This is the shortest of all the Jane Austen novels, and perhaps also the most simplistic in its storyline and outlook. The novel centres around 17-year old Catherine Morland, the sheltered daughter of a country clergyman, with a very active (probably overactive) imagination.
If you have been looking for a way into the Jane Austen mini-genre, then I would recommend this as a good starter book-(mainly due to its length.) There are no real 'bad' characters, the worst feels quite fictionalised, and the rest naive and a bit bland.
Not a whole lot happens in this book, its a simplistic story with a few morals thrown in, but as it is written with the same wit and insight that marks all of Austens novels, this brings it higher than many that have a lot more going on plot-wise.
A light read.
Tuesday 1 June 2010
Sunday 16 May 2010
"Emma" by Jane Austen
A while ago, I made myself a list. I promised that I would read all 6 Jane Austen novels. "Emma" was number two on my list. Like all old favourites, this book has been televised on numerous ocassions, (my favourite one is the film with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam, although the new one with Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller is really good too.)
The story is basically this; rich, spoilt, snooty Emma Woodhouse has a taste for matchmaking- but sadly no talent for it. She manages to mess up various relationships, and tries to create some where no attraction exists. Surprise, surprise, she ends up falling for someone herself! I'm sure you would have guessed that already though...
This isn't as easy to read as "Pride and Prejudice", but it holds its own charm. The story is fairly uneventful, and there are a few chapters with not a lot happening at all, but there is some humour, and the characters are clearly defined, and easy to imagine.
My second favourite Jane Austen novel, this is more realistic than the others, and trust me, Mr Knightly could definitely give Mr Darcy a run for his money!
The story is basically this; rich, spoilt, snooty Emma Woodhouse has a taste for matchmaking- but sadly no talent for it. She manages to mess up various relationships, and tries to create some where no attraction exists. Surprise, surprise, she ends up falling for someone herself! I'm sure you would have guessed that already though...
This isn't as easy to read as "Pride and Prejudice", but it holds its own charm. The story is fairly uneventful, and there are a few chapters with not a lot happening at all, but there is some humour, and the characters are clearly defined, and easy to imagine.
My second favourite Jane Austen novel, this is more realistic than the others, and trust me, Mr Knightly could definitely give Mr Darcy a run for his money!
Sunday 9 May 2010
"The complete poems" by Emily Bronte
Another short excerpt on poetry, this time from someone you wouldn't expect. Everyone knows about the bronte sisters, but not everyone knows that Emily Bronte wrote volumes enough of poetry to equal her book "Wuthering Heights."
The poems reveal a brooding, and perhaps unhappy person, who wrote to express, rather than with a wish to see them published. I'll include a couple of my favourite verses, as there is a whole book-full! (due to space, these are not necessarily in order)
Today, I will seek not the shadowy region;
Its unsustaining vastness waxes drear;
And visions rising legion after legion,
Bring the unreal world too strangely near.
What have those lonely mountains worth revealing?
More glory and more grief than I can tell,
The earth that wakes one human heart to feeling,
Can centre both the worlds of heaven and hell.
Vain are the thousand creeds
That move men's hearts, unutterably vain,
Worthless as withered weeds
Or idlest froth amid the boundless main.
There is not room for death
Nor atom that his might could render void
Thou, Thou art being and breath
And what thou art may never be destroyed.
These poems/verses give you the impression that they were extremely private, and not composed for the public appetite, which I think makes them all the more sincere and profound.
The poems reveal a brooding, and perhaps unhappy person, who wrote to express, rather than with a wish to see them published. I'll include a couple of my favourite verses, as there is a whole book-full! (due to space, these are not necessarily in order)
Today, I will seek not the shadowy region;
Its unsustaining vastness waxes drear;
And visions rising legion after legion,
Bring the unreal world too strangely near.
What have those lonely mountains worth revealing?
More glory and more grief than I can tell,
The earth that wakes one human heart to feeling,
Can centre both the worlds of heaven and hell.
Vain are the thousand creeds
That move men's hearts, unutterably vain,
Worthless as withered weeds
Or idlest froth amid the boundless main.
There is not room for death
Nor atom that his might could render void
Thou, Thou art being and breath
And what thou art may never be destroyed.
These poems/verses give you the impression that they were extremely private, and not composed for the public appetite, which I think makes them all the more sincere and profound.
