, catching up with friends, even working! I thought it would be weird working back at my old bookshop, Waterstones. And it was, a bit. But it also reminded me that I am indeed a massive book geek, and that one of my favourite things to do in life is talk about books (as you've probably gathered from all the book reviews). It also helped that Waterstones seems to attract awesome staff...it was great to make some new friends while working.
   Anyway...enough of that. So here I am, back in hot, rainy Fiji. Our pal Fiji's had a bit of a tough time as of late, with flooding in most parts of the country. Selfishly, I wasn't sure if I could make it back to Suva from Nadi. But, thanks to the kindness of an American ex-pat, I soon got back to good ol' Suva- and it felt like I had never left. Same dusty, crowded bus station, same Tapoo City rising high above the city, same colourful clothes and umbrellas lining the streets. Despite this, it's still always a little strange returning to a place you already know so well...those little differences from home that you grew used to suddenly seem stark again. You have to relearn the kooky ways of the place and people...though luckily, not from scratch. And as I always say, it's good to have a little break from somewhere...it clears your mind, and makes you more open and excited about change.
    So, Suva hadn't changed all that much...yet so much was about to change. The next day I started my new teaching job; the day after that, we moved to a new apartment. We've certainly realised that when it comes to finding a place, it's all about location, location, location. Our place is in the city now, and we have a BALCONY! Finally, Patrick can live out his hammock dreams! It was a real shame to leave our landlords- genuinely lovely people- but we wanted to start living the Suva life a little more. Our neighbours seem very friendly- and lively! Just an hour ago, there seemed to be some gospel-style singing coming from up there! The only problem so far is the cold, dribbly shower- not such a nice wake up in the mornings. Ah well, can't have it all I suppose!
   So, that's one new chapter in our lives. And of course, I've just become a teacher...bloody hell! Never would have dreamed it this time last year...but then that's the beauty of life, eh? Throws you into all sorts of unexpected situations! I haven't started teaching yet, so I'll keep you all updated with how that goes. All I know is that I'm as excited about it as I am nervous...which has got to be a good sign, right?
   Before I sign off, just have to share with you one little thing we saw yesterday. Fiji played South Africa yesterday in the New Zealand 7s...and the whole of Suva was watching. Mcdonalds seemed to be the place to watch it...the place was rammed, with 20 people watching from outside, and 20 more watching from across the street! Crazy! I went past Courts, the electronic store...same story. Even in the market, people were less attentive than usual, ears glued eagerly to radios and mini TVs. Fijians sure are a passionate lot...and I love them for it!

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