This is just a first impression of the book, and with it being such a prestigious novel, I have an automatically high expectations for it.
So far in the book, we've been introduced to the Bennet family- Mr and Mrs Bennet, Elizabeth (Lizzy), Jane, Lydia and Catherine (Kitty). As well as Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy, and their entourage at the ball.
The initial feelings I had towards the Bennet's was that Mr Bennet was and will be an amusing character, described as having a "... sarcastic humour". Especially alongside Mrs Bennet who struck me as a classic fretting mother, who's maybe a shade on the irritating side, who's manner clashes with her husband's.
Not a lot was revealed about the daughters, 'Lizzy' is the center of the novel and obviously this means she differs from her sisters which is evident. Jane, the eldest, is so far the object of Mr Bingley's affections as she was asked to dance twice at the ball. Mr Bingley is, seemingly, a complete gentleman for the fact that he was very polite and friendly at the ball, danced with the girls and even offered to hold another at his home, however in stark contrast to him is his friend, Mr Darcy. Mr Darcy is portrayed at the start as being horrid and impolite, deeming Lizzy "... tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me.". This however I think is set to change, if my instinct and very basic knowledge of Pride and Prejudice is anything to go by. I think he'll become a much kinder and warmer character, and actually fall for Elizabeth.
The novel comes across to me as a softer read, with strong themes of romance. The fact it's an old book, published in 1813, adds to this feeling. The older way of talking is present but doesn't hinder the coherence of it, in fact the association with the time period and classic romance really adds to the overall effect for a modern reader.
This genre of book is hugely different to what I'd normally choose to read, but so far I'm enjoying it, whether this will last I'll have to wait and see.
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Fifteen year old teenager Alex is the protagonist of this famous but controversial book. He's a classic example of an anti-hero, being a psychopath who has little remorse for any of his ultraviolence, committed for his own amusement. His crimes are carried out with the aid of his gang of 'droogs', Nadsat for friend.
The plot shows the exploits of Alex, which include the rape and killing of a woman, and then the failed robbing of another woman. There are many graphic scenes, which really build a complex group of emotions within the reader. It then goes onto Alex's reformation when he's incarcerated, this was the conditioning treatment that made him sick at the thought of violence. The result was then presented to a group of VIP's where it was said that Alex had lost his own freewill, however the prison were happy with the results.
A series of events which are against Alex's favour result in him being beaten up by two policemen who happen to be two of his old gang members. Alex is then found by the husband of the woman who was raped and killed, but due to the masks they wore, he doesn't initially realise Alex was the ringleader. Eventually this fact gets out and Alex is taken to an apartment and interrogated by using triggering music from the conditioning, which drives him to attempt suicide. He's then taken to hospital and as a cure they reverse the conditioning, as long as he complies. Which leads Alex straight back into a life of crime.
This book is extremely opinion forming. I've had a few people say how they thought it was overly violent and really had no point, while others have totally disagreed and said that it's actually more of a comment on society. I, personally would side with the latter.
It's a clever way of making people think about right or wrong and the use of free will, as well as how it can be taken from you, is very powerful.
The theme of gangs, especially that of young adults, definitely reinforces A Clockwork Orange as a statement on society, which is relevant even to this day; Keeping in mind it was published in 1962.
Right and wrong as a theme is very close to the gangs and linked closely to society because at what point is it wrong to feel pity towards a character like Alex or to treat them horrifically due to their crimes. Also, if reforming ever actually fully works after you've persecuted them.
The way the book is written from Alex's point of view, and the use of the Russian-mix language, Nadsat, makes it more difficult to read than if it were simply written in plain English. The adjusting time to actually understand what's being said at points, could prove to be too frustrating for many and at points I get sick of re-reading parts.
Personally I would recommend this book as it is highly interesting but definitely not a light read. The added language is frustrating, but in a way quite entertaining, as you do pick up the odd phrase. As well as being a good book, the Kubrick film adaption provides the iconic white outfits and bowler hats, but also more visually graphic scenes, the film could also help with understanding the Nadsat, which may have been why I enjoyed I the book more.
The plot shows the exploits of Alex, which include the rape and killing of a woman, and then the failed robbing of another woman. There are many graphic scenes, which really build a complex group of emotions within the reader. It then goes onto Alex's reformation when he's incarcerated, this was the conditioning treatment that made him sick at the thought of violence. The result was then presented to a group of VIP's where it was said that Alex had lost his own freewill, however the prison were happy with the results.
