Review: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

When I first picked this book up I thought it would be a task to get through it. And while it is incredibly long and the story slightly slow, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my first impression of Anna Karenina had been wrong.

The eponymous Anna Karenina is one of the loveliest and most charming women in Russia. There are very few people who can remain unmoved by her. She is the central figure that holds together the different stories and characters in this book. While part of the story does focus on Anna Karenina’s immediate family situation, another part of the story focuses on Oblonsky, Anna’s brother, and his wife, Dolly. Another part of the story describes the predicament that Kitty, Dolly’s sister, and Levin, Oblonsky’s close friend face. The novel, Anna Karenina, revolves around these characters, the issues they face with their families and the situations they create. The very first sentence of this novel gives us a hint of what the entire book is about.

“All happy families resemble one another, but each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

I’m a little hesitant to discuss the story of this novel beyond saying this much as I have a tendency to give away too much. Honestly though, I feel that Anna Karenina is more than just a story. In fact, what I really liked about it was the style in which it was written, the detailed thought process of the characters, and the vivid descriptions of Russian society in the 1870s.

The characters in this novel are annoyingly lifelike and real. At times this was frustrating because they behaved so unpredictably from how you’d expect book characters to behave! But this is really an accomplishment on Tolstoy’s part to have been able to create such characters and breathe life into what would otherwise have been a terrifyingly thick book with a torturously dull story.

I found that I enjoyed reading this book in bite sized reading sessions. I genuinely relished reading Anna Karenina. If you’d like to explore Russian literature, Tolstoy, or perhaps a fascinating tour of the different perspectives in certain social situations, I think Anna Karenina would be a good choice.

Review: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

After having put off blogging for a week, I’m determined to tackle the daunting stack of books that are waiting to be reviewed. Also, it doesn’t seem likely I’ll be finishing the books on my list for 2012. It doesn’t help that I lose focus and often read books that aren’t on the list. In fact, the only book that I did read the past week was The Diary of a Nobody by George and Weedon Grossmith. Although it isn’t on my list I don’t regret a bit for having read it. It was certainly very entertaining. But returning to those books that are waiting to be reviewed, I’ve decided to begin with The Hobbit by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. 

I’d actually taken this book with me on our visit to Kashmir last month. I honestly didn’t expect to find the time to read it. But as it usually is – there’s always time for anything that a person really likes and wants. So even though we returned to our room exhausted every evening of our stay, I still found the strength to bathe, write an account of my expenses, and read the adventures of Bilbo Baggins and the 13 Dwarves  until my vision began to blur.

The Hobbit is the prelude to The Lord of the Rings, as you’ve probably heard. The story begins by introducing us to Bilbo Baggins, the Hobbit in question. We understand that although Mr. Baggins is like most other hobbits and doesn’t particularly like adventures or the unfamiliar, and would rather be cozy at home smoking his pipe, there is a streak of something contradictory in his nature passed down from his mother’s side. But regardless of this tiny streak of courage for adventure, Mr. Baggins is flabbergasted when he finds out that the wizard Gandalf has recommended him as a burglar to 13 dwarves who are on a journey to retrieve their stolen wealth and home.

A blurry picture of the mountains in Kashmir.

The old home of the dwarves is the mighty mountain now occupied by Smaug, a terrifying and very wicked dragon. But apart from the hazardous act of retrieving what is rightfully theirs, the journey itself to the Mountain is dangerous. What with nasty goblins, trolls, one sneaky Gollum, and a few other interesting obstacles.

I thought this book was simply un-put-down-able! Reading in Kashmir made it come even more alive (is that possible?) with the misty mountains that were menacing at dusk and the intense scenic beauty by day. I could visualize it all so clearly. Of course, the book is written very well. It’s intense, and the characters are so lifelike  that I was a little frightened at times. It’s silly, but I would freak out if anything that I knew to be fictional happened to show up in reality. Fantasy has a world of its own and when it begins to edge into my everyday life, it makes me a little nervous.

