I have been trying to read the "The Ambassadors," by Henry James and I find that I am having trouble staying awake. I love his conversations, but the thoughts and descriptions of the thoughts are tiring. I am going to keep on trying but I have decided to read some of the other books on the reading list challenge posted on Facebook.
While I was on vacation I read "And Then There Were None," by Agatha Christie. When I got home from vacation I watched the movie, "Ten Little Indians," which is based in this book. The movie had several character changes and the location was different but the concept was the same. Agatha Christie wrote the book in 1939, her full name is Agatha Christie Mallowan. The book I read was published February 1983 by Bantam Books/ by arrangements with Dodd, Mead and Company in there series called the Agatha Christie Hardcover Collection.
Here is the basic concept:
Ten people go to a location that is remote and hard to get to and one by one they are murdered. In the book they got to a remote Island called Indian Head. The only transport there is a boat and only when the water is calm. Ten strangers except for the butler and the cook, are brought together by U. N. Owen, which after awhile they figure translates to unknown, since the host never does arrive.
The first night there are two murders and that is when they see the link between the murders and a rhyme that has been posted in everyones room. So the remaining guests are on the look out for the missing indian figures and what may happen next. Eventually, they realize that one of them is the murderer, but all the people end up dead on the island baffling the police.
It is a great read, especially if you like a good mystery. As I love a good mystery and a fast read when I am vacationing, this was a perfect book. The book flows really well and you get a good incite into the characters. In this book unlike "The Ambassadors," you have the thoughts without a lot of wandering. It is how we know the true story on why the people were targeted for murder. I have to admit that I like the characters in the book opposed to the ones in the movie.
My next book review will be "The Alchemist," by Paulo Coelho.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
The Ambassadors
Okay, so I am really having trouble with this book, finally figured out his writing style so things are going a little better. I have read Book One, chapter one, so not very far. What I can say about it is that you can see how it was written as a series for a magazine. If you look at the way television series end usually on a cliff hanger so that you are sure to tune in next week that is what you find at the end of the first chapter in Book One.
Strether is like a school girl on her first date, he arrives in Liverpool and has found out that he is to meet Mr. Waymarsh in Chester. Throughout this we have Strether's thought process. He is eagerly awaiting the meeting but does not want to appear to eager. He is disappointed when Waymarsh is not there at the Inn but glad that he arrived first because he wants to be ready for the meeting without looking like he was in a rush to see Waymarsh.
While standing in the lobby, somewhat disappointed he turns and meets a woman who says she too knows Waymarsh and from what she says that they apparently travel in the same circles but she doubts that he will remember her. So does this mean she feels jilted, I am not sure, but I get a feeling that this is the case.
Strether and we do not know her name until later, decide to go for a stroll, around the town after freshing up. They are described as being similar in features as if brother and sister. They are constantly trying to figure each other out, by visual clues. As they are walking we find a troubled Strether who keeps looking at his watch and he gets called out by Maria Gotstrey. It is an amusing walk but Strether is worried that he should be going on this tour with Waymarsh. He is feeling guilty.
Dunt Dunt Dun: When they arrive back at the Inn, Waymarsh is standing there looking none to pleased.
So why isn't he pleased?
1. Does he recognize the young lady and has mixed emotions about her being with Strether?
2. Is he made because Strether did not wait for him?
3. IS he jealous?
I guess I will find out.
There are twelve books and I figure I better start reading a little faster and give you an understanding at the end of my reading. I still get the feeling that Mr. Strether may be inclined to favor men over ladies, just by his breathless anticipation of Mr. Waymarsh. But I have only read part of Book One.
Strether is like a school girl on her first date, he arrives in Liverpool and has found out that he is to meet Mr. Waymarsh in Chester. Throughout this we have Strether's thought process. He is eagerly awaiting the meeting but does not want to appear to eager. He is disappointed when Waymarsh is not there at the Inn but glad that he arrived first because he wants to be ready for the meeting without looking like he was in a rush to see Waymarsh.
While standing in the lobby, somewhat disappointed he turns and meets a woman who says she too knows Waymarsh and from what she says that they apparently travel in the same circles but she doubts that he will remember her. So does this mean she feels jilted, I am not sure, but I get a feeling that this is the case.
Strether and we do not know her name until later, decide to go for a stroll, around the town after freshing up. They are described as being similar in features as if brother and sister. They are constantly trying to figure each other out, by visual clues. As they are walking we find a troubled Strether who keeps looking at his watch and he gets called out by Maria Gotstrey. It is an amusing walk but Strether is worried that he should be going on this tour with Waymarsh. He is feeling guilty.
Dunt Dunt Dun: When they arrive back at the Inn, Waymarsh is standing there looking none to pleased.
So why isn't he pleased?
1. Does he recognize the young lady and has mixed emotions about her being with Strether?
2. Is he made because Strether did not wait for him?
3. IS he jealous?
I guess I will find out.
