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Powell's Staff:
Five Book Friday: In Memoriam
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Every year, the booksellers at Powell’s submit their Top Fives: their five favorite books that were released in 2023. It’s a list that, when put together, shows just how varied and interesting the book tastes of Powell’s booksellers are. I highly recommend digging into the recommendations — we would never lead you astray — but today...
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Brontez Purnell:
Powell’s Q&A: Brontez Purnell, author of ‘Ten Bridges I’ve Burnt’
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Rachael P.:
Starter Pack: Where to Begin with Ursula K. Le Guin
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Customer Comments
julieb43 has commented on (47) products
Twin Peaks The Final Dossier
by
Mark Frost
julieb43
, September 30, 2018
For anyone who's a fan of Twin Peaks: The Return, this book cleverly outlines the mysterious goings-on at the infamous Twin Peaks. It's written as a report from the POV of FBI agent, Tammy Preston. I enjoyed reading it, and it helped me keep track of all the characters and strange situations.
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Old Filth
by
Gardam, Jane
julieb43
, March 06, 2015
Old Edward Feathers can be difficult to like at times. He calls his housekeeper 'Mrs. Er,' continually forgetting her name although she's worked for him a number of years. He takes both she and his gardener, who are quite devoted to him, rather for granted even going so far as 'firing' them when he thinks he can live alone. But he is getting on in years, almost 90, and has lost his wife of many years. He is often as disagreeable as he is sympathetic. He doesn't seem to want to admit that he's old and should be more careful. He does risky things despite his employees' best intentions to protect him. But Edward (or Old Filth) is beset by repressed childhood memories that begin surfacing after his wife dies and their routine safe existence is shattered. Gardam has created memorable full-bodied characters and a realistic story of aging, memory, and acceptance. The story weaves in and out of the past, much as Feathers' memory, until all the pieces come together. It's good to know that there are two other novels in this trilogy that will explore more of Edward's past.
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The Disappeared
by
Echlin, Kim
julieb43
, October 21, 2014
The power and beauty of the prose render this novel one of the best I've read in a long time. Its subject is devastating, that of the Cambodian genocide during the Khmer Rouge years and afterward. Echlin weaves the love story of the two main characters, the 16-year-old Anne and the young Cambodian exile Serey, against this brutality. Their story spans a decade, beginning in Montreal then moving to Cambodia and back again to Canada. Echlin writes in a lyrical way, with the novel at times feeling like a long prose poem. The sights and sounds of Cambodia come alive, placing the reader at the heart of the action. It's a heartbreaking story of love and determination against all odds.
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Constellation of Vital Phenomena
by
Anthony Marra
julieb43
, September 28, 2014
Although the subject matter is grim (the Chechen war), the author weaves the story with such beauty and magic that the reader cannot help but smile through the tears. Each character is fully drawn, giving us a sense of his hopes, fears, and way of life. Horrors abound throughout the story, but somehow shreds of dignity and love prevail amongst the characters. The only small drawback for me was the circling back and forth to tell the story--it can get confusing at times because of the large cast of characters. The strength of the writing, however, as well as the powerful story itself kept me reading.
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Americanah
by
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
julieb43
, June 23, 2014
The novel is well-written and engaging but the protagonist's blogs about race in America start to wear a bit thin, as do the lengthy scenes regarding the protagonist's hair braiding. It seems like the premise for the blogs is the author's platform for her own opinions. Many of the secondary characters sit around and talk about race issues. It's interesting for a while but tends to drag on. I did like the scenes surrounding Obama's run for the presidency. I liked the main characters, Ifemelu and Obinze, and enjoyed the first part of the novel when they meet in high school and become sweethearts. I think the novel could have been pared down, though. It seemed somewhat bloated, and toward the end read like a soap opera--will the separated young lovers reunite after a long absence... The novel is positive since it provokes discussion about race, class, immigration. It just needed to be better edited.