Another thing that I thought would be interesting is the debate over whether J.R.R. Tolkien’s books are christian based or not. I had read online sometime ago that while C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia are an allegory to salvation, J.R.R. Tolkien’s books are supposedly Satanic. I found that a little difficult to believe because in C.S. Lewis’ book, Surprised by Joy, he mentions that J.R.R. Tolkien had helped guide him to Christianity while they were both at Oxford.

But regardless of its theological depth, The Hobbit is a classic for its gripping description of a unique and enchanting world that seemingly overlaps with our own. It’s story is tightly woven and it’s characters engaging. The book leaves you with the feeling of having seen a brilliant life size painting but only having had the time to focus on one corner. But that minuscule portion is so beautiful and fulfilling that it fills you with awe to think that this is only a tiny part of it.

I loved this book! If you’ve read it, I’d love to know what you thought of it. If you haven’t, do try and read at least the first chapter. See if you’ll be able to stop there!

A Mid-Term Review of My Reading Resolutions

I was going through the list of books I’d planned to read this year and was startled to see that I’ve only reviewed about eight books so far, although I have read more than that! Terrible! It’s a slight consolation that I have more books to review than to read. And it’s a a little disconcerting to think that even then I may not be able to read all the books on my list before the year’s over. It doesn’t help that I’ve been reading other books not on my list, some of which are too silly to review and post online. Two examples that come to mind are Nick Hornby’s, ‘A Boy,’ and Joanna Trollope’s, ‘Second Honeymoon’. While Nick Hornby did make me laugh every now and then I had some difficulty with the language which consisted largely of British slang. Joanna Trollope, I’m sorry to say, bored me so that I had to put her book down half way through.

Well, I now have to pay for having spent my reading time too frivolously. Either I spend more time devoted to reviewing or I give myself more time to complete reading all the books on my list. For now I’m deciding to catch up on pending book reviews and then read as much as I can. If this method turns out to be a chore I shall resort to renaming the page ‘Book List 2012′ to simply ‘Book List’, or ‘Book Bucket List’ or something similar.

Unfortunately, I’ve spent my entire Sunday practising the recorder and then lounging about eating apple pie. Naturally, reading and reviewing took a back seat to these more engaging activities that I now regret a twinge. But I will make up for my sparsely reviewed book list as soon as I can. Until then, hope everyone has a amazing week ahead! 

Review: Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

Artemis Fowl is another of those famous children’s books that is enjoyed by both adults and children alike. I especially loved the book for taking me back to my school days. It reminded me of why I’d always preferred books over sports, talking, and of course, studies. This was the kind of book I’d smuggle into class and read instead of being busy with my school work. This was the kind of book I usually stayed in to read instead of running out to play when the school bell rang. And this was the sort of book that eventually hiked my popularity with the school librarian.

Artemis Fowl is a twelve year old child prodigy. He’s also a millionaire and, as the blurb says, a criminal mastermind. His father has been missing for sometime now and his mother is ill. Left on his own, Artemis finds evidence for the existence of fairies and is on a mission to restore his family’s fortune.

Set in the 21st century, this novel is fast paced and realistic, as far as it is possible where fairies are concerned. If you enjoyed the Harry Potter series I doubt this book will disappoint. Artemis Fowl has the essence of a Harry Potter mind gripper – magic, adventure, and a story well told. I’ve only read the first book in the Artemis Fowl series but I would like to read the next two books in this trilogy as well.

This book was definitely a joy to read. The only confusing thing for me was figuring out who the good guys were and who the bad guys really were. At times I felt like the fairies were the good guys and sided with them. And at other times I couldn’t help wondering if I was rooting for the wrong team. One thing’s for sure, this book has a lot of unexpected twists and there’s never a dull minute when you’re reading the adventures of Artemis Fowl.

Like Holes by Louis Sachar, this is also one of those medium sized reading snacks that satisfy for a short while. And like Holes, this book is worth reading even if it is only to turn back the wheels of time and remind us of the reason we ever liked reading in the first place.