There are twelve books and I figure I better start reading a little faster and give you an understanding at the end of my reading. I still get the feeling that Mr. Strether may be inclined to favor men over ladies, just by his breathless anticipation of Mr. Waymarsh. But I have only read part of Book One.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
More Ambassador
Okay, life has gotten in the way of reading but I am still going to read this book no matter what. I currently have hit the preface of the book written by Henry James about his book. I have to admit that I have had to reread certain passages over again. I have two more pages of the preface to read but I have a thought and I hope I am not offending.
It seems to me that James is writing a little about his life, his character seems to be a comment on him and society. Henry James was 60 years old when he wrote this book. In his preface, he comments on page 5 "I rejoiced in the promise of a hero so mature, who would give me thereby the more to bite into-since it's only into thickened motive and accumulated character, I think, that the painter of life bites more than a little." He also mentions that his garden scene comes from a chat with a friend, who tells him the story of being given advice by an older aquintance.
Another hint that this has elements of Henry James, is where he gives his character a "pecular tone"(p.8). This comment about Strether is from the point of view of the young man in the garden in Paris who does not know that Strether is from New England. HEnry JAmes was born in New York but his parents moved around alot and at one point settled in Newport Rhode Island.( x,'The World of Henry James and the Ambassadors')
I could go on about the similarities of the character but these are notes that are in the front of the book taken from the introduction and preface. I have yet to start the story, but when I do I will be able to make more connections for myself. A few more pages of preface and then I can learn about the enlightnment of one character named Strether and his similarities to Henry James.
I mentioned however at the top of this post about offending, when I was in a literature class in college we read a simple story in which my professor inserted insight to a sexual and psychological theme going on inside the story. So in this story we have an older gentleman who does not like the norms that society has placed on the relationships. It could well be and I do not know for certain that Mr. James was not infatuated with woman. As culture dictated at the time and now, even though it occured, that men should marry and not have sexual relations and/or feelings for men. As I have not read personal papers except this preface I can not comment further on his character. I will however look for hints to the sexual character of Mr. Strether.
It seems to me that James is writing a little about his life, his character seems to be a comment on him and society. Henry James was 60 years old when he wrote this book. In his preface, he comments on page 5 "I rejoiced in the promise of a hero so mature, who would give me thereby the more to bite into-since it's only into thickened motive and accumulated character, I think, that the painter of life bites more than a little." He also mentions that his garden scene comes from a chat with a friend, who tells him the story of being given advice by an older aquintance.
Another hint that this has elements of Henry James, is where he gives his character a "pecular tone"(p.8). This comment about Strether is from the point of view of the young man in the garden in Paris who does not know that Strether is from New England. HEnry JAmes was born in New York but his parents moved around alot and at one point settled in Newport Rhode Island.( x,'The World of Henry James and the Ambassadors')
I could go on about the similarities of the character but these are notes that are in the front of the book taken from the introduction and preface. I have yet to start the story, but when I do I will be able to make more connections for myself. A few more pages of preface and then I can learn about the enlightnment of one character named Strether and his similarities to Henry James.
I mentioned however at the top of this post about offending, when I was in a literature class in college we read a simple story in which my professor inserted insight to a sexual and psychological theme going on inside the story. So in this story we have an older gentleman who does not like the norms that society has placed on the relationships. It could well be and I do not know for certain that Mr. James was not infatuated with woman. As culture dictated at the time and now, even though it occured, that men should marry and not have sexual relations and/or feelings for men. As I have not read personal papers except this preface I can not comment further on his character. I will however look for hints to the sexual character of Mr. Strether.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
"The Ambassadors" by Henry James
So I have started this book and have not made it through the introduction of the book. The introduction was written by Kyle Patrick Smith. It is actually very interesting as it gives me a look into Henry James life. My favorite part if this introduction so far is when Kyle Patrick Smith uses a quote from Henry James about how you should read his book "The Ambassadors", James suggests that you only read 5 pages per day to let the ideas settle. This is on page xvi of the intro.
I think that once I get there I will probably read more than 5 pages but it may be that I stop at the 5. However, reading and reporting on only 5 pages in a 442 page book may be a bit daunting for the writer of this blog as well as potential readers of the blog.
" The Ambassadors" by Henry James was originally written in 1903. My copy was published by Barnes and Nobles in 2007 and was obtained from my local library.
Henry James was born April 15, 1843 and died February 15, 1916. I can only wonder what he would have written after WWI, as he seemed to be somewhat disgruntled with the some of the norms of the day.
This is my first post on this book, hopefully it will not be too long before I write the final post for this
book. I only have until mid August to borrow the book, but I can always renew. I am also reading another book at the same time called "The Water is Wide", by Pat Conroy. This is my book club book so I may add some thoughts on this book as well when I finish it.
I think that once I get there I will probably read more than 5 pages but it may be that I stop at the 5. However, reading and reporting on only 5 pages in a 442 page book may be a bit daunting for the writer of this blog as well as potential readers of the blog.
" The Ambassadors" by Henry James was originally written in 1903. My copy was published by Barnes and Nobles in 2007 and was obtained from my local library.