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Experiment In Love
by
Hilary Mantel
julieb43
, March 21, 2014
This is a slim novel, but it packs quite a punch. There are various issues simmering below the surface of this tale about female students at a London college in the late 1960s/early 1970s. Hilary Mantel's writing is brilliant, full of sharp witty observances. The characters are not easily likable, but they are fascinating. The novel focuses mainly on class and gender issues. One of the characters is anorexic; several have abortions. The girls' lives are not easy whether they come from impoverished backgrounds or wealthy ones. This is not a fast-paced story, but one full of psychological details and dark witticisms.
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Ru
by
Kim Thuy, Sheila Fischman
julieb43
, February 18, 2014
A beautiful and evocative novel, revealing memories of loss and hardship, as well as generosity and kindness. The writing flows from one remembered image to another, resembling a tone poem.
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Sense of an Ending
by
Julian Barnes
julieb43
, January 31, 2014
A short but powerful novel. It's a meditation on time and memory, as well as how we perceive events. It's also a mystery as we follow the main character's musings on his life and his efforts to discover the truth about what happened some forty years ago between his old school mate and an ex-girlfriend, who has recently resurfaced in his life. Beautifully written and highly engaging.
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NW A Novel
by
Zadie Smith
julieb43
, December 25, 2013
I would actually give this a 3½ rating if I could. Zadie Smith has a great talent for creating three-dimensional characters and authentic dialogue, both of which feature strongly here. I gave the novel the extra half star because of these strong elements. The reason I didn't give the novel four stars is because it's sometimes difficult to navigate. The novel is divided into different sections and has a large cast of characters. There are a few characters that recur throughout the novel, primarily the two female protagonists--Leah Hanwell and Natalie/Keisha Blake. They have been friends since childhood and grew up in housing projects. The story tracks their paths toward better futures. The difficulty I had with the novel is that it can be frustrating trying to figure out who is speaking at various times. There isn't always punctuation for the dialogue sections, of which there are many. There are also many secondary characters and shifts between past and present. If one doesn't know London it can also be confusing because of place names. London is after all the focus--Northwest London. Smith's aim isn't always clear, but I found the story interesting and liked the characters' interactions and their struggles to discover who they were and what they really wanted out of life.
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Gargoyle
by
Andrew Davidson
julieb43
, October 04, 2013
I loved this novel. The story was so engrossing, weaving back and forth between the Middle Ages and the present day. Narrated by a horribly scarred burn victim who is visited by a strange woman one day in his hospital room, the story grows ever more intriguing as the reader must decipher whether what this woman reveals to our narrator is real or imagined. A beautifully-spun story that evolves into an extraordinary tale of love.
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Little Bee
by
Chris Cleave
julieb43
, May 25, 2013
A beautifully written novel focusing on a young woman's attempts to escape her painful past. Little Bee is an engaging and sympathetic character, a young Nigerian who has lost everything in her native country. Sarah, the Englishwoman fate introduces to her is somewhat flaky but ultimately proves to be a good friend to Little Bee. The story of these two women from such different worlds coming together is a joy to read. The difficult issue of refugees is woven throughout the novel and awakens the reader to the horrors these individuals endure. The novel never gets bogged down though because the story and characters are so interesting.
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Introvert Advantage How to Thrive in an Extrovert World
by
Marti Olsen Laney
julieb43
, January 11, 2013
I found this to be a very useful resource for an introvert like myself. It has examples of how to navigate social, personal, and work relationships without losing oneself. The best part about it, though, is that it is very positive about introverts' attributes and contributions to society.
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Cats Table
by
Michael Ondaatje
julieb43
, December 26, 2012
While I thought Mr. Ondaatje's prose was beautiful and enjoyed reading about the young protagonist's sea journey, his exploits were depicted through the eyes of an older man looking back on his life's defining moments, which placed somewhat of a barrier between the reader and the narrator. We weren't witnessing these exploits directly but through the lens of time and memory. The novel blended autobiography and fiction, making it difficult to know which was which. Because of the time shifts between past and present the story was sometimes difficult to follow. I wanted to know more about the three young boys thrust together on their momentous sea journey, but we only get snippets. The novel has an ephemeral quality, much like the protagonist's moments on the ship--enjoyable but fleeting.