Review: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

I don’t know why I never took the time to read this lovely book before! I’ve passed over too many copies of this book only to find out that it’s exactly the kind of book I could read again and again and enjoy it every time.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame reminded me so much of Watership Down by Richard Adams, another absolute favourite of mine.  The characters, though anthropomorphised, still retain their basic animal characteristics and make the stories seem all the more believable. They take me back in time when the make believe world was as good as real. 

The story centres on four main characters, namely, Mole, Rat, Badger, and Mr. Toad. The story also dwells a great deal on the scenic beauty of the Thames Valley. The description  of the Thames Valley is sublimely enchanting. Coupled with the charming stories of Mole, Rat, and Badger, and the silly adventures of Mr. Toad, The Wind in the Willows was a delight to read!

Critics add that much of what Kenneth Grahame shows  through his characters is a reflection of the Edwardian age in England. As one review read, the reason The Wind in the Willows inspires nostalgia is because it is itself saturated with a longing for change. Although I’m unable to draw deeper insight into the undercurrents of this book, which naturally add to the reasons to read it, I can say with certain confidence that this book is a joy to read even if it’s simply for the story, which incidentally has been told very well!

Review: Holes by Louis Sachar

Contrary to what I’d imagined, work has not eased up and is still as busy as ever. In my free time I have to choose between reading and writing (for my blog). And since I’m mid-way through Anna Karenina, a book I’m finding very interesting, I tend to prefer reading over writing. But today is a Sunday and I can make time for both reading and reviewing a book.

Holes by Louis Sachar is the intriguing story of Stanley Yelnats. Stanley has been falsely accused of stealing a pair of sneakers and as a punishment has been sent to Camp Green Lake Juvenile Detention Centre. Since his family has had a history of bad luck for generations now, he takes it in stride.

When Stanley gets to Camp Green Lake he finds that it is neither very green nor is there a lake. In fact, there is no water for miles around making it impossible for any of the boys to attempt an escape. The Warden at Camp Green Lake is rather mysterious with strange correctional methods. As punishment, the boys must dig a five-foot wide by five-foot deep hole in the dried-up lake bed every day. According to the Warden, this is to build character. Stanley cannot help but suspect that there must be more to the Warden’s strange punishment.

When I first began reading I had a general feeling that this story had been told before. But it’s been told so well that I couldn’t put it down. The story’s been sketched in quick broad strokes that describe plainly without any of the usual poetry. This style of story-telling added to the description of the heat and arid way of life in Camp Green Lake, and also the lack of vitality Stanley must be experiencing in such a situation. I’m not sure if this is a spoiler, but in case you’re worried you may skip to the next paragraph right now. Alright. Still with me? I may have been fooled at the beginning and believed that I would not, in all likelihood, be surprised or taken unawares by this book. But that was probably the exact reason why suspense snuck up on me, leaving me all the more speechless at the author’s incredible talent.

I enjoyed reading this book very much. I consider it light reading because I was able to complete it in half a day and read Artemis Fowl directly after that. But although it wasn’t heavy reading I still wouldn’t compare it with many of the other books I consider light reading. To compare it with food, Holes is a medium sized snack and extremely satisfying, even if it is for a short while.

If you like books with a magical twist in them, and at the same time believable, this book is perfect. This is also a perfect fix for the book addict cramped for time.

Review: Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Although I’ve missed blogging these past few weeks, I’ve had so much more time to read. I’ve also discovered that there are a number of very good and interesting books on my list, many of which I’d been hesitant to add. It’s truly a blessing that these books are on my list for I may not have read them for at least a couple of years more. One of these fantastic books that I an grateful to have unintentionally put on my list is Little Lord Fauntleroy. This book is now one of my favourit-est books of all time! Let me tell you why.

This book, written very clearly and simply, tells one of the most heart warming stories a person could ever read. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough and wouldn’t budge until I’d reached the last page.

