I started and finished A Sense of Direction in one evening; I couldn't really stop thinking about it, so I couldn't put it down. I found it...
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This novel is set in the early nineteenth century; an age where the once common magicians and their fairy servants have entirely disappeared. Two men appear on the scene to breath life into English magic, rescuing it from those who’d rather argue pure theory than practice the actual craft. Of course Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell have opposing ideas as to how they should accomplish said task, and there are many others who are eager to exploit the two magician’s talents.
One of the few good novels of the fantasy genre that I’ve read -- ever. Clarke evidently realizes that one can write creatively without sacrificing intelligence or credibility. Mixing historical figures with characters of her own creation, the author brings both to life with equal skill. Highly recommended to anyone who’d like a clever fantasy novel, where aspects like plot and character development aren’t sacrificed to funny-sounding names.
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Criterion has once more done a magnificent job of restoring a classic film. Withnail and I is one of those movies you could watch over and over again. Two out-of-work actors living in London, travel to the English countryside to go on holiday -- evidently "by mistake." Hilarious and occasionally heartbreaking, the characters are brought to life by an outstanding cast and memorable dialogue. The soundtrack also deserves a mention, for perfectly complementing the mood of 1960’s London. I highly recommend this film to anyone with a sense of humor, who isn’t easily offended by substance abuse or animal rights. Marvelous!
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(2 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
More or less the Italian Renaissance version of How to Make Friends and Influence People. The Book of the Courtier offers a vibrant portrait of what life was like in the courts during Castiglione‘s time through a series of conversations debating the qualities of the perfect courtier and lady. Hilarious and informative, read this for its historical relevance or to simply become a bit more debonair yourself.
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(3 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
The White Tiger is a compelling narrative about one man’s ascent in modern India. Our narrator, the charismatic Balram, presents the story of his life thus far in the form of letters to Chinese premier Wen Jiabao, intending to school the leader in true Indian entrepreneurialism. (Whether or not the correspondence actually reaches its intended destination is well beyond the point.) Humorous and eye-opening, this book is easy to read but difficult to forget.
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There are not many poets who can write movingly on so many subjects, but Charles Baudelaire does justice to every line. Although Les Fleurs du Mal is best in its original language, there are many very good English translations that more or less capture the essence of his words. Overall, this collection is definitely some of the poet’s best work, filled with eroticism that shocked the nineteenth century crowd, macabre elements that would make Poe proud, as well as humour and descriptions that are still very relevant today. An excellent read!
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(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
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Lucy Black has commented on (15) products.
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
Lucy Black, February 19, 2010
This novel is set in the early nineteenth century; an age where the once common magicians and their fairy servants have entirely disappeared. Two men appear on the scene to breath life into English magic, rescuing it from those who’d rather argue pure theory than practice the actual craft. Of course Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell have opposing ideas as to how they should accomplish said task, and there are many others who are eager to exploit the two magician’s talents.One of the few good novels of the fantasy genre that I’ve read -- ever. Clarke evidently realizes that one can write creatively without sacrificing intelligence or credibility. Mixing historical figures with characters of her own creation, the author brings both to life with equal skill. Highly recommended to anyone who’d like a clever fantasy novel, where aspects like plot and character development aren’t sacrificed to funny-sounding names.
(4 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
Withnail and I
Lucy Black, February 19, 2010
Criterion has once more done a magnificent job of restoring a classic film. Withnail and I is one of those movies you could watch over and over again. Two out-of-work actors living in London, travel to the English countryside to go on holiday -- evidently "by mistake." Hilarious and occasionally heartbreaking, the characters are brought to life by an outstanding cast and memorable dialogue. The soundtrack also deserves a mention, for perfectly complementing the mood of 1960’s London. I highly recommend this film to anyone with a sense of humor, who isn’t easily offended by substance abuse or animal rights. Marvelous!(2 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
The Book of the Courtier by Baldass Castiglione
Lucy Black, February 9, 2010
More or less the Italian Renaissance version of How to Make Friends and Influence People. The Book of the Courtier offers a vibrant portrait of what life was like in the courts during Castiglione‘s time through a series of conversations debating the qualities of the perfect courtier and lady. Hilarious and informative, read this for its historical relevance or to simply become a bit more debonair yourself.(3 of 3 readers found this comment helpful)
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
Lucy Black, February 9, 2010
The White Tiger is a compelling narrative about one man’s ascent in modern India. Our narrator, the charismatic Balram, presents the story of his life thus far in the form of letters to Chinese premier Wen Jiabao, intending to school the leader in true Indian entrepreneurialism. (Whether or not the correspondence actually reaches its intended destination is well beyond the point.) Humorous and eye-opening, this book is easy to read but difficult to forget.(4 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
Les fleurs du mal by Charles Baudelaire
Lucy Black, January 13, 2010
There are not many poets who can write movingly on so many subjects, but Charles Baudelaire does justice to every line. Although Les Fleurs du Mal is best in its original language, there are many very good English translations that more or less capture the essence of his words. Overall, this collection is definitely some of the poet’s best work, filled with eroticism that shocked the nineteenth century crowd, macabre elements that would make Poe proud, as well as humour and descriptions that are still very relevant today. An excellent read!(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
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