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I Know This Much Is True
by
Wally Lamb
julieb43
, October 26, 2012
I found the novel to be well-written with engaging characters, but overall too bloated at 900 pages. There are too many cliches, too many coincidences that rendered the book unsatisfactory in the end. I would have eliminated most of the memoir section, which recounted the siblings' grandfather's story from the 'old country.' It went on and on and wasn't that necessary to the overall plot. I predicted several of the characters' outcomes in advance of the ending, hoping that they would not come true as they were so cliched--but they did. Lamb seems to have thrown everything into this plot mix--identical twins; mental illness; SIDS; divorce; HIV; suicide; psychiatric institutions; therapy; abusive parents; identity crises; aboriginal rights; on and on, making this very melodramatic. I credit Lamb for exploring mental illness's effects on a family, especially a sibling; I just wish he or his editor could have tightened up the story.
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Annabel
by
Winter, Kathleen
julieb43
, July 26, 2012
I thought this was a beautiful and sensitive novel. The writing was lyrical, with the Newfoundland setting coming alive, and the characters were fully realized. I loved the main character, who was very sympathetic. The story was engaging; in fact, I didn't want it to end. There should be a sequel so that Wayne/Annabel's story continues.
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The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
by
Mary Ann Shaffer
julieb43
, April 25, 2012
This was a thoroughly charming book that not only had me laughing but brought tears to my eyes as well. It's a deceptively simple story, about a writer in post-war England who begins a correspondence with a group of Channel Islanders from Guernsey. Through their correspondences we learn about the German occupation of their island from 1940-45 and the hardships they endured. We also learn about the impromptu book club they set up that gradually brings them closer together and gives them some solace during the harsh war years. It's written with a witty and light hand but also contains some harrowing accounts of war-time brutality. The author was able to balance the two without succumbing to melodrama. It's a shame that Mary Ann Shaffer died before this was published. She had a real talent for telling a story.
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Cave
by
Jose Saramago
julieb43
, March 09, 2012
A darkly comic philosophical allegory about the deplorable state human beings are currently in (although written a decade ago, the novel is still relevant today). The novel focuses on an aging potter and his daughter and son-in-law living in a rural village. Cipriano Algor has always taken pride in his craftsmanship but discovers that the huge corporation that governs everyone in the city (the Center) no longer requires his pottery because they have turned to selling plastic pottery instead. He and his daughter then come up with another idea which they hope will prove successful, otherwise they will have to move to the Center. Cipriano vehemently dislikes the Center and does not want to move there but may have to when his son-in-law gets promoted. Saramago's leftist beliefs are in full play in this novel, as well as his dark sense of humour and astonishing capacity for dialogue and philosophical insight. Beautifully written and darkly foreboding.
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Bury Your Dead: Chief Inspector Gamache 6
by
Louise Penny
julieb43
, February 21, 2012
The characters, especially Inspector Gamache, are very well drawn. The settings, especially Quebec City in the heart of winter, are also vividly depicted. I could visualize Gamache trudging through the snow, bundled up against the frigid air with his faithful canine companion. I would have given this four stars, but I found the main mystery (there are actually three intertwined mysteries), although tantalizingly interwoven throughout the narrative, was an ultimate let-down. I didn't really care for the English/French political discussions either, but that could be because I'm from Quebec and tired of hearing about 'separation' issues. The novel is well-written and has interesting characters, which is what saved it for me.
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Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
by
Michael Chabon
julieb43
, January 01, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this epic story of two Jewish cousins who create the superhero The Escapist during the golden age of comics. The story begins during WWII when the teenaged Joe Kavalier escapes Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia and comes to live with his cousin Sam Clay in New York, hoping eventually that his family in Europe will also escape. Chabon brilliantly weaves the horrors of war with the cousins' artistic endeavors. Joe transfers all his anger and grief into his comic book art; the Escapist performs feats against the Nazis that Joe only wishes he could perform. The characters are fully developed and sympathetic, and the story is at once epic and personal. Despite the novel's long length, I didn't want it to end.