Little Lord Fauntleroy is the story of  seven year old Cedric who’s lived all his life in New York as an American. His mother and he, although quite poor, live decently on what they do have. One day a very distinguished looking lawyer from England visits Cedric’s mother and informs her that Cedric is the heir to a large estate, fortune, and title.

This book has been described as the classic rags to riches story. What sets it apart from the other Cinderella type stories is that the difficulties arise only after the good news of the inheritance (to an Earldom) has been shared. It is interesting to know that the author had also been very poor as a child and though originally English had emigrated to America in 1865 with her family. Although they didn’t become any richer after having left the slums of Manchester, they were happier settling in Tennessee, America. Many of Burnett’s early stories follow the same theme as Little Lord Fauntleroy, and this book offers deep insight into what her childhood dreams and fantasies must have been like.

This book tugs at one’s heart just the right amount. It was only after I’d completed this book that I discovered that the author of Little Lord Fauntleroy, A Little Princess, and The Secret Garden were the same person. That explained a lot. A Little Princess, another favourite of mine, is just as stirring and delightful as Little Lord Fauntleroy. And I have become quite sure that Frances Hodgson Burnett’s books should be made mandatory reading.

If you haven’t already read this book you must make it a point to find it and read it soon. Although children’s books are a personal soft spot, I am willing to guarantee that this won’t disappoint anyone easily. On a side note, Little Lord Fauntleroy has been adapted into movie form with several versions. After having watched two versions, I would strongly recommend that the book be read first.

Review: Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge

Lately, I’ve been finding it difficult to keep up with reviewing the books I’ve been reading. But far from being worried I’m glad for the pleasure I’ve found in reading them. The book I’ve just finished, not more than half an hour ago, is Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates by Mary Mapes Dodge. It’s on my TBR list for 2012 and I was thrilled to find it in a dusty corner of an old book shop in Delhi this Sunday. The book turned out to be spell binding! It’s true! I found that once I began I had such difficulty in raising my head away. I liked it even more because it reminded me of my school days. I used to be so absorbed in my books that people used to think that I was ignoring them. Actually I could neither hear them nor sense their presence nearby. Hans Brinker is the kind of book that I would normally choose to read simply for pleasure. 

“Holland is one of the queerest countries under the sun. It should be called Odd-land or Contrary-land, for in nearly everything it is different from other parts of the world.” And by the way Mary Mapes Dodge continues to describe it it does make one hurry through the pages in wide-eyed wonder at this amazingly magical land that actually exists! This was another reason why I loved this book. It made me want to visit Holland though I wonder if it will be the same as it has been described in this lovely book. I hope there might be at least glimpses of resemblance in reality to what’s in the book.

Set in Holland, it is the story of a young boy, Hans Brinker, and his sister, Gretel whose family is so poor and friendless that they struggle simply to survive. And when they hear of the most talked about race in Broek in which the winner will receive a pair of silver skates they hope to join too. Unfortunately, all they have are heavy wooden skates that Hans has made on his own. Now if you’re under the impression that Hans and his sister are going to win the race anyway with their funny skates then let me stop you now and tell you that this book will not disappoint. The race, though an important part of the story isn’t the main part of the story. This book won’t disappoint. It’s story is incredibly realistic. But miracles do happen even today, don’t they?

Through the stories of the individual lives in this book, the author has weaved in stories of Holland, it’s fastidiously clean and tidy people, and the honesty and quiet courage that its people have shown through ages past. While reading the afterword it occurred to me that the author took a major risk in writing so much about Holland, it’s history, and its brave men, instead of simply focusing on the story at hand. But readers like me who are hooked to her narrative can hardly complain of this detour as long as it’s told well. And like the author, the characters in this book are also shown to take risks which eventually brings them happiness as well.

Hans Brinker or The Silver Skates is another one of those rare books that can be held as examples of what YA Fiction should really be like. Whether you would like to know more about Holland or simply enjoy good reading, this book has both.