Sunday 2 May 2010
"Villette" by Charlotte Bronte
Charlotte Bronte's second most famous book, I read this after reading "Jane Eyre" (which I loved-a review will probably follow at some point!) I was in all-out Bronte mode, and wanted to get my hands on anything else written by them, which is how I came across this.
To be honest, I was confused! The story is centered around Lucy Snowe, who moves to Brussels to become a teacher. Hardly anything is told about Lucy's past, her appearance, her character...I get the feeling that this book was more like a public diary for Charlotte Bronte herself. I didn't even realise when one of the characters was supposed to be in love with another! That's how vague it was.
The story line is a bit depressing i.e. lots of bad weather, solitary walks, and unrequited love etc etc. The characters are neither likable nor dislikable- they just don't seem real, and even the end was a disapointment: even more vague, and open-ended than the rest of it. This book is only for hard core Bronte fans, but even they must not expect too much
(p.s the frequent use of french gets on your nerves too!)
To be honest, I was confused! The story is centered around Lucy Snowe, who moves to Brussels to become a teacher. Hardly anything is told about Lucy's past, her appearance, her character...I get the feeling that this book was more like a public diary for Charlotte Bronte herself. I didn't even realise when one of the characters was supposed to be in love with another! That's how vague it was.
The story line is a bit depressing i.e. lots of bad weather, solitary walks, and unrequited love etc etc. The characters are neither likable nor dislikable- they just don't seem real, and even the end was a disapointment: even more vague, and open-ended than the rest of it. This book is only for hard core Bronte fans, but even they must not expect too much
(p.s the frequent use of french gets on your nerves too!)
Sunday 25 April 2010
"North and South" by Elizabeth Gaskell
"North and South" probably falls within my top 3 books of all time. Margaret Hale is a southern girl, from rural Helstone in England, sheltered and spoilt, when suddenly she finds her life, prejudices, and opinions all topsy turvy, because of a move to the 'industrial north' (i.e. Manchester).
Gaskell was a great socialist, and this definitely comes across in her writing. She champions the rights of the poor, and asks the reader what it means to be educated. The characters are well developed, and the story has a lot more to it, than many others from its era. I won't lie, the story is a little sad at times, and made me cry more than once!
Incredibly romantic throughout, with a heart at its centre, be sure to check out the last page- one of the best endings I've read!
Gaskell was a great socialist, and this definitely comes across in her writing. She champions the rights of the poor, and asks the reader what it means to be educated. The characters are well developed, and the story has a lot more to it, than many others from its era. I won't lie, the story is a little sad at times, and made me cry more than once!
Incredibly romantic throughout, with a heart at its centre, be sure to check out the last page- one of the best endings I've read!
Sunday 18 April 2010
"Far from the madding crowd" by Thomas Hardy
This story is centered around a young girl, and her struggle to run a farm in a man's world, whilst dealing with the attentions of 3 very different men! I think Thomas Hardy has a thing for extravagant names, because the other characters include: Bathsheba Everdene, Gabriel Oak, and Sergeant Troy!
I must admit, Hardy can be a little bit difficult to read sometimes: lots of pages with whimsical descriptions of the countryside, and farming scenes....etc....etc...Not all of the characters are likeable at first, I didn't like Bathsheba in the beginning, but she gradually grows on you, Gabriel Oak's character is the only decent one in my opinion. The novel is a tragedy, but at times the plot line can seem a bit far-fetched, and the story-line a bit slow.
I've tried to read other Hardy books, and I must say this is one of the easier ones! So if you want to try a Thomas Hardy, give this one a go first, as the story is very touching, and the ending is worth the struggle!
I must admit, Hardy can be a little bit difficult to read sometimes: lots of pages with whimsical descriptions of the countryside, and farming scenes....etc....etc...Not all of the characters are likeable at first, I didn't like Bathsheba in the beginning, but she gradually grows on you, Gabriel Oak's character is the only decent one in my opinion. The novel is a tragedy, but at times the plot line can seem a bit far-fetched, and the story-line a bit slow.
I've tried to read other Hardy books, and I must say this is one of the easier ones! So if you want to try a Thomas Hardy, give this one a go first, as the story is very touching, and the ending is worth the struggle!