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Dream Of Scipio
by
Iain Pears
julieb43
, October 27, 2011
Slow to get into at first, but once you're familiar with all the characters and different eras it gets exceedingly interesting. The three different time periods are intertwined throughout the narrative, which could be confusing, but isn't because they are all dealing with crucial periods of history, when civilization is on the brink of disintegration and each character must decide what course of action (or inaction) to take. I liked that the 20th century character is influenced by the work of the two characters from ancient times, and that we get their perspectives as well. Interspersed throughout the three time periods is the common theme of the persecution of Jews, heretics, or anyone outside of Christianity. A Roman bishop instigates the first pogrom during the 5th century; the Church is responsible for scapegoating Jews during the Black Death in medieval times; and the Nazis want to eliminate the Jews during WWII. The main characters are faced with political and moral dilemmas. Each one also loves, and is influenced by, an important woman in his life. I found the writing to be intelligent and thought-provoking. It's a challenging novel but worth reading.
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The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest
by
Stieg Larsson and Reg Keeland
julieb43
, September 16, 2011
It was great to have the story focus on Lisbeth Salander once again. I found this installment more engaging than the previous one. The story had Lisbeth fighting to survive her injuries inflicted on her by her nefarious father and half-brother. It was also loaded with varying intrigues, such as an underground faction of Sweden's secret police and their involvement in Lisbeth's tragic past, as well as Mikael and others' efforts to help with Lisbeth's defense in her upcoming trial. We get to understand Lisbeth better and root for her to survive and overcome her many abuses.
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Book Of Negroes
by
Lawrence Hill
julieb43
, July 18, 2011
There has been some controversy about the title of this novel, so much so that it had to be changed for the American edition. I don't understand this as the title refers to an actual historical document. "The actual Book of Negroes is the largest single document about black people in North America up until the end of the eighteenth century. It contains the names and details of 3,000 black men, women and children, who, after serving or living behind British lines during the American Revolutionary War, sailed from New York City to various British colonies." (Lawrence Hill) One of these colonies was Nova Scotia. I didn't know much about N.S.'s Black Loyalists and was dismayed to learn that they were not treated very well there--not a very good mark on Canadian history. The novel is epic in scope, covering different continents and different decades. What remains constant is the main character, Aminata Diallo's, courage and determination in the face of inhumane treatment. It's not a difficult read per se; rather it's difficult reading about the young Aminata's kidnapping from Africa and forced enslavement in South Carolina, as well as the years she spends trying to be free, up until the British Abolitionist movement. It's a painful but fascinating read, and I look forward to the film adaptation.
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People of the Book
by
Geraldine Brooks
julieb43
, May 11, 2011
The best part of this novel was reading about the different places and times in which the illuminated Sarajevo Haggadah traveled through. It can also be read as an account of the Jews' dispossession and exile over many centuries. What is wonderful about this story is that it highlights the cooperation between Muslims and Jews before present-day turmoils. It also creates engaging characters, especially that of the African slave woman who creates the Haggadah's illustrations. Although I liked Hannah, the contemporary book conservationist who narrates the present-day story, I was most captivated when reading the sections about the Haggadah's perilous journeys through dangerous times. The book could have done without Hannah's relationship with her icy mother, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
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Homecoming
by
Bernhard Schlink
julieb43
, February 25, 2011
This novel took a while to get into; Schlink describes the main character's early life and builds up the story until he's a middle-aged adult searching for answers about his long-lost father. Peter's search for answers is interesting and thought-provoking. His mother has told him his father died during wartime, but she has her reasons for doing so. The characters aren't all that likable, but I admired the novel for the questions and issues it raised. Peter's personal odyssey (Homer's Odyssey is referenced throughout) raises difficult questions, such as whether the average German could be implicated in Hitler's insanities or whether he/she was just trying to survive; how one could be deceived by someone seemingly brilliant; whether there is guilt attached to liking someone charming but deceptively evil... It was difficult to read the texts that Peter discovers as they contained chilling rationalizations about WWII atrocities, yet we get an idea of the twisted and manipulative mind of the texts' author. This is a good follow-up to read after The Reader as it continues the theme of German guilt and rationalization.