“Take a risk that you may become more happy.” ~Mary Mapes Dodge, 1862

Review: The Return of the Native

I began The Return of the Native with the impression that I would find it difficult to enjoy. And that was simply because the blurb made it sound like it would have something to do with Red Indians and the picture on the jacket made me feel even more sure. I admit, that was very silly of me. Because the blurb did read that The Return of the Native was set in the English country-side. Anyway, the story is of a young man, Clym Yeobright, who falls in love with a beautiful, passionate, darkly discontented girl, Eustacia Vye, on his return from Paris, and of their stormy marriage.

I began this book with a closed mind and the first few pages were the dullest pages I’d ever read. I actually had to read aloud to keep from drifting. But even while fighting the urge to put down the book I realized that there was a rhythm to the sentences and a smooth flow to the words. I was reading a mellifluous open ended poem describing Egdon Heath, the setting for this violent tragedy. The poetry changes to prose as the action begins.

Eustacia Vye is the beautiful, mysterious girl who lives with her grandfather and haunts the hills of Egdon Heath. Some people think she is a witch. And Eustacia is too proud to mix with the villagers to worry about clarifying any wrong beliefs that they may have of her.

Under a facade of cool nonchalance and unconcern Eustacia Vye is as passionate and insubmissive as the ocean. Thomas hardy describes her as “the raw material of divinity”. She is something of a romantic though not in the conventional sense. She desires to be “loved to madness” and would rather have a short mad affair than settle for a placid love that lasts forever. For want of a better object and not because he is up to her standards, Eustacia has an affair with Damon Wildeve.

Wildeve is very similar to Eustacia. He is as ambitious and passionate as Eustacia. But during a pause in their relationship he begins courting another woman, Thomasin Yeobright. They even plan to marry. But the wedding doesn’t take place due to some error in the marriage license. Later that evening Wildeve visits Eustacia. He isn’t so sure that he wants to marry Thomasin Yeobright anymore. Eustacia, on the other hand, is with Wildeve only because there isn’t anyone more exciting in Egdon Heath. So when she hears that Clym Yeobright, the native in question as well as Thomasin’s cousin, will be coming to visit from Paris she is full of hope that he might be the person to help fulfill her ambitions of an exciting life away from Egdon Heath.

The Return of the Native is a complicated story and I’m a little afraid that I might give away too much without even realizing it. So I shall stop with the story telling and try analyzing as much as I can.

This book begins with a description of Egdon Heath. The language is poetic and calming and doesn’t instantaneously pull in firm readers of prose. But as the story progresses it gets difficult to put the book down even for those of us who have a certain fixed limit for serious poetry. I found that I was so engrossed in the story that I wasn’t able to find time to make side notes for later use.

Now I don’t normally read tragedies but this book made me wonder if perhaps I should begin to. Of course the happy ending here was added later by Thomas Hardy to please the unapproving public. But he had initially planned for the characters to carry on with their lives with no remarkable and happy event.

After having completed this book I can’t help going back on my own words and saying that I thought this a very absorbing book. I especially enjoyed the subtleties and the perceptive observations of character and personality that have been described so thoroughly. I liked the fact that the characters had depth and were complicated. They were obviously thought out very carefully.

While reading, I had a feeling that The Return of the Native wasn’t simply to entertain and the story was perhaps only a base or a vehicle, if you will, for the thoughts and ideas that Hardy wanted to share. The afterword in my copy of the book was written by Horace Gregory and he confirms this thought.

“Hardy observed life with the eye of a great poet. His literary guides were the King James version of the Bible (much of his concern was for the Fall of Man, man leaving the Garden of Eden and passing out of the sight of God), Greek tragedy, Ovid, Shakespeare, Milton, and Wordsworth.”

I think it was the descriptions and the analysis of every situation and character that made up a major portion of the story as well as the complications.

One interesting thing about this book was the Reddleman, also known as Digory Venn, a person trading in red dye. He loves Thomasin Yeobright and had approached her. When she refused he left Egdon Heath and took up the reddle trade. He loves Thomasin to the extent of devoting himself to her happiness at all costs, even when it causes him unhappiness. The reddleman, though not exactly omniscient, is in a position where he knows most of what is happening on all sides. He adds an interesting element to the story.