Sunday 11 April 2010
"Madame Bovary" by Gustave Flaubert
This famous story has been televised, criticised, analysed, and even banned until it is one of those stories that you've all heard about, but never read.
Let me then introduce you to it for the first time. Meet Emma Rouault, poor daughter of a farmer, desperate for love and something better in her life than raising cattle. She marries a comfortable and dependable doctor, to whom she means eveything. Two tempestuous affairs later, and with one daughter, she finally commits suicide by eating arsenic.
What went wrong? you may ask....well that is for you to read and find out! Flaubert writes poetically, sprinkling his words with touches of french in names and places (which can get a bit annoying), the story line is tragic but still realistic, and despite everything, I finished the book feeling desperately sorry for Emma and her lot:
"Everything, even herself, was now unbearable to her. She wished that, taking wing like a bird, she could fly somewhere, far away to regions of purity, and there grow young again....."
Let me then introduce you to it for the first time. Meet Emma Rouault, poor daughter of a farmer, desperate for love and something better in her life than raising cattle. She marries a comfortable and dependable doctor, to whom she means eveything. Two tempestuous affairs later, and with one daughter, she finally commits suicide by eating arsenic.
What went wrong? you may ask....well that is for you to read and find out! Flaubert writes poetically, sprinkling his words with touches of french in names and places (which can get a bit annoying), the story line is tragic but still realistic, and despite everything, I finished the book feeling desperately sorry for Emma and her lot:
"Everything, even herself, was now unbearable to her. She wished that, taking wing like a bird, she could fly somewhere, far away to regions of purity, and there grow young again....."
Tuesday 6 April 2010
"Rose in bloom" by Louisa May Alcott
Sorry to continue in the 'classics vein', but there really are lots of good ones out there. "Rose in bloom" is a sequel to "Eight cousins" by the same author. Not being able to get hold of a copy, I tried the sequel instead.
The heroine of the story is Rose Campbell, adopted by an uncle, and raised among 7 male cousins, and endless aunts and uncles. To be honest, she's a little prim and maybe a bit too 'good' (who picks philanthropy as a career?) but the sentiments are there, and the other characters try to lead you in the right direction. Reckless Charlie is more realistic, but sadly meets a tragic end...Mac is another decent character, and quite enigmatic.
A pretty little story, from someone who has probably done better. Nevertheless, heartfelt and sincere in its ideals, and touching at its end.
The heroine of the story is Rose Campbell, adopted by an uncle, and raised among 7 male cousins, and endless aunts and uncles. To be honest, she's a little prim and maybe a bit too 'good' (who picks philanthropy as a career?) but the sentiments are there, and the other characters try to lead you in the right direction. Reckless Charlie is more realistic, but sadly meets a tragic end...Mac is another decent character, and quite enigmatic.
A pretty little story, from someone who has probably done better. Nevertheless, heartfelt and sincere in its ideals, and touching at its end.
Sunday 4 April 2010
"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
This book is definitely in my top three. Having gone through a stage when I read lots of classics, I was beginning to become a little disillusioned with them all. Some tend to drone on a bit, and spend chapters describing a field/a sunrise. This however was different.
Elizabeth Bennett's character is extremely likeable and relatable, someone who wouldn't seem out of place in the real world. Mr. Darcy is a complete arse, when we first meet him, but soon changes, and Austen writes with so much wit, and insight, that this book doesn't feel nearly 200 years old! Anyone who has read much Jane Austen, can tell you that "Pride and Prejudice" is the best of the bunch, and some may even go so far as to say that it's almost as though it was written by a different person!
Elizabeth Bennett's character is extremely likeable and relatable, someone who wouldn't seem out of place in the real world. Mr. Darcy is a complete arse, when we first meet him, but soon changes, and Austen writes with so much wit, and insight, that this book doesn't feel nearly 200 years old! Anyone who has read much Jane Austen, can tell you that "Pride and Prejudice" is the best of the bunch, and some may even go so far as to say that it's almost as though it was written by a different person!
Friday 2 April 2010
"Lady Lazarus" by Sylvia Plath
This is a poem that I only discovered quite recently, whilst flicking through a book at work. The language is incredibly powerful, and feels as though there is a tangible energy running through each line-even each word.
Due to the length of the poem, I will only put in a few of my favourite verses (these are not necessarily in order):
Them unwrap me hand and foot
The big strip tease
Gentlemen, Ladies
As a sea-shell.