A series of events which are against Alex's favour result in him being beaten up by two policemen who happen to be two of his old gang members. Alex is then found by the husband of the woman who was raped and killed, but due to the masks they wore, he doesn't initially realise Alex was the ringleader. Eventually this fact gets out and Alex is taken to an apartment and interrogated by using triggering music from the conditioning, which drives him to attempt suicide. He's then taken to hospital and as a cure they reverse the conditioning, as long as he complies. Which leads Alex straight back into a life of crime.
This book is extremely opinion forming. I've had a few people say how they thought it was overly violent and really had no point, while others have totally disagreed and said that it's actually more of a comment on society. I, personally would side with the latter.
It's a clever way of making people think about right or wrong and the use of free will, as well as how it can be taken from you, is very powerful.
The theme of gangs, especially that of young adults, definitely reinforces A Clockwork Orange as a statement on society, which is relevant even to this day; Keeping in mind it was published in 1962.
Right and wrong as a theme is very close to the gangs and linked closely to society because at what point is it wrong to feel pity towards a character like Alex or to treat them horrifically due to their crimes. Also, if reforming ever actually fully works after you've persecuted them.
The way the book is written from Alex's point of view, and the use of the Russian-mix language, Nadsat, makes it more difficult to read than if it were simply written in plain English. The adjusting time to actually understand what's being said at points, could prove to be too frustrating for many and at points I get sick of re-reading parts.
Personally I would recommend this book as it is highly interesting but definitely not a light read. The added language is frustrating, but in a way quite entertaining, as you do pick up the odd phrase. As well as being a good book, the Kubrick film adaption provides the iconic white outfits and bowler hats, but also more visually graphic scenes, the film could also help with understanding the Nadsat, which may have been why I enjoyed I the book more.
Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? by Phillip K. Dick
Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? is a science fiction novel published in 1968 and set in 1992, on a post-apocalyptic Earth. It served as the basis for the movie Blade Runner, and comics were also released by Marvel and BOOM! Studios.
The novel alternates between two intertwining plot lines. One involves Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who's job is to retire rogue androids. The latest model, Nexus-6, can only be differentiated from humans through use of a psychological testing machine that measures the levels of empathy; which is the one thing that androids lack. The other plot revolves around John JR. Isadore, a special (someone who has, due to the radioactivity, sub-normal intellect). He works for the Van Ness Pet Hospital, which serves people who own electric animals. This is a very important service, due to the high status surrounding the ownership of an animal, as they're almost completely wiped out.
This book explores the differences between reality and fantasy by probing the differences between man and machine (which can be almost indistinguishable). As well as the background themes of religion with the constant clash between Mercerism and Buster Friendly.
Mercerism is the following of one man, Wilbur Mercer, and his struggle which you can relive through an Empathy Box.
Buster Friendly is a TV presenter who's approach to everything is far more realistic compared to Mercer. He spends a great deal of time recording with multiple guests often discrediting Mercer as a fraud. It's shown that Friendly and his guests are in fact androids, thus blurring the lines between human and machine even further.
There are also many moments where human nature is questioned. Such as when the difference between living, or not, starts and ends. This continuing theme is constantly revisited thanks to Deckard's exploits, mostly in his infatuation with Rachel, the Rosen Corp. android who purposefully incites these emotions in him and entices him to indulge in highly illegal forms of contact with androids.
A sort of 'what goes around comes around' idea shadows Deckard, he takes life in the form of androids who are someone's friends, in this case their Rachel's friends. And his choice to spare Rachel led to the death of his beloved goat.
In contrast to the rather philosophical reactions to Do Androids Dream..?, I personally found it sightly humorous, in a relatively cynical fashion. Simply because of the year it was set; 1992. I'm sorry but some of the best things to come out of the 90's was The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air and Tamagotchis, not hovercars sadly. However, there was no World War 3, so I suppose I should count my blessings and baggy neon trousers.
But on a more serious note, I found the story thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking, perhaps even difficult in parts, but because of the changing and merging plots, it became a truly intriguing read that pushed the boundaries of my own empathy towards others. It made me think and relate the themes of this novel back into my own life, which could be viewed, perhaps as an important element to enjoying and understanding it, maybe which was the entire point.
The novel alternates between two intertwining plot lines. One involves Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter who's job is to retire rogue androids. The latest model, Nexus-6, can only be differentiated from humans through use of a psychological testing machine that measures the levels of empathy; which is the one thing that androids lack. The other plot revolves around John JR. Isadore, a special (someone who has, due to the radioactivity, sub-normal intellect). He works for the Van Ness Pet Hospital, which serves people who own electric animals. This is a very important service, due to the high status surrounding the ownership of an animal, as they're almost completely wiped out.