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The Elegance of the Hedgehog
by
Muriel Barbery
julieb43
, January 06, 2011
This novel has everything--wit; candor; philosophical musings; pathos; and most important of all, characters who came alive in cleverly written prose. It's difficult to forget Madame Michel, the middle-aged French concierge concealing her intelligence and cultivation from the snooty tenants living in her building. Her thoughts about, and relationships with, said tenants are a joy to behold. The other main character is 12-year-old Paloma, also concealing her brilliance and already disappointed with life. The story is told from both Mme. Michel's and Paloma's points of view in alternating chapters. These two eventually meet (they live in the same building) and discover they are kindred spirits. There are other memorable characters as well; especially Mr. Ozu, the refined new tenant who brings Mme. Michel and Paloma together and becomes a valued new friend to them both. The novel is both witty and sobering, with sharp insights about the perennial class struggle, as well as contemplations on what it means to be human.
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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by
Stieg Larsson
julieb43
, November 30, 2010
Took me a while to absorb all the different secondary characters, but it was well worth it. The novel begins with a tantalizing 40-year-old unsolved mystery involving a large wealthy family, setting in motion a fast-paced quest for answers, and introducing two very interesting protagonists--Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander. They are both outcasts in their own way--Mikael is a partner at a small left-wing magazine fighting corruption; Lisbeth is under trusteeship and lives on the margins, but her ingenuity manages to land her a securities job. Both are highly intelligent and despise corporate greed. How these two come to meet and work together is one of the novel's delights. The mystery surrounding Lisbeth's past also drives the story and keeps us wanting more. My only quibble would be the graphic nature of some scenes, as well as resolving the mystery with 100 pages still left to go--somewhat anti-climactic--although the scene is set for new intrigue to be continued in the next installment.
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Home UK Edition
by
Marilynne Robinson
julieb43
, September 23, 2010
Home is not really a sequel to Gilead, Robinson's earlier novel, but rather a companion piece. Whereas Gilead was told from the old preacher John Ames's perspective, Home focuses on Jack Boughton's story, primarily narrated by his sister Glory. The beauty in writing two novels centering on the same basic storyline but with different narrators is that we get a fuller understanding of the main characters. We come to view Jack, with whom Ames was at odds, in a whole new light in Home. Gilead focused on Ames and his struggle to accept Jack; but Home emphasizes Jack's struggles. Both novels are infused with luminous writing. Gilead is styled as more of a memoir with Ames writing his remembrances to his young son for him to read once Ames is gone. Home is more character driven, focusing on family issues and relationships. Jack Boughton is not the most likable character, but it's difficult to forget him and his struggles. I found myself gaining more compassion for his plight as the novel progressed. His sister Glory is an interesting character too, and her struggle to come to terms with her wayward brother is also enlightening as well as heartbreaking.
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Gilead
by
Marilynne Robinson
julieb43
, May 20, 2010
Deservedly won the Pulitzer Prize. One of the best novels I've read in a long time. The prose was breath-taking and the story moving beyond words. The old preacher, John Ames, who is close to death and wants to leave an account of himself and his life to his young son is heartbreaking yet beautiful. There are so many scenes and images in this novel that are achingly lovely. There is also much American history, of which I knew little, that was fascinating, such as the struggle for a free state in Kansas. There were many layers to this deceptively simple novel. The themes that stood out were those of generational conflict between fathers and sons; pre-destination vs. free-will; tolerance; and forgiveness. I'm not a religious person and usually don't like novels having to do with religion, but Robinson's gorgeous writing and heartfelt characters made me wish that the novel would not end. I hope to continue reading about these characters in her next novel, Home.
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Exit Lines
by
Joan Barfoot
julieb43
, March 19, 2010
Probably not many young people will read this novel as it deals with the perils of old age and such topics as Alzheimer's, strokes, osteoporosis, and euthanasia. It's not a dour story, however, but one full of dark humour and searching insights. It gives you a glimpse of what life might be like for some seniors. I'm middle-aged and although I cringed at times at what these characters had to face, I also admired their courage and honesty and cheered them on in their small and not-so-small rebellions. Barfoot has created four memorable characters who become friends and co-conspirators in their new retirement home. It's well-written and well-plotted with sharp observations on life and death.