They had to call and call
And pick the worms off me like sticky pearls
Ash, ash-
You poke and stir.
Flesh, bone, there is nothing there-
A cake of soap,
A wedding ring,
A gold filling
Herr God, Herr Lucifer
Beware
Beware.
Out of the ash
I rise with my red hair
And I eat men like air
Sylvia Plath
A haunting poem, illustrating Plath's own experience with suicide. Not easy to forget.
Due to the length of the poem, I will only put in a few of my favourite verses (these are not necessarily in order):
Them unwrap me hand and foot
The big strip tease
Gentlemen, Ladies
As a sea-shell.
They had to call and call
And pick the worms off me like sticky pearls
Ash, ash-
You poke and stir.
Flesh, bone, there is nothing there-
A cake of soap,
A wedding ring,
A gold filling
Herr God, Herr Lucifer
Beware
Beware.
Out of the ash
I rise with my red hair
And I eat men like air
Sylvia Plath
A haunting poem, illustrating Plath's own experience with suicide. Not easy to forget.
Tuesday 30 March 2010
"She walks in beauty like the night..." By Lord G Byron
She walks in beauty like the night,
Of cloudless climes and starry skies,
And all that's best of dark and bright,
Meet in her aspect and her eyes,
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies,
One shade the more one ray the less,
Had half impaired that nameless grace,
Which waves in every raven tress,
And softly lightens over her face,
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure how dear their dwelling place!
And on that cheek and o'er that brow,
So soft so calm yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow
And tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
Lord. G. Byron
Another sweet-sounding poem, from a not so-sweet poet!
Of cloudless climes and starry skies,
And all that's best of dark and bright,
Meet in her aspect and her eyes,
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies,
One shade the more one ray the less,
Had half impaired that nameless grace,
Which waves in every raven tress,
And softly lightens over her face,
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure how dear their dwelling place!
And on that cheek and o'er that brow,
So soft so calm yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow
And tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
Lord. G. Byron
Another sweet-sounding poem, from a not so-sweet poet!
Saturday 27 March 2010
Jemima's new poetry season!
I have been getting the taste for poetry, so I thought I would share some favourite pieces with you all. Find your own favourites in the following days.
I care not, fortune what you me deny!
You cannot rob me of free nature's grace,
You cannot shut the windows of the sky
Through which Aurora shows her brightening face,
You cannot bar my constant feet to trace
The woods and lawns by living stream at eve,
Let health, my nerves, and finer fibres brace,
And I, their toy, to the great children leave,
Of fancy, reason, virtue, nought can me bereave!
James Thomson
I hope you enjoyed this opening verse, as much as I did when I first read it. Full of the beauty of freedom, and the joy of the natural world. A wonderfully uplifting first verse.
I care not, fortune what you me deny!
You cannot rob me of free nature's grace,
You cannot shut the windows of the sky
Through which Aurora shows her brightening face,
You cannot bar my constant feet to trace
The woods and lawns by living stream at eve,
Let health, my nerves, and finer fibres brace,
And I, their toy, to the great children leave,
Of fancy, reason, virtue, nought can me bereave!
James Thomson
I hope you enjoyed this opening verse, as much as I did when I first read it. Full of the beauty of freedom, and the joy of the natural world. A wonderfully uplifting first verse.
Thursday 25 March 2010
Poetry Corner!
Just thought I'd add some beautiful poetry into the mix!
Can death be sleep, when life is but a dream,
And scenes of bliss pass as a phantom by?
The transient pleasures as a vision seem,
And yet we think the greatest pain's to die.
How strange it is that man on earth should roam,
And lead a life of woe, but not forsake,
His rugged path; nor dare he view alone
His future doom which is but to awake.
John Keats
A short and sweet composition, that lingers in the mind long after.
One to remember.
Can death be sleep, when life is but a dream,
And scenes of bliss pass as a phantom by?
The transient pleasures as a vision seem,
And yet we think the greatest pain's to die.
How strange it is that man on earth should roam,
And lead a life of woe, but not forsake,
His rugged path; nor dare he view alone
His future doom which is but to awake.
John Keats
A short and sweet composition, that lingers in the mind long after.
One to remember.
