Possession: A Romance
A. S. Byatt
555 pages
Possession is a rich, layered novel featuring both a romance between two Victorian-era poets, and present-day relationships between academics who have made their careers as experts on the poets' lives. Roland Michell is a kind of perpetual student, researching the life of Randolph Henry Ash. Maud Bailey is established in her career with a university's women's studies center; her specialty is the poet Christabel LaMotte. When the book opens, Roland has made an interesting discovery indicating Ash may have had a relationship with a woman other than his wife. His inquiry leads him to Maud. Together they assemble a picture of a romance between Ash and LaMotte, which turns prevailng academic opinion upside-down. Others begin to pursue the prize and the associated professional glory.
Byatt employs several creative devices to develop the characters and tell the story. Ash and LaMotte's relationship is reconstructed primarily through artifacts (letters, journals) obtained by Roland and Maud. Byatt "reproduces" them in their entirety so the reader feels like part of the research team. The romantic storyline also unfolds from several points of view, with each person having only a partial picture. The reader can see it all. And as the Victorian mystery is solved, the lives of present-day characters become increasingly interconnected. Byatt concludes the novel by tying up several threads and adding a quite satisfying postscript. ( 
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Orange July Update
I finished my first book for Orange July - Half of a Yellow Sun (my review). It's one of those books that pulls your heart out, squeezes it and then puts it back into your chest. It's definitely a book I will remember.
Now, I am on book #2 for Orange July, which is the mixed-reviewed The Gathering by Anne Enright. I love Enright's writing style, but you have to get past the many phallic references. I should finish The Gathering in the next few days, and then I will start Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood. This is a book that I have always wanted to read!
EW Top 100 New Classics - Now a reading challenge!
I blogged about this list a few Sundays ago. EW (Entertainment Weekly) magazine printed a list of 100 "new classics" books published from 1983-2008 that they felt would stand the test of time. Based on my fellow bloggers' comments, some of you loved this list and some of you did not. Well, for those of you who did, you may want to check out the new reading challenge that's based on this list. Julie is hosting the New Classics Challenge, where you must read six books from the EW list between August1, 2008 and January 31, 2009. Check out Julie's blog for more details.
Thanks for visiting The Magic Lasso and see you next Sunday!
- Location:home
- Mood:
complacent
Hello Sunday Salon readers!
I can't believe we are into the second half of 2008 already. I have been reflecting on my reading so far this year, and offer up the following assessment:
- 36 books read (11,664 pages). This puts me on pace to read 72 books this year, which is precisely the same as in 2007.
- Average rating: 3.5 stars. I've been reading some really good books this year. There were only three books that received less than 3 stars (The Piano Tuner, Ines of my Soul, and In a Free State). Oh yeah, and there were another two that I didn't finish (My Name is Red, and The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao).
- Progress vs. 2008 Reading Goals:
- Booker Prize Winners: 6 out of 10
- Pulitzer Prize Winners: 3 out of 8
- Orange Prize Winners: 1 out of 4
- Nobel Prize Winners: 2 out of 7
- New countries "visited" (books by authors from outside the U.S.): 8 of 20
- My top 3 books for the second quarter:
- Unaccustomed Earth , by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Elizabeth and her German Garden , by Elizabeth von Arnim
- Animal, Vegetable, Miracle , by Barbara Kingsolver
- My top 5 books of the year: from the list above and my top 5 for the first quarter, I would say the best overall are:
- Unaccustomed Earth , by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Cry, the Beloved Country, by Alan Paton
- Elizabeth and her German Garden , by Elizabeth von Arnim
- Animal, Vegetable, Miracle , by Barbara Kingsolve
- Astrid and Veronika, by Linda Olsson
I have a lot of really interesting books lined up for the rest of the year. I'm really looking forward to more global reading, and seeing whether any of my second half reads can knock one of my top 5 off the list.
Until next time ... happy reading!
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Join The Sunday Salon here.
Half of a Yellow SunBy Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Completed July 4, 2008
Admittedly, it was with trepidation that I selected Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for my personal challenge to read Orange prizewinners. So many of my reading friends raved about this book. When a book is so highly regarded, I worried that it would be too high up on the reading pedestal – and in the end, it would disappoint. Furthermore, when I finally got this book, I scowled (just slightly) at its length – 541 pages. Chunksters (what I consider books over 350 pages) rarely hold my interest. Indeed, I was worried.
However, once enveloped in this book, my worries quickly ceased. Half of a Yellow Sun was a book worthy of its praise and its long length. Quite simply, it was an astonishing, gut-wrenching read.