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The Painter of Battles
by
Arturo Perez-Reverte
julieb43
, February 24, 2010
Brilliant overview of art history and photography combined with philosophical musings on the nature of war, humanity, and love. The storytelling could have been better; this read more like non-fiction at times. The two main characters were interesting though, set against each other as in a life or death chess match. There's some suspense as we wonder what will become of our anti-hero Faulques--will his nemesis succeed in killing him or will the two learn from each other. Faulques' long-lost lover Olvido is also a multi-faceted character who goes from photographing beautiful interiors to photographing war zones. In this age of global war this novel raises complex questions, the answers of which can be downright frightening.
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Netherland
by
Joseph O'Neill
julieb43
, December 16, 2009
Although knowing nothing at all about cricket, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The writing is lyrical, with many vivid descriptions of New York, London, and Holland. The two main characters, a transplanted Dutchman and a transplanted Trinidadian living in N.Y. are richly drawn and sympathetic. Each has his own failings, yet each strives for something better. The game of cricket is what connects them and becomes a metaphor for an idealized America. The novel is slim but challenging. There are many descriptions of cricket, which I found acceptable as they invariably led to philosophical musings by the main characters. I can see the comparisons to The Great Gatsby in that the writing evokes a sense of nostalgia for an America that no longer exists (pre-9/11), as well as the nostalgic reminiscences of childhood. It's also an evocation of an idealized way of life. Chuck, the Trinidadian, is similar to Jay Gatsby in that he's a dreamer (and an outsider), having grandiose plans for a better America, as he sees it. The novel almost reads as a memoir, as Hans interweaves his personal memories of growing up in the Netherlands with his present-day life as a transplanted Londoner in New York, and the assorted characters he meets--Chuck being the most vivid. It's also a meditation on marriage as Hans describes the long road to reuniting with his wife and son as he takes stock of his life in N.Y. and manages to grow up.
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Peony In Love
by
Lisa See
julieb43
, October 31, 2009
A well-researched historical novel focusing on 17th century China about which most Westerners are probably unfamiliar. Although I learned a lot about The Peony Pavilion opera, as well as Chinese customs and beliefs, it was dismaying to learn that anorexia, or 'love sickness' as it's called in the novel, was seen as a way for repressed women to take control of their bodies and lives. The 'love-sick maidens,' like the title character Peony, die from their illness but live on with their words, becoming immortal. This was rather depressing, the message being that one has to die to be heard. The novel was well-written, but I couldn't get into the story until half-way through when Peony dies and becomes a ghost--ironically (or sadly) her 'life' just seemed to get more interesting. The supernatural elements of the story could be confusing for those unfamiliar with Chinese lore.
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The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
by
Junot Diaz
julieb43
, August 27, 2009
I can understand why Diaz won the Pulitzer Prize. He's created a novel that encompasses the Dominican Republic's brutal history, complete with footnotes, while simultaneously presenting us with the engaging personal story of the fictional Oscar Wao and his family. And what a story it is! The characters are richly drawn and we feel for Oscar, the overweight dorky outsider; his sister Lola, who calls him Mister and fiercely loves him; we even come to understand their mother Beli who raised them with a strict hand, while suffering from a tragic past. Diaz presents us with the rich back-stories of these characters, enabling us to envision the family's history. By giving us Oscar's family's history Diaz also gives us the D.R.'s history. The novel, although breath-taking in its storytelling, can be confusing for the non-Spanish speaking reader as there are many Spanish words and phrases throughout. Wikipedia proved useful for me. It's a very dense novel, definitely not for the lazy reader; but it's highly rewarding.
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Atmospheric Disturbances
by
Rivka Galchen
julieb43
, July 27, 2009
Extremely well-written and clever. The prose is wonderful, but the main character (Leo), although endearing, is ultimately difficult to comprehend. He's a psychiatrist who's having a meltdown--but is he really? I kept reading because I wanted to find out, but the story kept getting more and more confusing. There are strong clues pointing to Leo's delusional mind, but because of the initial setup I kept thinking that maybe he was on to something out of the ordinary. There isn't really a satisfactory ending either; it's up to the reader to decide on Leo's mental state. Overall, quite a frustrating read.