Tuesday 23 March 2010
"Little women" by Louisa May Alcott
This was one of those books, that I had been meaning to read for ages. I was expecting it to be boring, and quite difficult to get through. The beginning starts out a little slow, but stick with it, beacause it definitely gets better.
Jo March's character is probably now one of my favourites, She's a bit of a tomboy, and the novel follows her, and her sisters: pretty Meg, saintly Beth, and precocious Amy. There's also a very charming Laurie-their neighbour next door. Alcott uses a very strong moral undertone in her book, which can be quite off-putting in other books, but for some reason, you don't notice it so much here. The story is written with so much truth and sincerity, that it's not surprising to learn it's mainly based on facts from the author's life.
By the end of the story, you are so invested in the characters, that you can imagine everything that happens after the last full-stop.
Jo March's character is probably now one of my favourites, She's a bit of a tomboy, and the novel follows her, and her sisters: pretty Meg, saintly Beth, and precocious Amy. There's also a very charming Laurie-their neighbour next door. Alcott uses a very strong moral undertone in her book, which can be quite off-putting in other books, but for some reason, you don't notice it so much here. The story is written with so much truth and sincerity, that it's not surprising to learn it's mainly based on facts from the author's life.
By the end of the story, you are so invested in the characters, that you can imagine everything that happens after the last full-stop.
Sunday 21 March 2010
"The prime of Miss Jean Brodie" by Muriel Spark
I've just finished this book, and I have to say it is quite strange! Set in Edinburgh, at Marcia Blaine academy-a girls school, the story follows the formidable Miss Jean Brodie, as she attempts to teach and manipulate 6 girls, into her small clique. Is Jean Brodie all she seems? Or is she working to a darker purpose? I liked the characters of Miss Brodie, and Sandy, the others I felt lacked depth, although I think this may have been for a reason.
A clever tale of women in their "prime", with added mystery as to who betrays Miss Brodie in the end.
This will have you thinking, long after you turn the last page.
A clever tale of women in their "prime", with added mystery as to who betrays Miss Brodie in the end.
This will have you thinking, long after you turn the last page.
Friday 19 March 2010
"The lollipop shoes" by Joanne Harris
Mouth-watering or what!? This book is the little-known sequel to the famous 'Chocolat'. Join Vianne Rocher through the streets of Paris, and watch her as she stirs up chocolate truffels and macaroons, homemade fudge, hot chocolate with cardamom and chilli, florentines, etc, etc...I'm breathless already!
A story of identity, and the importance of family and individuality. Jam-packed with colourful characters, and everyday magic, this book will definitely leave you wishing for a sequel (another film for Johnny Depp perhaps?!)
One word-Yum!
A story of identity, and the importance of family and individuality. Jam-packed with colourful characters, and everyday magic, this book will definitely leave you wishing for a sequel (another film for Johnny Depp perhaps?!)
One word-Yum!
Wednesday 17 March 2010
Bona-fide book reviews: "I capture the castle" by Dodie Smith
Bona-fide book reviews: "I capture the castle" by Dodie Smith
If you liked the book, try the film adaptation
If you liked the book, try the film adaptation
"I capture the castle" by Dodie Smith
For my first ever review, on my first ever blog, I thought I would start by telling you about my Favourite book: Ever heard of '101 dalmations?' No, don't get too excited! I'm talking about Dodie Smith, author of the disney classic and novel 'I capture the castle'.
Avoiding the cliched "a coming of age tale", I must tell you that the story revolves around the Mortmain family, and their struggle to live in a dilapidated castle in the middle of Suffolk. Rose and Cassandra must contend with an eccentric father suffering from severe writers block, and two handsome Americans, moving in next door, as well as a step mum who likes to dance around naked at full moons! I've never read a book with such eloquent prose, nor felt such a connection with the characters. "I write this, sitting in the kitchen sink..."
Strongly recommended!
Avoiding the cliched "a coming of age tale", I must tell you that the story revolves around the Mortmain family, and their struggle to live in a dilapidated castle in the middle of Suffolk. Rose and Cassandra must contend with an eccentric father suffering from severe writers block, and two handsome Americans, moving in next door, as well as a step mum who likes to dance around naked at full moons! I've never read a book with such eloquent prose, nor felt such a connection with the characters. "I write this, sitting in the kitchen sink..."
Strongly recommended!
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