Briefly, it’s the story of the effect of Biafra’s (in southeastern Nigeria) quest for independence in the late 1960’s. It’s also the story of family – both biological and assumed – and how those ties know no bounds. Colorful and unforgettable characters filled each page: Ugwu, the houseboy; Odenigbo, the revolutionary-minded professor; Olanna, Odenigbo’s beautiful lover and her twin sister, Kainene; and Richard, who is in love with Kainene. The reader was swept into Nigerian cultures and lifestyles. Without a doubt, it was an illuminating read.
Adichie did not sugarcoat how war affects civilians. People died, family members went missing, homes destroyed, women raped and children became ill. This book is not for the weak of heart. As a reader, I was torn by my need to take a break from the content and my desire to continue reading because I was so caught up in the story.
I highly recommend Half of a Yellow Sun to anyone interested in reading a profound novel about war, family and the effects of nationalism. (
) - Location:home
- Mood: relieved
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God bless those who are serving us at home and abroad. Come home soon and in peace.
Let's remember that part of being an American is being part of the process. Make sure to vote in November. Every vote 
does count. Do not go unheard.
May we never forget this day. Never. Remember the fear and the courage. Remember what we lost. Remember what it's like to be an American and vulnerable. Never forget this day. Never. 
Happy Birthday, America. My country 'tis of thee. Sweet land of liberty. Thank you for the freedom to work, hug my kids, read my books and make mistakes. It's been a tough few years, but despite it all, I still love you.
- Location:home
- Mood: calm
1. Read at least 6 books that have any of these requirements:
a. an animal in the title of the book
b. an animal on the cover of the book
c. an animal that plays a major role in the book
d. a main character that is or turns into an animal (define that however you'd like)
2. The animal can be any type of animal (real or fictitious)--dog, cat, monkey, wolf, snake, insect, hedgehog, aardvark...dragons, mermaids, centaurs, fairies, vampires...you get the idea...
3. Challenge runs from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. You can still sign up after July 1st as long as you can get 6 books read by June 30th.
4. Books can be fiction or nonfiction.
5. You may make a list of books at the beginning of the challenge or just list them as you find them.
6. Books may be swapped out at anytime (assuming you made a list to begin with).
7. Crossover books with other challenges is permitted and encouraged.
8. You don't have to blog or write a review, but you can if you want to.
This sounds like fun! And I was surprised how many books I have on my shelf that meet the criteria:
My selections
The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney
Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson
Coal Black Horse by Robert Olmstead
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Florida Roadkill by Tim Dorsey
Peace Like A River by Leif Enger (has horse on cover)
And some alternates
Hammerhead Ranch by Tim Dorsey
Orange Crush by Tim Dorsey
Triggerfish Twist by Tim Dorsey
(all of Dorsey's books have Florida wildlife on their covers and the main character, Serge A. Storms, is a crazed animal)
Come join the fun! Happy Reading!
- Location:home
- Mood: jubilant
Actually, I have already started my first Orange Book - Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. A lot of my blog and LT friends have raved about this book, and at only 130 pages in, I can see why. After Half of a Yellow Sun, I will start The Gathering by Anne Enwright.
I hope you will consider joining me for an Orange July. Remember, there are no rules, no minimums and no reviews required. You can commit to read only one book or 20. It's up to you! Please leave me a comment if you plan on participating so I can check your blog for your reviews.
I think July will shape up to be a great reading month! Have fun!
- Location:home
- Mood:enthralled
"First thoughts are not a cover up of what is actually happening or being felt. It is what is."
from Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
I bought this book on a long-ago recommendation from
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outtajo and read it skeptically at first. The author is student of Zen meditation and predictably esoteric. I read the first chapters and wondered is this bullshit?. But this writing practice seemed worth trying, so I did. I liked it. I began with the first thought that entered my mind and let my pen fill a whole 18-inch page of my yellow lawyer's size legal pad. At the end, I felt emptied, but in a good way. Like I had put down some little secret I didn't even know I carried and made peace with it, even though I didn't know I had warred with it before. I will do this every day, I think, and post them here beneath cut tags and varying layers of locking.( the first time, I wrote about writing )
( a more polished explanation )
This is quite different from what I usually write. Sharing it makes me feel naked and vulnerable, but not to share it seemed incomplete.
dwseason4A journal where the alternative fourth season of the TV show Doctor Who is being written.