Another thing that made this book stand out was the Narrative. The story is told from an outside view while at the same times from the minds of the characters. I say ‘minds’ because the characters aren’t always aware of why they behave the way they do. Sometimes we know their thoughts. Everything has been described so completely.

Finally, if you’re still hesitant and skeptical about reading this book, like I was when I began, don’t worry. This book is a delight and has kindled in me the curiosity to explore more of Thomas Hardy’s books.

Review: Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

The past week was eventful -in a good way. I completed Northanger Abbey as well as Persuasion and enjoyed them both immensely. In fact, I found that I appreciated and understood Persuasion a lot better than I had when I’d read it for the first time last January.

I first began with Northanger Abbey and Catherine, the heroine, was so amusing and her character so easy for me to relate to. There were times I was grateful that it wasn’t possible to go back in time and be 17 again. Even though many parts of this book reminded me of myself at 17 I was still very sorry when I reached its end. So to prolong the wonderful sensation that accompanies a good book I dove right into Persuasion and the story of another heroine that was easy to relate to though in a different way. Now, I wish that I could begin convincing you to read both Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, but I probably won’t be able to hold your attention for that long. So in today’s post I’ll be doing my best to convince you to read Northanger Abbey alone for a start.

After having just completed Emma what struck me most when I began Northanger Abbey was the way Catherine is described as average and without the makings of your usual heroine. At 10, Catherine Morland is described as a girl who preferred cricket to dolls and who liked nothing better than rolling down the grassy slope behind their home. She was never outstandingly good in either her studies or extra activities like playing the piano. And since her parents were kind and didn’t believe in forcing their children to grow up a certain way with defined skills, Catherine grew up the way she was – not extraordinarily smart or in anyway especially impressive.

Catherine is an ordinary honest, kind, innocent, sweet-natured girl, and almost pretty at 15. By 15 she begins to take an interest in her looks and takes pains to improve them. It is also around this time that she begins reading novels that largely contribute to her active imagination and her training in becoming a heroine. The only disappointment in Catherine’s life is the lack of excitement in Fullerton. So you can imagine what a lovely surprise it is to her when Mr. and Mrs. Allen, good friends and neighbours of the Morlands, invite Catherine to accompany them to Bath for a few weeks. Catherine is delighted with the prospect of finally being faced with excitement that may include a handsome stranger and in short, all the adventure that the novels she reads contains. And so begins Catherine’s journey to growing up and as we say, discovering the real world.

I mainly enjoyed reading this book for its humour. I coudn’t stop laughing at some of the things Jane Austen made her characters say and do. It was especially amusing to read her serious thoughts beneath their usual cloak of wry humour. I can’t stop being amazed at the way she actually shows her reader the entire picture.The changes in the characters are subtle and seen through the eyes of Catherine. There’s a time when only the reader can see a true portrait of the characters, but only because the reader isn’t 17 and as naive as Catherine. In my opinion, any person with a well functioning imagination would enjoy reading the book a million times more than taking the supposed shortcut by watching the movie.

Even though Northanger Abbey was Jane Austen’s first book, it wasn’t published until much later when the publishers realised that this was the same author of the best selling books, Pride and Prejudice, and Sense and Sensibility. Most critics consider Northanger Abbey lacking in comparison with Austen’s later books. But for a non professional book addict like me, along with Persuasion, Northanger Abbey is my favourite of Jane Austen’s books. This is the perfect book to read when in a jam for time. Only a 170 pages long, this book can easily be completed in a single sitting. I also had the feeling that Northanger Abbey might be Austen’s least complicated novel, even with its serious undertones. But being an unprofessional literary critic, I’m probably not the best judge on matters like that.

I imagine this book can be enjoyed by anyone. Because although Northanger Abbey is mostly known as a well-told coming of age story of a young girl, there’s so much more to this book that makes its readers want to press it into the hands of friends, family, and anyone else willing to read it.