This book explores the differences between reality and fantasy by probing the differences between man and machine (which can be almost indistinguishable). As well as the background themes of religion with the constant clash between Mercerism and Buster Friendly.
Mercerism is the following of one man, Wilbur Mercer, and his struggle which you can relive through an Empathy Box.
Buster Friendly is a TV presenter who's approach to everything is far more realistic compared to Mercer. He spends a great deal of time recording with multiple guests often discrediting Mercer as a fraud. It's shown that Friendly and his guests are in fact androids, thus blurring the lines between human and machine even further.
There are also many moments where human nature is questioned. Such as when the difference between living, or not, starts and ends. This continuing theme is constantly revisited thanks to Deckard's exploits, mostly in his infatuation with Rachel, the Rosen Corp. android who purposefully incites these emotions in him and entices him to indulge in highly illegal forms of contact with androids.
A sort of 'what goes around comes around' idea shadows Deckard, he takes life in the form of androids who are someone's friends, in this case their Rachel's friends. And his choice to spare Rachel led to the death of his beloved goat.
In contrast to the rather philosophical reactions to Do Androids Dream..?, I personally found it sightly humorous, in a relatively cynical fashion. Simply because of the year it was set; 1992. I'm sorry but some of the best things to come out of the 90's was The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air and Tamagotchis, not hovercars sadly. However, there was no World War 3, so I suppose I should count my blessings and baggy neon trousers.
But on a more serious note, I found the story thoroughly enjoyable and thought provoking, perhaps even difficult in parts, but because of the changing and merging plots, it became a truly intriguing read that pushed the boundaries of my own empathy towards others. It made me think and relate the themes of this novel back into my own life, which could be viewed, perhaps as an important element to enjoying and understanding it, maybe which was the entire point.
The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams
"... a book called The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy- not an Earth book, never published on Earth, and until the terrible catastrophe occurred, never seen or even heard of by any Earthmen. Nevertheless, a wholly remarkable book."
Remarkable is definitely an accurate description of this book.
The Earth is to be demolished by a Vogon Constructor Fleet for a hyperspace bypass and for Ford Prefect, it's his ticket back into space. However, unbeknownst to Arthur Dent, he was to accompany Ford.
As if his day could get any worse, Arthur is dragged from his to-be-demolished house to a pub. Then to be told the Earth is being destroyed and whisked onto an alien ship. From there onward, nothing is quite familiar or normal to Arthur, there isn't even any cornflakes. Having a strange Babelfish smacked into his ear, meeting the President of the Galaxy in a stolen Government ship, and discovering a mysterious planet which actually builds planets for others, to then find out Earth was originally built for mice and a second one is in the works, has a way of making someone feel pretty uncomfortable. Luckily the guide is there to tell you "Don't Panic" in friendly letters across the front.
The Hitchhiker's Guide is a book which has stood the test of time repeatably, with a radio show, book series along with spin off books, and multiple TV and movie recreations. It's packed full of satirical British humor, with the added touch of humorous tangents that move from the actual story, and teamed perfectly with an outlandish Sci-Fi plot which provides more than enough fantasy, laughs and intrigue to last a life time.
But it's not all jokes and weird commentaries from bizarre characters, it does actually make some clever comments on what we as a species do.
For example, the use of the super computer, Deep Thought, built by scholars to answer the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything, spends millions of years thinking to only comeback with 42 as it's answer gives the impression of Adam's belief that maybe that ultimate question is in fact meaningless and there isn't one solid answer. Also, the description of Earth in the guide as being "mostly harmless" provokes a kind of feeling that maybe there are even bigger and better places withing the galaxies, and our precious planet is simply harmless, that's it.
However, this is just speculation. It could, and most likely, is just nonsense.
So overall, I definitely recommend this book and the rest of the series, but also giving the BBC TV adaption a watch to get some addition visual aids but to also show that actually it follows the books very closely. Which is a rarity, and makes for a far more nostalgic and familiar read/watch. That's what I found anyway, I watched the TV episodes when I was younger so reading the books and hearing the voices and seeing how word for word it is made it just that bit more special.
It's a cult classic comedy series set in space; How could you resist this combination, so effortlessly pulled off by Adams?
Remarkable is definitely an accurate description of this book.