I can't believe July is just around the corner. So far I have read 43 books during the first half of 2008. Here are the books that earned a five-star rating from me (in order that I read them).FIVE-STAR BOOKS (FICTION)
The House at Riverton by Kate Morton
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Songs for the Missing by Stewart O'Nan
Property by Valerie Martin
FIVE-STAR BOOKS (NON-FICTION)
A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen
The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir of Darfur by Daoud Hari
How Reading Changed My Life by Anna Quindlen
Tara Revisited by Catherine Clinton
AND MY TOP FIVE BOOKS
1) The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
2) The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
3) The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir of Darfur by Daoud Hari
4) The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon
5) Property by Valerie Martin
READING CHALLENGES COMPLETED:
1) Beg, Borrow and Steal Reading Challenge
2) Pub 08 Reading Challenge
3) Themed Reading Challenge
4) Spring Reading Thing
5) Southern Reading Challenge
6) Book Awards Reading Challenge
I also participate in Bonnie's Book Around The States and Book Around The World reading challenges, and here is a summary of the places I have been:
BOOK AROUND THE STATES (my reviews)
Alaska - The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon
Hawaii - Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
Louisiana - Property by Valerie Martin
Maryland - Two Brothers: One North, One South by David H. Jones
Missouri - Becky by Lenore Hart
North Carolina - On Agate Hill by Lee Smith
South Carolina - Bulls Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
Texas - The Story of Forgetting by Stefan Merrill Block
BOOK AROUND THE WORLD (my reviews)
Iran - The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani
Pakistan - The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid
Sudan - The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir of Darfur by Daoud Hari
Yugoslavia - People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Wales - Resistance by Owen Sheers
Whew! It's been a very adventurous reading year so far! I am looking forward to my Orange July, when I will be reading a ton of books that have won or been nominated for the Orange Prize. That promises to be a good reading month, don't you think?
- Location:home
- Mood: excited
The Faith of a WriterBy Joyce Carol Oates
Completed June 29, 2008
Joyce Carol Oates explored the craft of writing in her collection of essays, The Faith of a Writer. I was expecting an autobiographical passage through JCO’s evolution as a writer, but that was not quite what she delivered in this slim book. Instead, she talked about how other writers – namely Emily Dickinson, Ernest Hemingway, Herman Melville and a host of others – became great writers.
Several themes emerged from JCO’s essays. First, writers are their own worst critics but have high opinions of their writing genius. Secondly, many of a writers’ early works were raw, hard to read and commercially unsuccessful, but without these first attempts, the greater works would not have existed. Finally, writers live in an alternate universe: always thinking about their stories, how to revise them and how to advance the story or the characters. This usually resulted in insomnia, social isolation and blank stares.
Probably, these essays are examined in great depth by college students whose professors want to explain the psyche of a writer. If you are looking for a book about the personal writing process, this is not the book for you. I would recommend Stephen King’s On Writing for that type of book. The Faith of a Writer is better suited for readers who love writers – the famous ones – and want a better understanding on how they perfected their craft. (
) - Location:home
- Mood:
tired
My selections
Alex Award
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks (2002)
Bellwether Prize for Fiction
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
Book Sense Book of the Year
Peace Like A River by Leif Enger (Adult Fiction 2002)
Bram Stoker Award
Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill (2007 First Novel)
Commonwealth Writer's Prize
The Secret River by Kate Grenville (2006 Best Book)
Man Booker Prize
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje (1992)
Possession by A.S. Byatt (1990)
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (1989)
Pulitzer Prize
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon (2001)
Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri (2000)
Shipping News by Annie Proulx (1994)
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (1986)
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole (1981)
The Optimist's Daughter by Eudora Welty (1973)
All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren (1947)
- Location:home
- Mood: optimistic
ResistanceBy Owen Sheers
Completed June 27, 2008
I think poets make great novelists. Joyce Carol Oates, Margaret Atwood, even Shel Silverstein all embrace a stunningly descriptive way of writing that makes their stories and characters just flow through your mind. Like his poetic counterparts, Owen Sheers used this lyrical style in his debut novel Resistance.
Resistance is an alternate history – what if the German army invaded England during World War II? In this book, Sarah Lewis woke one morning to find her husband missing. In fact, all of the men in her Welsh valley had disappeared with no note, explanation or forewarning. Another wife, Maggie, discovered a pamphlet in her barn that led them to a grave conclusion: their husbands and sons left to join the Resistance.
Then, things become more precarious when a German patrol arrived in their valley, led by Captain Albrecht Wolfram, an Oxford-trained medieval scholar who became an unlikely soldier when Germany went to war. Settled into an abandoned house, the German soldiers collectively decided to stay in this isolated area because they felt the end of the war was near. As a fierce winter dug its teeth into the valley, the men helped the women maintain their farms. While their assistance was accepted reluctantly at first, the soldiers and women formed bonds as they fought against the devastating winter.