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The Communist's Daughter
by
Dennis Bock
julieb43
, June 02, 2009
A beautifully written novel about the enigmatic Canadian war doctor, Norman Bethune. The novel blends fact and fiction, creating an interesting account of an ultimately flawed man driven by a passion to be of service in conflict zones, mainly 1930's Spain and China. Bock depicts war's brutality and despair with haunting lyricism. The fictional Bethune's letters to his daughter are touching and reveal his sorrows and perceived failures. The novel leaves a lasting impression of lingering sadness from a man who accomplished so much but enjoyed so little.
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Real World
by
Natsuo Kirino
julieb43
, May 08, 2009
This was quite different from what I remember reading as an adolescent. I initially didn't think I would finish the novel as the four teenage protagonists, as well as the murderous next-door-neighbour, were so nonchalant about being involved in a murder. They react as if it were a game--this was highly disturbing. And yet, the novel is very well-written and involving from a psychological viewpoint. It's interesting to discover what each girl is thinking and feeling. And the chapters narrated by the murderer are chilling. Kirino presents a world-view comprised of alienation and identity crises brought on by increased pressure to succeed. These teenagers live in Japan but they could be from anywhere.
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Ghost World
by
Daniel Clowes
julieb43
, March 27, 2009
An alternately bleak and hilarious look at adolescent angst. The characters, especially Enid, are wonderfully expressive and real. The graphics are a stand-out as well. These two teenage best friends can be cruel (they unceremoniously mock just about everybody), but they are ultimately searching for some sense of identity in an increasingly empty landscape of strip malls and low-wage jobs. Clowes creates a teenage landscape full of longing and dread; nothing is sugar-coated, but he retains his sense of humour. One feels for these girls, hoping that their future won't be the dreary one they're trying to avoid. The movie version is outstanding as well, with Steve Buschemi creating a role that was only slightly fleshed out in the graphic novel.
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Moomin Book One The Complete Tove Jansson Comic Strip
by
Tove Jansson
julieb43
, March 23, 2009
I can still remember adoring Tove Jansson's comic book creations, as well as her books, when I was in primary school in the 70's. I loved the Moomins--such strange and delightful characters! They were different than most North American comic book characters--more of an alternative style. I was just a kid though and didn't care about styles--the magical stories and the eccentrically endearing characters captivated me.
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On Chesil Beach
by
Ian McEwan
julieb43
, February 06, 2009
An interesting study of a freshly married young couple at the dawn of the radical 60's embarking on their honeymoon. Both are virgins and eager to please each other; but whereas the groom is nervously eager, the bride is more than just a little reluctant. McEwan sets up a situation whereby we are privy to each spouse's thoughts and feelings, allowing us to understand and sympathize with both. The novel, although brief, captures so much. It's concise and beautifully written, also achingly sad, as the newlyweds strive to understand each other, realizing that they hardly know themselves.
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Infidel
by
Ayaan Hirsi Ali
julieb43
, September 19, 2008
This is quite an inspirational and controversial memoir. Ayaan Hirsi Ali writes her life story with passion and conviction. She courageously stands by her beliefs despite her colleague's murder and death threats against her for speaking out against Islam. Ali describes her evolution from religiously brain-washed youth and adolescence to her gradual yearning for freedom of thought and experience, which culminate in her flight to Holland and settlement in the West. Anyone who believes in free speech and democracy will applaud Ali's fierce determination to uphold these rights. It's a shame that she must live under constant protection from fundamentalist Muslims who would seek to silence her.
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Murder Of Roger Ackroyd
by
Agatha Christie
julieb43
, July 21, 2008
It's always a pleasure to read an Agatha Christie book, especially one that features the odd but endearing Hercule Poirot. This particular novel has all the requisite Christie elements: the shocking murder, the numerous suspects, the red herring, Poirot's use of his 'little grey cells,' and, finally, the assembly of the suspects to catch the murderer. There is one difference though; there's a twist at the end which you may or may not see coming. Whether or not you do, you'll have fun reading this novel. An added bonus is Christie's dry wit.