The Earth is to be demolished by a Vogon Constructor Fleet for a hyperspace bypass and for Ford Prefect, it's his ticket back into space. However, unbeknownst to Arthur Dent, he was to accompany Ford.
As if his day could get any worse, Arthur is dragged from his to-be-demolished house to a pub. Then to be told the Earth is being destroyed and whisked onto an alien ship. From there onward, nothing is quite familiar or normal to Arthur, there isn't even any cornflakes. Having a strange Babelfish smacked into his ear, meeting the President of the Galaxy in a stolen Government ship, and discovering a mysterious planet which actually builds planets for others, to then find out Earth was originally built for mice and a second one is in the works, has a way of making someone feel pretty uncomfortable. Luckily the guide is there to tell you "Don't Panic" in friendly letters across the front.
The Hitchhiker's Guide is a book which has stood the test of time repeatably, with a radio show, book series along with spin off books, and multiple TV and movie recreations. It's packed full of satirical British humor, with the added touch of humorous tangents that move from the actual story, and teamed perfectly with an outlandish Sci-Fi plot which provides more than enough fantasy, laughs and intrigue to last a life time.
But it's not all jokes and weird commentaries from bizarre characters, it does actually make some clever comments on what we as a species do.
For example, the use of the super computer, Deep Thought, built by scholars to answer the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything, spends millions of years thinking to only comeback with 42 as it's answer gives the impression of Adam's belief that maybe that ultimate question is in fact meaningless and there isn't one solid answer. Also, the description of Earth in the guide as being "mostly harmless" provokes a kind of feeling that maybe there are even bigger and better places withing the galaxies, and our precious planet is simply harmless, that's it.
However, this is just speculation. It could, and most likely, is just nonsense.
So overall, I definitely recommend this book and the rest of the series, but also giving the BBC TV adaption a watch to get some addition visual aids but to also show that actually it follows the books very closely. Which is a rarity, and makes for a far more nostalgic and familiar read/watch. That's what I found anyway, I watched the TV episodes when I was younger so reading the books and hearing the voices and seeing how word for word it is made it just that bit more special.
It's a cult classic comedy series set in space; How could you resist this combination, so effortlessly pulled off by Adams?
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Review of Frakenstein by Mary Shelley
Frankenstein is an epistolary book made up of the fictitious letters from Captain Walton to his sister. These tell the story of his voyage to explore the North Pole and then the story of Victor Frankenstein, an estranged scientist from Switzerland. Amongst the letters to Walton's sister are the letters to and from Frankenstein and his family, retold by the scientist of how an experiment went to far; bringing an unnatural being to life which goes on to wreak revenge. The unbelieveable tales of murders, a monster and destruction fuel this historic horror, which was written by Shelley for a contest amongst her associates.
I personally liked the overall plot of Frankenstein and the development of Frankenstein's character as you see him deteriorate throughout all the tragedy which unfold in his life. Comparing to other books of the time, it was reletively short which makes it an easier read and the extended descriptions of the surroundings create perfect imagery for the atmosphere Shelley is conveying.
However, I did find the the long descriptions, such as the monster's explanation of the German cottage, did drag on and become unnecessary for the plot. That was really my only gripe with Frankenstein, as it was truely an gripping and interesting horror story.
I think the main themes and message Shelley was trying to put forward was of the dangers of science and to make you think how far should you take science. It also hints towards science being a threat to humanity, the monster being science and Frankenstein representing humanity.
Due to the time of writing there are many biblical references as well, like the monster saying he's like Adam but also Satan, creating a complex analysis for most characters.
Overall, Frankenstein is a great book which I'd reccomend, but it can be quite slow however the detailed plot and characters make up for this.
I personally liked the overall plot of Frankenstein and the development of Frankenstein's character as you see him deteriorate throughout all the tragedy which unfold in his life. Comparing to other books of the time, it was reletively short which makes it an easier read and the extended descriptions of the surroundings create perfect imagery for the atmosphere Shelley is conveying.
However, I did find the the long descriptions, such as the monster's explanation of the German cottage, did drag on and become unnecessary for the plot. That was really my only gripe with Frankenstein, as it was truely an gripping and interesting horror story.
I think the main themes and message Shelley was trying to put forward was of the dangers of science and to make you think how far should you take science. It also hints towards science being a threat to humanity, the monster being science and Frankenstein representing humanity.
Due to the time of writing there are many biblical references as well, like the monster saying he's like Adam but also Satan, creating a complex analysis for most characters.
Overall, Frankenstein is a great book which I'd reccomend, but it can be quite slow however the detailed plot and characters make up for this.
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