Two forces, however, threatened their delicate coexistence. If the Gestapo discovered these women whose husbands were Resistance fighters, the women would be executed (and more than likely the German soldiers would be court marshaled and killed too). If the British Resistance discovered that the women were “collaborating” with the German soldiers, their countrymen would kill them all. Isolation could be maintained easily during the winter. But when spring arrived, the sheep had to be brought to market, cows needed mates and goods needed to be exchanged. Spring, a time of new beginnings, created an unavoidable compromise in the fate of these characters.
The story is loosely based on the existence of a real Resistance group that Britain formed during World War II. Sheers also researched life on Welsh farms during this time, resulting in an engaging historical novel (despite the alternate history). Admittedly, I found some issues with the advancement of the plot, but overall, Resistance was a compelling story with fully developed characters, vivid descriptions of Wales and heart-breaking accounts of the effect of war on men and women. If you like World War II fiction or alternate histories, then I highly recommend Resistance to you. (
) - Location:home
- Mood: cheerful
The Return of the Soldier
Rebecca West
188 pages
Rebecca West was 24 years old in 1918, when this book was published. Her writing is wonderful, full of beautiful, descriptive phrases of characters and setting. She also brings a bit of humor with phrases such as, "He was a lank man with curly gray hairs growing from every place where it is inadvisable that hairs should grow..." and "so many of them ... had stood round Chris and looked at him with the consequenceless deliberation of a plumber."
This is an engaging novel by a talented woman writer. (
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Moloka'iBy Alan Brennert
Completed June 22, 2008
Having just finished Moloka’i by Alan Brennert, I am left with a mixed bag of emotions. Here is a book that mostly everyone loved. Other reviewers described the main character, Rachel, as one that lingers with you. Others praised the rich Hawaiian history that filled this book. Others were engrossed by the sense of community created by these characters – all who were diagnosed with leprosy and isolated to prevent the spread of this disease.
I agree with all of these points. Rachel was fully drawn and life-like. I enjoyed reading about Hawaiian history at the turn of the century – a new topic for me. And I appreciate the community and family (“ohana”) that bound these people together.
But I am left with a nagging sense too. Specifically, there are two aspects of the book that bothered me:
1 The acceptance of Leilani, a transvestite, into Moloka’i without so much as a sneer, prejudice or a bad word. This is the early 1900’s in a traditional Catholic society. I highly doubt this would happen. Heck, it doesn’t happen now in 2008. Perhaps the author felt these people who were shunned by society could be welcoming to Leilani. It’s a stretch for me, considering the historical nature of homophobia.
2) The Forrest Gump syndrome, as I like to call it, when the main character witnesses historical events first-hand. We learn about the first airplanes, vehicles and “moving pictures” through Rachel’s eyes. Also, the usurpation of Hawaiian royalty and the attack on Pearl Harbor both find their places in this novel. I don’t mind reading about history through a character, but in this book, I found some of it to be distracting and non-essential to the story.
I realize that I am in the minority with my objections, and that’s okay. Each book holds something different for its readers. If you enjoy good character-driven historical fiction, then I think you will find Moloka’i to be a smart, heart-warming book. Despite my objections, I am glad to have read this novel and learn more about leprosy and historic Hawaii. (
) - Location:home
- Mood: indifferent
knitted_weddingFollow one woman's quest to knit an entire vow-renewing wedding. Encouragement is encouraged.
Page Summary
- laura0218 : Possession: A Romance [+2]
- mrstreme : Sunday Salon: Orange Books and New Classics [+5]
- laura0218 : Sunday Salon: Mid-Year Review [+15]
- mrstreme : Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie [+7]
- mrstreme : Happy Birthday, America! [+0]
- mrstreme : What An Animal Reading Challenge [+4]
- laura0218 : An Equal Music [+0]
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lj_spotlight :: bensinclair1 : 07/01/08 Homepage Spotlight [+24] - mrstreme : An Orange July Kick-Off [+3]
- cestovatela : Stones in my mouth: writing practice for June 28 [+2]
- lj_spotlight :: bensinclair1 : 06/30/08 Homepage Spotlight [+5]
- lj_spotlight :: bensinclair1 : 06/30/08 Homepage Spotlight [+206]
- lj_spotlight :: bensinclair1 : 06/30/08 Homepage Spotlight [+3]
- mrstreme : Sunday Salon: A Mid-Year Wrap Up [+2]
- mrstreme : The Faith of a Writer by Joyce Carol Oates [+3]
- mrstreme :
In addition to the romantic storyline, this character-driven novel follows several other threads related to Julia, the other members of the quartet, Michael's family, a former professor, and a mentor in his hometown. Seth brings all of this together through music. Having played the violin myself for a number of years, I really enjoyed this view of the international music scene and the many different composers and works referenced throughout. Some understanding of and appreciation for classical music is important to get the most out of this enjoyable romantic novel. (