Henry James was born April 15, 1843 and died February 15, 1916. I can only wonder what he would have written after WWI, as he seemed to be somewhat disgruntled with the some of the norms of the day.
This is my first post on this book, hopefully it will not be too long before I write the final post for this
book. I only have until mid August to borrow the book, but I can always renew. I am also reading another book at the same time called "The Water is Wide", by Pat Conroy. This is my book club book so I may add some thoughts on this book as well when I finish it.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Initial information plus a review on "A Town Like Alice" by Nevil Shute
I have been intrigued by the list of a 100 book challenge. These are books you should read in your lifetime. I have read several and my book club as a whole has read 68. This is several books for about 10 people. So I have decided to read and reread this list of books and then critique them on this blog.
The list was found on facebook and one of the members of our book club found it because the book we just read was on the list. It is called "A Town Like Alice" by Nevile Shute. This book rests at the number 90 on the list, which is in alphabetical order.
Since this is the book we just finished I will evaluate it as the first book I have read.
" A Town Like Alice" has a copyright of 1950 by William Morrow and Company. It was originally published in Great Britain.
I have to admit the first pages are a challenge as you have no idea of where you are headed in this book. We have a man, Douglas McFadden, speaking to his solicitor about his will. This man we later find out is the uncle to the central character. The narrator is the solicitor, Mr. Strachen. The central character is Jean Paget.
It was questioned at the book club, why did we need this part of the book. Why not just say the man died and the Paget family gets the inheritance and start there. I believe this is done so that you can see that the opinion of the time about women not being able to take care of themselves. The uncle sets up a trust for the girl Jean Paget until she is 31 years of age because he believes women can't handle their affairs without the help of men. When you get into the character of Jean it is almost a laughable matter. With Mr. Strachen agreeing to that matter. Though he wants Douglas to reconsider this trust he refuses.
When we meet Jean she is the last of this line as her brother has died in a prisoner of war camp in Mayala. This book is set in WWII with the Japanese taking over Malaya. We go back to this time when the solicitor finally gets Jean to talk about her experience. She is in Malaya and is part of a group of woman who are captured and are told to walk to the prisoner of war camp but each time they get to a place they are told that they cannot be held there and have to walk to some other place. The leader of this group is Jean Paget. Strong, able to speak the language she is able to make deals and get food and medicine for her travel companions.
There is a love interest and he is presumed dead after the Japanese find out he has stolen chickens to give to the women. He also tells Jean ,who he thinks is married, about a town in Australia called Alice.
So we go from England, Wales, Malaya, Singapore, Malaya, Singapore and finally Australia. Where once again we see the strenght of Jean as she turns a town without even bathrooms into a town like Alice.
It was a very good read and fast once you get into Jean's story. I managed to read it in a week because I put it down for awhile trying to get through the first pages. But then it was two days once I got into Jean's story.
**** out of 5
The list was found on facebook and one of the members of our book club found it because the book we just read was on the list. It is called "A Town Like Alice" by Nevile Shute. This book rests at the number 90 on the list, which is in alphabetical order.
Since this is the book we just finished I will evaluate it as the first book I have read.
" A Town Like Alice" has a copyright of 1950 by William Morrow and Company. It was originally published in Great Britain.
I have to admit the first pages are a challenge as you have no idea of where you are headed in this book. We have a man, Douglas McFadden, speaking to his solicitor about his will. This man we later find out is the uncle to the central character. The narrator is the solicitor, Mr. Strachen. The central character is Jean Paget.
It was questioned at the book club, why did we need this part of the book. Why not just say the man died and the Paget family gets the inheritance and start there. I believe this is done so that you can see that the opinion of the time about women not being able to take care of themselves. The uncle sets up a trust for the girl Jean Paget until she is 31 years of age because he believes women can't handle their affairs without the help of men. When you get into the character of Jean it is almost a laughable matter. With Mr. Strachen agreeing to that matter. Though he wants Douglas to reconsider this trust he refuses.
When we meet Jean she is the last of this line as her brother has died in a prisoner of war camp in Mayala. This book is set in WWII with the Japanese taking over Malaya. We go back to this time when the solicitor finally gets Jean to talk about her experience. She is in Malaya and is part of a group of woman who are captured and are told to walk to the prisoner of war camp but each time they get to a place they are told that they cannot be held there and have to walk to some other place. The leader of this group is Jean Paget. Strong, able to speak the language she is able to make deals and get food and medicine for her travel companions.
There is a love interest and he is presumed dead after the Japanese find out he has stolen chickens to give to the women. He also tells Jean ,who he thinks is married, about a town in Australia called Alice.
So we go from England, Wales, Malaya, Singapore, Malaya, Singapore and finally Australia. Where once again we see the strenght of Jean as she turns a town without even bathrooms into a town like Alice.
It was a very good read and fast once you get into Jean's story. I managed to read it in a week because I put it down for awhile trying to get through the first pages. But then it was two days once I got into Jean's story.
**** out of 5
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