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Water for Elephants
by
Sara Gruen
julieb43
, May 24, 2008
Sara Gruen puts her extensive circus research to good use in this absorbing novel. It's a fast-paced story that will have you either loving or hating the principle characters. Aside from the protagonist, Jacob Jancowski, whose story is fleshed out more than the others, only Rosie the elephant and Walter the dwarf come across as memorable characters. August, the cruel animal trainer, is merely a stock character without much background, as is his beautiful wife, Marlena, the equestrian star and object of Jacob's affection. The other various circus people, Uncle Al among them-- the brutal circus owner--are also sketchily drawn. What shone through for me in reading this novel was Jacob's story--his struggle and desperation with aging; his time in the nursing home; and his recollections of his brief time in the circus. Gruen realistically depicts the aging process. She needs to strengthen her characterization, however, so that her characters are fully fleshed out and not just stereotypes. There are also too many lucky coincidences in the novel that render some of the story unbelievable. Perhaps Gruen might want to tighten the plot as well.
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Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures
by
Vincent Lam
julieb43
, April 10, 2008
Vincent Lam's loosely connected stories about med students and subsequent doctors are fascinating to read. One quickly gets caught up in these characters' lives, which are told with humour and compassion. It's an amazing glimpse into the medical world with its doctors portrayed as human beings who are sometimes faced with astonishing dilemmas and must perform with heroic strength. The only drawback is that the stories alternate between characters and we don't get enough of each individual. A good read nevertheless.
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Persepolis The Story Of A Childhood
by
Marjane Satrapi
julieb43
, March 07, 2008
Marjane Satrapi brilliantly conveys Iran's history through the eyes of a young girl growing up. It's not merely a history lesson though; it's a moving and humourous personal story as well, involving Marjane's intellectual Marxist family. The graphics are simple but effective and convey not only the horrors of the Iranian revolution and war with Iraq, but the joyous moments spent with family and friends as well. The recent animated film version did the graphic memoir justice--it was just as funny and touching.
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Digging to America
by
Anne Tyler
julieb43
, March 04, 2008
A timely story by a terrific author. The story is mostly about fitting in, whether one is a native-born American or a recently-arrived American. It also touches on the difficulties experienced by immigrants since 9/11. Tyler gives us a story about friendship and struggle between the American Donaldsons and the Iranian American Yazdans, centring on both families' adoptions of Korean infants. She has always written expertly about relationships but here Tyler infuses her story with some socio-political issues. Humour is also well in attendance, as are abundant descriptions of the plentiful Iranian dishes that are served at the annual "arrival parties" for the newly-arrived Korean girls. An interesting story with good character description and distinctive points of view.
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Lullabies For Little Criminals
by
Heather ONeill
julieb43
, February 24, 2008
I loved this book from beginning to end--it whole-heartedly deserved to win the annual Canada Reads Contest. Baby, the novel's young female protagonist, was so captivating. It was one of the most original and touching stories I've read in a long time. It will make you laugh and cry, and you won't want to put it down. I had the good fortune to meet the author at my local library and she was delightful. I look forward to many more great books from her.
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Dirt Music
by
Tim Winton
julieb43
, February 18, 2008
Never having been to Australia and unfamiliar with much of the slang used in the novel, I nevertheless was completely captivated by the wonderful descriptions of the rugged Australian landscape, as well as the quirky characteristics of the principal characters. Luther Fox came off the most sympathetic due to everything he'd endured in his past and was still enduring. His drive and (stubborn) determination to free himself of his demons was heartwrenching. Georgie Jutland, the woman who he becomes obsessed with, is also trying to elude her demons. They make an unusual pair in that Georgie is still tied to her partner (a tough fisherman and sworn enemy of the Fox family) and initially cannot decide what move to make. The writing is lyrical with crisp dialogue, and the plot moves along, dividing its chapters between Georgie and Luthor and their quests for individuality. A real page-turner.
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